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If you’re an 18-year-old with no credit history, you can get a loan, but your choices may be more limited. You may have to tap into alternative options and sources, such as loans with a cosigner.

That’s because lenders like to lend to people with a history of borrowing and on-time payments. Oftentimes, young people just starting out have no credit history. This means they have no credit accounts in their name or haven’t used credit for a long period of time and the information has been removed from their credit history. Without credit, it can be difficult to access loans or credit cards, rent an apartment or buy a house, and obtain certain subscriptions.

Let’s take a closer look at loans for 18-year-olds.

Benefits of Loans for 18-Year-Olds

Two important benefits of getting a loan as an 18-year-old include gaining access to funds and building up credit history.

Access to Funds

The obvious benefit of getting loans as a young person is that you will have access to the money you need. Depending on the type of loan you get, you may be able to use the funds for a variety of purposes, including:

•   Education

•   Purchasing big-ticket items, such as a car

•   Personal expenses, such as medical or wedding expenses

Build Up Your Credit History

Loans allow you to start building up your credit history, which can help you meet goals such as:

•   Getting a cellphone

•   Accessing utilities in your name

•   Qualifying for a credit card

•   Getting good rates on insurance, a mortgage, or auto loan

Plus, establishing a strong record of borrowing and repayment can position you well for future borrowing.

💡 Quick Tip: Need help covering the cost of a wedding, honeymoon, or new baby? A SoFi personal loan can help you fund major life events — without the high interest rates of credit cards.

Cons of Loans for 18-Year-Olds

While there are benefits to getting a loan when you’re 18, there are downsides to consider as well. Let’s take a closer look at a few.

Limited Loan Amounts

You may not be able to borrow a large loan amount when you’re young and just starting out. For example, if you want to purchase a $500,000 home as an 18-year-old and have no credit history, you’ll likely have difficulty qualifying for this type of loan.

Potentially High Rates

It’s possible to get a loan with no credit as a young person, but lenders may charge a higher interest rate than if you had an established credit history.

Why is that the case? Lenders try to assess your risk level when you apply for anything from a personal loan to a credit card. If they can’t see evidence that you have successfully made loan payments, they may not grant you a loan or they may compensate for that risk by charging you a higher interest rate.

Some lenders consider other aspects of your profile beyond credit history, including whether you can comfortably afford your payments.

Risk of Getting Into Debt

According to a consumer debt study conducted by Experian, Generation Z (those aged 18-26) had a non-mortgage debt average of $15,105 in 2023. This includes credit cards, auto debt, personal loans, or student loans.

While carrying any level of debt can be stressful, there are also financial implications to consider. For starters, if you don’t pay off your balance in a timely way, interest can start to build. Credit cards tend to carry higher interest rates than home or auto loans. This means wiping out credit card debt could take a long time if you only pay the minimum amount.

Then there are potential penalties to be mindful of, such as late fees. You may also face collection costs if you don’t pay your bills, which will remain on your credit report and potentially impact your credit score for years.

Recommended: Why Do People Choose a Joint Personal Loan?

Is a Co-Signer Required When Applying for Loans as an 18-Year-Old?

Not all lenders require a cosigner, so be sure to ask if you’ll need one. In most cases, a loan without a cosigner will likely have a lower loan amount and a higher interest rate.

What exactly is a cosigner? Simply put, it’s a person who agrees to take responsibility for a loan alongside the primary borrower. If one person fails to make payments, it will affect the other person’s credit score.

Applying for a loan with a co-borrower or cosigner can be a quick way to get accepted for a loan.

Understanding Your Loan Status

Like many financial processes, applying for a loan involves multiple steps. Here’s a general idea of what’s involved:

•   Pre-approval: Pre-approval means that your lender takes a look at your qualifications (including a soft credit check). A soft credit check is an inquiry of your credit report.

•   Application: In this part of the process, you submit a formal application, and your lender will verify your information.

•   Conditional approval: You may also get conditional approval for your loan, which means the lender may likely approve you to get a loan as long as you meet all the requirements.

•   Approval or denial: Finally, you’ll either get approved or denied for the loan.

Your lender should be clear with you at every step of the application process.

Recommended: How to Get Approved for a Personal Loan

Private Lender Loan Requirements for 18-Year-Olds

There are no hard-and-fast requirements that encompass private lender requirements. However, lenders generally look at an applicant’s credit score, debt, and income.

Credit Score

There’s no universally set minimum credit score requirement for a loan because rules can vary by lender. It’s worth noting that low-to-no-credit borrowers may be able to access a loan.

Debt and Income

Lenders will check to see how much debt you have and calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which ideally should be less than 36%. To figure out your DTI, lenders add up your debts and divide that amount by your gross income.

Lenders will also look at your income to ensure you can make monthly payments on your loan. This can include income from your job, a spouse’s income, self-employment, public assistance, investments, alimony, financial aid for school, insurance payments, and an allowance from family members.

Tips for Getting Loans as an 18-Year-Old

If you’re ready to get a loan as a young person, you can take steps to help boost your odds of getting approved.

Show Your Savings

Show the lender what you’ve saved in your accounts, which may include:

•   High-yield savings accounts

•   Certificates of deposit (CDs)

•   Money market account

•   Checking or savings accounts

•   Treasuries

•   Bonds, stocks, real estate, and other investments

Demonstrating savings can help you show that you can repay your loan.

Show Proof of Income

Lenders will likely require you to provide proof of income so they can see how you’ll pay for your loan. But remember, this doesn’t mean just the money you earn from a job. Consider other types of income you receive. For instance, you may not initially think of alimony as a source of income, but a lender might.

Apply for a Lower Amount

Lenders may deny your loan if you choose to borrow more money than you can realistically repay. So if you’re young and have no credit history, you may be able to increase your chances of getting a loan if you apply for a lower amount. You may also want to consider this strategy if you’re denied for a loan and want to reapply.

💡 Quick Tip: Just as there are no free lunches, there are no guaranteed loans. So beware lenders who advertise them. If they are legitimate, they need to know your creditworthiness before offering you a loan.

The Takeaway

While most 18-year-olds don’t have a large income or lengthy credit history, that doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a personal loan. Just remember that funding choices may be more restricted, and you might not qualify for a large amount. If you’re having trouble getting approved, you may want to consider asking someone to cosign the loan, showing proof of income and savings, or applying for less money.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

FAQ

Are there loans for 18-year-olds without a job?

You can get a loan without a job. However, you’ll need to show a lender that you have some form of consistent income, such as through investments, alimony, financial aid, or another source of cash flow.

Are there loans for 18-year-olds without credit?

Yes, loans do exist for 18-year-olds with no credit history. But note that even if you qualify for a loan without credit, it may be a lower amount than you could qualify for if you had a lengthy credit history. You may also not be able to get a low interest rate.

Can I get a loan as an 18-year-old?

Yes, 18-year-olds can get a loan. Your age matters less than your credit history and credit score — or the availability of a cosigner. Keep in mind that you may have trouble getting a loan if you don’t meet a lender’s qualifications. Contact a lender to learn more about your options.

How can I build credit as an 18-year-old?

If you want to start building credit, it may be worth exploring a secured credit card. Similar to a debit card, this type of credit card requires you to put down a cash deposit to insure any purchases you make. For example, putting down a $1,000 deposit, and that becomes your starting credit line on your card.

Photo credit: iStock/SeventyFour

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOPL1023021

There’s a saying that you have to spend money to make money. But what if you can’t get the money you need for a significant purchase, such as a car or a house?

Accessing credit can be challenging for borrowers who haven’t established a credit history or have mismanaged debt in the past. One option to consider: credit-builder loans.

This financial product is designed to help people with limited or poor credit histories access a modest loan amount and increase their credit scores by repaying it over time. A credit-builder loan doesn’t require a credit score for borrowers to qualify. And it provides an opportunity to restore your credit through affordable loan payments.

Here’s a closer look at this type of loan.

How Does a Credit-Builder Loan Work?

Credit-building loans use monthly repayments to help credit-challenged borrowers build credit. In other words, it’s a personal loan to build credit. Here’s a breakdown of how they work.

First, the primary purpose of a credit-builder loan is for borrowers to demonstrate responsible borrowing behavior over time. As a result, this loan type doesn’t give the borrower a large sum to immediately use, as with a traditional loan.

Instead of providing an upfront lump sum to the borrower, a credit-builder loan requires the lender to deposit the loan amount in an interest-bearing account. The borrower can’t access the funds until they pay off the loan through monthly installments. These loans range from amounts of $300 to $1,000.

Remember, credit-builder loans usually have an interest rate and fees. Therefore, your monthly payment will incorporate the principal, loan origination fees, and interest. The lender might return some of the interest to you at the end of the loan, but every lender differs on the specifics. Therefore, it’s vital to carefully read the terms and conditions of the loan agreement to understand the loan’s total cost and the perks.

The credit-building loan term typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years. Once the loan matures and you’ve made all the required payments, you’ll receive the amount (minus any interest or fees per the loan terms) in the collateral account.

Lastly, building credit takes time, so patience and consistency are key. Improving your credit through this loan can open up opportunities for future loans, credit cards, and other financial products. However, only some financial institutions offer credit-builder loans, so you may need to shop around to find one.


💡 Quick Tip: Before choosing a personal loan, ask about the lender’s fees: origination, prepayment, late fees, etc. SoFi personal loans come with no-fee options, and no surprises.

How Can a Credit-Builder Loan Help You Build Credit?

When you take out a credit-building loan, you make monthly payments towards the total amount. Your lender reports your payments to the credit bureaus, contributing to a higher credit score.

The low borrowed amount (also called the principal) makes the payments small and manageable. This feature helps borrowers with limited resources successfully pay the loan. Late payments and failure to pay the loan will hurt your credit, so it’s crucial to pay on time and take on a loan with affordable payments.

How to Apply for a Credit-Builder Loan

Applying for a credit-builder loan involves gathering information and choosing the option that best fits your circumstances. Here are the steps you should take.

Check Your Credit Report

Before applying for a credit-builder loan, it’s a smart move to check your credit report. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year through AnnualCreditReport.com. Reviewing your report will help you understand your current credit situation and set goals.

Research Lenders

Not all financial institutions offer credit-builder loans, so you’ll need to research various banks, credit unions, and online lenders. It’s recommended to find a lender that reports to all three credit bureaus to ensure the loan gives you the maximum benefit.

Then, you can ask each lender for information about their credit-builder loan products. Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the available loans. Pay attention to details such as the interest rate, fees, monthly payment amount, length of the loan term, and how much accrued interest you’ll receive at the end.

Gather Necessary Documents and Apply

Different lenders have different application requirements, but generally, you will need to provide:

•   Personal identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport)

•   Social Security number

•   Proof of income or employment

•   Information about your current financial situation

•   Monthly housing payment amount

•   References

Remember, a conventional credit check might not be necessary to qualify. Instead, the lender can review your banking history. Positive banking activity such as a checking account with a consistent balance can help your application. On the other hand, a history of bounced checks and unpaid loans can hinder your application.

Make On-Time Payments

If the lender approves your application and sets up the credit-builder loan, you’ll start making monthly payments on the agreed-upon date. Doing so will allow you to build a positive credit history.

Repay the Loan in Full

If you repay the loan successfully, you’ll finish in a span between six months and two years, depending on the loan. After you make the final payment, you’ll receive the principal plus any applicable interest. In addition, your credit history will reflect the on-time payments you worked hard to make.

Credit-Builder Loan Requirements

There are no credit score requirements for credit-builder loans because the goal is for borrowers to improve substandard credit histories. That being said, lenders may charge fees to provide the loan and impose requirements regarding your banking habits.

With credit-builder loans, lenders prefer borrowers with a banking history that demonstrates healthy financial practices. For instance, writing checks that clear instead of bounce is helpful for your application. In addition, little debt and a positive bank account balance are favorable markers. Lenders usually use a borrower activity report from a company like ChexSystems to review this information.

Is a Credit-Builder Loan a Good Idea?

A credit-builder loan can be a good idea for individuals with limited or poor credit histories. It’s essentially a personal loan to build credit. For example, if you’re new to credit and have little or no credit history, a credit-builder loan can help you establish a positive credit history.

Similarly, if you’ve had past financial difficulties that have resulted in a lower credit score, a credit-builder loan can be a tool for gradually boosting your credit score.

However, existing high debt balances may disqualify you from a credit-builder loan. This type of loan may also be insufficient in these situations and exacerbate your current problems because it adds another monthly payment to the pile.

Remember, using a personal loan to build credit can take time, so it’s crucial to be patient and not expect immediate results. It may take several months or even longer to see significant improvements in your credit score with this loan type.

In addition, the payments will work against you if you’re late, so the loan is only beneficial if you can afford the extra monthly expense. Lastly, you can’t access the borrowed funds until you pay off the loan, meaning you won’t receive money for immediate expenses after applying. So, if you’re looking for an infusion of cash to shore up your bank account or consolidate debt, a different loan product is likely a better idea.


💡 Quick Tip: Swap high-interest debt for a lower-interest loan, and save money on your monthly payments. Find out why SoFi credit card consolidation loans are so popular.

The Takeaway

A credit-builder loan is an effective tool for individuals aiming to build their credit profile. By emphasizing responsible borrowing behavior over time, this type of loan differs from conventional loans, as the loan amount is securely held in an interest-bearing account until you pay it off through monthly installments.

This loan type can benefit new borrowers without a credit history. However, it may not be suitable if you have existing high debt balances or need immediate financial assistance. Ultimately, understanding your financial circumstances and goals will help determine whether a credit-builder loan is the right choice for you.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. Checking your rate takes just a minute.

Photo credit: iStock/Weekend Images Inc.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOPL1023015

While there’s no universally required credit score needed to rent an apartment, having a solid credit score can certainly help your chances of a landlord handing you a set of keys. In general, a landlord will look for a credit score that is at least “good,” which is generally in the range of 670 to 739. However, that can vary by landlord or property manager, as well as the location in which you’re renting.

Read on to learn more about how your credit score can affect renting an apartment — and how you can approach renting if you have a lower credit score.

What Credit Score Do I Need to Rent an Apartment?

Truth is, the answer to what credit score you need to rent an apartment is a bit squishy. In general, you’ll have a better chance of approval if your credit score is at least deemed “good.”

What’s considered good? Credit scores are generally classified as follows per FICO® (keep in mind that different scoring models may vary):

•   Exceptional: 800-850

•   Very good: 740-799

•   Good: 670-739

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Very poor: 300-579

There also are variables that can affect whether your credit score qualifies you to rent an apartment. For example, if you live in a city where there is huge demand for apartments, landlords may give preference to those with higher credit scores.


💡 Quick Tip: What is credit monitoring good for? For one, maintaining a high credit score can translate to lower interest rates on loans and credit card offers with more perks.

Can You Get an Apartment if One Person Has Bad Credit?

If one person has bad credit, know that it will likely make it tougher for you to get an apartment. Landlords have a lot of leeway and can follow criteria of their choosing.

Still, it’s not impossible even if it is trickier. One smart strategy in this situation is to put the lease in the name of the person whose credit and income is best. You could also offer to show your income or provide a reference.

What Landlords Look at on Your Credit Report

When your landlord reads your credit report, they will be looking for clues about your financial health and habits.

Of much importance is your debt-to-income ratio. In a nutshell, this is the amount of your monthly pre-tax income that gets spent on debt payments. It’s certainly not news to you that filing for bankruptcy can have a negative impact on one’s credit. A landlord also may be spooked if you have hefty credit card balances.

Your credit history disclosed on your credit report also may include your rental history, since some landlords and rental property managers share your data with the credit bureaus. This can be a plus if you’ve been doing the right thing; if not, this can work against you.

Too many hard inquiries also can raise red flags for a landlord. This is because frequently applying for different types of credit could suggest financial instability, which increases risk in the eyes of lenders — as well as landlords.

How to Rent an Apartment with a Lower Credit Score

Just because your credit score isn’t stellar doesn’t mean you’re resigned to sleeping on a friend’s couch or living with your parents. There are ways to rent an apartment even with a lower credit score.

Pay a Higher Security Deposit

One way to show that your credit history is just history is by offering to make a higher security deposit. Say you are required to pay first and last month’s rent upfront. To sweeten the deal, maybe you tack on a couple additional months of rent.

If you want to instill confidence in your potential new landlord, this might do it. Just make sure you actually have the room in your budget to offer up the cash.

Recommended: What Is The Difference Between Transunion and Equifax?

Get a Cosigner

While getting a cosigner may put a damper on feeling like you’re finally a grownup, it may be worth sucking it up and getting a creditworthy parent or other trusted individual to cosign for your apartment. This can give your landlord peace of mind if someone is willing to pay the rent on your behalf if you’re unable to.

Just keep in mind that your cosigner will be on the hook if you miss a payment, and that cosigners generally must meet even steeper credit score and income requirements.

Play Up Your Income

Maybe your credit score is nothing to brag about, but you’ve worked hard and now have your finances in order, with solid savings and a good income. If you could show that you earn three or four times your rent on a monthly basis, that might divert attention from your lousy credit score. Additionally, if you have a solid stash in your savings account, that can also give your landlord assurance that you have the funds to cover your monthly rent.

Consider Getting a Roommate

Adding a roommate to your lease or rental agreement can increase your creditworthiness and your qualifying income. This is especially the case if you can find a roommate with good credit — and get your landlord to pull their credit first.

Benefits of Good Credit When Renting an Apartment

A landlord needs more than their gut instinct to help them determine who to rent to, which is why a credit score carries a lot of weight when it comes to getting your rental application approved. A good or — better still — an excellent score can give landlords the confidence to consider you for the apartment, especially if all other signals they get when checking on your background indicate they should give you the green light.

Having a solid credit score can help you to snag the apartment you want, and avoid the hassles associated with trying to secure an apartment when your credit isn’t as great, such as getting a roommate or a cosigner. Especially if you live in a city with a competitive rental market, a good credit score can be a serious edge.

How to Monitor Your Credit Score

Ideally, you want to check your credit and get a copy of your credit report before you start apartment hunting. It’s important to know where you stand, and if there are any errors, you want to fix them right away.

Through the end of 2023, you can get free weekly credit reports from the three national credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

To get your free reports, simply go to AnnualCreditReport.com .

While your credit report provides information on your various credit accounts and their balances and your payment history, it does not include your credit score. You can check your credit score by looking at a loan or credit card statement or through an online credit score checker. You can also buy a score directly through credit reporting companies. Even if you might have checked your credit score not that long ago, don’t skip doing so again — your credit score updates every 30 to 45 days.

If your score is low, consider taking steps to improve it before jumping into your apartment search. Actions like paying down credit card balances and making sure you don’t have any more late or missed payments for a stretch can show progress.

Recommended: What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car?

What to Expect in 2024

According to Zillow, demand for rentals will remain strong this year. There’s an increase in the number of buildings under construction, and vacancy rates are close to what they were before the pandemic.

Market rental rates are slowing down, but that doesn’t mean housing prices are cheap. Apartment rents have risen 23.6% since the start of the pandemic. Inflated prices could lead to a rental market that is even more competitive, which may not bode well for those with less than stellar credit.


💡 Quick Tip: One way to raise your credit score? Pay your bills on time. Setting up autopay can help you keep your account in good standing.

The Takeaway

You’ll want to shoot for having a good credit score — generally in the range of 570-739 — to get an apartment. While you may be able to still get an apartment if you don’t have solid credit, it will make it more challenging with the competition you’re likely to face.

If you have the luxury of time, do what’s necessary to improve your score so that when you begin your search, you’ll be an ideal candidate. An online credit monitoring tool can make it easier.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

Photo credit: iStock/MixMedia

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SORL0324005

Because a credit score is an important indicator for determining a consumer’s creditworthiness when buying a car, those with excellent credit histories tend to have an easier time borrowing money on favorable terms compared to those with lower credit scores. However, industry data shows that high-risk borrowers remain viable candidates for auto loans. In other words, there is no universally defined credit score needed to buy a car.

Read on to learn how your credit score can affect buying a car, plus some tips for purchasing a car with a lower credit score.

What FICO Score Do Car Dealers Use?

There are a few different scoring models that car dealers may use for determining a customer’s credit score. They may use the FICO® Auto Score, an industry-specific model featuring a score range from 250 to 900. The auto industry also may use VantageScore 3.0 or 4.0, which has a score range from 300 to 850.

No matter which scoring model is used, a bad credit score falls on the lower end of the range and a good credit score sits on the higher end of the range.


💡 Quick Tip: Your credit score updates every 30-45 days. Free credit monitoring can help you learn about your score’s normal ups and downs — and when a dip is cause for concern.

What Is the Minimum Credit Score to Buy A Car?

There may not necessarily be a minimum credit score required to buy a car. Consumers with deep subprime credit scores (300–500) have obtained financing for new and used vehicles in 2023, according to the credit bureau Experian. Although the percentage of borrowers in this category is very low, this indicates that even those with the lowest credit scores still may have access to auto financing.

Average APR by Credit Score Ranges

Consumers from all credit score categories have obtained auto loans in 2023, but car buyers with excellent credit histories tended to secure the lowest annual percentage rate (APR) financing, according to Experian. When assessing what is a good credit score to buy a car, Experian’s data confirms that consumers in the super prime and prime categories obtain the lowest interest rates on average for financing.

Quarterly financing data on new vehicle purchases in the fourth quarter of 2023 shows the following average APRs by credit score ranges:

•   Deep subprime (300-500): 14.78%

•   Subprime (501-600): 12.28%

•   Near prime (601-660): 9.60%

•   Prime (661-780): 7.01%

•   Super prime (781-850): 5.64%

How to Buy a Car With a Lower Credit Score

Obtaining a loan to purchase a new or used vehicle when you don’t have great credit can be cumbersome, but it’s not impossible. Here are some ways a consumer with poor credit may be able to obtain auto financing:

Make a Large Down Payment

Offering a large down payment on a vehicle purchase may allow car buyers to obtain more reasonable rates and better terms for financing, resulting in more affordable monthly loan payments. By putting more money down at the time of purchase, lenders also may view the loan as less risky, thus increasing your odds of approval.

Get Cosigner Assistance

Buying a car with the assistance of a cosigner is another way to potentially bolster your chance of securing favorable financing. A cosigner agrees to share the responsibility of repaying the loan, effectively promising the lender that if you don’t make the payments they will. If the cosigner is creditworthy, it puts the buyer in a much better position to obtain financing than going it solo.

Consider a Less Expensive Car

Especially if you are buying a car with bad credit, it is important to know how much you can realistically afford to spend — and then stick to that budget, even if the dealer tries to upsell you. Additionally, finding a less costly car will reduce the amount you need to borrow, and it may be easier to get approved for a smaller loan amount than a larger one.

Benefits of Good Credit When Buying a Car

The benefit of a good credit score when buying a vehicle is that you may secure lower interest rates compared to consumers with poor credit. Unless a consumer buys a vehicle outright with cash or receives 0% APR financing, the consumer will eventually face monthly principal and interest payments until they’ve paid off the loan balance in full. Auto financing terms may vary in length, with some maturing at 60 months, 72 months or 84 months.

Car loans with a high APR may cause consumers to pay a long-term premium above and beyond the actual sales price of the vehicle.

How to Monitor Your Credit Score

There are a number of ways you can check your credit score, including through your credit company or another financial institution where you have an account, as well as through a credit service or credit scoring website. Contrary to what you may expect, your credit report does not include your credit score, though it does provide valuable information about your credit history and debts, which is why it can still be helpful to read over your credit report before making a major purchase like a car.

Credit scores can fluctuate over time depending upon financial circumstances, and credit score updates occur at least every 45 days. That’s why it’s important to take a look at where your score stands right before you begin the process of car shopping.

Also keep in mind that it’s common for credit inquiries to occur when you’re shopping around to see what auto loan terms you qualify for. While soft inquiries don’t affect your credit score, hard inquiries, such as those that happen when you’re comparing rates for an auto loan, can ding your score. However, most major credit scores will count multiple car loan inquiries made within a certain period of time — typically 14 days — as one inquiry.

What to Expect in 2024

Based on the trends outlined in Experian’s Q4 report for 2023, prime borrowers with good credit in 2024 may continue shifting away from used vehicles in favor of new electric vehicles. Experian’s research also shows that subprime financing remains low, with 14.5% of car loans in 2023 going to consumers in the subprime risk category. These trends could continue through 2024.


💡 Quick Tip: One way to raise your credit score? Pay your bills on time. Setting up autopay can help you keep your account in good standing.

The Takeaway

While it is possible to buy a vehicle with bad credit in 2024, consumers in the subprime or deep subprime risk categories may want to explore ways of improving their credit scores to help secure financing with more favorable terms. As far as what credit score you need to buy a car, any score is potentially sufficient for obtaining financing.

If you want to check your credit or work to improve your score before buying a car, a money tracker app allows you to easily monitor and keep track of your credit score.

Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.

Photo credit: iStock/tolgart

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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