If you are falling behind on a car loan with American Credit Acceptance (ACA), the subprime auto lender based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, you still have options — but you need to act before your account slides into default and repossession. ACA does not advertise a detailed, formal “hardship program” the way some larger lenders do; instead, it handles temporary hardships case by case over the phone. This guide walks you through what you can realistically ask for, how to protect yourself, and what to do if ACA won’t work with you. (Important: American Credit Acceptance is not the same company as Credit Acceptance Corporation of Michigan — make sure you are calling the right lender.)
Does American Credit Acceptance have a hardship program?
ACA does not publish a formal, written hardship program with fixed eligibility rules and terms. Its own FAQ simply states that if you need help making a payment due to a temporary hardship, you should call an associate at 1-866-544-3430. In practice, that means any relief is negotiated individually and depends on the status of your account — how far behind you are, your payment history, and how much you can pay. Because nothing is guaranteed or standardized, it is on you to ask clearly for what you need, take notes, and confirm any agreement in writing before you rely on it.
Requesting a payment due-date change
One of the more commonly available options is a payment due-date change. ACA’s FAQ notes that, depending on the status of your account, you may be eligible to request that your due date be moved — for example, to line up with when you actually get paid. This is a simple but underused tool: shifting your due date by a week or two can turn a chronically “late” account into an on-time one without changing what you owe. Call 1-866-544-3430 to ask whether your account qualifies, and get the new due date confirmed in writing or through your online account.
Payment extensions and deferrals — what to know
Depending on your account, you may also be able to request a payment extension or deferral, which moves one or more past-due or upcoming payments to the end of your loan. ACA does not publish standard terms for these, so anything offered is case-by-case. The single most important thing to understand: interest generally keeps accruing during a deferral. That means deferring a payment usually adds cost and can extend how long you owe — it buys breathing room, not free money. Before you agree, ask exactly how the deferral affects your balance, your interest, and your final payoff, and get the answer in writing.
What if American Credit Acceptance won’t help?
If ACA declines to adjust your account, you still have moves. Refinancing with a credit union or bank may lower your rate or payment if your credit has improved. Selling or trading the vehicle can end the loan — though if you owe more than the car is worth, you’ll need to cover the gap. Voluntary surrender (handing the car back) can stop repossession fees and reduce the drama, but be careful: you will likely still owe the deficiency balance (the remaining loan amount after ACA resells the car), and it still damages your credit. Finally, if you are already in default or facing repossession, you may have legal defenses — improper notices, breach-of-peace during a repo, misapplied payments, or accounting errors are all worth reviewing before you give up any rights.
Protect yourself: get every arrangement in writing and watch the fees
Verbal promises from a call center are hard to enforce. Whenever you reach any agreement — a due-date change, deferral, or reduced payment — ask ACA to email or mail written confirmation, and save it. Keep a simple log of every call: the date, the associate’s name, and what was said. Watch closely for added fees, changed due dates, or interest charges that don’t match what you were told, and dispute discrepancies in writing right away. Pay by a method that leaves a record, and check your statements to confirm each payment is applied correctly. This paper trail is your best protection if ACA later denies what an associate promised.
Know your rights as an American Credit Acceptance borrower
You have real legal protections. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and related laws limit harassing or deceptive collection conduct, and your state’s Uniform Commercial Code and consumer-protection statutes govern how a repossession must be carried out — including notice requirements and the ban on “breach of the peace” during a repo. You are also entitled to accurate credit reporting under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If ACA violates these rules, you may have leverage or even a claim. Knowing your rights before you negotiate puts you on much stronger footing than calling in cold.
Don’t wait until the tow truck shows up. If you want to understand exactly how ACA handles repossession, read our breakdown of the repossession policy, then check your state’s rights page to see the specific notice and sale rules where you live. And if you are ready to fight back or defend yourself without paying thousands in attorney fees, our $47 pro-se kit gives you the templates, checklists, and step-by-step guidance to hold American Credit Acceptance accountable. Take the next step today while you still have options.
MultiGen Law Institute is a consumer-advocacy organization, not a law firm, and this page is general information — not legal advice. We are not affiliated with American Credit Acceptance. Available options, eligibility, and terms vary by account, state, and circumstance and can change at any time. Nothing here creates an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
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