What Credit Score Do You Need for a Car Loan?

Updated September 2026 · 4 min read

There is no single cutoff, but most auto lenders want a score around 600 or above, and the best rates go to borrowers at 700-plus. Each tier down adds several percentage points to the rate, which can cost thousands over the life of a loan.

How the tiers translate

• 720+: the lowest advertised rates, new and used.
• 660-719: still competitive, a little higher.
• 600-659: noticeably higher, approval is common.
• Below 600: subprime - high rates, and a bigger down payment is usually required.

Why the score matters so much

On a $25,000 five-year loan, the difference between a 4% and a 12% rate is well over $5,000 in interest. That is why a few months spent improving your score before applying can be worth more than any negotiation at the dealership.

How to check and improve it

• Get your free credit reports and scores and fix errors first.
• Pay down revolving balances - credit utilization is a big factor.
• Avoid opening new credit in the months before you apply.
• Keep old accounts open to preserve your credit history length.

Shop without wrecking your score

Auto loan inquiries within a short window - roughly two weeks to 45 days - are usually treated as one inquiry, so comparing lenders is safe. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and never affects it.

Then price the loan with the auto loan calculator and see the good rate guide for benchmarks.

Frequently asked questions

What if my score is 550?

You can still get approved, usually through subprime lenders, but expect a high rate. A larger down payment helps.

Does checking my own credit score hurt it?

No. Checking your own score is a soft inquiry and has no effect.