The Credit Card Companies Allowing Skipped Payments During the Coronavirus Outbreak

If you’ve got a Goldman Sachs-backed Apple Card and are struggling financially during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the company may be able to help you out. Apple recently sent an email out to cardholders about a Customer Assistance Program that will allow for a skipped March payment.

The Email

Here’s what the email cardholders received on March 14 says:

“We understand that the rapidly-evolving COVID-19 situation poses unique challenges for everyone and some customers may have difficulty making their monthly payments. Apple Card is committed to helping you lead a healthier financial life.

“Should you need assistance, please click here to be connected to Apple Card support via Messages and enroll in our Customer Assistance Program, which will allow you to skip your March payment without incurring interest charges.”

What Does that Mean?

Basically, it means that if you enroll in the program, you can skip your payment worry-free. Cardholders need to contact the company in order to sign up for it. And as an extra bonus, it won’t have any effect on future payments, future interest rates, or credit scores. A Reddit user asked Apple specifically and got this response:

“Your Apple Card account will be reported as current and enrolled in our customer assistance program,” they told the Reddit user. “No payments are required while enrolled in this program. Your credit score will not be affected.”

Other Cards

Other credit card companies are offering similar assistance, Bankrate reports.

American Express is working with cardholders on a case-by-case basis. Solutions range from waiving late fees to lowering monthly payments.

Bank of America might allow for skipped payments but won’t waive interest fees.

Barclays cardholders can request a temporary credit limit increase.

Capital One might allow skipped payments with no interest charges.

Citi is also working with customers individually, offering options from credit line increases to collection forbearances.

Discover is offering support for payment timing and extra fees.

Synchrony may waive fees and temporarily increase credit limits.

Wells Fargo is offering a comprehensive suite of options for account holders, noting, “We are currently providing assistance including fee waivers, payment deferrals, and other expanded assistance for credit card, auto, mortgage, small business and personal lending customers who contact us, and we will continue to communicate with customers as the situation evolves.”