What Bridgecrest Bill Pay is and how to use it
Bridgecrest Bill Pay is the online and mobile payment system for Bridgecrest Financial, a subprime auto lender that finances used vehicles for borrowers with lower credit scores. If you have a Bridgecrest auto loan, you use their bill pay system to make your monthly car payments, set up automatic payments, or pay early without penalty.
You access Bridgecrest Bill Pay through their website or mobile app after creating an online account. You'll need your loan number and personal information to set up your account. Once logged in, you can view your loan balance, payment history, due dates, and the amount you owe. The system lets you choose how much to pay, when to pay it, and whether to set up recurring automatic payments.
Bridgecrest does not charge a fee to pay through their website or app. If you pay by phone with a representative, some lenders charge a convenience fee for that service — check your loan documents or call Bridgecrest directly to confirm whether phone payments carry a fee.
Key Takeaways
- Bridgecrest Bill Pay is free when you pay online or through their mobile app, with no extra charge for early or extra payments.
- You must create an online account with your loan number and personal details before you can make payments through their system.
- Automatic payments can be set up to deduct your payment on the same day each month, reducing the risk of missing a due date.
- Payments made online typically post to your account within one to two business days, so plan ahead if your payment is due soon.
- If you fall behind on payments, Bridgecrest may report the delinquency to credit bureaus and may eventually repossess the vehicle.
How to set up your Bridgecrest online account
Go to Bridgecrest's website and select the option to create a new account or log in. You will need your loan number, which appears on your loan documents and payment coupons. You'll also provide your date of birth, Social Security number, and a password you create.
After your account is set up, log in to see your loan details: the current balance, interest rate, remaining term, and your payment due date. The dashboard shows your payment history and lets you see exactly how much of each payment goes toward principal versus interest. This information helps you understand what you still owe and when your loan will be paid off.
If you forget your password or have trouble logging in, Bridgecrest's website has a password reset option. If that doesn't work, you can call their customer service number, which is usually on your loan documents or billing statement.
Making a one-time payment and payment timing
Once you're logged into your account, select "Make a Payment" or a similar option. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay your full monthly amount, pay more than the minimum, or pay the entire remaining balance if you want to pay off the loan early. Choose your payment date. Bridgecrest typically processes payments made before a certain time on a business day the same day; payments made after that time or on weekends may process the next business day.
Payments usually post to your account within one to two business days. This means if your payment is due on the 15th and you pay on the 14th, it may not show as received until the 16th. If you're cutting it close to your due date, pay several days early to make sure the payment reaches Bridgecrest in time. A late payment — one that arrives after your due date — can trigger a late fee and may be reported to credit bureaus.
You can pay any amount above your minimum monthly payment without penalty. Paying extra reduces your principal balance faster and saves you money on interest over the life of the loan. Some borrowers pay extra when they have the cash available to shorten their loan term.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments deduct your monthly payment directly from your bank account on a date you choose. To set this up, log into your Bridgecrest account and look for an option like "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." You'll provide your bank account number and routing number. Bridgecrest will typically verify your account with two small test deposits before the first real payment goes through.
Once autopay is active, your payment is deducted automatically each month on the date you selected. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and helps you avoid late fees. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account, though you should do this well before your next scheduled payment date to avoid confusion.
If your bank account changes or you want to switch to a different account, update your banking information in your Bridgecrest account. If a payment fails because your account has insufficient funds or is closed, Bridgecrest may charge a returned payment fee and report the missed payment to credit bureaus.
What happens if you miss a payment or fall behind
If your payment is not received by the due date, Bridgecrest will charge a late fee. The amount varies but is typically a percentage of your monthly payment or a flat dollar amount — check your loan agreement for the exact fee. A payment that is 30 days late will be reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which damages your credit score.
If you miss multiple payments, Bridgecrest may contact you by phone, email, or mail to ask you to bring your account current. If you continue to miss payments, Bridgecrest has the right to repossess the vehicle. Repossession can happen without warning once you are significantly behind, and you will be responsible for the cost of repossession, storage, and any remaining loan balance after the car is sold at auction.
If you're struggling to make a payment, contact Bridgecrest before your payment is due. Some lenders offer options like a payment deferment (postponing a payment to the end of your loan), a loan modification, or a temporary payment reduction. These options vary by lender and your situation, but asking early gives you the best chance of working something out.
Payment methods and processing times
Bridgecrest accepts payments through their website, mobile app, and by phone. Online and app payments are free and typically process within one to two business days. Phone payments may carry a convenience fee depending on Bridgecrest's current policy.
Some borrowers also mail checks or money orders to Bridgecrest's payment address, which is usually listed on your billing statement. Mailed payments take longer to process — typically five to seven business days from the time you mail them — so this method is riskier if you're close to your due date. If you mail a payment, keep a copy of the check or money order receipt as proof of payment.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you need to pay in person, ask Bridgecrest whether they have a local office where you can make a payment, or whether they accept payments at third-party locations like check-cashing services.
Understanding your loan balance and payoff timeline
Your Bridgecrest account shows your current loan balance, which is the amount you still owe. Each monthly payment reduces this balance, though early in the loan most of your payment goes toward interest rather than principal. As you pay down the loan, a larger share of each payment reduces the principal.
Your loan documents state your loan term — typically 36, 48, 60, or 72 months — and your interest rate. You can calculate roughly how long you have left by dividing your remaining balance by your monthly payment, though this is approximate because interest is calculated daily. Your Bridgecrest account usually shows your estimated payoff date, which is more accurate.
If you want to pay off your loan early, you can make extra payments or a lump-sum payment at any time without penalty. Paying off early saves you money on interest. Before you do, confirm with Bridgecrest that there is no prepayment penalty in your loan agreement — most subprime auto lenders do not charge one, but it's worth checking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I can't log into my Bridgecrest account?
Use the "Forgot Password" option on the login page to reset your password. If that doesn't work or you're locked out, call Bridgecrest's customer service number, which is on your loan documents or billing statement. A representative can help you regain access or make a payment over the phone.
Can I change my payment due date?
Some lenders allow you to change your due date once per year or under certain circumstances. Contact Bridgecrest directly to ask whether this option is available and what the process is. Changing your due date may require a written request or may be done through your online account.
What if I pay extra one month — does it reduce my next payment?
No. Extra payments reduce your loan balance and the total interest you pay, but they do not lower your required monthly payment. You still owe the full minimum payment each month unless you and Bridgecrest agree to modify your loan. Paying extra shortens how long you'll be paying the loan, not how much each payment is.
Is there a fee for paying early or paying off my loan completely?
Most subprime auto lenders, including Bridgecrest, do not charge a prepayment penalty. You can pay extra or pay off the entire loan early without a fee. Check your loan agreement to confirm, or call Bridgecrest to ask.
What happens to my account if I pay off the loan early?
Once your balance reaches zero, your loan is closed. Bridgecrest will send you a lien release or title document showing that the loan is paid off and you own the vehicle free and clear. Keep this document in a safe place. Paying off early improves your credit score over time because it shows you managed the debt responsibly.