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Best auto loan rates in March 2025

Rates start at 4.33%

Updated Mar 12, 2025

What to know first: The current auto loan annual percentage rate (APR) ranges from about 4 percent to 30 percent. Average auto loan interest rates sit at 7.42 percent for a 60-month new car loan, according to Bankrate's weekly survey. To find the best interest rate for your credit score and financial background, Bankrate's team of experts have reviewed hundreds of data points to inform our top auto loan picks.

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REFINANCE

Gravity Lending: Best for no fees

4.4
APR from
4.99- 14.99%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$15k- $150K
Min credit score
640
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Apply on partner site

USED

myAutoLoan: Best for fair credit borrowers

4.0
APR from
6.94%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
Starting at $8,000
Min credit score
600
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

Auto Approve: Best for loan comparison

4.2
APR from
5.49- 24.99%
Loan term
1-8 yrs
Loan amount
$10k- $150K
Min credit score
600
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Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

Autopay: Best for initial car loan refinance comparison research

4.5
APR from
4.85%
Loan term
1-8 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k- $100K
Min credit score
580
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REFINANCE

myAutoLoan: Best for comparing rates with good credit

4.0
APR from
5.49%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $120K
Min credit score
600
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Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

Caribou: Best for fair credit loan comparison

4.5
APR from
5.48- 28.55%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $125K
Min credit score
600
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NEW

Cars Direct: Best for poor credit borrowers

3.8
APR from
Not Specified
Loan term
2-6 yrs
Loan amount
$25k- $250K
Min credit score
700
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REFINANCE

Carputty: Best for frequent car buyers

4.4
APR from
4.33- 12.33%
Loan term
4-6 yrs
Loan amount
$25k- $250K
Min credit score
680
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LightStream: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best Online Lender

4.0
APR from
7.19- 15.44%
* with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $100K
Min credit score
Not disclosed
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Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

RefiJet: Best for customer support

4.1
APR from
5.29- 21.99%
Loan term
2-8 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $150K
Min credit score
500
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REFINANCE

iLending: Best for poor credit refinancing

4.5
APR from
5.49- 19.24%
Loan term
1-8 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k- $100K
Min credit score
560
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Apply on partner site

Lightstream: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best Online Lender

4.0
APR from
6.94- 15.19%
* with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k- $100K
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

LightStream: Bankrate 2025 Award Winner For Best Online Lender

4.0
APR from
6.94- 15.19%
* with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k- $100K
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

NEW

Tenet: Best for specialized EV loans

4.1
APR from
5.99- 16.20%
Loan term
3-7 yrs
Loan amount
$15k- $95K
Min credit score
Not disclosed
Read our reviewArrow Right

Read review on Bankrate

NEW

Best for initial comparison research for a new car loan

3.4
APR from
4.85%
Loan term
1-6 yrs
Loan amount
$8k- $150K
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

USED

Carputty: Best for online car buying

4.4
APR from
4.33- 12.33%
Loan term
4-6 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k- $100K
Min credit score
680
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Apply on partner site

NEW

Carputty: Best for auto loan for used car purchase

4.4
APR from
4.33- 12.33%
Loan term
4-6 yrs
Loan amount
$25k- $250K
Min credit score
680
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

NEW

myAutoLoan: Best for fair credit borrowers

4.0
APR from
6.94%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
Starting at $8,000
Min credit score
600
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

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A closer look at the best auto loan lenders in 2025

myAutoLoan: Best for fair credit borrowers

MyAutoLoan
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: myAutoLoan has no application fee and a convenient online application. It works with an expansive network of lenders to enable you to compare offers and find the right lender for your needs. It also offers loans for refinancing and lease buyouts.

Fixed APR
6.94%
Loan amount
Starting at $8,000
Min credit score
600

LightStream: Bankrate Awards winner best from an online lender

LightStream
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: LightStream offers unsecured personal loans to borrowers in all 50 states. Unlike traditional auto lenders that work with a network of dealerships, LightStream sends funds directly to the borrower. Although the minimum APR is competitive, the maximum is quite steep. 

Fixed APR
6.94%–15.19%
Loan amount
$5k– $100k
Min credit score
Not specified

Bank of America: Bankrate Awards best all-in-one experience

Bank of America
Rating: 3.7 stars out of 5
3.7

Overview: Bank of America is the second largest financial institution in the country and is trusted by consumers for a range of banking services, including auto financing. The bank offers loans for new, used, refinance and lease buyouts. It also carries minimal fees and serves drivers in all 50 states.

Fixed APR
5.54%
Loan amount
$7.5k
Min credit score
Not specified

PenFed Credit Union: Bankrate Awards best for used car purchase

PenFed
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Members of PenFed can view potential rates following prequalification without any damage to their credit score. This way, borrowers can compare different loan options at once and secure the right loan for their budget.

Fixed APR
4.09%
Loan amount
150,000
Min credit score
Not specified

Carputty: Best for online car buying 

Carputty
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Carputty is a direct lender that allows borrowers to finance multiple vehicle purchases at once. It offers higher than usual loan amounts, called lines of credit, up to $250,000. Along with that borrowers can access funding as soon as the same day.

Fixed APR
4.33%–12.33%
Loan amount
$25k– $250k
Min credit score
680

Consumers Credit Union: Bankrate awards best for first-in-class customer service

Consumers Credit Union
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5

Overview: Similar to PenFed, Consumers Credit Union offers an online car-buying service to borrowers. Powered by TrueCar, shoppers can secure financing and make their vehicle purchase online. This option also offers a small discount.

Fixed APR
4.49%
Loan amount
Not specified
Min credit score
Not specified

Tenet: Best for specialized EV loans

Tenet
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1

Overview: Tenet is a lender that specifically finances electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. It has an online marketplace to view your options and apply quickly. Plus, it also has options to finance at-home charging systems when you buy your vehicle.

Fixed APR
5.99%–16.20%
Loan amount
$15k– $95k
Min credit score
Not specified

Tresl: Best for initial comparison research for a new car loan

Tresl
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
3.4

Overview: Tresl is an auto loan marketplace that allows shoppers to quickly compare auto loans with a single application. It works with a number of lenders to present several options with just one application form. 

Fixed APR
4.85%
Loan amount
$8k– $150k
Min credit score
Not specified

Calculate your auto loan payment

Use Bankrate’s auto loan calculator to see how different interest rates will impact your monthly payment.

Calculate your auto loan payment

Use Bankrate’s auto loan calculator to see how different interest rates will impact your monthly payment.

Current car loan interest rates

On a weekly basis, Bankrate surveys the 10 largest banks and thrifts in U.S. markets. Bankrate experts crunch the numbers to find average interest rates for common loan terms and help you know the best time to buy a car.

Average rates as of March 05, 2025

60-month new car 7.42%
48-month new car 7.32%
48-month used car 7.92%
36-month used car 7.72%

How do car loans work?

Auto loans let you borrow the money you need to purchase a car. Since car loans are typically secured, they require you to use the vehicle you are buying as collateral for the loan.

Most auto loans offer a fixed interest rate and monthly payment, with terms that range from 24 to 84 months. Many dealerships offer financing, but you can also find auto loans at national banks, local credit unions and online lenders.

Types of auto loans

Car loan options go beyond just new and used. Each auto loan type has specific uses that cater to certain types of borrowers, and knowing what type you need can make the loan shopping process easier.

Pros and cons of auto loans

An auto loan can be a great way to get behind the wheel, but a car is a big purchase. With the average new car payment sitting at $742 per month, according to Experian data, these loans can impact your finances for years. It’s important to weigh auto loans’ advantages and disadvantages before opting in.

Pros

  • Checkmark Icon

    You own the car at the end of the loan.

  • Checkmark Icon

    Spreads out expenses over two to seven years.

  • Checkmark Icon

    May improve your credit score.

Cons

  • Monthly payments can be expensive.

  • Risk damaging your finances with missed payments.

  • Your vehicle’s value depreciates over time.

How to choose the best auto loan lender

Choosing the right lender can help you with financing a vehicle you can afford. We recommend you get quotes from at least three lenders beyond your car dealership. Pay special attention to the following factors:

  • Interest and fees: Your annual percentage rate (APR) is the annual cost of interest and fees. In general, a higher APR will result in a higher monthly payment.
  • Loan term: A longer loan term may lower your monthly costs, but you will pay more interest. To save money, pick the shortest loan term you can reasonably afford.
  • Approval requirements: Lenders consider your credit score, income and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio when you apply for an auto loan.

What factors contribute to auto loan interest rates?

Your auto loan interest rate will depend on the lender you choose, and it is somewhat out of your control. However, there are still choices you can make to increase approval. 

  • Lenders use credit scores to measure the risk that borrowers carry. Very simply, the lower your credit score is, the higher your interest rate will be.   
  • A large down payment will decrease the amount you need to finance, which in turn reduces the total interest you pay.  
  • An older vehicle with significant mileage carries additional risks for both you and your lender, so you can expect higher rates.
  • Some lenders will consider your education and work history in addition to your credit score and other aspects of your finances.
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BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

Why is it important to compare more than monthly payments?


Nationally recognized finance expert

It’s important to look beyond the monthly payment so you’re aware of all the terms of the loan. There are many factors, such as the interest rate and loan term, that help determine the monthly payment. For instance, one lender might be able to offer a lower monthly payment compared to other lenders because the loan term is longer. You’d save money on monthly payments, but you’d pay more interest in the long run. Review all the terms for each lender, including the interest rates, the loan terms and fee structures.

Auto loans expert

A smaller monthly auto loan payment provides you with the illusion of money saved. When comparing lenders, check the interest rate, loan term, potential fees and speed of funding. More than that, disclosing your ideal monthly payment to a lender or dealer can be used against you. Dealers can stretch out the loan term, which could result in you spending more on your vehicle over the course of the loan. Instead, focus on the overall cost of your auto loan, including interest. Take advantage of an auto loan calculator to see how much you will spend each month and overall when comparing loan offers.

How to apply for an auto loan

To get the auto loan that’s right for your situation, follow these steps:

  1. Determine your budget.

    Consider your current finances to determine how much you can afford to borrow with an auto loan. Also, keep depreciation, vehicle maintenance and car insurance in mind when choosing how much to spend.

  2. Check your credit.

    The better your credit score is, the more competitive your rates will likely be. Use your credit score to guide which lenders make the most sense to apply to — based on lender requirements.

  3. Apply for auto loan preapproval.

    When you're ready, apply for preapproval with any lender that offers it. This process will let you see which rates you qualify for without affecting your credit score, provided you keep applications within a 14-day window.

  4. Shop for your car.

    Make use of online reviews found on sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds to confirm the vehicle meets your needs along with any lender restrictions. Most lenders have preapproval periods that let you shop for 30 to 45 days before your loan terms expire.

  5. Compare dealership offers.

    While dealership loan rates tend to be slightly higher than other options, it is smart to compare them. And with preapproval, you improve your ability to negotiate with dealerships.

  6. Finalize the auto loan.

    At this point, you’ll need documents like proof of insurance and a vehicle title to seal the deal. Lenders should be able to walk you through the necessary documents you need to finalize your loan.

How to manage a car loan 

The key to managing your car loan is sticking to a budget and understanding how your agreed-upon payment timeline impacts it. Otherwise, you put yourself at risk of losing your vehicle and running into trouble. If you are on the brink of missing a payment, reach out to your lender as soon as possible to seek a solution. 

You can make extra payments to pay off your loan earlier to save on interest. But consider how early payoff can impact your credit — it can drop your score by a few points. Not all lenders allow early loan payoff. Approach your auto loan pay-off with care to ensure it fits best with your financial situation.

FAQs about auto loans

How we choose our best auto loan lenders

Bankrate's trusted auto loans industry expertise

48

years in business

26

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

520

data points collected

The Bankrate team evaluated over two dozen lenders to select our top picks for the best auto loans. Our 20-point system judged how lenders perform across four main categories.