What's a bad credit score to finance a car?

Asked by: Madie Fahey  |  Last update: August 4, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (1 votes)

Some auto lenders also heavily use an industry-specific FICO model that weighs certain factors, such as past car-loan payments. Its range is 250 to 900. The cut-off number that places a person in a “bad credit” tier differs by credit scoring model, but it's generally in the mid-600s or below.

What's the lowest credit score to finance a car?

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.”

Can I get approved for a car with a 500 credit score?

It's definitely possible to get approved for financing with a 500 score, but you'll likely get a higher interest rate. Coming in with a larger down payment can help, as will having a co-signer.

Will a 600 credit score get a car loan?

However, the vast majority of borrowers have scores of 661 or higher. Borrowers with scores of 501 to 600 account for more than 12.29% of cars financed, while people with scores of 500 or below account for less than 2%, according to Experian.

What credit score do I need to buy a $20,000 car?

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.

How to buy a car with Bad Credit. Car buying Tips

17 related questions found

What credit score is needed for a $25,000 car loan?

The higher your credit score, the less risk lenders think you pose. This means that you are more likely to receive more competitive auto loan rates and better terms. Better interest rates. In general, a good credit score, usually a score of 680 or above, can ensure a low interest rate.

Can I get a $20,000 loan with 650 credit score?

The required credit score for a $20,000 personal loan will vary from lender to lender, but a score of at least 650 will typically land you a decent interest rate and reasonably good repayment terms. Check with different lenders to find out their credit score requirements.

Can I get a 50k car loan with a 700 credit score?

While it's possible to get an auto loan with nearly any credit score, most lenders are looking for buyers in the prime credit score range with a credit score of 661 or above for the best terms and rates.

How to build credit quickly?

9 ways to build credit fast
  1. Dispute credit report errors. ...
  2. Pay down your credit card balances. ...
  3. Become an authorized user. ...
  4. Deal with delinquent accounts. ...
  5. Open a credit card account. ...
  6. Take out a credit builder loan. ...
  7. Request a credit limit increase. ...
  8. Keep a mix of different account types.

What credit score do car dealers use?

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™.

Is $5000 a good down payment for a car?

In general, you should strive to make a down payment of at least 20% of a new car's purchase price. For used cars, try for at least 10% down. If you can't afford the recommended amount, put down as much as you can without draining your savings or emergency funds.

Will my bank give me a car loan with bad credit?

Yes, it's possible to finance a vehicle purchase with a 500 credit score or even below that. Keep in mind, though, that you can generally expect limited options, as well as high interest rates and fees. If possible, try to improve your credit before applying.

Do car dealerships use Equifax or TransUnion?

Auto lenders may rely more on Equifax and Experian for credit report insights, but TransUnion also sells consumer data to a number of automotive lenders. Credit scoring models such as FICO® Auto Score 9 generate a credit score based on the debt and payment information in a consumer's credit report.

Can I get 0% finance with bad credit?

If you have a less than perfect credit history (you've had CCJs or have missed payments on previous credit agreements), you'll be less likely to be approved for 0% finance. If you're worried about being declined, ask the dealership if they can run a 'soft search' to check your eligibility before applying.

How much down do I need to buy a car with bad credit?

If you want to take out an auto loan with bad credit or no credit, the majority of subprime lenders will require a down payment of 10% or $1,000, whichever is greater. While this is the minimum, you can always put a larger down payment, which helps since you have to pay a lower monthly payment for the rest of the loan.

Is credit karma accurate?

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.

How can I raise my credit score 100 points overnight?

10 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
  1. Review Your Credit Report. ...
  2. Pay Your Bills on Time. ...
  3. Ask for Late Payment Forgiveness. ...
  4. Keep Credit Card Balances Low. ...
  5. Keep Old Credit Cards Active. ...
  6. Become an Authorized User. ...
  7. Consider a Credit Builder Loan. ...
  8. Take Out a Secured Credit Card.

How to get a 900 credit score in 45 days?

FICO says paying down your overall debt is one of the most effective ways to boost your score. Don't close paid-off accounts. Closing unused credit card accounts reduces your available credit and can lower your credit score. Keeping them open and unused shows you can manage credit wisely.

What habit lowers your credit score?

Late or missed payments can cause your credit score to decline. The impact can vary depending on your credit score — the higher your score, the more likely you are to see a steep drop.

What is the minimum income for a car loan?

However, for auto loans, lenders usually prefer a debt-to-income ratio below 36%. The minimum income necessary to qualify for an auto loan may vary, but most lenders prefer an applicant to have at least $1,500 to $2,000 in monthly income before taxes.

What credit score is pulled to buy a car?

In general, lenders look for borrowers in the prime range or better, so you will need a score of 661 or higher to qualify for most conventional car loans.

Do car dealers look at gross or net income?

Gross income is what you earn before taxes and other deductions. Since auto lenders consider your back-end DTI, that's what we'll focus on. You'll need two things to calculate your back-end DTI: your total monthly debt payments and your gross income.

What is the easiest loan to get with bad credit?

Secured loans

With a secured loan, you'll offer your lender an asset as collateral, like a car, a home or even a savings account. Because secured loans require valuable collateral, they're often easier to obtain than unsecured loans and generally offer better rates, since the lender is at less risk.

How to get 20k instantly?

In such scenarios, where you don't have the time and leeway to apply for a full-fledged loan, a small and quick financial fix can be a lifesaver. Well, it's possible now, and the only document you require is your Aadhar Card. Yes, you can avail of an instant paperless Rs.20,000 loan on Aadhar Card.