Getting a car with a 400 credit score is extremely challenging, as a score that low is considered very poor. Most traditional lenders will likely deny your application due to the high risk associated with such a low score. However, there are a few options you might consider:
Your score falls within the range of scores, from 300 to 579, considered Very Poor.
According to Car and Driver, “Most used auto loans go to borrowers with minimum credit scores of at least 675. For new auto loans, most borrowers have scores of around 730. The minimum credit score needed for a new car may be around 600, but those with excellent credit often get lower rates and lower monthly payments.”
Getting a loan with 450 credit score is possible
Banks typically entertain loan applications from customers who show a credit score of 700 to 750+. Below that, you can go to credit unions or other private institutions.
There isn't one specific score that's required to buy a car because lenders have different standards. However, the vast majority of borrowers have scores of 661 or higher.
The credit score required and other eligibility factors for buying a car vary by lender and loan terms. Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian.
A 499 credit score can be a sign of past credit difficulties or a lack of credit history. Whether you're looking for a personal loan, a mortgage or a credit card, credit scores in this range can make it challenging to get approved for unsecured credit, which doesn't require collateral or a security deposit.
What Does a 444 Credit Score Get You? Do You Qualify? Note: It may be possible to qualify for an unsecured credit card, personal loan, auto loan or home loan in rare cases, but the terms are unlikely to be worthwhile. If you apply for the average offer, you're more likely to be rejected than approved.
Is It Good or Bad? The meaning of 444 is simply that you should prepare yourself for positive changes in your life that you've been wanting to happen. The numerology of 444 and its appearance in your life is an assurance that you are where you need to be—you're headed in the right direction.
The average FICO credit score in the US is 717, according to the latest FICO data. The average VantageScore is 701 as of January 2024.
A credit score of 500 is considered poor credit, and lenders will likely see you as a higher risk borrower. You might also have a higher interest rate and may need to provide a larger down payment to finance a car.
16% of all consumers have FICO® Scores in the Very Poor range (300-579). Roughly 62% of consumers with credit scores under 579 are likely to become seriously delinquent (i.e., go more than 90 days past due on a debt payment) in the future.
Debit cards don't usually allow you to build credit. That's because debit card activity isn't typically reported to the credit bureaus. But some new checking accounts may offer the ability to use your debit card to build credit.
Overall, Credit Karma may produce a different result than one or more of the three major credit bureaus directly. The slight differences in calculations between FICO and VantageScore can lead to significant variances in credit scores, making Credit Karma less accurate than most may appreciate.
Key takeaways. There is no minimum credit score required to buy a car, but most lenders have minimum requirements for financing. Most borrowers need a FICO score of at least 600 to get a competitive rate on an auto loan.
Auto lenders use a special reporting system called FICO® Auto Score when determining the creditworthiness of a potential customer. The three credit reporting bureaus that contribute information to your FICO® Auto Score are TransUnion®, Equifax® and Experian™.
Automakers such as Ford, Kia, and Hyundai are known for working with borrowers who have lower credit scores. In addition, CarsDirect has a network of dealers that specialize in bad credit car loans whether you're considering a new or used car.
The Total Loan Amount
The total amount of money you borrow determines what you'll pay per month. For example, if you're buying a $60,000 luxury car at 3% APR with no money down and paying it off over five years, you'll be responsible for paying about $1,078 per month.
Tier 5: A fair credit score ranges from 630 to 649 and means you “try to be responsible with my credit but have had some recent credit challenges.” Tier 6: Below 630, you get into the poor credit tiers.