Does Spectrum Have Payment Plans or Do Extensions?
By Trae Jacobs,
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Feeling a bit nervous because it’s days past the due date for your Spectrum renewal, and there’s no money on your card on file to continue the subscription? You’re not alone. Many users wonder if they can ask Spectrum to put them on a payment plan or give them an extension on their due date.
Spectrum offers users two payment plans: the Payment Deferral Plan and the Spectrum Mobile Item Payment Plan. These allow you to make payments in installments over time until all outstanding fees are cleared.
Daily struggles tend to create financial setbacks beyond our control and put us behind on our bills. Keep reading to learn more about Spectrum’s payment plans and extensions.
Does Spectrum Offer Payment Plans or Extensions?
If you’re in a financial bind, you’ll be happy to hear that Spectrum offers two different payment plans. Apart from the standard payment methods you can choose from, there is also a unique payment plan for users with outstanding balances.
The Payment Deferral Plan enables monthly payments in fixed installments until your debt is paid off. Similarly, the Spectrum Mobile Item Payment Plan is designed to draw a fixed payment into a 24-month extension.
You can adjust your billing to pay for certain charges over time rather than all at once. Within a set timeframe, Spectrum will withdraw money from your account monthly until your debt is paid. You can opt-in to these plans by calling Spectrum or adjusting your billing settings on your Spectrum account page.
Perhaps you don’t need to be put on a payment plan, but instead, you want to ask Spectrum for an extension on your due date. If this is the first time you’ve missed a payment, you will likely be able to negotiate your bill with customer service and arrive at a special arrangement.
How Do Spectrum Payment Plans Work?
When you first sign up as a Spectrum user, you agree on a monthly bill payment and are given an account number. Subsequently, your bill will be forwarded to that account monthly for payment. However, if you miss payment once or twice, your bill will pile up, making you a likely candidate for the Spectrum Payment Deferral Plan.
Check the option “pay your bill in installments” on your online billing account page or in the Spectrum app to opt for this payment arrangement. If you can’t find this option, contact customer service for help. Once enrolled, you’ll receive updates on your payments and remaining balance until all outstanding payments are cleared.
The plan will be in motion for a year. But if possible, you can clear all outstanding payments at once and continue with your subscription. The same applies to the Spectrum Mobile Item Payment Plan or Device Payment Plan.
Note that while these are ongoing payment processes, your current subscriptions are not suspended. Instead, you pay that month’s bill and a portion of the outstanding balance at the same time.
How Do Spectrum Payments Work?
Spectrum offers users several ways to make their monthly payments. Typically, you will be able to pay monthly or one-time payments in the following ways:
- Through the mail
- The Spectrum app
- In Spectrum stores
- On your bank’s website
- A primary account on the website
Spectrum will usually process your payment and send you a statement within 48 hours. However, in some cases, you might receive that statement later.
How Many Days Late Can You Pay a Spectrum Bill?
Generally, Spectrum will give you a grace period of thirty days after your first missed payment before you’re charged a late fee. A late fee will be added to your outstanding balance if you do not pay within this timeframe. If you do not pay your bill within thirty days of this late fee, you will be disconnected from the internet.
In addition to your internet service, your calls, texts, and streaming services will be halted, and your account will be suspended. However, you can still call customer service to pay the outstanding charges and reinstate your service.
What If a Payment Plan is Not Feasible?
Some users find themselves in a difficult position where they’ve accrued so many charges that even a payment plan cannot save them. If this is the case, the best course of action is to contact customer service to negotiate your bill.
Going forward, opting for a lesser subscription plan may be a good idea. This is especially useful if you’re currently paying for services you don’t use. You may also want to sign up for Auto Pay, which will automatically deduct your monthly payment from your bank account. This is a good solution for anyone who has a habit of forgetting to pay their bill by the due date.
Final Thoughts
Spectrum offers payment plans as a fail-safe measure to ensure you do not get disconnected from essential internet services, especially in an instance beyond your physical and financial control. Call Spectrum Support or adjust your billing settings online to lessen the financial headaches involved with your Spectrum service.