Can I Get a Car Loan with a 590 Credit Score? Tips & Options

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Can I Get a Car Loan (500 Credit Score, $0 Down)?

  • Your 500 credit score makes getting a car loan and avoiding high interest rates challenging.
  • Consider lenders specializing in bad credit or getting a co-signer to improve your chances of approval.
  • Call The Credit Pros to explore potential solutions for boosting your credit. Fixing your score increases your car loan options and may lead to better terms.

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You can get a car loan with a 500 credit score and no down payment, but it won’t be easy. Lenders will see you as a high-risk borrower, which often results in higher interest rates and strict terms. Look for lenders that specialize in bad credit loans and think about getting a co-signer to boost your chances. Buy here, pay here dealerships could also work, but be ready for steep rates.

To make this process smoother, gather your necessary documents, like proof of income and your credit report. Focus on affordable used cars from brands like Kia or Nissan that fit your budget. Check out different lenders and compare their rates. Keep in mind that your interest rates for used cars may average around 18.97%.

The best thing you can do is call The Credit Pros. We’ll have a straightforward chat and look at your 3-bureau credit report. Our team will create a plan that fits your situation and help you explore your car loan options, even with a 500 credit score. Let’s find a manageable solution for your car financing needs together.

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    Can I Get A Car Loan With A 500 Credit Score Without A Down Payment?

    Yes, you can get a car loan with a 500 credit score without a down payment, but it’s challenging. Lenders view a 500 credit score as poor, making you a high-risk borrower, which often results in higher interest rates and stricter terms.

    When applying for a car loan with a 500 credit score:

    • Shop around for lenders who specialize in bad-credit loans. Not all lenders will consider your application.

    • Without a down payment, expect higher interest rates or the need for a co-signer with better credit.

    • Consider ‘buy here, pay here’ dealerships, though they often come with high-interest rates.

    At the end of the day, you need to explore specialized lenders and possibly seek a co-signer to improve your chances of getting a car loan with a low credit score.

    Common Lenders For Car Loans With Poor Credit

    Common lenders for car loans with poor credit often include credit unions and specialized online marketplaces. Here are some specific options for you:

    • MyAutoloan: This platform connects you to multiple lenders. You can receive pre-qualified loan offers without affecting your credit score. It accepts scores as low as 575.

    • Auto Credit Express: Targeted at those with scores around 525, this service helps you find loans and works with dealers willing to finance bad credit.

    • Capital One Auto Finance: This national bank offers competitive rates and allows you to prequalify with no impact on your credit score.

    • CarMax Financial: They have no minimum credit score requirement and focus exclusively on used vehicle loans.

    • Carvana: This option is great for online shopping for used cars. They offer a quick pre-qualification process without impacting your credit score.

    • Autopay: This is a loan marketplace that presents multiple offers, although you’ll generally need at least a 550 credit score to qualify.

    While these options can assist you, remember that you may face higher interest rates due to your credit score. Exploring different lenders is crucial to finding the best terms possible for your situation. Lastly, compare your options to secure a loan that best fits your needs.

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    How Does A 500 Credit Score Impact Car Loan Approval?

    A 500 credit score significantly impacts your car loan approval. You might still get approved, but expect challenges. Lenders view you as high-risk, leading to higher interest rates and increased monthly payments. Most lenders prefer scores above 660, and only about 2% of borrowers finance cars with scores below 500.

    You may need a larger down payment or a less expensive vehicle. While lenders consider factors like income and employment history, your credit score remains crucial. Expect interest rates around 14.78% for new cars and 21.55% for used cars, compared to much lower rates for higher scores.

    It’s essential to shop around. Different lenders have varying policies, and some may offer better terms despite your low score. Finally, understanding these variables helps you find suitable options and navigate the loan process despite your credit challenges.

    What Interest Rates Can I Expect With A 500 Credit Score?

    With a 500 credit score, you can expect significantly higher interest rates for car loans compared to those with better credit. Typically, you would fall into the ‘subprime’ category, meaning lenders see you as high-risk. Average interest rates for used car loans in this range can be as high as 18.97%, while new car loans may hover around 12.85%.

    Lenders often charge elevated rates to compensate for the perceived risk of lending to someone with a 500 credit score. In practical terms, this means you will pay more over the life of the loan. For example, on a $14,000 loan over five years at a rate of 18.97%, your monthly payment could reach around $362.94, resulting in about $7,776 in total interest paid.

    Moreover, getting a loan with a 500 credit score can come with added fees and possibly require collateral, further increasing the overall cost. It’s critical that you shop around for lenders who specialize in bad credit loans, as terms and conditions can vary. You should check your rates through online prequalification processes to avoid hard inquiries on your credit report.

    Big picture, understanding how your 500 credit score affects your loan interest rates can help you navigate your financing options more effectively.

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    Do I Need A Co-Signer For A Car Loan With A 500 Credit Score?

    You may need a co-signer for a car loan with a 500 credit score. Lenders often view a 500 credit score as risky, and a co-signer can enhance your chances of approval. A co-signer agrees to take responsibility if you can’t make payments, reassuring lenders and potentially leading to better terms.

    While not all lenders require a co-signer, many might ask for one to strengthen your application. If your co-signer has a higher credit score and good credit history, your chances of approval increase significantly. It’s important to discuss this option with your potential lenders.

    Having a co-signer doesn’t guarantee approval but can significantly help. If you decide to apply without a co-signer, be ready for higher interest rates and potential challenges. Overall, securing a co-signer with a good credit score can improve your approval odds and lead to more favorable loan terms.

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    What Are My Options For No Money Down Car Loans?

    You have several options for no money down car loans, even with a credit score around 500. One option is buy here, pay here (BHPH) dealerships. These dealerships finance cars directly and often don’t require a down payment, catering to buyers with poor credit profiles.

    You can also look for lenders specializing in bad credit loans. Some lenders finance the entire car purchase, including sales tax and fees, without requiring a down payment.

    Another option is a personal loan. Unlike auto loans, personal loans often don’t require a down payment, though they come with higher interest rates.

    As a final point, you should check with various dealerships and lenders to find the best terms and have a solid repayment plan to improve your credit score and get better loan terms in the future.

    How Can I Improve My Chances Of Getting Approved?

    You can improve your chances of getting approved for a loan despite a low credit score by taking specific steps that enhance your creditworthiness. Here are some actionable strategies:

    • Check Your Credit Report: Start by reviewing your credit report for errors. If you find mistakes, dispute them to potentially raise your score.

    • Pay Bills On Time: Timely payments show lenders you are responsible. Focus on paying all your bills before the due date.

    • Reduce Credit Utilization: Keep your balances low compared to your credit limits. Aim for a utilization ratio below 30% to demonstrate good credit management.

    • Limit New Credit Applications: Each application can lower your score slightly. Apply only for credit you genuinely need to avoid unnecessary inquiries.

    • Build a Positive Credit History: If possible, consider becoming an authorized user on someone else’s good credit account or getting a secured credit card. These can help you create a better payment history.

    • Consider a Co-signer: If you’re applying for a car loan, having a co-signer with a better credit score can improve your chances of approval.

    To put it simply, you should check your credit report, pay your bills on time, reduce your credit utilization, limit new credit applications, build a positive credit history, and consider a co-signer to improve your chances of getting approved.

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    What Bad-Credit Loan Programs Are Available?

    You can access several bad-credit loan programs even with a low credit score. Here are some options:

    • Upstart: With a minimum credit score of 300, you can get loans from $1,000 to $50,000. Upstart considers factors like education and employment history, potentially helping you qualify. Interest rates range from 7.80% to 35.99%, with repayment terms of 36 or 60 months.

    • Upgrade: This lender requires a minimum credit score of 580. You can borrow between $1,000 and $50,000, with interest rates from 9.99% to 35.99%. They offer discounts for autopay and repaying existing debts. Loan terms span from 24 to 84 months.

    • Credit Unions: Many credit unions provide bad-credit loan programs. They often have more flexible terms and being a member might boost your approval chances.

    • Subprime Lenders: These lenders cater to high-risk borrowers, charging higher interest rates but offering loans to those with bad credit.

    • Peer-to-Peer Lending: Platforms connect you with individual lenders who may have more lenient credit score requirements.

    You should compare lenders’ terms, fees, and requirements to choose the best option for your situation. In short, despite a low credit score, several loan programs can help you secure the funds you need.

    Inaccuracies hurting your Credit Score?

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    By clicking ‘Get Started’ I agree by electronic signature to: (1) be contacted by The Credit Pros by a live agent, artificial or prerecorded voice, and SMS text at my residential or cellular number, dialed manually or by autodialer even if my phone number is on a do-not-call registry (consent to be contacted is not a condition to purchase services); and (2) the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

    Are Buy Here Pay Here Dealerships Viable Options?

    Buy here pay here dealerships can be viable options if you have a low credit score. They offer in-house financing without checking your credit, which might appeal to you if your credit history is poor. This means you can get a car quickly and potentially start building your credit.

    However, you need to be aware of significant downsides:

    • Vehicles are often overpriced.
    • Interest rates average around 20%, much higher than traditional lenders.
    • You might face additional costs, such as mandatory service agreements or GAP insurance.

    If you absolutely need a vehicle for work and have no other funding options, it could be a fast solution, but be cautious. Try to save for a down payment, as this can lower your overall loan cost. Remember, traditional lenders may also offer bad credit loans that could be more affordable in the long run.

    To finish, consider exploring bad-credit loan programs that offer better terms than buy here pay here deals. This way, you can make a more informed decision tailored to your financial situation.

    What Vehicles Can I Qualify For With A 500 Credit Score?

    With a credit score of 500, you can still qualify for a vehicle, though your options might be limited. You typically qualify for used cars that are more affordable, particularly from lenders who specialize in bad credit financing.

    You might find vehicles from brands like Kia, Hyundai, and Nissan, which often have lower starting prices. Consider older models or cars with higher mileage, as these are more likely to be available.

    Some dealerships focus on customers with poor credit, such as “buy here pay here” dealerships. They often offer in-house financing, increasing your approval chances.

    Be prepared to provide documentation like proof of income and identification to demonstrate your ability to repay the loan.

    At Toyota Direct, we assist customers with credit scores like yours. Our finance experts help you explore what vehicles fit within your budget, taking your credit situation into account.

    In essence, you can still find a suitable vehicle with a 500 credit score by considering used cars, exploring “buy here pay here” options, and providing the necessary documentation.

    Required Documentation To Apply For A Loan

    To apply for a loan, especially with a credit score of 500, you need specific documentation. First, gather your personal identification, such as your driver’s license or passport. You also need proof of income, which could be recent pay stubs or bank statements showing your earnings.

    Next, collect your income tax returns for the last three years. This helps lenders assess your financial stability. Additionally, lenders often request financial statements detailing your expenses and assets. If you own a business, have business financial statements ready.

    Don’t forget your credit report. Knowing your credit score in advance can prepare you for discussions with lenders. You should also have any current loan documents if you have existing debts. Finally, if you have a co-signer, prepare their financial information as well.

    To wrap up, always check directly with your lender to see if they require any additional documents specific to your situation. Having all required documentation to apply for a loan – credit score in hand will help you streamline the process.

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    How Long Does The Car Loan Approval Process Take?

    The car loan approval process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on your credit score and chosen lender. If you have a high credit score, you may get instant approval from some lenders. However, if your credit score is lower, such as 500, you might face longer wait times.

    Traditional banks and credit unions typically take 1-7 business days to approve your loan. They usually require thorough documentation and review your creditworthiness, which can prolong the process. Online lenders may offer quicker approvals, sometimes within hours, thanks to automated systems that streamline decision-making.

    If you apply with a low credit score, expect additional scrutiny. Lenders might investigate your financial background more closely, which can delay approval. To speed up the process, improve your credit score before applying.

    On the whole, by improving your credit score, you can make the car loan approval process faster and easier.

    Inaccuracies hurting your Credit Score?

    Securely review your full 3-bureau Credit Report (with a real expert).

    By clicking ‘Get Started’ I agree by electronic signature to: (1) be contacted by The Credit Pros by a live agent, artificial or prerecorded voice, and SMS text at my residential or cellular number, dialed manually or by autodialer even if my phone number is on a do-not-call registry (consent to be contacted is not a condition to purchase services); and (2) the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

    What Should I Avoid When Seeking A Car Loan?

    When seeking a car loan with a low credit score, you should avoid these key mistakes:

    First, don’t skip checking your credit score. You need to know where you stand and understand what lenders will see.

    Second, avoid rushing into a loan without shopping around. Different lenders offer varying rates and terms, so taking the time to compare can save you money.

    Third, don’t ignore the total cost of the loan, including interest. With a lower credit score, you’ll likely face higher rates, which can add up significantly over time.

    Fourth, avoid applying for multiple loans in a short period. This can result in numerous credit inquiries, potentially lowering your score even further.

    Fifth, don’t overlook reading the terms carefully. You must understand all conditions before signing to avoid surprises later.

    Lastly, avoid unrealistic budget expectations. Choosing a car that stretches your budget too thin can lead to financial stress.

    Bottom line: By steering clear of these pitfalls, you increase your chances of securing a car loan that fits your financial situation.

    Risks Of Zero Down Payment Car Loans.

    Zero down payment car loans come with several risks, especially if your credit score isn’t strong. You take out a larger loan without a down payment, which usually means higher interest rates. Over time, you end up paying much more in interest than you would with a traditional loan that requires a down payment.

    Lenders see no down payment loans as risky and may require credit scores above 680 to qualify. If your score is lower, you’ll face steeper interest rates and higher monthly payments. This can strain your finances and worsen your debt-to-income ratio.

    You also risk being upside-down on your loan, meaning you owe more than the car’s depreciated value. If your vehicle gets damaged or totaled, the insurance payout might not cover the balance, leaving you financially exposed.

    In a nutshell, while zero down payment car loans may ease your immediate financial burden, they pose significant long-term risks, particularly if your credit score is not high.