When should you refinance your car loan? And when to wait
Time your car loan refinance right to receive the maximum benefits.
8 min read
Nov 27, 2024
Rebecca Betterton
Writer, Auto Loans and Personal Loans
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3Years of experience
EXPERTISE
- Auto Loans
- Personal loans
- Personal finance
- Budgeting
EDUCATION
- Certified Financial Education Instructor℠, National Financial Educators Council
- Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications, Elon University
About the author
Rebecca Betterton, a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠, is a writer for Bankrate who has been reporting on auto loans since 2021. Through her writing, Rebecca aims to provide clarity and accessibility to the automotive loans industry as the cost of financing new and used vehicles continues to climb due to steep inflation.
She specializes in assisting readers in navigating the ins and outs of securely borrowing money to purchase a car, but recently widened her scope to cover personal loans and other debt topics. Prior to her time at Bankrate, she was a social media reporter and copywriter.
When Rebecca isn’t researching recent trends in personal finance, she is an avid runner and a lover of interior design.
Rebecca beyond Bankrate
Rebecca wants you to know
Rebecca understands the anxiety that comes with heading to a dealership. She is passionate about empowering readers to make informed financial decisions in the showroom through focused advice and guidance. Outside of that, she has spent the last year researching EV financing and trends to make it more accessible for all sorts of drivers.
Rebecca's latest articles
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6 common car loan mistakes that cost you money
Avoid these car financing mistakes that can take money out of your pocket.
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How to lease a car with bad credit
Having bad credit can make it hard to lease a car. Here’s what to do.
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First-time car buyer programs: What they are and how to apply
First-time car buyer programs often have more flexible requirements.
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TikTok made me buy it now (and pay later)
How cutting down on social media consumption can help your finances.
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How to get preapproved for a car loan
Learn how to get preapproved for a car loan.
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Average car payments in 2024: What to expect
Use average car payment data to inform your budgeting.
6 min read Nov 22, 2024
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Afterpay Buy Now, Pay Later: 2024 Review
Afterpay is a buy now, pay later app that has a loyalty rewards program and a 0% interest option when you pay in four installments.
6 min read Nov 27, 2024 -
How to transfer a car title
Learn how to transfer a car title and what to do if the title has a lien on it.
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Yes, you can sell a car with a lien — here’s how
Selling a used car with a lien can be tricky. Follow our tips to maximize your sale.
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How to calculate interest on a car loan
Calculate your interest payments and determine how much interest you’ll pay overall.
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What is an auto loan and how does it work?
An auto loan allows you to borrow money from a lender in order to purchase a car.
5 min read Nov 21, 2024 -
What is auto loan refinancing and how it works
Refinancing can help reduce interest paid, lower monthly payments or both.
3 min read Nov 21, 2024 -
How does debt consolidation work?
It only makes sense to consolidate if you can get better rates or terms.
6 min read Nov 19, 2024 -
Should I buy a boat or rent one? Consider these factors
Buying or renting a boat depends on your wants, needs and financial situation when both options have pros and cons.
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