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Best auto loan rates in May 2024

As of May 13, 2024
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Make sure you arrive on the dealership lot with a plan for financing your car. Auto loans are secured loans that help borrowers pay for a new or used car. They are available from dealerships and lenders. It is important to shop around to find the best interest rates and terms for your vehicle.

Bankrate’s best auto loans are selected based on a lender’s available rates and terms, customer experience and transparency. Explore the details to determine which vehicle financing option is right for you. 

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REFINANCE

NEW

REFINANCE

REFINANCE

USED

NEW

REFINANCE

REFINANCE

USED

NEW

USED

REFINANCE

REFINANCE

REFINANCE

NEW

APR from
4.99- 14.99%
Term

36-84mo

Min credit

640

Apply on partner site
  • Rates as low as 0% on select cars, trucks and SUVs
  • Free Online Quotes - Get Your CarsDirect Target Price Today
  • Local dealers compete to provide the best rates for both new and used vehicles
Apply on partner site
APR from
4.67%
Term

12-96mo

Min credit

580

Apply on partner site
APR from
4.99%
Term

24-84mo

Min credit

600

Apply on partner site
  • Network of dealer partners has closed $1 billion in bad credit auto loans
  • Specializes in bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy and reposession
  • In business since 1999
  • Easy, 30-second pre-qualification form
  • Bad credit applicants must have $2000/month income to qualify
Apply on partner site
  • Network of dealer partners has closed $1 billion in bad credit auto loans
  • Specializes in bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy and reposession
  • In business since 1999
  • Easy, 30-second pre-qualification form
  • Bad credit applicants must have $2000/month income to qualify
Apply on partner site
APR from
5.24- 24.99%
Term

12-84mo

Min credit

650

Apply on partner site
APR from
5.95- 28.55%
Term

24-84mo

Min credit

640

Apply on partner site
APR from
7.09%
Term

24-84mo

Min credit

600

Apply on partner site
APR from
6.84%
Term

24-84mo

Min credit

600

Apply on partner site
APR from
7.24- 15.19%
* with AutoPay
Term

24-84mo

Min credit

Not disclosed

Apply on partner site
APR from
5.29- 21.99%
Term

24-96mo

Min credit

580

Apply on partner site
APR from
7.74- 15.94%
* with AutoPay
Term

24-84mo

Min credit

Not disclosed

Apply on partner site
APR from
5.49- 18.79%
Term

24-96mo

Min credit

560

Apply on partner site
APR from
7.24- 15.19%
* with AutoPay
Term

24-84mo

Min credit

Not disclosed

Apply on partner site

Compare auto loan rates in May 2024

Caret Down
Lender Current APR Term Loan Amount Best for
LightStream 7.24%-15.19%* with AutoPay 24-84 months $5,000-$100,000 Overall auto loan
Bank of America Starting at 5.99% 48-72 months Starting at $7,500 Big bank option
Capital One Not specified 24-84 months Starting at $4,000 Convenience
Carvana 7.95%-27.95% 12-72 months Not specified Fully online experience
myAutoLoan Starting at 6.84% 24-84 months Starting at $8,000 Shopping for multiple loan offers
Upstart 9.32%-29.99% 24-84 months $3,000-$60,000 Fair credit
PenFed Credit Union Starting at 5.24% 36-84 months Not specified Bankrate 2024 Award winner for best auto loan from a bank
Carputty Starting at 6.83% 24-60 months $25,000-$250,000 Bankrate 2024 Award winner for best auto loan for used car purchase
Consumers Credit Union Starting at 6.84% 36-84 months Not specified Bankrate 2024 Award winner for best auto loan for new car purchase
Tenet 6.49%-15.75% 36-84 months $15,000-$95,000 Bankrate 2024 Award winner for best auto loan for EV loans
Lender Current APR Term Loan Amount
Capital One Not specified 24-84 months Starting at $4,000
Autopay Starting at 4.67% 12-96 months $8,000-$150,000
Carvana 7.95%-27.95% 12-72 months Starting at $1,000
iLending 5.49%-18.79% 12-96 months $5,000-$150,000
For more information on bad credit auto loan rates, check out our page on bad credit auto loans.
Lender Current APR Term Loan Amount
LightStream 7.49%-15.44%* with AutoPay 24-84 months $5,000-$100,000
Autopay Starting at 4.67% 12-96 months $8,000-$150,000
Caribou 5.95%-28.55% Not specified $10,000-$125,000
Upstart 9.32%-29.99% 24-84 months $3,000-$60,000
RefiJet 5.29%-21.99% 24-96 months $5,000-$100,000
LendingClub 4.99%-24.99% 24-84 months $4,000-$55,000
For more information on auto loan refinance rates, check out our page on auto loan refinancing.

For more information on auto loan refinance rates, check out our page on auto loan refinancing.

Best auto loan lenders in 2024

Best overall

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
7.24% –15.19%
Loan amount:
$5,000– $100,000
Term lengths:
2 to 7 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: LightStream offers unsecured auto loans for drivers online. It covers a range of financing needs including loans for new cars, used cars from a dealer or private seller, lease buyouts and even classic car financing.
Why Lightstream is the best overall: Lightstream offers quick funding for drivers in a pinch and a wide range of loan amounts. 

Best big bank option

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
5.99%
Loan amount:
$7,500
Term lengths:
4 to 6 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: Bank of America offers flexible and convenient auto loans you can apply for directly on its website. Rates are competitive, and you can qualify for additional discounts if you are an eligible Bank of America customer.
Why Bank of America is the best big bank option: With over 4,000 brick-and-mortar locations, Bank of America is perfect for an in-person experience coupled with discounts for account holders. 

Best for convenience

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
Not disclosed
Loan amount:
Starting at $4,000
Term lengths:
2 to 7 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed
Overview: Capital One's financing works as a “one-stop shop” for your auto loan and vehicle purchase. Through one of its partnered dealerships, you can borrow as little as $4,000 with terms from 24 to 84 months.
Why Capital One is the best for convenience: The Capital One Auto Navigator site lets you search for inventory in your area and gives you the ability to see how different makes, models and features will affect your total cost. 

Best fully online experience

Min. credit score:
Not disclosed
Fixed APR From:
7.95% –27.95%
Loan amount:
From $1,000
Term lengths:
1 to 6 years
Min. annual income:
$5,100
Overview: ​​Carvana lets you shop for a car online and pick up your purchase from a giant “car vending machine” or choose from its other delivery options. Its process lets you enjoy a unique experience, and Carvana also offers competitive car loan rates and terms.
Why Carvana is the best fully online experience: Carvana offers a streamlined online experience where you can shop for and finance your new vehicle all from the comfort of your own home.

Best for shopping for multiple loan offers

Min. credit score:
600
Fixed APR From:
6.84%
Loan amount:
$5,000
Term lengths:
2 to 7 years
Min. annual income:
$5,000
Overview: With no application fee and convenient online application myAutoLoan works with an expansive network of lenders to enable you to compare offers and find the right lender for your needs. It also offers loans for refinancing and lease buyouts. 
Why myAutoLoan is the best for shopping for multiple loan offers: You can easily compare multiple loan offers all on the myAutoLoan platform with no hard credit pull. This platform lets you enter your information once and receive multiple loan offers in one place.

Bankrate 2024 Award winner for best auto loan for auto refinance

Min. credit score:
600
Fixed APR From:
8.98% –35.99%
Loan amount:
$1,000– $40,000
Term lengths:
2 to 5 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed

Overview: LendingClub, typically recognized for its personal loan products, is a great option for borrowers looking to refinance their current loan. Financing is provided by LendingClub Bank. 

Why LendingClub won for best auto loan for auto refinance: LendingClub doesn’t charge an origination fee. Combined with their competitive rates, customers with strong credit have a good chance of saving with LendingClub. 

Bankrate 2024 Award winner for best auto loan for used car purchase

Min. credit score:
680
Fixed APR From:
6.83%
Loan amount:
Up to $250,000
Term lengths:
3 to 5 years
Min. annual income:
Not disclosed

Overview: Carputty is a direct lender that allows borrowers to finance multiple vehicle purchases at once via a single line of credit.

Why Carputty won for best auto loan for used car purchase: The lender took first place due to its V3 valuation tool, which helps customers determine the best times to buy and sell vehicles.

A beginner’s guide to auto loans 

Before exploring the right auto loan for your needs, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of the financing option and where to secure them. 

What are car loans and how do they work?

Auto loans let you borrow the money you need to purchase a car. Since car loans are typically "secured,” they require you to use the automobile you are buying as collateral for the loan. You are typically asked to pay a fixed interest rate and monthly payment for 24 to 84 months, at which point your car will be paid off. Many dealerships offer financing, but you can also find auto loans at national banks, local credit unions and online lenders. 

When shopping for an auto loan, compare APRs across multiple lenders to make sure you are getting a competitive rate. Look for lenders that keep fees to a minimum and offer repayment terms that fit your needs. 

Loan details presented here are current as of publication. Check the lenders’ websites for more current information. The auto loan lenders listed here are selected based on factors such as APR, loan amounts, fees, credit requirements and more. 

Types of auto loans

Car loan options go beyond just new and used. Each auto loan type has specific uses that cater to certain types of borrowers, and knowing what type you need can make the loan shopping process easier. 

New car loan 

If you are looking to purchase a new car, you should seek out a new car loan. Dealerships offer new car financing on the lot, but you can also get them from banks, credit unions and online lenders. Shop around for your best interest rate and terms. 

Used car loan 

Buying a used car from a dealership will require a used car loan. You can get them at the same places you would get a new car loan. Lenders often limit cars’ age and mileage.

Auto refinance

If you originally took out a loan at a dealership, or just didn't get a good rate, you may want to refinance your car and get a better interest rate. Or you can rework your terms to get a lower monthly payment.  This process simply replaces your current auto with a new one. These loans aren't available through dealerships.

Cash-out auto refinance 

To get a little extra cash with your refinance, you can take out a cash-out refinance loan. Along with the balance you are refinancing, you can borrow against the equity you have in your car.

Private party  

When you are buying a used car from an individual seller and do not have the cash on hand, you will need a private party auto loan. These are less common, but available at some banks, credit unions and online lenders.

Lease buyout

Leasing a car can come with the option to buy the vehicle at the end. You can take out a lease buyout loan to finance that purchase. Lease buyout loans tend to be similar to used car loan rates.

Pros and cons of auto loans 

An auto loan can be a great way to get behind the wheel. But cars are big purchases, and these loans can impact your finances for years. It’s important to weigh auto loans’ advantages and disadvantages before opting in.

Pros

  • Checkmark

    Spreads out expenses. Securing a loan cuts down the amount of money you have to spend unfront for your vehicle, instead you will pay across the course of your agreed loan term.

  • Checkmark

    Afford a better car. With more time to repay your lender, you may be able to afford a nicer vehicle than what you could buying outright.

  • Checkmark

    You own the car at the end. Unlike with leasing, the vehicle will be yours once the loan is fully paid off.

  • Checkmark

    May improve your credit score. Payment history makes up 35 percent of your FICO score. If you have proven loan pay-off history, your score could improve.

Cons

  • Monthly payments can be expensive. Due to a number of factors, interest rates are high right now. The average new car payment is $726 per month, according to Experian data.

  • Risk of damaging your finances. If you struggle with keeping your finances in order, beware of how missed payments may affect your credit and your ability to drive your car.

  • Your vehicle’s value depreciates. Your vehicle will start to depreciate the moment you exit the dealership.

  • Stuck with the same car for longer. If you like to switch up your vehicle every couple of years, leasing may be a better option.

Current car loan interest rates

Car loan interest rates change frequently and impact how much you’re going to pay each month. So it’s important to track them when comparing auto loan rates. Bankrate surveys top banks across U.S. markets and crunches the numbers to find average interest rates for common loan terms. Use the below table, which updates weekly, to help you know the best time to buy a used or new car. 

Average rates as of May 08, 2024

60-month new car 7.83%
48-month new car 7.72%
48-month used car 8.45%
36-month used car 8.37%

What factors contribute to auto loan interest rates?

While it is true that the interest rate you will receive varies depending on the lender and is somewhat out of your control, there are still choices you can make to increase approval. Consider these aspects and how they will affect loan approval and rates: 

  • Your credit history. Lenders use credit scores to measure the risk that borrowers carry. Very simply, the lower your credit score is, the higher your interest rate will be.   
  • Vehicle down payment. Putting down a large down payment will not only bode well with lenders but will decrease the amount you are borrowing — saving you more money down the line.  
  • Loan term. Typically, a longer-term loan will equate to higher interest rates and more interest paid over the life of the loan. But a longer-term loan will decrease your monthly payment.  
  • Education and work history. Many lenders are expanding underwriting criteria outside of the sole measure of your credit score. This means you can still benefit from a competitive rate if you have a strong profession or educational background — with or without a perfect credit score.   
  • Vehicle age. An older vehicle can carry additional risk of issues for both you and your lender. So, you can expect an older car to carry higher rates.

How to calculate auto loan interest

It’s smart to determine your expected monthly payment prior to signing off on your next loan. Not only will it put you in control of your finances, but it can ensure that you don’t end up paying more interest than you should. Use our tool below to determine how different interest rates will impact your monthly payment. 

Auto loan rates by credit score

As mentioned, lenders use credit score as the primary determinant of a potential borrower's ability to pay off a loan. So, the better your credit score is, the more competitive interest rates you will receive. Below are the average APRs for new and used vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to Experian.

CREDIT SCORE NEW CAR LOANS USED CAR LOANS
781 to 850 (super prime) 5.64% 7.66%
661 to 780 (prime) 7.01% 9.73%
601 to 660 (nonprime) 9.60% 14.12%
501 to 600 (subprime) 12.28% 18.89%
300 to 500 (deep subprime) 14.78% 21.55%

What to know before applying for an auto loan

When looking for a car loan, it is best to shop around with a few lenders before making your decision. Each lender has its own method when reviewing your application for a loan and setting your interest rate and terms. Check your credit ahead of shopping to ensure you qualify for lenders you may have your sights set on. 

Generally, your credit score will have the biggest effect on the rates you're offered. The higher your credit score, the lower APR you will receive. Having a higher credit score may also allow you to take out a larger loan or access a broader selection of repayment terms, but there are still ways to finance a car with bad credit. Choosing a longer repayment term will lower your monthly payments, although you will also pay more interest overall.  

If you find a few lenders that you like, see if they offer prequalification — going through this process will let you see which rates you qualify for without affecting your credit score. 

How to manage a car loan 

The key to managing your car loan is sticking to a budget and understanding how your agreed-upon payment timeline impacts it. Otherwise, you can put yourself at risk of losing your vehicle and running into trouble. If you are on the brink of missing a payment, reach out to your lender as soon as possible to seek a solution. 

You can you make extra payments to pay off your loan earlier to save on interest. But consider how early payoff can impact your credit — it can drop your score by a few points. Not all lenders allow early loan payoff. Approach your auto loan pay-off with care to ensure it fits best with your financial situation.

FAQs about auto loans

How we choose our best auto loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted augo loans industry expertise

57 years

in business

37

lenders reviewed

18

loan features weighed

666

data points collected

The Bankrate team assessed more than 35 auto lenders to find the best. Bankrate considered 18 criteria, such as acceptance criteria, loan amounts and APR range. These scores are broken into four categories.