Lenders set different credit score requirements for new car loans but the average score is around 700. Borrowers with credit scores of around 780 or higher receive the best rates and terms. In some cases, they may even qualify for 0% financing.
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.
As a thumb rule, banks consider a CIBIL score of 750 or higher credit-worthy. A score of 650 or less is deemed too low to be given a loan.
A credit score of under 600 is considered below average to fair (depending upon the number), while a credit score between 550-624 is considered adequate to most lenders. A score between 300-549 may impact the number of lenders that would be willing to provide you with a car loan.
Most car dealerships use the FICO Score 8 scale to determine your eligibility for a loan. The FICO score is the most widely used because it is considered to be the most accurate assessment of your credit standing. It takes the scores of all three major credit bureaus to create a FICO score.
It's possible to get a car loan with a credit score of 500, but it'll cost you. People with credit scores of 500 or lower received an average rate of 13.97% for new-car loans and 20.67% for used-car loans in the second quarter of 2020, according to the Experian State of the Automotive Finance Market report.
A credit score of 600 won't necessarily keep you from getting an auto loan, but it's likely to make that loan more expensive. Taking steps to improve your score before you apply for a car loan can put you in the driver's seat and make it easier to negotiate the best possible loan terms.
There is no set credit score you need to get an auto loan. If you have a credit score above 660, you will likely qualify for an auto loan at a rate below 10% APR. If you have bad credit or no credit, you could still qualify for a car loan, but you should expect to pay more.
As you can see, a 700 credit score puts you in the “good” or “prime” category for financing, making 700 a good credit score to buy a car. While it's always a good idea to get your credit score in its best possible shape before buying a car, if you're already around the 700 range you will be good to go.
In general, you'll need a credit score of at least 600 to qualify for a traditional auto loan, but the minimum credit score required to finance a car loan varies by lender. If your credit score falls into the subprime category, you may need to look for a bad credit car loan.
Paying bills on time and paying down balances on your credit cards are the most powerful steps you can take to raise your credit. Issuers report your payment behavior to the credit bureaus every 30 days, so positive steps can help your credit quickly.
A credit score of 650 is considered near prime, nonprime, and fair. In short, a car loan with a credit score of 650 is possible, but the majority of car loan borrowers in Q4 2021 had a credit score above 660. Superprime: 781-850. 2.40%.
Bank financing
The primary benefit of going directly to your bank or credit union is that you will likely receive lower interest rates. Dealers tend to have higher interest rates, so financing through a bank or credit union can offer much more competitive rates.
Getting an auto loan with a credit score of between 400 and 450 is more possible than you may think. These are installment loans, and since the vehicle is used as collateral to secure the loan if you default on the payments, the lender has a good chance of getting your car or your money.
While many factors come into play when calculating your FICO credit score, you may start to see your auto loan raise your credit score in as few as 60 to 120 days. But remember, everyone's credit situation is different, so your results may vary.
While it may seem daunting to qualify for a car loan with a bad credit score (below 580), there is a large network of lenders and car dealers who are more willing to work with low- and bad-credit score borrowers. If all goes well and payments are made on time, it can help boost your credit profile.
Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.
There is no stated minimum required Tesla financing credit score to apply for a Tesla auto loan, but borrowers with the best credit scores (720+) generally qualify for lower-APR financing. The average credit score of a Tesla buyer in 2020 was 714.
There's no specific minimum credit score required to qualify for a car loan. Still, if you have poor credit, it could be difficult to get approved for a car loan. Even with the best auto loans for poor credit, watch out for high interest rates, which can make it very expensive to borrow money.
Car Loans with a 512 Credit Score
As a result, your odds of getting approved for a decent car loan are slim. You will need to compare your options carefully and consider either placing a bigger down payment or purchasing a vehicle that's less expensive.
Even though your options might be limited you can still get an auto loan with a subprime credit score of 570 to 579. There are many lenders that specialize in new car loans for people with bad credit.
Since 600 is considered to be a fair credit score, borrowers with this score generally won't qualify for credit cards with large welcome bonuses, generous rewards and perks or low APRs. However, there are still some options available — using a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's card.