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.
4 min read Nov 26, 2024 -
The most important questions to ask when buying a car
Here’s what to ask when buying a car to make sure you get a deal, not a lemon.
5 min read Nov 26, 2024 -
How to lease a car with bad credit
Having bad credit can make it hard to lease a car. Here’s what to do.
5 min read Nov 25, 2024 -
First-time car buyer programs: What they are and how to apply
First-time car buyer programs often have more flexible requirements.
6 min read Nov 25, 2024 -
TikTok made me buy it now (and pay later)
How cutting down on social media consumption can help your finances.
5 min read Nov 25, 2024 -
How to get preapproved for a car loan
Learn how to get preapproved for a car loan.
3 min read Nov 23, 2024 -
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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What you need to know about payday loans
Payday loans can be tempting, but they can also create a vicious cycle of debt.
10 min read Oct 17, 2024 -
How to pay for moving expenses: 4 options to consider
Moving is one of the most stressful life events you can endure — especially if you aren’t confident you can afford it.
5 min read Oct 17, 2024 -
Should you use a personal loan to invest and build wealth?
Some personal loans may be used for investing, but it’s not always a wise idea.
7 min read Oct 17, 2024 -
What is Rule of 78 and how can it impact loans?
The Rule of 78 can hurt borrowers looking to pay debt off early.
4 min read Oct 16, 2024 -
How many car loans can you have?
Getting approved for a second car loan can be hard, but it’s possible.
4 min read Oct 16, 2024 -
How much is an oil change?
Oil change prices vary based on your car model and location.
4 min read Oct 16, 2024 -
Car loan documentation checklist
Any information you give on your application will need documentation to support it. Have it ready before applying.
4 min read Oct 14, 2024 -
What is a yo-yo financing scam and how to avoid it
Learn how to spot a yo-yo scam — and how to stop one before you set foot on a car lot.
5 min read Oct 14, 2024