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Lowest APR on the market
Bank client discounts
60-second decisions
Numerous auto loan types
Fast online application
No vehicle-specific restrictions
No minimum loan term
No loan amount restrictions
Motorcycle and RV purchase financing
Bank of America offers some of the lowest auto loan rates in the industry. In addition to new and used car loans, BoA can help you out with old credit refinancing, buyouts of leased vehicles, and purchases from individuals. The bank also offers a special Business Advantage loan tailored specifically to commercial and business vehicle loans. The best APR rates for car loans start at 2.69%, while those buying used cars can get 2.99%. There are no application fees and no prepayment penalty, and online applications are usually approved within 60 seconds. READ REVIEW
Lowest APR on the market
Bank client discounts
60-second decisions
show more
Lowest APR:
2.69%
Minimum Amount:
$7,500
Types of Loans:
New and used cars, Refinance, Lease buyout, Private party auto loans, Commercial vehicle loans
Speed of Approval:
Under a minute
Term Length:
12-75 months
Application Fee:
No
Prepayment Penalty:
No
BBB Rating:
A+
LightStream is an online consumer lending division of SunTrust Bank that offers a variety of auto loans and solid repayment rates, as well as offering a straightforward application process. The low APR auto loans start at 3.99% for a period of 24 to 36 months, with amounts ranging between $50,000 and $100,000. Some competitors might have lower rates, but LightStream has a quick application process and some unique options like loans tailored specifically for classic car purchases. As long as you have a good credit score, LightStream is an excellent choice. READ REVIEW
Numerous auto loan types
Fast online application
No vehicle-specific restrictions
show more
Lowest APR:
3.99%
Minimum Amount:
$5,000
Types of Loans:
New and used cars, Refinance, Lease buyout, Private party auto loans, Commercial vehicle loans, Motorcycle loans, Classic car purchases
Speed of Approval:
One business day
Term Length:
24-84 months
Application Fee:
No
Prepayment Penalty:
No
BBB Rating:
A+ (SunTrust)
CCU is one of the best credit unions for auto loans, offering low, competitive rates and a lot of flexibility with amounts and loan terms. The lowest APR you can get with an excellent credit score is 2.69%. This figure includes a 0.5% discount if you decide to set automatic payments. In order to apply for auto financing loans, you need to become a member and pay a one-time fee of $5. The website doesn’t provide a great deal of information, but it does allow you to fill out your application online and get in touch with loan officers. READ REVIEW
No minimum loan term
No loan amount restrictions
Motorcycle and RV purchase financing
show more
Lowest APR:
2.69%
Minimum Amount:
No
Types of Loans:
New and used cars, Refinance, Motorcycle purchases, RV purchases
Speed of Approval:
Not disclosed
Term Length:
0-84 months
Application Fee:
$5 (membership)
Prepayment Penalty:
No
BBB Rating
A+
PenFed gives you some of the best credit union auto loans with an APR that can go as low as 1.39%. This is a discounted rate that you’re eligible for if you agree to use the organization’s car buying service. Even without this discount, PenFed’s lowest APR starts at 2.14%, which is nothing short of amazing. Thanks to the payment saver option, PenFed also allows you to reduce your monthly payments in exchange for higher interest rates. The application process is easy, while the obligatory membership costs just $5. READ REVIEW
Very low APR
Payment saver option
Easy online application
show more
Lowest APR:
1.39%
Minimum Amount:
$500
Types of Loans:
New and used cars, Refinance, Car buying service, Payment saver loans
Speed of Approval:
Up to 48 hours
Term Length:
36-72 months
Application Fee:
$5 (Membership)
Prepayment Penalty:
No
BBB Rating:
A+
If you’re looking for a decent car loan for bad credit, MyAutoLoan might be the right place. It’s not a single lender but a marketplace that presents you with various offers that match your needs and capabilities. In addition to the wide range of options, this marketplace also encourages competition, so you’re bound to get some great deals. You can easily fill out the application form and get offers from up to four auto finance companies in minutes. Depending on the lender, you might be eligible for special deals that don’t require you to make any payments for up to 90 days. READ REVIEW
Offers from up to four lenders
Good for bad credit scores
Special lender-specific deals
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Lowest APR:
1.79%
Minimum Amount:
$8,000
Types of Loans:
New and used cars, Refinance, Lease buyouts, Private party
Speed of Approval:
Depends on the lender
Term Length:
24-72 months
Application Fee:
No
Prepayment Penalty:
No
BBB Rating
A+
As you may have guessed from the name, RefiJet focuses solely on the best refinance auto loans. It’s a marketplace of lenders who specialize in refinancing. All you need to do is fill out a form and provide the necessary information. The company does a soft pull of your credit and helps you find the perfect match with customized options. The lowest APR is 2.74%, coupled with two months of no payments. RefiJet guides you through the entire process and doesn’t charge any extra fees for this service. READ REVIEW
Excellent refinancing options
Soft credit pull
Online and phone applications
show more
Lowest APR:
2.74%
Minimum Amount:
$7,500
Types of Loans:
Refinance, Leased buyouts
Speed of Approval:
Depends on the lender
Term Length:
36-96 months
Application Fee:
No
Prepayment Penalty:
Depends on the lender
BBB Rating:
A+
There are thousands of lenders on the web, all claiming to have low car loan rates and special deals tailored specifically to your vehicular needs. In order to find out how much of it is true and which companies deserve your attention, we’ve identified the most essential factors. This gives us a clearer overview of the services and helps us pinpoint the best lenders.
First off, we turn our attention to the variety of auto loans that the lender has to offer. Some customers want the best used car loans, while others need cash for a brand-new family vehicle. Maybe you’re trying to refinance an old auto loan or buy a leased vehicle.
Perhaps someone wants to sell you their car or you came across a classic from the 60s that you want to restore to its former glory. What about other vehicles like RVs and motorcycles? Even the best banks are unlikely to offer all of these options, but you can still expect a fair amount of choices.
Price is king. A bank or dealership can show you a range of benefits, but at the end of the day, you’ll go with the best APR auto loans. We take a look at the lowest annual percentage rates and tell you exactly under which conditions they work.
Of course, if there are any hidden application fees or repayment penalties, we’ll flush those out for you. That way you’ll have all the information before you even start the application process.
Whether it’s a bank offering a generous discount to its long-term clients or a dealership trying to sweeten the deal, we make sure to include it in our auto loan reviews. These companies have a tendency to show you the discounted price first and explain what it is later, which can be frustrating if you don’t read the fine print.
In our reviews, you’ll see exactly what you need to do to be eligible for these offers and whether it’s worth your time or money. If a bank requires you to have a specific amount of money on your account for three consecutive months, there’s no time to waste.
Given the medium you’re reading these reviews on, it makes sense that our priority is finding lenders that have a simple online application process. If you can find the best auto loans online, fill out the forms, send documents, and get approved without ever leaving your home, we’ll consider that a success.
Naturally, if a company’s site is prone to glitches and isn’t user-friendly, we’ll definitely consider that a major flaw. Another important element to consider is the speed – how fast can you get a reply to your application and see the money on your account?
Finally, there’s the customer service. You’ll want to have the option of communicating with a specialized representative about the intricacies of your account whenever the need arises. It’s unreasonable to expect the best places for auto loans to include round-the-clock support.
However, they need to have decent working hours (at least a few hours over the weekend) and capable, knowledgeable support agents. In addition, it’s commendable when the organization has a quality help center and FAQ sections that can save a lot of time.
There’s a good reason why Bank of America is one of the most reputable lenders in the US and beyond. The bank offers a wide range of loans, competitive rates, and special discounts to loyal customers. You can apply for a new car loan, used car loan, or refinance your current credit.
In addition, you can buy out a leased vehicle or purchase one from a private seller thanks to the bank’s best private party auto loans. There are some limitations on the types of vehicles and the loan amounts, but overall this bank is among the best lenders out there.
The APR for new car purchases starts at 2.69%, and for used car loans, it’s 2.99%. In both cases, these are some of the lowest rates you’ll find online, especially if you factor in the discounts. As a rule, refinance loans are slightly higher and start at 3.69% along with lease buyout options. Purchases from individual sellers through private party auto loans start with an APR at 5.79%.
If you decide to pay off your loan ahead of time, there are no prepayment fees. Of course, the rates we’ve mentioned here apply to users in search of the best auto loans for excellent credit.
To sweeten the deal, the Bank of America car loan section includes a special discount for applicants who are already clients – Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Honors members. Gold members are users who have maintained a balance of $20,000 on their accounts, so they qualify for a 0.25% discount.
Platinum members maintained a balance of $50,000 for a 0.35% discount, while Platinum Honors users have at least $100,000 in their accounts, earning them the full 0.5% discount off APR.
Bank of America Online has a few strict requirements if you want the best rates for auto loans. First of all, the vehicle in question can’t be older than 10 years or have over 125,000 miles. The overall value of the car needs to be at least $6,000 (and the loan value $7,500). The loans can’t be used for motorcycles, RVs, boats, or aircraft.
The website also notes that the loan doesn’t support commercial or business vehicles, but for specialized vehicle financing, you can apply for the Business Advantage auto loan. The minimum amount for this type of vehicle is $10,000, and it can’t be older than five years. The APR is the same as what you get with used car loans – starting at 2.99%.
Finding the best online auto loans through the bank’s website is fairly easy. There is no application fee, and since the process is largely automated, you’ll get an answer within 60 seconds. After you’re approved, your loan submission and proposed interest rate are good for the next 30 days.
The site also includes a simple but useful loan calculator that gives you a good idea of the rates. You can monitor your loans on the go through the Bank of America app that’s available for iOS and Android devices.
There are a few ways to get in touch with the bank to discuss your auto loan rates. Support agents are available via phone during weekdays between 9 a.m. and midnight ET, while on Saturdays they work until 8 p.m.
For a live consultation with a loan officer, you can schedule an appointment online or just visit the bank anytime. If you prefer not to contact the Bank of America customer service, you can find a lot of information on the site, especially in the FAQ sections.
Reasons to Apply
Lowest APR on the market
Bank client discounts
60-second decisions
LightStream is SunTrust Bank’s online lending platform that offers some of the cheapest car loan rates in the USA. You can do everything online through the site’s comprehensive, user-friendly interface. The platform covers everything from new and used car purchases to motorcycles and private party loans.
One of the biggest advantages for most users is that there are no car model limitations or mileage requirements. This opens up a lot of possibilities.
What’s interesting about LightStream auto loans is that the rates are the same for various types of loans. The lowest used car rate, for example, is 3.99% for loan terms between 24 and 36 months and amounts over $50,000.
This minimum reserved for users with excellent credit is the same for new, used, and classic car loans, as well as refinancing. Private party loans and lease buyouts have slightly higher car loan rates starting at 4.99%.
There are no application or origination fees. However, keep in mind that the aforementioned low rates for auto loans are calculated with the AutoPay option. If you choose the standard invoice method, you’ll be paying 0.5% more. The platform warns you about this, though. And if you’re in Florida, you’ll also have to cover the documentary stamp tax that isn’t included in the APR.
The minimum amount you can take is $5,000, which is slightly lower than the industry average, while the maximum is capped at $100,000. Considering the rates, SunTrust LightStream is one of the best places to refinance auto loans. Of course, the terms and conditions forbid you from refinancing a different LightStream loan.
This is fairly standard practice, but it doesn’t hurt to mention it. The value of this lender lies in the fact that, unlike most of the competition, LightStream financing doesn’t have special requirements for the vehicle. There are no mileage or model restrictions, which is why it stands out as a unique option for classic car collectors.
LightStream’s biggest selling point is the online application process. You can get everything done online. All you need to do is fill out a couple of forms, send the necessary documents, and you can be eligible for the best car loan on the web. In theory, it’s possible to fund your loan on the same day you submit your application. However, in practice, you’ll most likely have to wait a couple of days.
The website works on any device, so you can easily apply from your computer, tablet, or phone.
LightStream customer service agents are available during weekdays from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. ET and on Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. There is no phone support, but you can fill out a contact form if you encounter problems or want to learn more about the company’s best auto loan interest rates.
Note that the agents will only respond during working hours and won’t be able to reply to your Sunday inquiries on the same day. In those instances, you can turn to the site’s fairly detailed FAQ section.
Reasons to Apply
Numerous auto loan types
Fast online application
No vehicle-specific restrictions
If you’re going with a credit union, you might as well go with one of the best-known organizations in the industry. When compared to the competition, one of the CCU’s key benefits is flexibility. It’s widely regarded as the best credit union for auto loans because it doesn’t have a minimum loan term or amount restrictions.
To be eligible for a loan, you’ll need to become a member, but it’s an inexpensive, fast, and worthwhile process. It’s a shame you can’t find much useful information on the website, but that’s not exactly a deal-breaker.
Consumers Credit Union secured its place among the credit unions with best auto loan rates with its starting APR of 2.69%. This option is available within a very flexible loan term of 0 to 60 months but limited to vehicles manufactured after 2018. Of course, you have to have an excellent credit score to even consider this possibility.
The lowest APR for motorcycles is 5.90%, while RVs start at 5.40%. Note that these numbers are calculated with a 0.5% discount rate if you enable automatic payments through CCU. If you choose the third-party system, you’ll only get a 0.25% discount.
The first step towards becoming eligible for the best auto loan rates is acquiring a CCU membership. This is a standard requirement for credit unions because of the organizational structure – you’re a client and an owner at the same time. However, unlike some other unions, CCU isn’t conditioned by employment or location.
All you need to do is pay the one-time fee of $5 and you’re good to go. This stays in your account and buys you a single share in the organization. When you decide to close your account, you get your money back.
The maximum loan tenure is 84 months, and there is no minimum. The threshold for low vehicle loan rates is 60 months, which is quite generous when compared to the competition. Motorcycle loans have a maximum cap of 60 months, while loans for RVs can go up to 180 months in total.
While Consumers Credit Union doesn’t impose limits on mileage, the model has to be from 2014 or newer. In fact, you’ll get the best deals for models manufactured in 2018 or later. The site does mention rates for vehicles older than 2013, but you’ll probably need to consult a CCU representative to find out if these are actually available.
The site’s interface isn’t its strongest asset. You won’t find extensive information about auto loans, best rate details, or specific requirements for each loan. Everything seems a little disorganized. Aside from the online application method, you can also use the phone or locate a nearby branch.
The Consumers Credit Union customer service has slightly shorter working hours than its competitors: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST during weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Customer agents are extremely helpful and will undoubtedly help you find the best rates on auto loans.
Reasons to Apply
No minimum loan term
No loan amount restrictions
Motorcycle and RV purchase financing
PenFed is a reputable credit union that offers some of the lowest loan rates to both military-affiliated personnel and civilians. Anyone can get a loan here, but as is the case with other credit unions, there is a small membership fee. PenFed’s low APR rate of 1.39% works only if you sign up for the PenFed car buying service.
But considering the offer, it’s definitely worth it. So what exactly makes this organization the best credit union for an auto loan?
The star of the show is the extremely low APR of 1.39% that you can get with the 36-month term for any amount you want (up to $100,000). However, to be eligible for these PenFed auto loan rates, you need to have an excellent rating and buy your vehicle through the company’s car buying service.
Even if you’re not searching for a discount, it’s a good platform to find an affordable deal on a car and ensure you’re working with certified dealers. Without this discount, the best auto loan rates you can get start with an APR of 2.14%, which is still among the cheapest options on the market.
Loan terms range between 36 and 72 months. The minimum amount you can borrow depends on the number of months you choose. For example, for 36 months the minimum is $500 (which works out to just $14 per month). With 60 and 72 months, the minimums are $10,000 and $15,000 respectively.
The calculator on the website gives you a pretty good breakdown of your payments if you include the down payment, interest, trade-in value, and other parameters.
The PenFed auto loan is a great option for both new and used vehicles as well as refinancing car loans. You can also choose the payment saver option, which enables you to make lower payments than with a conventional auto loan but with a higher interest rate. At the end of the term, you can choose what happens with the remaining loan balance – pay it off, refinance the debt, or sell your car.
This is a popular option among users because it reduces the monthly load and presents additional options. The PenFed car loan payment saver system can be applied to new cars (no older than 2019) and used vehicles (no older than 2018).
PenFed is a credit union and as such requires you to be a member to gain access to the best rates on car loans. If you’re affiliated with the military, you and your family members can automatically join the union. All you need to do is clarify your military record on your online application. If you have no affiliation with the military but still want to join the union, you can make a $5 deposit that stays in your account.
The application process is straightforward. Everything is done online, and you just need to set up an account. You’ll then be able to review the auto loan rates that you’re eligible for and check the status of your recent applications. The online portal works on pretty much every browser and operating system, so you shouldn’t have any problems.
You can contact PenFed customer service agents by phone or contact form, but make sure you know their working hours. The agents work a double shift on weekdays, a couple of hours on Saturdays, and a full shift on Sundays. If you want to learn more about auto loans and best rates, find specific forms, or use calculators, PenFed offers a comprehensive Advice Center with a very useful FAQ section.
Reasons to Apply
Extremely low APR
Payment saver option
Easy online application
There are numerous reasons why going with a marketplace instead of a single lender might be a great idea. First of all, you get more options to choose from or, in the case of MyAutoLoan, up to four different offers. Secondly, the competition between these lenders is likely to produce better offers.
Thirdly, you have a much better chance of finding the best auto loans for bad credit because the results are based on your own score. Here’s what you can expect from MyAutoLoan.
Because of the way the marketplace functions, you’ll come across different rates every day. The MyAutoLoan website gives you an overview of the lowest current auto loan rates to keep you in the loop. The APR for new car loans hovers around 2.75%, while for used cars you can expect around 3%.
The refinance rates seem to be the lowest, often dropping below 2%, while private party and lease buyouts sit at around 3.5%. While the rates depend on the term length, you’re unlikely to come across anything above 5%.
After you’ve seen the best auto loan rates that the site has to offer each day, you should try out two other tools available on MyAutoLoan.com. The estimator tells you what rates you can expect in your area, based on the amount you want to borrow and a broad self-assessment of your credit score.
In addition, you have a basic calculator at your disposal that lets you know what your monthly payments might be based on the full amount you want to borrow and the APR. MyAutoLoan also offers a handful of useful resources that can help you check your credit, find a vehicle, or buy insurance.
One of the main reasons why this might be the best place to get auto loans is the speed of the application process. All you need to do is fill out a form and wait for the reply. In most cases, your offers will arrive within minutes. Of course, the lenders themselves might take longer to approve your request.
The only thing you can do to expedite the process is make sure the information you send is accurate and upload all the necessary documents. Once you’re approved, you can immediately start using your funds.
If you have any questions regarding MyAutoLoan rates or the company’s cheapest auto loans, you can either reach out to customer service or browse through the FAQ/Help sections. Customer support agents are knowledgeable and willing to help; however, you can only contact them by filling out a form on the site.
There are no phone or live chat options. The help section has a broad selection of reading materials, but that doesn’t exactly qualify as instant assistance.
Reasons to Apply
Up to four offers from lenders
Good for bad credit scores
Special lender-specific deals
RefiJet is one of the best companies to refinance auto loans thanks to its competitive rates and simple application process. The company has a partnership with numerous high-end lenders, so you can easily find a customized solution without damaging your credit.
What separates RefiJet from the competition is the company’s level of involvement in the entire process, as well as its range of refinancing options. RefiJet does a lot of your paperwork for you and enables you to buy motorcycles, SUVs, and even trucks.
Although it ultimately depends on the lenders and their customized offers, RefiJet’s best auto refinance loans start at 2.74% APR. Note that even if you have a perfect credit score, you might not be eligible for this rate. This offer also grants new clients a two-month period with no payments.
RefiJet won’t charge you anything for its service, but you’ll still have to pay for title transfers and additional fees required by the state. There is no application fee, while prepayment penalties and late fees depend solely on the lenders. Some are more generous than others.
The RefiJet car loan site explains how and why you should refinance your car loans. The company’s selection of the best auto loan providers can help you lower your interest rate, extend the terms, or decrease monthly payments through refinancing. This is often used to get cash back from equity, add or remove co-borrowers, or take a break from payments for a month.
All of these reasons are explained in great detail on the site, which is a perfect example of good user experience.
There are a few requirements. First off, you need to be employed and have a legitimate source of income. To get the best auto loans for fair credit, your most recent car payments need to be in order, and you have to have a valid license and registration documents. As for the vehicle in question, it mustn’t be older than 10 years and needs to have full insurance coverage.
The minimum loan amount is $7,500.
The application is extremely easy and user-friendly. RefiJet’s loan officers guide you through the process, handling most of the paperwork for you. The prequalification process relies on the soft pull method, so it doesn’t affect your credit score. You get your customized offers within minutes and can discuss prospects with the company’s specialists.
Note that once you choose one of the best companies for auto loans, the lender will do a hard pull to verify all the information. If you have any questions, concerns, or want to learn more about RefiJet’s work, you can contact customer service. It’s available via phone, email, or through the on-site contact form.
Reasons to Apply
Excellent refinancing options
Soft credit pull
Online and phone applications
One of the biggest decisions you have to make when choosing the best place to get an auto loan is whether you should go with a credit union or a bank. Both of these options have their pros and cons, so it comes down to your needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of some of the main characteristics.
Credit unions are nonprofit organizations that are focused on providing financial services to specific groups or communities. These can be communities residing in the vicinity of the institution, military or healthcare personnel, or employees of a company partnered with the union. In order to get the best credit union auto loan, you need to become a member.
The main appeal of credit unions for most clients is the lower fees. As a nonprofit, the organization isn’t obliged to pay federal income tax and, therefore, can afford to offer lower fees to its members. Another benefit that many users appreciate is that unions tend to be less strict about credit scores. If you want to get car loans with bad credit, you’ll have a better chance of doing so with a credit union.
The ultimate goal of any bank is to make money. Banks generally offer higher fees than unions but lower interest rates.
Some people may argue that credit unions adopt a personal approach with their clients, compared to banks that are perceived as cold and disinterested. However, that really depends on the bank. Some smaller institutions will provide you with the same amount of care and devotion you’d normally get from a union.
In addition to offering low car interest rates, banks also tend to invest more in technology, which is essential in today’s high-tech world. A quality auto loan app can provide you with all the relevant data about your loan, rates, and repayment process whenever you need it.
Generally, credit unions are considered more flexible, customer-friendly, and usually have lower fees. Banks, on the other hand, have a wider coverage, invest a lot more in technology, and offer lower interest rates. You can find the best auto loan rates in either of these institutions, depending on your needs.
The average car loan interest rate for a new vehicle sits at around 6%, so anything below that is good. For used cars, the average rate is slightly higher, hovering around 9.5%. Naturally, the interest depends on a number of factors, including your credit score and the repayment period. Even the best places for auto loans with bad credit struggle to offer you anything below 14% if your credit score is under 500.
Consumers Credit Union is among the best-known lenders on the market, with competitive rates tailored to clients who don’t have the perfect credit score. Another option to take into consideration is Alliant Federal Credit Union. You’re eligible for membership at this union if your employer is partnered with Alliant or you live/work near the company’s headquarters in Chicago. In case you’re interested specifically in the best auto loans for the military, you should go with Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
In most cases, dealerships are just intermediaries between the bank and the client, so it’s usually better to do business with the bank directly. That way you’ll get lower rates and won’t have to pay the dealer his cut. Of course, this is not always the case. Dealerships might also offer lower rates based on deals they have with specific banks. Either way, in order to find the best interest rates for auto loans, you’ll need to take a look at both options.
A good credit score is not the only factor that makes you eligible for a loan. Lenders often don’t disclose all the elements of their screening process, but they will look into various aspects of your credit report. Banks are more likely to offer advertised rates to applicants who are already their clients. That gives them direct insight into your financial habits, and they can determine whether you should get a low-APR auto loan.
Most of the time, when you’re presented with a 0% financing plan, it means that the interest is calculated into the price of the vehicle. Essentially, you pay a higher price for the car than you would if you’d gone with the cash option. However, sometimes the dealership might also offer 0% interest as an incentive to buy the car with no strings attached. These are the best auto loans reserved for special customers or time-sensitive offers. Make sure you read the fine print, though, because this also offers an excellent opportunity to scammers.
