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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How to get a debt consolidation loan in 6 steps
Is debt consolidation right for you? See how to qualify.
5 min read Sep 30, 2024 -
Can you switch co-signers on a car loan?
The easiest way to change co-signers on a car is by refinancing with a new one.
2 min read Sep 26, 2024 -
Should you refinance or trade in your car?
Both options can be good for different situations. Find out which is right for you.
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How to take over car payments on a used vehicle
It may be easier to take over used car payments when buying a used car privately — here’s how.
5 min read Sep 23, 2024 -
How many times can you refinance a car?
How often can you refinance your car? As often as lenders will let you.
4 min read Sep 23, 2024 -
Should I get an auto loan before going to the dealership?
Explore your options and get the best rates before you enter the dealership.
4 min read Sep 22, 2024 -
Bad Credit Loans
While your credit score will keep you from getting a great APR, you can still find interest rates that are much lower than those you’d likely find on payday loans.
18 min read Sep 19, 2024 -
How secured auto loans work
Secured auto loans are the most common type available.
4 min read Sep 12, 2024