Lenders can consider the credit scores of both borrowers when co-signing an auto loan. If you have a lower credit score, having a co-signer with a higher score could work in your favor. In terms of which credit-scoring model is used for approvals, that can vary by lender.
Having a co-signer on the loan will help the primary borrower build their credit score (as long as they continue to make on-time payments). It could also help the co-signer build their credit score and credit history, if the primary borrower makes on-time payments throughout the course of the loan.
You can still be denied, but only in rare circumstances, most of which will likely not apply to a first-time borrower. A borrower with a poor credit history or negative financial situations, such as bankruptcies or repossessions, will have a harder time getting approved for a loan—even with a good co-signer.
Equal rights: The co-borrower has equal rights to the car as the primary borrower. This means the co-owner must be involved in the sale or transfer of the car. Insurance: Even if the co-owner doesn't use the car, they will likely need to be on the insurance policy. This can mean higher costs for both involved.
FICO is an acronym that stands for: Fair Isaac Corporation, the company that developed the FICO® credit scoring. FICO® credit scores are the auto industry standard for determining a potential buyer's creditworthiness.
While some dealerships look at your base FICO score, others might look at your FICO Auto Score. This industry-specific rating provides a more accurate picture of the likelihood of you repaying an auto loan instead of the likelihood of you repaying any credit obligation.
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.
Although liable for payments if you default, the cosigner doesn't share vehicle ownership. They also generally don't make regular monthly payments. Co-borrower: Also known as a co-applicant, the co-borrower shares financial responsibility and ownership of the car from day one.
In general, the lender evaluates the application the way the applicants submit it, without regard to whose name is listed first.
A co-signer is a guarantor for the primary borrower. Co-signers promise to assume responsibility for repayment if the primary borrower doesn't pay as required.
Buying a car with bad credit is possible with credit scores as low as 500. Having a high down payment, getting a good deal on the car and having a cosigner can all improve your likelihood of being approved.
As a cosigner, you agree to personally pay any balance that the primary borrower cannot, so you must demonstrate that you have an income that would allow you to pay. In fact, your income is more important than that of the primary borrower. Your income does not have to necessarily come from a job, though.
It's possible to get approved for an auto loan if you have bad credit (sometimes called "deep subprime" credit), meaning a credit score under 580. But in many cases, options can be costly. To improve your odds of getting approved for a relatively affordable loan, follow these steps.
There are two types of parties that can apply for a loan alongside the primary borrower: a cosigner and a co-borrower. In both situations, all parties are legally responsible for the debt that's being taken out. The credit scores and financial details of both parties are also considered in the application.
You cannot simply list a spouse's income with, or instead of, your own if you apply in your name alone. However, you can list their income if your spouse agrees to become a “co-borrower” on the loan. It's possible to use your spouse's income on a loan application, but only under strict circumstances.
Proof of Your Cosigner's Ability to Pay
The bank or lender may require pay stubs or wage vouchers for employed cosigners; if the cosigner is self-employed or a business owner, the bank may require income tax returns for previous years.
Does my Co-Applicant's Credit Score Impact Approval? Yes. A lender vets a co-applicant by the same standards as the original applicant. They need a good credit score, stable job history, etc. to be approved.
Deciding to apply for a joint mortgage depends on which option will get you the best mortgage. On one hand, including the partner with bad credit could disqualify you for a loan. Even if you do qualify for a mortgage when one partner has bad credit, you might not qualify for a good interest rate.
A mortgage underwriter is the person that approves or denies your loan application. Let's discuss what underwriters look for in the loan approval process.
What is a Co-Signer? A co-signer applies for the home loan right along with you. However, they are not on the title of the home. The co-signers name is only on the loan, meaning that while they are financially responsible for paying back the mortgage, they do not have ownership of the property.
The Bottom Line
One of the risks of cosigning a loan is that at some point you may no longer want to have your name on the loan. Fortunately, you can have your name removed, but you will have to take the appropriate steps depending on the cosigned loan type.
You can often remove a cosigner at any point during the loan period. Your loan paperwork might dictate specific terms, though. For example, some lenders require 24 months of on-time payments from the primary borrower before they'll consider releasing the cosigner.
What Is the Minimum Score Needed 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.
There is no set minimum FICO® Score to get a car loan. However, a good score at 720 or better will get you the best rate. Consider spending some time improving your credit score before shopping for your next car. Even moving up a few points can make a big difference if you have a low score.
The required credit score to buy a $300K house typically ranges from 580 to 720 or higher, depending on the type of mortgage. For an FHA loan, a popular choice among first-time homebuyers for its lower down payment requirement, the minimum credit score is usually around 580.