Where to Find 2025 Holiday Skip‑a‑Payment Credit Union Programs (and How to Make Yours Count)

A sudden car repair or a crowded December calendar can squeeze your budget, but what if your credit union could help you pause a loan payment—no penalty or stress? That’s more than wishful thinking for many: holiday skip-a-payment programs are gaining ground in 2025, opening a surprisingly practical relief route for cash-strapped members just in time for the gift-giving season.

How Do Holiday Skip‑a‑Payment Programs Work—and Who’s Eligible This Winter?

Skip-a-payment programs are temporary offers from credit unions allowing borrowers to defer a loan payment for a modest fee—freeing up extra cash for the holidays or when funds are tight. This year, leading credit unions like Bridgeton Onized FCU, Heartland Credit Union, and ANECA Federal Credit Union are rolling out programs covering the high-spend fall and winter months for eligible members across the U.S.

Each program sets its own fee (typically $15–$35), allows you to pick a skipped month, and may even cover multiple loans (auto, personal)—but will not include mortgages or lines of credit. Preferences, paperwork, and approval speed all vary by institution and loan type.

• Check program dates: Most skip-a-payment windows run between October and January, covering crunch months with expanded expenses.
• Typical eligibility: Loans must be current, with at least six payments already made, and some programs restrict repeat skipping to once per year.
• This season’s standouts: Southwest Airlines FCU (fee $25, skip between Nov 2025 and Jan 2026); UMe Credit Union ($25, skip loan payments on auto and Visa® in Nov or Dec); Georgia Heritage FCU ($15, December/January flexibility).

Not every loan or account will qualify. Read all conditions for your credit union before applying, and expect to submit your request at least 2–3 weeks before your typical payment due date.

Members who rely on skip-a-payment as a safety valve often get through holiday stress or emergencies with less financial fallout—just be aware that interest keeps accruing during the skipped month, so plan accordingly.

Best Ways to Use Holiday Skip‑a‑Pay to De-Stress, Not Dig Deeper

While skipping a payment may sound like a silver bullet, it’s a tool best used intentionally. Think of it as a way to absorb a large, one-time expense—holiday travel, home repairs, or a sudden income gap—rather than a go-to month-in, month-out solution. Deferring a payment can free up $200+, but the skipped interest adds a little to the overall cost by the end of your loan term.

One member at Tri Cities Credit Union described how a holiday skip let them buy warming clothes for winter: “It wasn’t free money—just helpful breathing room for the month I needed it most.”

• File early—deadlines for holiday periods can be strict, and limited enrollment may exist (such as ANECA FCU’s November 21 cutoff).
• Choose the month where the pause makes the biggest impact—travel, utility bills, or gift shopping can all create tight spots.
• Use the savings for urgent or meaningful holiday costs (covering groceries, heating, or family events), not as a shortcut for extra spending.

Compare fees and deadlines across credit unions, and consider stacking a holiday skip with other seasonal programs (like utility relief, food assistance, or hardship loans) for fuller support.

If you’re juggling multiple eligible loans, look for credit unions with discounted skip fees per loan—or ask if a hardship application is an option for waived fees after job loss or major emergencies.

Ready to Tap Relief? Application Tips, Fine Print, and Smart Follow-Through

Before tapping skip-a-pay, gather the details: approved loan types, skip period windows, and validate your account status is current (no late payments, no delinquencies). Applying is often digital or via a simple form—check your credit union’s site or call for the correct link, and have loan documents on hand.

Credit unions like Artesia CU and Ashland CU offer both winter holiday and rolling skip-a-pay windows—always review if re-skipping will add to your loan’s life or affect your interest payoff timeline.

• Review your loan balance and schedule—see exactly how skipping impacts your interest charges and future payments, especially if you’re near your payoff date.
• Confirm with your credit union if automatic withdrawals will pause or return for the skipped month (some may require manual cancellation).
• Keep records of approval correspondence and any fee payments in case of any errors in your payment history.
• Check if applying for a skip-a-pay makes you ineligible for certain loan protection products or future refinancing during that period.

Used wisely, a holiday skip-a-payment program can smooth out unpredictable expenses and guard your finances without long-term regret. Take five minutes to explore your credit union’s skip benefit options today—your best relief might just be one form away when a heavy month lands on your calendar.