Should I get an auto loan before going to the dealership?
Explore your options and get the best rates before you enter the dealership.
The choice to refinance your auto loan is one that requires research and preparation. Part of that research includes determining if your goal is to walk away with better rates and terms or lower your monthly payment. Regardless, refinancing simply replaces your current loan with a new one. This guide outlines the ins and outs of refinancing your vehicle loan, from the nitty-gritty of the steps to take, the benefits and drawbacks and the basic requirements.
The first step when refinancing your auto loan requires you to determine if the process is the right financial move. The main two scenarios that refinance might be a good idea are: if you can walk away with a better rate or if you are having trouble making payments.
In order to decide if it is the right choice you must take the time to review your current loan. It’s best to use a calculator and compare potential savings against what you pay for your existing financing. Finally take stock of your credit score to ensure that you can ultimately walk away with an improved loan. Remember: If your score is at the same spot as when you signed — or worse, lower — refi might not benefit you.
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The refinance application process is likely going to be fairly similar to what you did when you applied for your initial loan. After shopping around at three or more lenders you can apply with the one that best fits your needs. Most lenders allow for an online application, but you will likely have a hard credit pull before acceptance — which can lower your score slightly.
Pay close attention to the specific requirements that the lender carries when it comes to mileage, vehicle type, time you've had the loan and remaining loan balance. On top of this, it is a good idea to get your paperwork in order ahead of applying. This includes details about your vehicle — and information about your existing loan that you wouldn’t have needed for your first loan application.
Explore your options and get the best rates before you enter the dealership.
Learn how you can save time and money by getting preapproved for an auto loan.
Older cars, bigger loans: What the rise in vehicle age means for borrowers.
Financing for a new Tesla can be done in-house or with a trusted third-party lender.
Explore your options and get the best rates before you enter the dealership.
Learn how you can save time and money by getting preapproved for an auto loan.
Older cars, bigger loans: What the rise in vehicle age means for borrowers.
Financing for a new Tesla can be done in-house or with a trusted third-party lender.
Finally, you will receive your new auto loan. You can now pay off your old loan and start making payments on your new one. The process varies depending on the lender, but you will either receive payment or it will be sent directly to the previous lender.
Either way, it is wise to confirm this process was done before halting payments on your old loan so you don't wind up with late fees or other charges.
Explore your options and get the best rates before you enter the dealership.
Learn how you can save time and money by getting preapproved for an auto loan.
Older cars, bigger loans: What the rise in vehicle age means for borrowers.
Financing for a new Tesla can be done in-house or with a trusted third-party lender.
Explore your options and get the best rates before you enter the dealership.
Learn how you can save time and money by getting preapproved for an auto loan.
Older cars, bigger loans: What the rise in vehicle age means for borrowers.
Financing for a new Tesla can be done in-house or with a trusted third-party lender.
Before hitting reset on your auto loan it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of signing off on a brand-new loan.
Less expensive monthly payments
Ability to pay off the loan sooner
Lower interest rates
Potential fees
More paperwork
Could extend loan
Auto refinance is the right choice if you can save money — specifically on incurred interest — or you need relief and can't get your loan modified. But as interest rates continue to rise due to high inflation, determining if it is right for you requires extra consideration.
Each lender carries its own eligibility criteria when it comes to auto refinance loans. But there are the common requirements you will likely run into.
Every lender holds different regulations for loan amounts but if you have too little remaining or even too much, lenders may stray away. Typical minimums to refinance fall around $3,000 while maximums are usually under $50,000.
Depending on where you stand in the lifetime of your loan, refinancing might not be possible. Most lenders expect you to be at least six months in and have at least six months remaining. On the other end, if you're far into the loan it might be better to just pay it off than apply for refinancing.
The better your credit score is, the more competitive rates you will receive. So while perfect credit is not a requirement, anything that is below 600 likely won’t leave you with a better rate — and could even cost you more.
Most lenders do not allow refinancing for vehicles over 10 years old. On top of vehicle age, if your car has racked up a lot of miles lenders may stray away. Maximums of 100,000 to 150,000 miles are common.
The perfect number varies by lender, but you usually want less than 50 percent. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is the difference between your income and the amount of debt. It’s best to use a calculator in order to find your DTI before applying.
It is best to take advantage of an auto refinance calculator that will do the heavy lifting for you. Once you have a handle on how much you could potentially save you begin your refinance process.
To determine potential savings from refinancing your auto loan you'll need to compare your current loan with the new one. This is not as simple as looking at the two monthly payment numbers, instead, you must factor in how total interest comes into play.
While it is not inherently bad or good to have a loan with a long term, a longer-term loan does carry more risk. Primarily the chance of becoming "upside down" or “underwater” on your loan for an extended period. This happens if you owe more than your vehicle is worth.
The process may temporarily cause a dip in your credit score due to the fact that applying will cause a hard credit pull. On top of that, your score could decrease due to the added account. But this will only cause minor drops and will likely help your credit in the long run — especially if you are struggling to pay your current loan.
While you can now take a deep breath with a new and improved loan in hand, there is still some important work to be done. These considerations will ensure you stay on top of your new loan.
Until you get the go ahead from your previous lender it is important to continue making payments on your loan. If an issue arises and you overpay, the lender can likely credit the amount back to you. Once you receive the new loan either you or your lender will handle the final loan payment. Check with your lender to avoid any additional charges.
Payment schedules vary by lender but generally, you will be expected to begin making payments 30 days after accepting the loan. It is wise to set up automatic payments if it is available to prevent any missed payments. Along with this, do not put off any payments in order to avoid any building interest. If you feel yourself heading into a precarious spot contact your lender and explain the situation before it gets too late.
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.4/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
Refinancing your auto loan through a marketplace can help you find the right lender. Gravity offers a side-by-side comparison and stands out for its lack of origination fees — although a lender in its network might charge one when you refinance.
*When comparing identical loans offers at the same term length, principal balance, and interest rate, a loan without a fee will have a lower total payback compared to a loan where a fee is assessed. Gravity Lending does not assess a fee to the borrower for any of our products or services. When comparing 2 loans with the same buy rate, principal balance, and term length, a loan with a marked up rate will cost the borrower more. Gravity Lending does not mark up rates offered to consumers from our lender partners. Gravity Lending processes loans on behalf of the lenders for the benefit of the customer. **Monthly and Total Savings: Average monthly payment and total interest savings shown were calculated from all funded loans in 2022. Payment is a calculation of the approved interest rate, selected term, and amount financed. Your actual savings may differ, more or less, depending on a combination of the rate approved, the term selected, and the total amount financed. *** Gravity Lending has the highest average satisfaction scores, at a 4.97 average review score, across the following platforms: Better Business Bureau, Google, TrustPilot, Lending Tree, Consumer Affairs, and Wallethub. You are not required, encouraged, guaranteed the option to skip a payment. Generally, auto loans have a grace period of 30-45 days to contract a first payment. Many lenders in the Gravity Lending network offer up to 90 days from the contract date before a first payment is required.
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.2/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
Auto Approve matches you directly with lenders and handles the DMV paperwork for both refinancing and lease buyouts. In fact, it is one of the few options to quickly compare lease buyouts. This makes Auto Approve a useful tool if you’re struggling to find a lender to finance buying your leased car.
*APR and Fees Disclosure: Auto Approve works with lenders to find you the best Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which is based on factors like your credit history, vehicle and desired payment terms. Fees to complete your loan refinance vary by state and lender; they generally include admin fees, doc fees, DMV and title. Advertised 5.29% APR based on: 2019 model year or newer vehicle, 730 minimum FICO credit score, and loan term up to 72 months. All loans subject to credit and lender approval.
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.5/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
Autopay offers both traditional and cash-out refinancing to borrowers. It has a large marketplace and works with a range of lenders which can also help borrowers find a good fit.
1. See Your Savings. Working with a national network of lenders, we saved our average customer over $1,118 last year. 2. Shop Rates. Customize the loan that is right for you, and lock in your new rate and payment that is right for you on your terms. 3. Verify & sign on-line. In our work we use the most modern and convenient solutions.
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.5/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
Upstart uses nontraditional metrics to determine your eligibility. This makes it a great choice for refinancing if you have a limited credit history or a poor credit score. You can also refinance an older vehicle, something most lenders don’t offer.
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.0/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
Using a loan marketplace is a great way to approach refinancing. With a low minimum credit score requirement, myAutoLoan is a better comparison option for those who don't have perfect credit.
See partner disclosures: https://www.myautoloan.com/disclosure-section.html
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.5/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
Caribou helps borrowers refinance their current loans with the intent of getting better rates or terms. Following an application, borrowers will get access to multiple offers, which will help ensure they find the right new loan for their needs.
APR is the Annual Percentage Rate. Your actual APR may be different. Your APR is based on multiple factors including your credit profile and the loan to value of the vehicle. APR ranges from 5.48% to 28.55% and is determined at the time of application. Lowest APR is available for a 36 month term, to borrowers with excellent credit. Conditions apply. Advertised rates and fees are valid as of 9/11/24 and are subject to change without notice.
Bankrate Score = 4.0/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
If you have strong credit and are looking to secure immediate refi funds with no fees, LightStream is a great option.
Truist Bank is an Equal Housing Lender. © 2025 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, LightStream, and the LightStream logo are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Lending services provided by Truist Bank.
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.1/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
For those who are looking for extra guidance throughout the refinance process, RefiJet is a strong option. Borrowers are matched with an experienced financial advisor for help throughout the entire experience.
REFINANCE
Bankrate Score = 4.5/5
Bankrate scores are objectively determined by our editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors consumers should consider when choosing financial products and services.
The annual percentage (APR) includes your interest rate, plus any loan fees. It reflects the total cost of borrowing.
Apply on partner site
This lender is registered in states where it does business and was vetted by the Bankrate Editorial team.
Qualifying for an improved auto loan rate through refinancing can be challenging for those with less-than-perfect credit. iLending caters specifically to those with poor credit, and its easy online application makes it a good option for a range of borrowers.