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
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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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Is buying a luxury car worth the cost?
Weigh these factors when deciding whether to buy a fully loaded standard car versus a luxury car brand.
4 min read May 06, 2024 -
How to buy a truck: Which pickup should you choose?
If you’re looking at buying a pickup, learn about how features affect price.
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What is an acquisition fee?
This fee may be charged upfront or rolled into your loan.
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Get a used car inspection before buying
A used car purchase can save you money — but only if you get a quality vehicle.
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Get an oil analysis before buying a used car
Don’t just look at a used car’s polish and history. Get an oil analysis to learn about the health of the engine.
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Credit Direct vs. LightStream: Which offers better auto loans?
Credit Direct and LightStream car loans are made for nontraditional car purchases.
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6 Reasons why you should get your car loan at a credit union
Learn why these nonprofit institutions are a smart choice for auto buyers.
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Requirements for student loan refinancing
Check your credit score and pay off as much debt as you can before applying.
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