What credit score is needed to refinance a car?
Most lenders require at least 600. You likely won't get a better rate by refinancing with a score lower than this. It could even cost you more overall, especially if you increase your loan term to reduce your monthly payments. You can check your credit score for free.
There is no minimum credit score required to refinance a car loan. That being said, there is a range that is considered a “good credit score” to refinance a car loan. In general, a credit score over 700 will unlock the best interest rates, and a credit score between 660-700 will give you access to standard rates.
Most lenders require a credit score of 620 to refinance to a conventional loan. FHA loans have a 500 minimum median qualifying credit score. However, most FHA-approved lenders set their own credit limits. Rocket Mortgage® requires a minimum 580 credit score to qualify.
The short answer is that yes, you can refinance an auto loan with bad credit. However, you may not have as many loan options available to you. Some lenders aren't willing to work with borrowers who have less-than-ideal credit scores.
Yes, you can refinance a car loan with bad credit, though your options will be far more limited than if you have good credit. You can shop around for lenders with low credit score requirements — some lenders even have credit scores requirements as low as 460.
Car mileage and age
Most lenders have maximum mileage and age requirements for cars they will refinance. These maximums vary by lender, but they often fall within the range of 125,000 to 150,000 for mileage, and 10 model years or newer for age.
A lender might refuse to refinance a car if your current loan is too new, if your car is too old or has too many miles on it, or if your current loan balance is too low or too high.
Your credit score gauges how likely you are to repay a loan and is usually measured on a scale from 300 to 850. To be approved for a conventional mortgage, you typically need a minimum 620 credit score. If your score is below the mid-600s, however, you may have a harder time qualifying for a refinance.
However, Mortgage Refinancing can be done with conventional banks, or Alternative B lender if there is bad credit score. Keep in mind that refinancing may involve additional fees with the Alternative B Lenders. If you have equity built in your home, you may take additional funds when you refinance.
Refinancing will hurt your credit score a bit initially, but might actually help in the long run. Refinancing can significantly lower your debt amount and/or your monthly payment, and lenders like to see both of those. Your score will typically dip a few points, but it can bounce back within a few months.
What's the best bank to refinance a car?
| Brand | Loan amount | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Lightstream Car Refi | Up to $100,000 | 24 to 84 months |
| PenFed Car Refinance | Up to $150,000 | 36 to 84 months |
| Bank of American Auto Loans Refi | Up to $100,000 | 12 to 75 months |
| Consumers Credit Union Auto Loan Refi | Up to $150,000 | Up to 96 months |
When can I refinance my car after I buy it? After you buy a car, you have to wait at least 60 to 90 days before you can refinance, since it takes about this long to transfer the title to your name. Generally, it's best practice to wait to refinance a car loan for at least six to 12 months.
It's essential to be knowledgeable about how your auto loan process will be different than someone with a higher score. You might not have the same options, but you can still get an auto loan with a 600 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. Meanwhile, low-credit borrowers with scores of 600 or lower accounted for only 14% of auto loans.
You can borrow as much as $40,000 - $100,000+ with a 650 credit score. The exact amount of money you will get depends on other factors besides your credit score, such as your income, your employment status, the type of loan you get, and even the lender.
- LendingTree - Best Marketplace for Fair Credit Scores.
- RateGenius - Best Marketplace for Good Credit Scores.
- PenFed Credit Union - Best Direct Lender.
- OpenRoad Lending - Best for Low Credit Scores.
- Auto Credit Express - Best for Recent Bankruptcies.
You could get a better interest rate and improved loan terms if you refinance your auto loan. The application process is very similar to securing a new loan, but a down payment isn't required.
Proof of Income
Hourly and salaried employees: Traditional employees should plan to provide pay stubs for the last two pay periods to refinance a car loan. Freelance and contract workers: These workers can provide 1099s from all companies or a copy of last year's tax return.
Completing an application for refinancing a car often takes less than an hour, and many lenders return a loan decision immediately. The reasons for refinancing a car vary.
In general, lenders expect you to have a minimum of 20% in home equity to refinance. In other words, the loan balance must be 80% or less of the home's value. If you don't have enough equity to meet the lender's requirement—especially if you want to take cash out of the home—you may not be eligible to refinance.
Why wouldn't I be able to refinance my car?
Cars depreciate quickly, so you'll likely only be able to refinance within the first few years of owning your car. Some lenders won't refinance cars that are over a certain age or mileage. For example, some banks won't refinance cars that are older than seven years or have more than 90,000 to 125,000 miles on them.
Lenders have specific requirements regarding the age and mileage of cars they're willing to refinance, and some lenders won't refinance a loan that's too close to the end of its term. Generally, if your car is older or has high mileage, lenders may offer you a higher interest rate, if they offer refinancing at all.
To qualify for a refinance, take a look at your debt-to-income ratio. The new monthly mortgage payment shouldn't be more than 30% of your monthly income. To refinance $200K over a 30-year fixed term, you'll need an income of approx. $5,200/month.
If you've been turned down for a refinance, you still have options. Since the law requires your lender to provide you with a written explanation of why your application was denied, you can either apply again with other lenders or fix the problem(s) your lender identified and reapply when your situation has improved.
Most loan types require a minimum 620 credit score to refinance a mortgage, though the requirement may vary by loan program. Lenders tend to offer lower refinance interest rates to borrowers with higher credit scores. Getting your credit in top shape before refinancing is the best way to snag competitive rate offers.
