Second-chance car loans: What they are and how to get one

A lower credit score can make getting approved for an auto loan with competitive terms challenging. However, you could still be eligible for financing with a second-chance auto loan. Also referred to as subprime auto loans, these cater to borrowers with past credit challenges. The trade-off is higher borrowing costs, which results in a higher monthly payment.

If you’ve exhausted other options, this type of loan could be an option if you desperately need a new ride. Still, it’s worth considering the benefits and drawbacks of these loans before applying so you’ll know what to expect.

What are second-chance auto loans?

A second-chance auto loan, or subprime car loan, is offered to drivers with bad credit who can’t get approved for traditional auto loans. According to Experian, FICO scores between 501 and 600 are considered subprime; anything lower is called “deep subprime.”

The eligibility guidelines for second-chance auto loans vary greatly among lenders. Some lenders require a minimum credit score and may have an income requirement. Others may not have a minimum credit requirement but have an income requirement and limited loan options.

You will almost certainly have to pay a higher interest rate with a second-chance auto loan. An excellent credit score nets an average interest rate of 5.25 percent on a new car loan, whereas subprime borrowers average 13.18 percent, according to Experian. This is because lenders consider you a higher risk of default.

Where to get second-chance auto loans

While not all lenders offer these types of loans, there are a few places where you can find one.

Dealerships

Some dealerships may be willing to offer a second-chance loan. In general, “buy here, pay here” (BHPH) lots cater to customers with no credit or low credit scores.

They should only be used as a last resort, though, since the interest rates on their loans are usually sky-high. And they often place tracking devices or starter interrupters on vehicles to make repossession easier.

Be wary of any deals that seem too good to be true when researching subprime lenders. Also, check customer reviews and thoroughly vet any potential lenders before you apply. Otherwise, you could fall victim to a yo-yo scam or other car-buying scam and lose money, time and the car you’re trying to buy.

It’s also worth exploring no-haggle car sellers like Carmax and Carvana. Good credit is not a requirement to get approved for financing. You could be eligible for financing with the latter with an annual income of just $4,500 if your credit profile is free of active bankruptcies.

Finance service companies

Online companies offering second-chance auto loans abound. Both qualification requirements and available interest rates will vary widely from lender to lender.

Consider using an online lending marketplace like Autopay to make finding and comparing these lenders easier. Before applying, check whether your chosen service charges a fee to match you with lenders.

You’ll complete a brief online questionnaire to get matched with lenders in the marketplace’s network that can offer you a loan. You can also view loan offers that include monthly payments and interest rates without impacting your credit score.

What to consider before taking out a second-chance auto loan

Although they are accessible, second-chance car loans are not without flaws. Keep these factors in mind before applying to make an informed decision.

Can you afford the monthly payments?

Second-chance car loans are riskier for lenders. Consequently, they charge steep interest rates that could make your payments more costly. The average monthly payment for subprime new auto loans is $749, but borrowers with excellent credit scores pay just $717, according to Experian.

What are the fees?

It’s important to investigate all fees, including application, origination, prepayment and any monthly account fees. Do not sign the paperwork until you read the lending agreement and understand the borrowing costs.

Will you build credit?

If you plan to buy a car as a first step to improving your credit, a second-chance auto loan may not be the way to go. Some lenders choose not to report loan activity to the credit bureaus. So, you forfeit the opportunity to build your credit by making timely payments each month and eventually paying the loan off.

Ask the lender if they report to the credit bureaus if you’re considering a second-chance auto loan. It’s also worth reading the fine print to confirm, as this information will typically be disclosed there.

Are you getting the best rate available to you?

Remember, subprime borrowers financing new cars get an average rate of 13.18 percent, according to Experian. It’s even higher for deep subprime borrowers – their average rate is 15.77 percent.

That said, shopping around with multiple lenders before settling for a second-chance auto loan is essential to finding the best deal. If you can find a rate even a single percentage point lower, you can get a more affordable monthly payment and save a bundle in interest.

Will the lender be installing a starter interrupter or GPS tracker?

Avoid buy-here, pay-here lots who require these devices as a condition to get approved for financing. Both make it easier for vehicles to be repossessed for non-payment and leave the borrower with little or no time to bring the loan current or work with the lender to make payment arrangements.

Alternatives to second-chance auto loans

If you’ve been turned down for a second-chance car loan or can’t qualify for a decent rate, consider other options.

• Add a co-signer. The lender may approve your application if you have a co-signer with excellent credit and a stable income. However, if you fall behind on the monthly loan payments, they become your co-signer’s responsibility.
• Check your local credit union. Many credit unions offer car loans to those with low credit scores. If you’re already a credit union member, make an appointment to speak with a loan officer. You may be eligible for financing based on your existing relationship with the credit union.
• Improve your credit. If you have time to wait, improving your credit may help you qualify for a loan with more favorable terms.
• Buy with cash. It takes time to save enough money to cover the purchase price, vehicle registration and other related costs. Still, you can steer clear of the lender’s eligibility guidelines and interest payments that come with auto loan financing.

The bottom line

A second-chance car loan could be an option if you can’t get approved for financing elsewhere. Still, they may not be a smart financial move. You could be better off improving your credit health to qualify for more favorable terms in the future.

The advice from Travis Bowie, an auto lending expert from Jerry, is simple. “For borrowers with subprime credit … it’s important to know that second chance loans are not the only option.”

Instead, review available loan terms before applying to decide if the benefits of taking out a second-chance car loan outweigh the costs. If not, consider alternatives that could save you money and headaches.