Where To Refinance Auto Loan

Weigh The Benefits And Other Considerations

Before you make a decision on refinancing, take some time to understand your options and how they could potentially affect you down the road. Weighing the costs and benefits will help assess whether refinancing is right for you.

Finally, dont forget that its not just the money thats there when you need it we are. If you have questions about your finances or refinancing an auto loan, wed love to help.

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Interest Rates Vary Depending On The Lender And Your Credit Score

The interest rate that youll pay can vary considerably from one lender to another, and you can rest assured that we offer some of the lowest rates on the market. Not only that, but the rate can vary considerably depending on whether you have a solid credit history. Also, the amount that is approved will vary depending on the lender and your credit score.

Should You Refinance Your Car

Whether you should refinance your car loan depends on your situation.

Here’s when it’s beneficial to refinance your auto loan:

• If interest rates have dropped. Refinancing into a lower rate can reduce the overall interest costs on your loan.
• If you want to lower your monthly payments. Getting a new loan can help you free up cash for bills and other costs.
• Your credit has improved since you purchased the vehicle. If your credit score has jumped up since you first purchased your vehicle, you might be able to get a better loan.

Here’s when it’s not beneficial to refinance your auto loan:

• If you’re going into negative equity. You don’t want to owe more on the car than it’s worth. If refinancing will put you upside-down on your car loan, consider other options.
• Extending the loan term. Lengthening the term of your car loan typically will cause you to pay more interest over the life of the loan and more for your car. Though longer terms can lower your monthly payment, long-term loans are generally more expensive.

Refinancing your auto loan can help you decrease your payments and the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan. But whether you should refinance depends on your situation. If you decide that refinancing is the right move for you, seek out a lender and loan terms that meet your needs and help improve your overall financial picture.

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Reasons To Refinance Your Loan

Some of the most popular reasons to refinance a loan are:

• Securing a new, lower interest rate. If the interest rate on your personal loan, for example, was high at the time you applied for it, you may be paying more than is necessary. In the event interest rates have dropped, you may be able to refinance your loan and take advantage of a lower rate, which will in turn lower your payments and save you money over the term of the loan. Also, by consolidating your debt in this manner you may qualify for an even lower interest rate.
• Paying off your loan faster. This can be a smart move if you’ve recently received a raise, finished paying off other debt, or come into some money. You can refinance your loan and obtain a new payment schedule, which will allow you to pay the loan off quicker which saves you money in interest over the long run.
• Stretching payments out. On the other hand, you may find your finances getting tighter and actually need to reduce your monthly financial obligations. By refinancing the remaining loan, you can lower your monthly payments by selecting a longer term. Bear in mind this will cost you more in interest, but it will reduce the payment each month.

Best Bank For Auto Refinance: Bank Of America

Bank of America

• Minimum credit score: Not stated
• Loan terms : 48 to 72 months

If youre looking to refinance your auto loan at a big bank, Bank of America is a good option. The lender features multiple refinance options and an easy online application process.

• Transparent rates and terms online

• Established financial institution

• Minimum finance amount of $7,500

• Must have fewer than 125,000 miles

• Car can’t be valued at less than $6,000

Among big banks, Bank of America offers competitive refinance rates and an easy overall process. It’s open to borrowers throughout the nation and scored exactly the average in J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Survey.

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How We Chose The Best Auto Refinance Companies

When evaluating the different auto refinance companies in the industry, we considered several criteria. First, we looked for competitive interest rates, zero to no upfront fees, and transparency regarding partners, underwriters and fees.

We also considered each companys financial stability, their customer complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or the Federal Trade Commission , and their privacy policies.

How Do I Get A Car Loan

The process of getting a car loan is similar to that of getting any other type of loan. Here’s how to start:

• Shop around: It’s usually best to compare rates and terms from at least three lenders before moving forward with an auto loan. Try to find lenders that have APRs and repayment terms that will fit your budget.
• Prequalify: Prequalifying with lenders is often the first step of the application process, and it lets you see your potential rates without a hard credit check
• Complete your application: To complete your application, you’ll likely need details about your car, including the purchase agreement, registration and title. You’ll also need documentation like proof of income, proof of residence and a driver’s license.
• Begin making payments on your loan: Your payment schedule will start as soon as you receive your auto loan. If needed, set up a calendar reminder or automatic payments to keep you on track with your monthly bill and avoid late payments.

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If Your Financial Situation Has Changed Or You Just Want Better Car Loan Terms Refinancing Your Car Loan May Be A Good Move

When you refinance your car, you take on a new loan to pay off the balance on your current car loan. Maybe your credit has improved and you might qualify for a lower interest rate, or your financial situation has gotten better and you want to remove the co-signer from your original loan. Refinancing with a new loan could mean getting better terms and rates that are more in line with your current financial needs and long-term plans.

Read on for tips to help you determine if a refinance is right for you, and to learn how to refinance a car loan.

• Step 5: Pay off your old loan and start making new monthly payments

What Happens If I Extend My Loan Term

Extending the length of your loan when you refinance will lower your monthly payments. However, you likely wont save money because youll pay more in interest over the life of your loan.

Extending your term could also put you at risk of becoming upside-down on your loan, meaning you owe more than your car is worth. This is a risky situation to be in. If you get in an accident, and your car is totaled, your insurance might not cover what you owe. Also, if you have to sell your car, youd still owe money on the loan.

To recap our selections…

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What You Need To Know After Closing The Auto Loan

Upon closing the refinance auto loan, you will be required to ensure you are listed as the registered title owner and PNC Bank as lienholder.

If you are currently listed on the title, PNC Bank will need the original title and state required form signed/dated. Everyone’s situation may be different, so if there are additional steps needed to be taken to secure the title, a representative from PNC Bank will be in contact with the you to further instruct.

How To Refinance Your Auto Loan

Are you unhappy with your auto loan? Maybe youre paying a high interest rate or arent comfortable with the cost of the monthly payments. If so, an auto loan refinance may be right for you. And the process of refinancing is simpler than it may sound. Heres how it works:

1. Check your current loan. Look over your original loan contract to see if theres a prepayment penalty. Depending on the size of the penalty, it could mean youd be better off sticking with your current loan.

2. Research your cars value. Use a website such as Kelley Blue Book to estimate your cars current market value. Compare this number to how much you still owe on your loan. If the loan balance is greater than your cars value, youre considered upside-down on the loan. Some lenders may not refinance your auto loan in this situation. DCU gives you the option to finance up to 125% of the vehicles book value or the purchase price, whichever is less.

3. Assemble the information youll need. In order to fill out the loan application, youll need some information on hand. Be sure to know the outstanding amount and term of your current loan, your government ID information, your monthly income, monthly mortgage or rent payment, your Social Security number, the vehicles mileage, and the vehicle identification number.

Be Happy with Your Auto Loan

Refinance Your Auto Loan

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Am I Likely To Qualify For Refinancing At A Lower Interest Rate

Your credit history will have a direct impact on the interest rate youre offered. If youve made six to 12 months of steady, on-time payments on your current loan, its likely that your credit score has improved. With a better credit score, you will probably qualify for a lower interest rate when you refinance.

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Apply For A Car Loan New Or Used Refinancing Patelco

Auto Loan Refinancing · Car loan refinancing rates starting at 2.45% APR · Reduce your interest rate or loan terms to better suit your needs · Lower your monthly

You may be able to refinance an auto loan with your current lender, or you can choose a new lender to see if they offer better terms, like a lower interest rate

With rates dropping, now is the perfect time to refinance your Car Loan with Delta Community and save money each month for the life of your loan.

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Best Auto Loan Refinancing Lenders Of September 2021

Refinancing an auto loan could lower your rate and monthly payment, saving you hundreds of dollars a year.

Refinancing your car loan is fast and easy and can put more money in your pocket. You may be able to reduce your monthly payment and boost your total savings on interest over the life of the loan.

You generally need a history of six to 12 months of on-time payments to make refinancing worthwhile and possible. The new rate youll qualify for depends on multiple factors, including your credit history and credit scores.

Refinancing your car loan is fast and easy and can put more money in your pocket. You may be able to reduce your monthly payment and boost your total savings on interest over the life of the loan.

You generally need a history of six to 12 months of on-time payments to make refinancing worthwhile and possible. The new rate youll qualify for depends on multiple factors, including your credit history and credit scores.

Best Trusted Name: Bank Of America

Bank of America

Bank of America is a good choice for an auto loan refinance for borrowers looking to work with an established brick and mortar bank with widespread availability.

• Discount for Preferred Rewards members

• Car must be fewer than ten years old

• Minimum loan amount of $5,000

• Car must have fewer than 125,000 miles

If you opt for an auto loan refinance from Bank of America, you get a trusted financial institution â and a decision in less time than it takes you to tie your shoes. Thereâs no fee to apply, and you can help yourself to all of their helpful online tools once you are a member of the Bank of America family. To qualify, your car will need to be fewer than ten years old and have less than 125,000 miles on it, and you will also need to have $5,000 or more remaining on your loan. Bank of America’s current APR for refinancing a vehicle is 4.13%. It is smart to pay off your existing loan with proceeds from a new loan to take advantage of lower monthly payments, lower interest rates, or save on financing costs. Compare prices and use a car loan calculator to help determine the savings.

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Best Refinance Rates: Openroad Lending

OpenRoad Lending

• Starting interest rate: Not stated
• Minimum credit score: Not stated
• Loan terms : Up to 72 months

OpenRoad Lending offers auto refinance loans with extremely low rates. While they dont disclose their starting interest rates online, qualified borrowers can expect to receive quotes for competitive rates.

• Minimum refinance amount of $7,500

• Refinance restrictions on vehicle mileage, age, and brand

OpenRoad Lending specializes in auto refinancing, offering traditional and cash-back refinancing options and a wide range of loan terms. Borrowers with excellent credit can refinance into some of the lowest rates available. In addition, it provides financing options for individuals across the credit spectrum.

Here Are Some More Details About Capital One Auto Finance

• Narrow vehicle and loan requirements Your vehicle must be no more than 7 years old, and the payoff amount must be between $7,500 and $50,000. While lenders often will consider refinance loans for vehicles up to 10 years old, Capital One Auto Finances maximum age requirement is more strict.
• Doesnt refinance its own loans If your current auto loan lender is Capital One, youll need to look elsewhere for a refinance loan.
• Ability to apply for prequalification To apply for prequalification, you must be at least 18 years old, live in the contiguous United States, and have a minimum monthly income of $1,500 to $1,800, depending on your credit.

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Best For Great Credit: Lightstream

LightStream

Lightstream is our top pick for auto loan refinancing for borrowers with good credit. The lender offers extremely competitive rates, and loans are available in all 50 states.

• Available in all 50 states

• Application triggers a hard pull on your credit

• Only available to borrowers with good credit

If you have very good credit, you should take full advantage of it. Whether you’ve had it for years or itâs the product of a lot of hard work and dedication to paying off your debts and increasing your income now is the time to go out and secure a lower interest rate on your car loan. LightStream is a division of SunTrust bank that caters to consumers with good to excellent credit â LightStream requires a minimum 660 FICO. They perform a hard pull on your credit when you apply, so you should be prepared actually to make a decision when you do so. Hard inquiries can cause your credit score to fall slightly, which typically isn’t a big deal, assuming you apply for new credit sparingly. LightStream’s APR starts at just 2.49%, and refinanced auto loans are available in all 50 states.

When Should You Refinance Your Car Loan

Refinancing your car loan makes sense:

If your credit has improved. When you bought your car, maybe your credit history wasnt great. But now, if youve been making consistent, on-time payments, your credit has probably improved and you may qualify for a lower interest rate.

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If a car dealer marked up your interest rate. When you got your existing loan, the car dealer might have charged you a higher interest rate than you could have qualified for elsewhere. This often happens to shoppers who didnt check their credit score or what rate they might qualify for before buying a car.

If you cant keep up with payments. By refinancing, you can extend the length of the loan, which will lower your payments. But dont take this step lightly. If you extend the term of the loan, youll pay more in interest. However, its better than damaging your credit by missing payments or facing repossession.

When interest rates drop. Interest rates fall for a variety of reasons: a changing economic climate, increased competition in the marketplace and regulatory changes. If rates are lower now than when you first got a car loan, refinancing could help you pay off your loan sooner or save you money on interest.

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The Bankrate Guide To Choosing The Best Auto Loans

Auto loans let you borrow the money you need to purchase a car. Since car loans are considered secured, they require you to use the automobile youre buying as collateral for the loan.

This is both good news and bad news. The fact that your loan is secured does put your car at risk of repossession if you dont repay the loan, but having collateral typically helps you qualify for lower interest rates and better auto loan terms.

Auto loans typically come with fixed interest rates and loan terms ranging from two to seven years, but its possible to negotiate different terms depending on your lender.

Why trust Bankrate?

At Bankrate, our mission is to empower you to make smarter financial decisions. Weve been comparing and surveying financial institutions for more than 40 years to help you find the right products for your situation. Our award-winning editorial team follows strict guidelines to ensure the content is not influenced by advertisers. Additionally, our content is thoroughly reported and vigorously edited to ensure accuracy.