Most of us don't have a pile of cash in the bank when it's time to buy a car. And if you have bad credit, you may be worried that you won't get approved for an auto loan. However, it is possible to get a car loan even if you have a less-than-perfect credit history. Here's how to find a lender: ASK YOUR LOCAL BANK If you're already a customer, your bank or credit union might be willing to give you an auto loan, especially if you have a solid, positive banking history with them. In many cases, banks are more willing to work with bad credit borrowers than auto dealers, and they're likely to charge you a more favorable interest rate. Also, your bank may be willing to give you a secured loan, where you use a valuable possession--such as another car or an expensive piece of jewelry--as collateral. SEARCH ONLINE Many independent loan companies are willing to lend money to bad credit borrowers for things like houses and cars. Do an Internet search for "bad credit car loan" or "bad credit auto loan" to find a lender that might be willing to work with your special circumstances. However, expect to get charged a higher interest rate--and possibly higher fees--because of your shaky credit history. PICK THE RIGHT DEALER Some used car lots offer a buy-here-pay-here option. Essentially, you're financing your car through the dealer. However, you usually don't have to go through a credit check. Instead, you drop off your payment (or mail it) to the dealer every week. The interest on these types of loans tends to be high, and most times your car will be repossessed if you skip or are late paying just a few payments. However, they're a good choice if you have such bad credit that a credit check would eliminate any chance of obtaining a loan. Here is a list of recommended Vehicle Finance Lenders online. It's important to use a reputable lender online to make sure your personal information is secure. Even if you have bad credit, it's possible to get an auto loan. However, you may have extra costs--such as higher interest rates or higher fees. |
