Learning Center
Auto Loan Credit Readiness Guide
A better credit profile can mean a much lower interest rate — and thousands saved over the life of a car loan.
Before you shop
- Check all three reports and dispute errors first.
- Pay down credit card balances to lower your utilization.
- Get pre-approved by a bank or credit union so you know your real rate before you walk into a dealership.
Rate shopping without the damage
Most scoring models count multiple auto loan inquiries within a short window as one inquiry, so compare offers within a couple of weeks.
Know the real cost
Under the Truth in Lending Act, you are entitled to see the APR, finance charge, amount financed and total of payments before you sign. Compare the APR and total cost — not just the monthly payment. Watch for add-ons you didn’t ask for, and a longer loan term used to make a payment look smaller.
If you’ve had a repossession
Make sure it — and any deficiency balance — is reported accurately. See our repossession guide.
Ready to take control of your credit?
Start your credit transformation today. We will review your situation and show you your options — honestly.
