Where to send a Westlake Financial payment
Westlake Financial Services is a subprime auto lender that holds loans for vehicle purchases. If you have a car loan through Westlake, you can make payments online through their customer portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at a payment center. The method you choose affects how quickly the payment posts and whether you pay a fee.
The fastest way to pay is through Westlake's online portal at westlakefinancial.com. You log in with your account number and password, then authorize a payment from your bank account. Online payments typically post within one business day and carry no fee. Phone payments go to Westlake's customer service line at 1-866-339-2884 and also post within one business day, though some customers report a small fee depending on the payment method.
Mail payments should be sent to the address printed on your monthly statement or bill. Mail typically takes five to ten business days to arrive and post, so send it well before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee. In-person payments at a payment center are rare for Westlake loans, as the company does not operate its own payment offices in most areas.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through Westlake's website are free and post within one business day.
- Phone payments reach Westlake's customer service line at 1-866-339-2884 and also post within one business day.
- Mailed payments take five to ten business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Your monthly statement shows the mailing address for payments and your current balance and due date.
- Late payments trigger fees and can damage your credit score, so confirm your payment posted before the due date passes.
Setting up automatic payments with Westlake
Westlake allows you to set up automatic payments so money leaves your bank account on the same date each month without you having to log in or call. You can do this through the online portal by selecting "Autopay" or "Automatic Payment" and linking your checking or savings account. You choose the payment amount and the date the payment should process each month.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date, which is the main reason to set one up. If your income or expenses change, you can log back into your account and adjust or pause the automatic payment. Some customers use automatic payments for the full monthly payment and others use them for a fixed amount less than the full payment, then make a second payment by hand if needed.
What happens if you miss a Westlake payment
A payment is considered late if it does not post by the due date shown on your statement. Westlake typically charges a late fee on the first late payment, usually between $15 and $25 depending on your loan agreement. The late fee is added to your balance and you owe it along with the regular payment.
After one late payment, Westlake may report the missed payment to the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which lowers your credit score. Multiple missed payments can lead to repossession of the vehicle, which happens after the loan is typically 90 to 120 days past due. If you know you cannot make a payment on time, contact Westlake's customer service before the due date to discuss options such as a payment extension or loan modification.
Paying off a Westlake loan early
You can pay off your Westlake loan before the end of the loan term by making a larger payment or paying the full remaining balance at once. Westlake does not charge a prepayment penalty, meaning you will not be charged extra for paying early. To find out the exact payoff amount, log into your online account or call customer service at 1-866-339-2884.
The payoff amount includes the remaining principal balance plus any accrued interest up to the date you plan to pay. If you pay on a date other than your regular due date, the interest calculation may change slightly. Westlake will confirm the exact payoff amount when you call or request it online, and that amount is usually good for a set number of days (often 10 days) before interest accrues further.
Payment methods and fees
Westlake accepts payments from checking accounts, savings accounts, and debit cards through their online portal. Phone payments may be processed through these same methods, though some payment processors charge a convenience fee when you pay by phone. Credit card payments are generally not accepted directly through Westlake, though you can use a third-party payment service to convert a credit card payment into a bank transfer.
The online portal does not charge a fee for payments from a bank account. If you pay by phone or through a third-party service, confirm whether a fee applies before you authorize the payment. Some third-party payment processors charge between $1 and $5 per transaction, which is added to your total cost.
Updating your payment information
If your bank account or mailing address changes, update it in your Westlake account as soon as possible. You can do this through the online portal under "Account Settings" or "Payment Methods," or by calling customer service. If you have automatic payments set up and your bank account closes or changes, the automatic payment will fail and you may be charged a late fee, so update the information before that happens.
If you move, update your mailing address so that your monthly statements reach you on time. Westlake sends statements by mail or email depending on your preference, which you can also change in your account settings. Keeping your contact information current helps you stay aware of your due dates and payment history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Westlake payment posted?
Log into your online account at westlakefinancial.com and check your payment history and current balance. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take five to ten business days. If a payment does not appear within the expected timeframe, call customer service at 1-866-339-2884 to confirm it was received.
Can I make a partial payment to Westlake?
Yes, Westlake accepts partial payments. However, if the partial payment does not cover the full amount due by the due date, the unpaid portion is considered late and may trigger a late fee and credit reporting. Partial payments reduce your principal balance but do not prevent late fees if the full payment is not made by the due date.
What should I do if I cannot make my Westlake payment on time?
Contact Westlake customer service at 1-866-339-2884 before your due date to discuss options. Some customers are offered a payment extension, a temporary reduction in the monthly payment, or a loan modification. The sooner you call, the more options may be available to you before a late fee or credit report is filed.
Does Westlake charge a fee for paying online?
No, Westlake does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website portal from a bank account. Phone payments and payments through third-party services may carry a fee depending on the payment processor, so confirm the cost before you authorize the payment.
What is the mailing address for Westlake payments?
The mailing address for payments is printed on your monthly statement. Do not mail a payment to Westlake's corporate office, as it may not reach the payment processing center and could be delayed. Always use the address shown on your bill to may support the payment posts on time.