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Best Auto Loans for Bad Credit

There are times when your credit rating is lower than desired, but this doesn’t stop you from being able to access finance. Many lenders specialize in offering auto loans for people with bad credit. This article will outline the best strategies for obtaining an auto loan if you have been credited. Compare the top car loans for bad credit available, getting you the best rates and terms to help you get that dream car in no time.

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Key Facts

  • Free-to-use marketplace with a choice of vetted lending partners.
  • Borrowers are in control and can compare competitive loan options.
  • No prepayment fees and origination fees as low as 0%
  • Max Loan Amount: $100K

Pros

pros iconGreat for Comparing Lenders

pros icon Fast and Easy

pros iconSecure 256-bit encryption

Cons

cons iconFees Vary

cons iconOther Variable Info

cons iconTerms are Limited

Personal Loans Rate and Terms Disclosure: Rates for personal loans provided by lenders on the Credible platform range between 6.99% – 35.99% APR with terms from 12 to 84 months. Rates presented include lender discounts for enrolling in autopay and loyalty programs, where applicable. Actual rates may be different from the rates advertised and/or shown and will be based on the lender’s eligibility criteria, which include factors such as credit score, loan amount, loan term, credit usage and history, and vary based on loan purpose. The lowest rates available typically require excellent credit, and for some lenders, may be reserved for specific loan purposes and/or shorter loan terms. The origination fee charged by the lenders on our platform ranges from 0% to 8%. Each lender has their own qualification criteria with respect to their autopay and loyalty discounts (e.g., some lenders require the borrower to elect autopay prior to loan funding in order to qualify for the autopay discount). All rates are determined by the lender and must be agreed upon between the borrower and the borrower’s chosen lender. For a loan of $10,000 with a three year repayment period, an interest rate of 7.99%, a $350 origination fee and an APR of 11.51%, the borrower will receive $9,650 at the time of loan funding and will make 36 monthly payments of $313.32. Assuming all on-time payments, and full performance of all terms and conditions of the loan contract and any discount programs enrolled in included in the APR/interest rate throughout the life of the loan, the borrower will pay a total of $11,279.43. As of March 3, 2022, none of the lenders on our platform require a down payment nor do they charge any prepayment penalties..

Prequalified rates are based on the information you provide and a soft credit inquiry. Receiving prequalified rates does not guarantee that the Lender will extend you an offer of credit. You are not yet approved for a loan or a specific rate. All credit decisions, including loan approval, if any, are determined by Lenders, in their sole discretion. Lenders will conduct a hard credit pull when you submit your application. Hard credit pulls will have an impact on your credit score. Lowest rate advertised is not available for all loan sizes, types, or purposes, and assumes a very well qualified borrower with an excellent credit profile. Loan Example: A $10,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) would be repayable in 60 monthly installments of $228 each. The actual payment amount and year-end balance will vary based on the APR, loan amount, and term selected. In this case the total amount expected to pay by the borrower will be $13,680.

Bonus disclosure:
“All bonus payments are by gift card.”

*Not all available financial products and offers from all financial institutions have been reviewed by this website

  • check mark Fixed APR: 7.49 - 35.99%
  • check mark Loan Term: 12-84 months
  • check mark Min Credit Score: 600
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Key Facts

  • Competitive rates available for good credit scores and income source
  • Access to financial advisors, private networking events, & unemployment protection
  • Flexible terms & payment options with no fees whatsoever
  • Max Loan Amount: $100K

Pros

pros iconPersonal loan application process is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete

pros iconSoft credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score and gives you personalized rates

pros iconFixed and variable rate loans available ranging from $5,000 to $100,000

pros iconNo late or origination fees required

pros iconExcellent customer support team

pros iconOnline autopay comes with a discount on interest

pros iconExclusive benefits for members (ex. networking events and access to financial advisors)

pros iconUnemployment Protection feature comes with a temporary payment pause (up to 12 months)

pros iconNo prepayment penalties

Cons

cons iconMay take up to 4 days to receive funds after approval (longer than other online lenders)

cons iconHigh eligibility requirements (ex. good credit and sufficient income)

“SoFi” is a registered trademark of Social Finance, Inc. SoFi is not affiliated with colleges and universities listed on SoFi.com. Colleges and universities listed on SoFi.com do not endorse, promote or recommend SoFi loan products.

Terms and Conditions Apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. To qualify, a borrower must be a U.S. citizen or other eligible status and and meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements. Not all borrowers receive the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. If approved, your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed above and will depend on a variety of factors, including term of loan, evaluation of your creditworthiness, years of professional experience, income, and a variety of other factors. Rates and Terms are subject to change at anytime without notice and are subject to state restrictions. SoFi refinance loans are private loans and do not have the same repayment options that the federal loan program offers, or may become available, such as Income Based Repayment or Income Contingent Repayment or PAYE. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Financing Law License No. 6054612. SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp. or an affiliate, NMLS # 1121636. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

Loan Example: A $10,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) would be repayable in 60 monthly installments of $228 each. The actual payment amount and year-end balance will vary based on the APR, loan amount, and term selected. In this case the total amount expected to pay by the borrower will be $13,680

✝︎ To check the rates and terms you qualify for, SoFi conducts a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you choose a product and continue your application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

©2022 Social Finance, Inc. All rights reserved.”

Fixed rates from 3.99% APR to 9.99% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% direct deposit interest rate discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 01/16/24 and are subject to change without notice. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and a variety of other factors.Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0%-6%, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to potentially receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction for setting up direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A. or eligible cash management account offered by SoFi Securities, LLC (“Direct Deposit Account”), you must have an open Direct Deposit Account within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled payroll direct deposits of at least $1,000/month to a Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off direct deposits to your Direct Deposit Account. You are not required to enroll in direct deposits to receive a Loan.

  • check mark APR: 8.99-25.81%
  • check mark Loan Term: 24-84 months
  • check mark Min Credit Score: 680
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Key Facts

  • Useful mobile app to manage your loan
  • Accepts co-signer and joint applications
  • Wide range of term lengths and amounts

Pros

pros iconFast funding time

pros iconGreat reputation

pros iconLow-fee loans

pros iconWide range of term lengths

Cons

cons iconYou need to be a PenFed Credit Union member to get a loan

cons iconDoesn’t disclose all eligibility requirements

This website is an informative comparison site that aims to offer its users find helpful information regarding the products and offers that will suit their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by receiving advertising fees from the brands and service providers we review on this website (though we may also assess brands we are not engaged with).

These advertising fees, combined with our criteria and methodology, such as the conversion rates, our team of reviewers’ findings and subjective experience, and product popularity, impact the placement and position of the brands within the comparison table. In the event that we assign ratings or scoring, they are based on the standing in the comparison table or according to the other formula in the event detailed explicitly by us. See our How we Rate page and Terms of Use for information.

The reviews, ratings, and scoring are provided “as is” without guarantees or warranties regarding the information contained on our website, which shall not be considered as endorsement. We do our best to keep the information up-to-date. However, an offer’s terms might change at any time. We do not compare or include all service providers, brands, and offers available in the market. Loan Payment Example: A $35,000 personal loan financed at 4.99% APR would amount to 60 monthly payments of approximately $676.49 each.

  • check mark Useful mobile app to manage your loan
  • check mark Accepts co-signer and joint applications
  • check mark Wide range of term lengths and amounts
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Key Facts

  • Discounts for Upgrade account owners
  • No prepayment fees
  • Fast funding in 1-4 days

Pros

pros iconOffers a small minimum loan amount

pros iconDeals with credit scores of at least 580

pros iconNo early prepayment fee

pros iconQuick time to funding

pros iconSolid mobile app to manage loans

Cons

cons iconCharges origination fee

cons iconLate fees in place

Personal loans made through Upgrade feature Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) of 8.49%-35.99%. All personal loans have a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee, which is deducted from the loan proceeds. Lowest rates require Autopay and paying off a portion of existing debt directly. Loans feature repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. For example, if you receive a $10,000 loan with a 36-month term and a 17.59% APR (which includes a 13.94% yearly interest rate and a 1.85% to 9.99% origination fee), you would receive $9,500 in your account and would have a required monthly payment of $341.48. Over the life of the loan, your payments would total $12,293.46. The APR on your loan may be higher or lower and your loan offers may not have multiple term lengths available. Actual rate depends on credit score, credit usage history, loan term, and other factors. Late payments or subsequent charges and fees may increase the cost of your fixed rate loan. There is no fee or penalty for repaying a loan early. Personal loans issued by Upgrade’s bank partners. Information on Upgrade’s lending partners can be found at https://www.upgrade.com/lending-partners/.

Fast Funding Disclosure: *Accept your loan offer and your funds will be sent to your bank or designated account within one (1) business day of clearing necessary verifications. Availability of the funds is dependent on how quickly your bank processes the transaction. From the time of approval, funds sent directly to you should be available within one (1) business day. Funds sent directly to pay off your creditors may take up to 2 weeks to clear, depending on the creditor.

  • check mark Discounts for Upgrade account owners
  • check mark No prepayment penalties
  • check mark Fast funding in 1-4 days
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Key Facts

  • Wide range of loan term lengths.
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Enjoy additional services Axos offer.

Pros

pros iconNo prepayment penalties

pros icon1-year loan terms available

pros iconFast, 2-day funding

pros iconWide range of loan terms

Cons

cons iconHigh credit score requirements

cons iconOrigination fee

cons iconShorter loan terms

Axos Bank® offers bank products and services. All deposit accounts through Axos Bank brands are FDIC insured through Axos Bank. All deposit accounts of the same ownership and vesting held at Axos Bank are combined and insured under the same FDIC Certificate 35546. All deposit accounts through Axos Bank brands are not separately insured by the FDIC from other deposit accounts held with the same ownership and vesting at Axos Bank. For more information, read our FDIC Notice. Axos Bank NMLS# 524995. For example, if you get approved for a $15,000 loan at 6.99% APR for a term of 72 months, you’ll pay just $256 per month for a total amount of $18,432.

 

  • check mark Wide range of loan term lengths
  • check mark No prepayment penalties
  • check mark Repay in 3-6 years
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Key Facts

  • Good credit gets low rates and zero fees
  • Fast and easy online process
  • $100 Loan Experience Guarantee¹
  • Max Loan Amount: $100K
  • Powered by Credible

Pros

pros iconGet a loan for practically anything

pros iconAutopay discount available

pros iconDedicated app to manage your loan

pros iconLightStream doesn’t charge any fees

Cons

cons iconPersonal loan up to $100K

cons iconRequires steady income

cons icon1-3 Days till funding

LightStream is a part of Truist Bank. While most correspondence will come from LightStream, you might notice the name Truist on certain communications from us. We continue to serve customers across all 50 states, and you do not need to be an existing customer to qualify for a LightStream loan.

Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and credit profile. The lowest rates require excellent credit. At least 22% of approved applicants applying for the lowest rate qualified for the lowest rate available based on data from 07/01/2022 to 09/30/2022.

Rate is quoted with an AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available before loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 4.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $299.66.

  • check mark APR: 6.99 - 25.49% *w/ Autopay
  • check mark Loan Term: 24 - 84* months
  • check mark Min Credit Score: 660
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Key Facts

  • Flexible repayment options
  • Great for customers with bad credit score
  • Safe and secure

Pros

pros iconEasy, fast application process

pros iconFunds are disbursed quickly

pros iconBuilds personal credit

Cons

cons iconHigh fees and interest charges

cons iconNo co-signed, joint, or secured loan option

cons iconNo rate discount for automatic payments

Loan Example: A $10,000 loan with a 5-year term at 13% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) would be repayable in 60 monthly installments of $228 each. The actual payment amount and year-end balance will vary based on the APR, loan amount, and term selected. In this case the total amount expected to pay by the borrower will be $13,680

  • check mark Flexible repayment options
  • check mark Quick loan approval & funding
  • check mark One-step loan application process

Top Car Loan For Bad Credit Providers

sofi logo
SoFi

Low Rates. No Fees are Required.

680

Min Credit Score

8.99-29.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

8.99-29.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$5K-$100K

Loan Amount

24 to 84 months

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

None

Other Fees

None

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

Same-day funding if approved before 7:00 PM ET days

Funding Time

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Personal loan application process is easy and only takes a few minutes to complete
  • con-icon Soft credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score and gives you personalized rates
  • con-icon Fixed and variable rate loans available ranging from $5,000 to $100,000
  • con-icon No late or origination fees required
  • con-icon Excellent customer support team
  • con-icon Online autopay comes with a discount on interest
  • con-icon Exclusive benefits for members (ex. networking events and access to financial advisors)
  • con-icon Unemployment Protection feature comes with a temporary payment pause (up to 12 months)
  • con-icon No prepayment penalties
  • con-icon May take up to 4 days to receive funds after approval (longer than other online lenders)
  • con-icon High eligibility requirements (ex. good credit and sufficient income)

Loan Purpose

drop-down-btn
  • Credit Card Refinance
  • Debt Consolidation
  • Home Improvement
  • Major Purchase
  • Medical Expenses
  • Relocation
  • Vacation
  • Wedding

Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Unsecured Personal Loans
Credible

Get Personalized Prequalified Rates

550

Min Credit Score

6.99-35.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

6.99-35.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$600-$100K

Loan Amount

1-7 years

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Marketplace

Lender Type

Yes

Other Fees

Varies

Origination Fee

Varies

Prepayment Fee

Within 5 working days

Funding Time

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Great for Comparing Lenders
  • con-icon Fast and Easy
  • con-icon Secure 256-bit encryption
  • con-icon Fees Vary
  • con-icon Other Variable Info
  • con-icon Terms are Limited

Loan Purpose

drop-down-btn
  • Credit Card Refinance
  • Debt Consolidation
  • Home Improvement
  • Medical Expenses
  • Relocation
  • Vacation
  • Wedding

Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Unsecured Personal Loans
  • Fixed-Rate Personal Loans
  • Variable-Rate Personal Loans
  • Co-singer / Joint loans

690

Min Credit Score

8.49-17.99%

APR. Fixed Rate

8.49-17.99%

APR. Variable Rate

$600-$50K

Loan Amount

6 months to 6 years

Repayment terms

Yes

Soft Credit Pull

Direct

Lender Type

Yes

Other Fees

None

Origination Fee

None

Prepayment Fee

1-2 days

Funding Time

Pros & Cons

drop-down-btn
  • con-icon Fast funding time
  • con-icon Great reputation
  • con-icon Low-fee loans
  • con-icon Wide range of term lengths
  • con-icon You need to be a PenFed Credit Union member to get a loan
  • con-icon Doesn’t disclose all eligibility requirements

Loan Purpose

drop-down-btn
  • Debt Consolidation
  • Home Improvement
  • Medical Expenses
  • Other

Loan Type

drop-down-btn
  • Unsecured Personal Loans

What is an Auto Loan for Bad Credit?

An auto loan for bad credit operates like a regular auto loan but is specifically tailored to people with low credit scores. Lenders that offer auto loans to people with bad credit will consider multiple alternative factors such as employment history, income levels, and existing loans. Due to the higher risk, lenders usually charge higher interest rates and fees when providing an auto loan to people with bad credit.

Key Terms You Need to Know

You should be aware of the following key terms when looking for an auto loan for bad credit:

  • Credit Score: A credit score is a number between 0-999 that is assigned based on your credit history. A score from 0-499 is very poor, 500-599 is poor, and 600-660 is fair. A score above 660 is considered good.
  • Down Payment: A payment made up-front towards a vehicle’s purchase price when securing an auto loan. Down payments are often required when obtaining an auto loan for bad credit. 
  • Subprime Lender: Subprime lenders focus on providing auto loans to people with bad credit scores. These lenders focus on different factors to determine your eligibility for a loan, such as income levels and employment history.
  • Loan Term: The length of time that a loan is taken out. Remember that while a longer loan term may result in lower monthly payments, you will pay more interest over time.

Auto Loans for Bad Credit – How it Works

Auto loans for bad credit work in a very similar way to regular auto loans, with two primary differences in the process:

  1. The way that lenders evaluate your creditworthiness is different. As opposed to just looking at your credit score, lenders will evaluate your employment history, income status, and current financial position to determine your ability to pay back any loan issued.
  2. Loan rates and fees offered will likely be more expensive than if you have good credit. This is due to the higher risks associated with bad credit. 

Other than these factors, the process remains the same, from application to the loan being issued. This article gives guidance on applying for an auto loan for bad credit, so keep reading to check out your next steps. 

Auto Loans for Bad Credit – Rates and Fees

Rates and fees for auto loans for bad credit vary wildly from lender to lender, so look through all of the recommended lenders we have listed. It is essential to review the origination fees and down payment requirements, as these can add up quickly and increase your level of cash outflows.

In today’s market, you can expect rates for auto loans with bad credit to vary from 7% to 30%+ depending on your personal circumstances, with loan amounts available from $1,000 to $100,000+.

Types of Auto Loans for Bad Credit

Auto loans for bad credit are a specific type of car loan tailored to people with poor credit ratings. This loan type can be used for new or used vehicles, and different lenders have different requirements on eligible vehicles for loans. For example, lenders will specify whether vehicles need to be within a certain age or under a particular mileage for a loan to be issued. 
When researching and applying for auto loans, ensure that any inquiries do not bind you to having a hard credit check performed. This type of credit check reduces your credit score slightly, so you only want to commit to this when you know which lender you want to receive financing from.

Auto Loans for Bad Credit – Pros & Cons

Pros Cons 
Allows vehicle ownership to people who may otherwise struggle to achieve this Higher interest rates than traditional loans for new and used vehicles
Can help to successfully rebuild your credit history, making getting future credit easier Higher fees and require larger down payments
Maybe the only opportunity for people with sub-par credit scores to access vehicle financing Some lenders place restrictions on the vehicle type, model, and age that they will lend against

How to Apply

Applying for an auto loan for bad credit is easy, and we recommend that you take the following steps to put you in a position to make the most informed decision when purchasing a vehicle.

  1. Check your credit score to understand your situation 
  2. Determine your budget to work out the monthly payments that you can afford
  3. Research the top auto loans for bad credit using this website
  4. Compile the documents needed to go through the loan process, including personal documents and income and employment history
  5. Apply online and review loan terms
  6. If you are happy, then you can sign the loan agreement and enjoy your new vehicle.

Conclusion

Getting an auto loan if you have bad credit doesn’t have to be a difficult or daunting task. Many reputable lenders specialize in lending to customers with poor credit history, and you can compare the best auto loans for bad credit companies right here. Do your research and read the small print to ensure that you are aware of all fees and enjoy the freedom that your new auto loan will give you.