Choosing Auto Loan Providers | First Financial® (2024)

The Complete Guide to Choosing Auto Loan Providers: Everything to Know

Doing research is important when choosing auto loan providers Unfortunately, there are over 6 million car accidentseach year in the United States. Not all of these are minor, either. It’s not uncommon for people to deal with significant pain after auto accidents.

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The good news is that many of these accidents are preventable by exercising safe driving habits and using a reliable vehicle. More often than not, buyers find themselves applying for auto loans so they can afford the car that’s right for them.

Choosing auto loan providers, though, isn’t always as easy as it seems. We’ve put together a brief guide that details how you can narrow down your potential loan provider options.

Let’s dive in.

Check Out Their Online Reviews

You’ll want to make sure that you’re reading online reviews as possible.

This includes scouring through the provider’s website, social media platforms, and any other independent review sites. You should also check out the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) rating for the provider.

All of this research will give you a good idea of what other customers have experienced with the provider in terms of customer service, loan options, and repayment terms.

Look For Red Flags

When you’re reading through reviews, be sure to look out for any red flags that may pop up. These can include complaints about hidden fees, difficulty getting in touch with customer service, or a lack of transparency when it comes to the loan process.

If you see any of these red flags, you’ll want to move on to another provider.

Get Quotes From Multiple Providers

Don’t just settle on the first auto loan provider you come across.

Instead, take the time to get quotes from multiple providers. This will give you a better idea of who can offer you the best interest rates and repayment terms. Be sure to compare these offers side-by-side so you can make the best decision for your needs.

Read the Loan Terms and Conditions Carefully

Once you’ve chosen a loan provider, it’s essential that you read the loan terms and conditions carefully. This includes the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees or penalties that may be associated with the loan.

Unfortunately, many buyers neglect to do so when looking to secure financing. This can lead to a large number of complications in the future, such as being stuck in an agreement that you cannot comfortably manage.

Is It Possible to Get a Loan if I Have Bad Credit?

If youdon’t have goodcredit, it may be difficult to get an auto loan from a traditional lender. However, there are still options available to you.

There are a number of subprime lenders that specialize in providing loans to buyers with bad credit. These lenders will typically offer higher interest rates and less favorable loan terms. However, they can still provide you with the financing you need to purchase a vehicle.

Keep this in mind if this situation applies to you.

What Is the Typical APR of an Auto Loan?

The typical APR of anauto loanwill vary depending on a number of factors, such as your credit score, income, and the amount you’re looking to borrow. However, the average APR for an auto loan is around 4%.

If you have bad credit, you can expect to see an APR that’s closer to 10%. The good news is that you can likely refinance your loan in the future.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved For an Auto Loan?

It typically takes around 24-48 hours to get approved for an auto loan. However, this timeline can vary depending on the lender you’re working with.

If you need financing quickly, be sure to communicate this to your lender so they can expedite the process. Oftentimes, buyers run the risk of missing out on purchasing the vehicle they want if they take too long to secure financing.

Can I Pre-Qualify For an Auto Loan?

Many lenders will allow you to pre-qualify for an auto loan. This means that they’ll give you an idea of how much you’re eligible to borrow based on your credit score and income.

Keep in mind, though, that pre-qualifying for a loan is not the same as being approved for a loan. Once you’ve found a vehicle you’re interested in, you’ll still need to go through the formal loan application process.

What Is the Average Term For an Auto Loan?

The average term for an auto loan is around 60 months. However, this timeline can vary depending on the lender you’re working with.

Some lenders may offer loans with terms as short as 24 months, while others may extend the term up to 84 months.

How Much Should My Down Payment Be?

The size of your down payment will vary depending on the amount you’re looking to borrow and the terms of your loan.

However, most lenders will require a down payment of at least 10%. If you have bad credit, you may be required to put down 20% or more. If you havestellar credit, you may be able to put down less than 10%.

Choosing Auto Loan Providers | First Financial® (1)

Choosing Auto Loan Providers Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Although choosing auto loan providers might seem difficult to understand at first, it’s much easier than people think. Ensure that you keep the above guidelines in mind when moving forward so you can avoid mistakes.

Looking for other info about how we can help you out in the future? Feel free toreach out to ustoday to learn more.

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Choosing Auto Loan Providers | First Financial® (2024)

FAQs

Is the first financial bank legitimate? ›

It is a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, which means in-person service, in addition to its online and mobile apps. SmartAsset experts rated First Financial Bank 4.3 stars out of 5, suggesting it is a great choice and should warrant serious consideration.

What is the best company to finance a car through? ›

According to our research, AutoPay currently offers the best auto loan rate for new car purchases, with annual percentage rates (APR) as low as 4.67% for new vehicles. PenFed Credit Union, Auto Approve, Consumer's Credit Union, Auto Credit Express and iLending also offer some of the most competitive rates available.

What factor should you consider when selecting an auto loan? ›

Length of term: A shorter loan will generally come with a lower rate. Down payment: Putting down more money up front reduces the amount you need to borrow, which could favor a better rate. Credit score: Like any other loan, the better your credit is, the better your interest rate will be.

Is usually better to get a car loan directly from a dealership rather than a financial institution bank? ›

While you will likely get an auto loan with a more competitive rate through a bank or credit union, there are instances where dealership financing could be a better deal. The dealer offers promotional financing, as low as 0 percent APR (annual percentage rate), on select new models when you finance in-house.

What credit score do you need for First Financial Bank? ›

You need a credit score of 640 or better for the best First Financial Bank credit card offers, though other options are available for people with lower scores. It is possible to get approved for a credit card from First Financial Bank with a bad credit score, for example.

Is First Financial Guarantee a bank? ›

Is First Financial FDIC insured? No. First Financial is not a bank. Which banks will First Financial present?

Who is offering the lowest auto loan rates? ›

Compare Best Auto Loan Lenders
CompanyUsed APR RangeUsed Loan Amounts
PenFed Best Overall6.49%–17.99%$500–$150,000
AUTOPAY Best for Bad Credit/Low RatesAs low as 5.69%$2,500–$100,000
Consumers Credit Union Best Credit UnionAs low as 6.84%$500–$350,000
LendingTree Best for RefinanceAs low as 5.99% (Refinance)Not disclosed
3 more rows
May 3, 2024

Is it better to go through your bank for a car loan? ›

The bank may even offer incentives to financing with them if you do all your banking under their roof. When financing a car through a bank, you have the advantage of shopping around at various institutions in order to get a competitive deal or terms that best align with your budget and credit profile.

Who is the easiest to get a car loan from? ›

The best car loans for bad credit
  • Best for shopping around: myAutoloan.
  • Best for buying a car online: Carvana.
  • Best from a big bank: Capital One Auto Finance.
  • Best for used vehicle selection: CarMax Auto Finance.
  • Best for refinancing: Autopay.

Do first time car buyers have a high interest rate? ›

Auto loan interest rates for first-time car buyers tend to be similar to those with bad credit which can range from 11.72% to 21.38% on average.

What is a good percentage for auto loan? ›

Car Loan APRs by Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850): 2.96 percent for new, 3.68 percent for used. Good (700 - 749): 4.03 percent for new, 5.53 percent for used. Fair (650 - 699): 6.75 percent for new, 10.33 percent for used. Poor (450 - 649): 12.84 percent for new, 20.43 percent for used.

How long should my first car loan be? ›

How much is too much? The old "20/4/10 rule" of car buying states that you should make a 20% down payment, have a loan no longer than four years, and have a total monthly car budget that does not exceed 10% of your take-home pay.

What bank is best to get a car loan? ›

Best rates for new-car loans: Bank of America and PenFed Credit Union. Loans for new cars typically have lower interest rates than used-car loans, so you may already be on track to score a better auto loan rate. Among all of the lenders we reviewed, Bank of America and PenFed Credit Union are our top choices.

Where is the best place to get a car loan? ›

Best auto loans
  • Best from a big bank: Capital One Auto Finance.
  • Best from a credit union: PenFed Auto Loans.
  • Best for rate shopping: myAutoloan.
  • Best for online car shopping: Carvana.
  • Best for used vehicles: CarMax Auto Finance.
  • Best for refinancing: Autopay.

Why do dealerships want you to finance through them? ›

The dealership then keeps the difference, either as a flat fee from the bank or throughout the life of your loan! This is an easy way to make money for the dealer, and of course, the reason they want you to finance through them.

Is 1st Financial Bank real? ›

1st Financial Bank is a provider of credit card and financial services to college students and college graduates nationwide. 1FBUSA is also the provider of CollegeData, a free online college advisory website.

Is the first financial bank scholarship legit? ›

Enter to win a 1st Financial Bank USA Financial Goals Scholarship. We promise it's not a scam!

Is the FirstBank safe? ›

FirstBank is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), an independent government agency that protects depositors against the loss of their deposits (the money they keep in an account) if an FDIC-insured bank fails. To spot an FDIC-covered bank, look for the official sign that banks must display.

Is FirstBank legit? ›

Our 4.9 star rating is something we value greatly. Check out what more than 29,000 customers had to say about FirstBank Mortgage. Our 4.9 star rating is something we value greatly. Check out what more than 24,000 customers had to say about FirstBank Mortgage.

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