Can I get a car loan with a credit score of 500? (2024)

FAQs

Can I get a car loan with a credit score of 500? ›

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 14.08% for new-car loans and 21.32% for used-car loans in the first quarter of 2023, according to the Experian State of the Automotive Finance Market report.

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.

However, the vast majority of borrowers have scores of 661 or higher. Borrowers with scores of 501 to 600 account for about 13% of cars financed, while people with scores of 500 or below account for less than 2%, according to Experian.

With a bad credit score, you'll likely be offered some of the highest advertised rates. According to data from Experian, borrowers in the subprime category (a FICO score between 501 and 600) can expect an average rate of 12.28 percent for new cars and 18.89 percent for used cars.

It depends on your starting point. Generally, significant improvement can happen within a few months with dedicated effort (like paying down debt). Reaching 700 itself might take longer (12-24 months), depending on your credit history. Consistency is key!

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. Meanwhile, low-credit borrowers with scores of 600 or lower accounted for only 14% of auto loans.

The base FICO score is also called FICO Score 8 or 9. It's not designed specifically for auto loans, but many lenders use it. It's a number between 300 and 850, and a higher score means that a person is more likely to make loan payments on time.

Key Takeaways. Your credit score is a major factor in whether you'll be approved for a car loan. Some lenders use specialized credit scores, such as a FICO Auto Score. In general, you'll need at least prime credit, meaning a credit score of 661 or up, to get a loan at a good interest rate.

You can borrow money with a 500 credit score, but don't expect great options. Bad credit personal loans will emphasize your income more than your credit score. Securing a loan with a 500 credit score may be challenging, but that doesn't mean every lending door is closed.

Navy Federal says its loans are available to borrowers across the credit spectrum, including borrowers with bad credit or thin credit histories, and there's no minimum credit score requirement. You must be a member of Navy Federal to apply. Here's what you need for your application: Desired loan amount and term.

Can I cosign for a car with a 500 credit score? ›

Each auto lender has its own credit requirements, but typically a cosigner needs a credit score of 670 or more. Lenders also calculate the cosigner's debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which measures how much of their income goes to pay debt.

You may be surprised to learn that there's no minimum credit score for car loans. Some lenders offer auto financing even for people with poor credit histories. However, your credit score plays a crucial role in the rates you get as well as which lenders will work with you.

There is no minimum credit score required to be approved for car finance for a number of reasons: – Different finance providers will use different third-party credit reference agencies to retrieve your credit score. A person's credit score will be different across providers as their scoring systems are unique.

The maximum amount you can get for a credit score of 500 will depend on the lender. As mentioned, some lenders will consider granting loans up to $10,000. There are other lenders who don't have a minimum credit score.

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.