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Getting a car loan with bad credit is absolutely possible in 2025. Rates will be higher than for borrowers with good credit, but dozens of lenders and dealer networks specialize in this exact situation. The key is knowing which lenders to use and how to structure your application for the best possible outcome.
Start by comparing lenders: LendingTree Auto lets you check rates from multiple lenders with one soft pull.
Best Auto Loans for Bad Credit in 2025
The fastest way to compare auto loan offers with bad credit. Fill out one form and receive offers from multiple lenders — including those who specialize in sub-620 scores. Works for new cars, used cars, and refinancing.
- Compare multiple lenders simultaneously
- New, used, and refinance loans
- Min credit score: ~500 (varies by lender)
- Soft pull pre-qualification
- Terms: 24–84 months
Compare Auto Loan Offers — No Credit Impact →
Soft pull only · Multiple offers · No obligation
Best for: Refinancing | Min credit: 580+ | APR from: 2.99%
AutoPay specializes in auto loan refinancing and purchase loans. If you already have a car loan with a high rate, AutoPay can often significantly lower your monthly payment. Minimum 580 credit score for most offers.
Best for: Refinancing | Min credit: 550+ | Speciality: Lowering existing payments
RefiJet is dedicated to auto loan refinancing. If you got a high-rate loan when your credit was worse, RefiJet helps you refinance to a better rate. Accepts borrowers starting at 550.
All Auto Lenders Compared
| Lender | Min Credit | Loan Type | APR Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LendingTree Auto ⭐ | ~500 | New, used, refi | Varies | Comparing multiple lenders |
| AutoPay | 580 | Refi + purchase | 2.99%+ | Refinancing existing loan |
| RefiJet | 550 | Refinancing | Varies | Lowering car payment |
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Car Loan?
There is no universal minimum — it depends on the lender. Here is a realistic breakdown:
- 500–549: Limited options, but lenders exist. Expect rates of 15–25%+.
- 550–579: More options open up. RefiJet and LendingTree’s network work in this range.
- 580–619: A good range for bad credit lenders. More competitive offers available.
- 620–659: “Fair” credit — most lenders approve, rates improve significantly.
Tips to Get the Best Rate With Bad Credit
- Make a larger down payment: 10–20% down reduces lender risk and often unlocks better rates.
- Get pre-approved before shopping: Know your real budget and avoid dealer finance markup.
- Choose a used car under $20,000: Less financial risk for lenders means better odds of approval.
- Add a co-signer: A co-signer with good credit can dramatically lower your interest rate.
- Compare at least 3 offers: Never accept the first offer — LendingTree shows you multiple simultaneously.