Rather than not pay, just delay the payment until May 1. Make the Apr 1 payment a month late (along with the penalty), and the May 1 payment on time. Watch what happens to the cash flow juggling at the mortgage companies and banks. Don’t know if this minimizes the hit on my credit score. I’ll be current on the mortgage on May 1, still responsible. If this gets attention, maybe another withhold in Oct, when the Fed Fiscal Year starts.
I'm not paying that $42 penalty. This is not a good idea.