Getting approved for an auto loan can be tricky especially if you have less-than-perfect credit. With lending requirements varying between financial institutions, you may be wondering which bank has the easiest auto loan approval?
I took a close look at today’s top lenders to find the ones offering the most accessible loan approval process. Here’s what I discovered about the banks and credit unions most likely to approve your auto loan application.
Overview of Easiest Auto Loan Lenders
These lenders stood out for having flexible credit requirements and streamlined application processes:
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Capital One: Approves borrowers with fair credit (around 620 FICO score). Offers prequalification and allows co-borrowers.
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PenFed Credit Union: Doesn’t advertise minimum score requirements. Allows co-borrowers and co-signers.
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MyAutoLoan: Accepts credit scores as low as 600. Gets you multiple pre-approved offers after one application.
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Carvana Doesn’t disclose minimum score requirements Fully online application available
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PNC Bank: Doesn’t advertise credit cutoff. Check Ready loans allow pre-approval.
While each has areas where it shines, overall PNC Bank appears to offer the most accessible path to auto loan approval right now.
Why PNC Bank Has the Easiest Approval Process
Here’s a closer look at why I believe PNC Bank wins for easiest auto loan approvals:
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Minimum credit scores not advertised: PNC doesn’t disclose any hard credit cutoff requirements. This suggests greater lending flexibility.
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Co-borrowers allowed: Applying with a co-borrower with better credit can help you get approved and score better terms.
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Pre-approval available: PNC’s Check Ready loans let you get pre-approved for financing from $7,500 up to $75,000 before visiting the dealer. Pre-approvals don’t require a hard credit check.
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Large lender: As a major U.S. bank, PNC likely has greater lending resources and flexibility than smaller institutions.
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Online applications: The entire application process can be completed online for added convenience.
Essentially, PNC Bank appears ready and willing to work with borrowers despite credit challenges. And with pre-approval available, you can shop for your car with financing already secured.
Runners-Up for Easiest Auto Loan Approval
While PNC Bank ranked first in my book, a few other lenders also offer accessible loan approvals:
Capital One doesn’t advertise a minimum score but is willing to work with applicants having scores around 620. Capital One also allows co-borrowers and provides an online prequalification tool.
PenFed Credit Union has flexible lending criteria and allows co-borrowers and co-signers. PenFed also offers easy prequalification. Membership is required for loan approval.
MyAutoLoan connects applicants with lenders based on customized pre-approval offers. They work with credit scores starting at 600.
Carvana earns points for its easy online application and doesn’t list minimum score requirements. Applicants need fair credit at minimum.
Overall, these lenders are willing to work with imperfect credit, often without disclosing hard score cutoffs. Pre-approval is also commonly available.
Tips for Securing Easy Auto Loan Approval
Beyond picking the right lender, there are a few things you can do to boost your odds of getting approved:
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Apply with a co-signer: Adding a cosigner with good credit can help you meet any lending requirements you fall short on.
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Lower your debt-to-income ratio: Pay down debts and avoid taking on new credit before applying.
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Make a large down payment: The more you can put down, the better. Shoot for 20% if possible.
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Allow a hard credit check: Soft checks from pre-approvals won’t boost your score. But if you have recent credit-building activity, a hard check could help demonstrate improved finances.
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Apply online: Online applications are easier to complete and many lenders provide faster decisions.
The Bottom Line
It’s possible to get approved for auto financing even with imperfect credit. Overall, PNC Bank appears to offer the most accessible loan approval process with:
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No advertised minimum credit requirements
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Online applications and fast pre-approvals available
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Co-borrowers allowed to help applicants qualify
But lenders like Capital One, PenFed, MyAutoLoan, and Carvana also offer less stringent approval requirements relative to traditional auto lending.
If you have bad credit, make sure to apply with a lender willing to work with borrowers in your score range. Taking steps to improve your credit and finances can also help boost your approval odds substantially. With the right lender, getting the car loan you need is within reach.
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How To Use a Credit Union or Outside Bank to Finance Your Car in 2021
FAQ
What is the easiest car lender to get approved for?
- Best for buying a car online: Carvana.
- Best from a big bank: Capital One Auto Finance.
- Best for used vehicle selection: CarMax Auto Finance.
- Best for refinancing: Autopay.
- Best for low or no down payment: Westlake Financial.
- Best for long repayment terms: iLending.
Does CarMax approve everyone?
What is the best bank to get an auto loan from?
- Best from a big bank: Capital One Auto Finance.
- Best from a credit union: PenFed Auto Loans.
- Best for rate shopping: myAutoloan.
- Best for a simple online experience: Carvana.
- Best for used vehicles: CarMax Auto Finance.
- Best for refinancing: Autopay.
Does Carvana approve everyone?