Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.
A score of 700-850 is what most lenders consider ideal. Borrowers in this range can expect to get offered lower interest rates and more flexible loan terms. A higher credit score can also potentially reduce the required down payment and make the upfront cost of purchasing a car more manageable.
Individuals with an 800 credit score can secure an average interest rate of 5.25% for new cars and 7.13% for used cars. A high credit score allows borrowers to access favorable interest rates and loan terms, which can lower overall borrowing costs.
Even better, just over 1 in 5 people (21.2%) have an exceptional FICO credit score of 800 or above, all but guaranteeing access to the best products and interest rates.
Nearly half of Americans score between 750 and 850, in the very good to exceptional range, while less than 25% of Americans have a score between 300 and 649, the poor to fair credit score range.
Many dealers use a FICO Auto Score instead of a traditional FICO Score or VantageScore when evaluating your car loan application. Your FICO Auto Score can range from 250 to 900, depending on your previous auto loans.
It consists of three parts: a down payment of at least 20% of the car's price, limiting the loan term to three years, and ensuring that your car payment does not exceed 8% of your monthly income. This Rule is not just about numbers; it's a strategic approach to avoid financial strain due to an auto loan.
According to Experian's Q1 2024 State of the Automotive Finance Market report, the typical car buyer needs a credit score of 755 for new car loans and 686 for used car loans. However, don't be alarmed if your score isn't there yet—these are just averages, and qualifying for an auto loan can be subjective.
What is the highest credit score possible? To start off: No, it's not possible to have a 900 credit score in the United States. In some countries that use other models, like Canada, people could have a score of 900. The current scoring models in the U.S. have a maximum of 850.
What credit score do auto lenders look at? The three major credit bureaus are Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. The two big credit scoring models used by auto lenders are FICO® Auto Score and Vantage.
Financial experts recommend spending no more than 10% of your monthly take-home pay on your car payment and no more than 15% to 20% on total car costs such as gas, insurance and maintenance as well as the payment.
Let's find out. Depending on your term, principle, and down payment, a 1% difference in rates could save you thousands of dollars. For example, say you are purchasing a new $40,000 car with a 6-year term. At a rate of 4.24% APR, your monthly payment is $630 and you will pay a total of $5,373 in interest.
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 750 credit score is Very Good, but it can be even better. If you can elevate your score into the Exceptional range (800-850), you could become eligible for the very best lending terms, including the lowest interest rates and fees, and the most enticing credit-card rewards programs.
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.
Payments would be around $377 per month. According to the results, it will take you 60 months, an interest rate of 5% of $2,645, to fully pay your $20,000 car loan. However, the monthly cost of a $20,000 car loan will depend on your repayment period and the annual percentage rate (APR).
Because of the high interest rates and risk of going upside down, most experts agree that a 72-month loan isn't an ideal choice. Experts recommend that borrowers take out a shorter loan. And for an optimal interest rate, a loan term fewer than 60 months is a better way to go.
Is LendingTree Reputable? LendingTree has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. It has an “excellent” customer service rating based on Trustpilot reviews. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau received no complaints about LendingTree personal loans in 2023.