How Does a Military Deployment Impact My Loan with Pioneer Military Credit?
If you have a loan through Pioneer Military Credit and you’re preparing for deployment, you may have an important question: Do I need to do anything before I leave, or will my loan continue while I’m deployed?
The short answer is that your loan generally continues according to the terms of your loan agreement while you’re deployed. There is no automatic pause or deferment simply because you deploy. However, there are a few things, especially your payment setup, that are worth taking care of before you leave.
Here’s what you need to know.
Your Loan Payments Continue to Be Due During Deployment
A deployment, PCS relocation, or other military travel does not automatically change the terms of your loan through Pioneer Military Credit. Your loan agreement and scheduled payments generally remain in place while you’re away.
You don’t need to notify Pioneer simply because you’re deploying.
Before you leave, however, it’s a good idea to make sure your payment method is set up to work reliably while you’re deployed. Setting up automatic payments can help you stay on schedule without having to remember to make a payment each month.
Setting Up Allotment Before You Leave
Military allotment is one convenient way to make your Pioneer loan payments while deployed. With an allotment, payments are deducted from your military pay through the military pay system, helping you keep up with your scheduled payments while you’re away.
How to Switch to Military Allotment
First, log in to Online Account Access, navigate to your active loan, and click on the Setup Allotment button. You will be guided through the process.
Next, you must complete the process through your military pay system.
- Log in to myPay
- Select “Allotments.” When prompted to enter your Account Number, input the bank account used for your payroll deposit to complete authentication.
- Select “Add Financial Allotment.”
- Select “Allotment Type:” Savings
- Enter Pioneer Allotment Information:
Allotment Bank Routing Number: 083901825
Wespay (Wesbanco) will populate along with the mailing address.
Account Number: Enter your Social Security Number
Account Type: Savings
Monthly Amount: Enter your monthly loan payment, plus a $3 transfer fee required by the processing bank. You can find your monthly payment amount in Online Account Access. - Select “Submit and Finish.” Check your myPay transaction history or allotment information to confirm that your request was accepted.
Setup takes only a few minutes, although payroll processing may take additional time before the deduction first appears.
If you’re in the Coast Guard, you’ll need to follow a similar procedure on the Global Pay Self Service portal.
If you have additional questions, please contact Pioneer at 1-888-356-3848.
Other Ways to Make Payments While Deployed
If you don’t want to use military allotment, Pioneer offers other ways to make your scheduled loan payments.
- ACH or electronic bank transfer. Set up an electronic payment from your bank account.
- Mail: Send a monthly check.
- Self-Service Portal: Debit card and ACH payments can be set up at any time by logging into your account.
Before deployment, make sure you know when your payment is due, how your payment will be made, and how to access your account during your deployment.
Understanding Your Military Lending Act and SCRA Protections
Two federal laws that may be important to service members are the Military Lending Act (MLA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
The Military Lending Act provides specific protections for qualifying active-duty service members and their dependents. All personal loans through Pioneer Military Credit are designed to comply with applicable MLA requirements.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides certain legal and financial protections to qualifying service members. One important SCRA protection can limit the interest rate on certain debts incurred before entering qualifying military service to 6% during the period of qualifying military service.
If you believe you may qualify for an SCRA benefit or have questions about how the SCRA applies to your Pioneer loan, contact Pioneer Military Credit for information about the appropriate process and documentation.
Will Having a Loan Affect My Security Clearance?
A personal loan does not automatically affect your security clearance, but how you manage debt and repayment can be a factor that is considered. As an active-duty service member, making your loan payments on time and managing your finances responsibly are important.
If you have questions about how your individual financial circumstances may affect your security clearance, talk with your leadership or an installation financial readiness counselor.
Can I Apply for a Loan While Already Deployed?
Yes. Pioneer’s online application is available 24/7/365, so eligible service members can apply from anywhere in the world using a computer or mobile device with an internet connection. This includes a stateside duty station, an overseas installation, or while deployed. Your state of legal residence may affect eligibility.
If you’re already deployed and have questions about whether you can apply based on your circumstances, contact Pioneer Military Credit.
The Bottom Line
Deploying does not automatically put your Pioneer Military Credit loan payments on hold. Your scheduled payments generally continue according to your loan agreement while you’re away.
Before you deploy, take a few minutes to make sure your payment method is set up, confirm your payment due date, and make sure you know how to access your account.
For eligible borrowers, military allotment offers a convenient way to have scheduled payments automatically deducted from military pay. Whichever payment method you choose, the goal is the same: keep your payments on time while you focus on your mission.