The average car loan interest rate for a 730 credit score is between 6.87% for new vehicles and 9.36% for used vehicles, as of the second quarter of 2024, according to Experian. However, the exact interest rate a borrower will get will depend on additional factors, such as the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio and whether the lender is a bank, credit union, or car dealer.
Borrowers should shop around for the best rates and be aware that the interest rate is not the same as the APR. Here’s a look at auto loan interest rates and what loan terms you can expect depending on how good your credit score is.
Key Points
• A 730 credit score typically results in an average car loan interest rate of 6.87% for new cars and 9.36% for used cars.
• The borrower’s debt-to-income ratio can significantly affect car loan interest rates, even with a 730 credit score.
• Interest rates for used car loans are generally higher than for new car loans for borrowers with a 730 credit score.
• Factors influencing car loan interest rates include lender policies, loan amount, loan length, economic conditions, vehicle type, and debt-to-income ratio.
• Different lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and car dealers, offer varying interest rates, so it’s important to compare offers.
Average Used Car Interest Rate for 730 Credit Score
The interest rate you receive for a car loan depends on a number of factors. The main one is your credit score, which updates every 45 days or so. As we mentioned, the average auto loan interest rate in the second quarter of 2024 was 6.87% for new vehicles and 9.36% for used vehicles for borrowers with a “prime” credit score of between 661 and 780.
Recommended: FICO Score vs. Credit Score
Factors That Affect Auto Loan Interest Rates
Your credit score is probably the most influential factor affecting auto loan interest rates. (And though it takes time, there are ways to build your credit.) But there are other things that will make a difference. Here’s a brief look at what plays a role in the credit score equation.
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Your Credit Score
Your credit score is based on your credit profile, which takes into account your payment history regarding loans, the length of your credit history, your debt-to-income ratio, and your credit utilization. Your debt-to-income ratio shows how much money you have left over after paying your debts each month and, therefore, your ability to comfortably repay a loan.
While there are a number of factors that affect your credit score, the higher your score, the lower your interest rate will be. A high credit score shows that you are managing your debt well, and a lender will not consider you at a high risk of default. If you have a low credit score, a lender is likely to charge you a higher interest rate to cover the cost in case you default on the loan.
The Lender
It’s a good idea to shop around for a lender. Each one has its own policies and underwriting criteria. Also, your lender might give you a higher rate if you buy a used vehicle or one with lower mileage. With a newer vehicle, you are less likely to face unexpected repair costs and so may be better able to meet your loan payments. A spending app can help you create a budget and manage bills.
Loan Amount
While you can buy a car with no down payment, an upfront down payment reduces the loan amount. A lender considers a smaller loan less risky, and may apply a lower interest rate. Also, if you have paid a substantial down payment, the lender will think you are less likely to default on the loan.
Length of Loan
In many cases, the shorter the loan term, the lower the interest rate because the lender assumes risk for less time. A long loan term should be avoided if possible because it could lead to negative equity, meaning that you owe more than the car is worth.
Economic and Market Conditions
The Federal Reserve increases or decreases its target interest rate depending on inflation and the state of the economy. Banks and lending institutions typically follow suit. If interest rates rise, so will borrowing rates, and you will be paying more interest on an auto loan.
How to Get a Better Auto Loan Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The interest rate and the APR on a loan are not the same. The interest rate is the percentage charged on what you borrow from a lender, while the APR takes into account the interest rate and other borrowing fees such as prepaid finance charges. Thus, the APR gives a more accurate picture of the cost of financing a vehicle and your repayments.
How can you get the best APR from a lender? Here are some tips.
• Check your credit score and your credit report. Fix any errors on your credit history, and try to get your credit score as high as you can before applying for an auto loan. Aim for 670 or higher for the best rates. A credit score monitoring service can help you keep tabs on any fluctuations.
• Get a loan through a bank or credit union. Car dealers tend to charge higher interest rates than banks and credit unions.
• Consider using a personal loan to buy a car. Personal loans are not limited in their use, but an auto loan can only be used for that specific purpose.
• Save up for a down payment. A large down payment translates to borrowing less and a lower monthly payment. A money tracker app will help you with your spending.
How Often Do Auto Loan Rates Change?
Auto loan interest rates change daily. Also, when the Federal Reserve changes the federal funds rate, auto loan interest rates usually follow.
How to Use Average Car Interest Rates
If you know the average loan interest rate you might be offered, you can input that data into an auto loan calculator to find your estimated monthly payment for various loan terms.
Your rate will also be affected by other factors, such as the loan term and whether your vehicle is new or old, so your final APR and terms will not be completely accurate until you are offered a loan.
Recommended: Differences Between VantageScore and FICO Credit Scores
Where Are Auto Loan Rates Heading?
Auto loan rates have been increasing for decades. According to MarketWatch, in August 2023, the average finance rate for a new car loan with a 48-month term reached 8.3% — its highest point since August 2001. However, in 2024, inflation cooled, and the Fed reduced interest rates.
At the same time, experts warned that car loan rates might not improve immediately. Jonathan Smoke, the chief economist for Cox Automotive, has said that auto loan rates may take “several weeks or even months” to respond to the Fed cut.
The five-year Treasury was 4.7% in April 2024 and was down to 3.5% as of September 2024. While the Federal Reserve’s rate cut is a positive sign for borrowers, auto loan rates may not drop significantly until later in 2024 or early 2025.
Ways to Get a Better Car Loan Rate
If you want to buy a car now and can’t wait for auto loan rates to drop, there are steps you can take to help get the best deal.
• Comparison shop. Before you hit the car lot, get preapproved with different lenders and compare the offers and loan terms.
• Check your credit score. If yours is lower than you’d like, there are ways to build your credit.
• Consider high-inventory cars. Dealers with an oversupply of certain makes and models may be willing to make a deal so they can move the vehicles off their lot.
• Consider getting a cosigner if you have poor credit. A cosigner with a better credit history may be able to help you qualify for a lower rate. Just starting out on your credit journey? It can help to know your starting credit score.
The Takeaway
A credit score of around 730 is considered good. According to Experian, the average car loan interest rate for someone with a credit score of 730 is around 6.87% for a new car and 9.36% for a used car, as of the second quarter of 2024.
But your credit score is just one factor that will influence the loan terms you will get from a lender. Other factors include your debt-to-income ratio and whether the lender is a bank, credit union, or auto dealer.
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FAQ
What car interest rate can you get with a credit score of 730?
The average interest rate for a car loan with a credit score of 661 to 780 is 6.87% for a new car and 9.36% for a used car, according to Experian. A credit score around 730 is considered good or “prime.”
Is 7% APR good for a car loan?
A 7.00% APR on a car loan is around the average if you have fair credit (600 to 699). That said, individual car loan rates will vary.
What is a good interest rate on a 72-month car loan?
According to data as reported by MarketWatch, a good interest rate for a 72-month car loan is between 5.64% and 6.49% for new vehicles.
What APR can I get with 750 credit score for a car?
With a 750 credit score, according to Experian, you can typically expect to get a car loan APR around 6.87% for a new car. For a used car, the APR might be slightly higher at around 9.36%.
How much of a loan can I get with a 730 credit score?
With a 730 credit score, according to CreditPros, you can usually borrow between $50,000 and $100,000 for a personal loan, and up to $40,000 for secured car loans. The amount you can borrow will depend on your budgeting habits and credit score but also other factors such as your debt-to-income ratio and perhaps your employment history.
Who has the lowest auto loan rates right now?
According to MarketWatch, Navy Federal Credit Union offers a low rate of 4.09%. PenFed Credit Union offers a rate of 4.74%, and Bank of America offers a rate of 5.59%.
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