What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy A Car Loan

ABE Staff - November 22, 2022
Car loans

Are you looking for a car loan but are unsure of what your credit score is? If you are looking for an auto loan then you will want to know what credit score you need to buy a car loan. A bad credit score can affect your chances of getting a car loan.

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Your credit score is based on information in your credit report. In fact, your credit report includes details about your payment history, how much debt you have, and if you have any public records such as bankruptcies or tax liens. Having a good credit score can help you qualify for lower interest rates on car loans and other types of loans.

However, if you have not checked your credit report recently, it’s a good idea to pull one so that you know what your credit score is before you apply for an auto loan. A good credit score is typically considered to be a score above 700. However, the average American has a credit score of about 695.

What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy a Car Loan

So, if your score is close to 700 or higher, then you should be in good shape to get a car loan. If your score is below 700, then it will be harder for you to qualify for a car loan. If your credit score is below 600, then it will be very difficult for you to qualify for an auto loan with any of the major lenders.

More so, if your credit score is bad, then there are still options open to you if you need a car loan. First of all, some dealers may offer in-house financing that does not require a credit check or proof of income. If that’s not available or if the interest rate is too high, then another option is an online lender like Lending Club or Prosper Marketplace which specializes in providing loans to people with bad or no credit.

These lenders typically work with borrowers who have scores as low as 500-600 and income verification isn’t always required. Another option would be to borrow money from friends or family members who might be willing to help out if they know that it’s just temporary until you can get back on track with your finances and improve your credit score.

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You should also keep in mind that it’s easier to get approved for an auto loan when the economy is doing well and when the value of used cars is higher than normal. This means that now might not be the best time to try to get approved for an auto loan if your situation doesn’t meet the criteria above.

How to Qualify For Credit Score

Get a Secured Credit Card

A secured credit card is a good way to start building your credit score. With a secured card, you deposit money into a savings account with the credit card issuer. The amount you deposit (up to the credit limit) becomes your collateral for the account.

Become an Authorized User on Someone Else’s Credit Card

If you have a friend or family member with good credit, you can become an authorized user on their credit card account. As an authorized user, you’ll have access to the account and can use it to make purchases. But you won’t be responsible for paying the bill; that will be up to the primary cardholder.

Get a Co-Signer for a Loan or Credit Card

If you can’t qualify for a loan or credit card on your own, you may be able to get approved by applying with a co-signer. A co-signer is someone who agrees to be responsible for repaying the debt if you default on the loan or fail to make payments on the account.

 Use a Credit-Builder Loan to Build Your Credit History

A credit-builder loan is designed to help people build their credit history and improve their credit score. With a credit-builder loan, you borrow a small amount of money and agree to make regular, timely payments over a set period of time, usually 12 months or less.

Understanding Credit Scores

The credit rating system can help you get a loan or a credit card or receive a mortgage or even get a business credit card. The main factors that are considered are the credit score and the credit report. The credit rating varies from lender to lender but in general, it will be determined by a few factors such as the age of the person applying for the loan, the amount of debt that person carries and the overall credit history.

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The credit report is an extensive document that will give you an idea about the state of your finances. You will be able to see which of your debts are currently being paid off and which ones you might need to worry about in future. It is also useful to know if your debt is getting higher or lower than it was when you had it before.

Final Verdict

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for what credit score you need, as the credit score varies depending on the lender you apply with. However, most lenders will require a credit score of at least 620 in order to approve a loan. Nonetheless, if you have a lower credit score, you may still be able to qualify for a loan, but you may have to pay a higher interest rate.

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