Credit Direct auto loans: 2024 review

Credit Direct is best for comparing rates

Unlike a bank or direct auto lender, Credit Direct is a loan marketplace. This makes it the ideal choice for those interested in comparing lenders and rates without submitting multiple applications. Depending on your credit standing, you will be presented with multiple loan options to compare. When comparing loans, pay close attention to the advertised interest rate, available terms and any fees that the lender charges. 

Credit Direct auto purchase loans

Credit Direct offers personal loans for auto purchases and repairs. An auto purchase personal loan through Credit Direct can be used to finance your next vehicle or buy another for parts. Unlike a conventional auto loan, these loans aren’t secured by the vehicle you’re purchasing. 

The minimum loan amount is much lower than most other auto loan providers, which means you don't have to borrow more than you need. You’ll also have the flexibility to take your money to the dealership of your choice, which can help with negotiation.

Where Credit Direct stands out

• Flexible loan amounts: Drivers can borrow as little as $1,000 — perfect for buying a car in poor condition for parts. Plus, you’ll own the car outright since it’s being purchased with a personal loan. 
• No hard inquiry: You can view potential rates and terms without having to undergo a hard credit check.
• Range of acceptance criteria: Credit Direct uses underwriting criteria that takes more than just credit history into account. It may consider other factors, like your ability to repay the loan, when determining approval.     

Where Credit Direct falls short

• Limited state availability: Credit Direct’s personal loans are only available in 15 states. Most banks and online lenders have larger footprints, including some that service all 50 states and U.S. territories.    
• Small maximum loan amount: A maximum loan amount of just $40,000 won’t even cover the average price of a new car, which sits at about $48,000.
• Significant documentation needed: In order to prequalify, you must present two months of bank statements along with one month’s worth of pay stubs.   

Credit Direct customer experience

Customer support

Credit Direct offers 24-hour support via its call center at 866-414-4198. You can also get in contact with customer service by emailing info@creditdirect.com or by filling out the online form on Credit Direct’s contact page.

Digital experience

Credit Direct has a fairly basic online presence. On its website's homepage, you can check your potential rate and explore commonly asked questions. Outside of that, there are very few add-ons to take advantage of. 

What people are saying about Credit Direct

Although Credit Direct has fewer than 500 reviews on Trustpilot, 285 in total, the company has a fairly high score — 4.6 out of 5 stars. Reviewers mention a positive customer experience with representatives responding to requests in a timely manner.

How this lender compares

If you don’t live in one of the states that Credit Direct serves or want to see other funding options, start by comparing the best auto loan rates along with top lenders. 

Credit Direct vs. LightStream

A comparable unsecured loan option, LightStream offers drivers the ability to finance a new or used vehicle, refinance their current auto loan or buy out their leased car. LightStream has a much larger state footprint than Credit Direct, and it also has a much higher maximum loan amount of $100,000 — perfect for those looking to purchase a vehicle that costs more than Credit Direct’s low maximum of $40,000.

Credit Direct vs. Regions Bank

Regions Bank offers similar regional coverage to Credit Direct, primarily serving the southern United States. Although it does not disclose its credit requirements, banks like Regions tend to serve those with good to excellent credit. In addition, Regions offers a much larger range of loan amounts, from $5,000 to $125,000. 

Do you qualify for a Credit Direct auto loan?

Credit Direct doesn’t specify eligibility criteria on its website or by phone — aside from being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and living in a state it serves. However, it does indicate that borrowers with all ranges of credit scores are welcome to apply, and it evaluates more than just your credit score when reviewing your application. You should also have a steady, verifiable source of income that allows you to make timely monthly payments.

How Bankrate rates Credit Direct

The Bankrate team assessed more than 35 auto lenders to find the best. Bankrate considered 18 criteria, such as acceptance criteria, loan amounts and APR range. These scores are broken into four categories.