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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How to lease a car with bad credit
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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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Average car payments in 2024: What to expect
Use average car payment data to inform your budgeting.
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10 car leasing traps you should avoid
Auto leases can come with upsells and costly fees. Beware these 9 car leasing traps.
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RefiJet vs. Gravity: Which offers better auto loans?
Both refinance marketplaces offer low rates and other perks.
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What to know about short-term car leases
Looking for a less restrictive car lease? Here are options you may not have thought about.
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M&T Bank vs. Bank of America: Which offers better auto loans?
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PenFed and U.S. Bank auto loan rates are competitive — if you have an account.
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Should you get an 84-month auto loan?
An 84-month loan will reduce your monthly payments but cost more overall.
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Upstart vs. Caribou: Which offers better auto loans?
Upstart vs Caribou: These auto refinancers are similar with some key differences.
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How to end a car lease early for medical reasons
Does the car lease have loopholes? If it doesn’t, there are other ways to avoid a penalty.
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