What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car in 2023? A Helpful Guide
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What Credit Score is Needed to Buy a Car in 2023? A Helpful Guide
If you’re planning to purchase a car now, you are almost certainly aware that car prices have gone up since the pandemic, and so have credit requirements. We’re going to talk about the credit score range needed in 2023, for you to buy a car. In this article, let’s explore the credit score requirements and the application process to buy a car loan.Car Loans
What Credit Score is Needed to buy a Car – Car Loans
A car loan is a type of vehicle loan that a lender offers to an individual who is willing to buy a car by submitting a loan application. The borrower then uses the money to purchase a car that falls within the loan amount. Though the definition makes it look feasible, the actual loan approval process can be difficult when you don’t have the necessary requirements. These requirements include credit score, amongst other criteria set by the lenders. The criteria set by lending agencies or financial institutions differ from one lender to another. This puts pressure on the borrower (you), as you’ll need to face different loan terms and choose the one which best suits the principal amount and interest rates based on your income and financial status.
Requirements to Buy a Car Loan
What Credit Score is Needed to buy a Car – Requirements of a Car Loan
There is no minimum credit score requirement to purchase a car loan. However, the interest rates, EMIs, and loan amounts vary with auto lenders. Any credit lending agency will have a thorough check of the applications received and process them based on the credibility of the customer applying. Below listed are some potential reasons for the rejection of a loan application and low credit scores:
- Improper debt management in credit history
- Multiple credit applications
- Irregular payments history
Credit Scores and their Impact on Loan Approval
What Credit Score is Needed to buy a Car – Credit Score Impact
Credit scores still play a major role in the loan approval process even when there are no minimum credit score requirements. This is where it gets tricky; it is possible that the lender sets higher interest rates and EMIs if you have a bad credit score. On the other hand, a good credit score will help you get the following benefits:
- The chance of getting approved for auto loans is high.
- The interest rate for your loan is less.
- Loan approval from major lending agencies with best criteria.
- You are asked for a lesser down payment when compared to a person with a low credit score.
Process Involved in Loan Application
What Credit Score is Needed to buy a Car – Loan Application Process
The following are the steps involved in the application for a loan:
- Visit the nearest branch of a bank or credit union.
- Request an auto loan application form from the office.
- Fill out the application with all your correct information.
- Submit the application with all the relevant documents attached to it. For example, salary pay slips, income proof, credit reports, etc.
- The lender will ask for your credit report before processing your application.
Statistics Based on Credit Scores
Let us look at some of the important statistics and possible interest rates you might be charged for variation in credit scores.- According to Forbes, if you have a credit score below 570 you will be charged an annual percentage rate (APR) of approximately 15%. Whereas, a 750+ credit score will benefit you with a 2-3% APR.
- Most users choose a long-term loan only to avoid the high-interest rate applicable to a short-term loan.
- According to Experian statistics, the average monthly payment for a new vehicle in the third quarter of 2022 was around $700 and for used cars, it was $500.
- According to Experian, auto loan debt in America reached $ 1.43 trillion in the past year.
