What Happens if You Don’t Pay Acima? 4 Major Consequences
Not paying Acima leads to credit damage, late fees, possible repossession, and potential lawsuits. If Acima has already sued you, responding with a proper Answer can result in the case being dropped or settled for less. Contact Acima immediately if you're struggling with payments to explore alternative arrangements.
Answer Your LawsuitHave you fallen behind on your Acima lease payments? Financial difficulties create stress, especially when your credit is at risk.
Ignoring Acima and hoping the problem disappears is the worst move you can make. Here’s exactly what happens when you don’t pay Acima and what you should do instead.
Acima Sued You? Respond Before Your Deadline
Don't let Acima win a default judgment. Draft and file your Answer in minutes to fight back against the lawsuit. Many cases get dropped or settled for less when you respond properly.
Draft Your Answer NowWhat Is Acima Leasing?
Acima isn’t a debt collector. It’s a lease-to-own company that helps you acquire big-ticket items through leasing instead of outright purchase.
The Acima leasing phone number is (801) 297-1920. The company operates from 13907 Minuteman Dr., 5th Floor, Draper, UT 84020. According to its BBB profile, customer satisfaction is low. Acima reviews average just 1.11 out of 5 stars.
How Acima Leasing Works
The process follows five simple steps:
- Choose from over 15,000 retail partner stores
- Apply online without harming your credit
- Get approved and shop in-store or online
- Acima purchases the item and leases it to you
- You can lease until ownership, buy early, or return the item
Acima Approval Requirements
Acima targets people with little or no credit. You can get approved for items worth $300 to $5,000 if you meet these requirements:
- At least $750 monthly income in an active checking account
- Three months of income history from your current job
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
The Hidden Cost of Acima
Getting approved sounds great when you have poor credit. But Acima charges extremely high fees.
You can buy out of the lease anytime. However, the fees make early buyout difficult. Over a 12-month lease term, the total markup exceeds 100% of the item’s cash price.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay Acima?
Missing payments on your Acima lease triggers serious consequences. Here are the four major risks you face.
1. Your Credit Score Takes a Hit
Acima reports late or missed payments to credit bureaus. Even one late payment can significantly lower your credit score.
A damaged credit score makes qualifying for car loans and mortgages difficult or impossible. In some cases, low credit scores create barriers to finding housing.
2. You Owe Additional Late Fees
Acima leases already cost much more than buying items outright. Late fees add to the already hefty markup on lease agreements. Your debt can quickly spiral out of control.
3. Acima May Repossess Your Item
Acima doesn’t always repossess items. But if your leased item has enough value, the company might take it back. You likely won’t receive a refund for payments already made.
4. You Could Face a Lawsuit
Acima may file a debt collection lawsuit against you for unpaid lease agreements. Getting sued adds stress to an already difficult situation.
If you receive a lawsuit notice from Acima, you can fight back. You need to respond with a legal document called an Answer. Our partner Solo helps you draft your Answer, file it correctly, and track your case online.
Different states have different deadlines for filing an Answer. You must act quickly to protect your rights.
Many companies drop lawsuits when they see you’ve filed a proper Answer. Others may settle for less than the original amount owed.
What to Do When You Can’t Pay Acima
Contact Acima immediately if you can’t keep up with lease payments. Creditors appreciate when you try to resolve your debt.
Acima may work out an alternative payment plan with you. Call the Acima leasing number at (801) 297-1920 or send an email to discuss options.
If Acima Has Already Sued You
Responding with an Answer letter is your best defense. Doing nothing makes the situation worse.
Here’s an example: Caitlin receives a Complaint showing Acima is suing her. If she ignores it, the court will likely issue a default judgment. She’ll legally owe the entire debt plus court costs. But if she files an Answer with our partner Solo, Acima might drop the case or settle for less.
You have the power to fight back and potentially reduce what you owe. Taking action protects your financial future.
Take Control of Your Acima Debt Today
Facing unpaid Acima debt feels overwhelming. But your situation isn’t hopeless.
Whether Acima has sued you or not, you have options. Acting quickly gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome. You can protect your credit, avoid default judgments, and potentially settle for less.
Taking the first step today leads to a brighter financial future tomorrow.