New Offering Adds Transparency to One of the Fastest Growing Categories of Consumer Debt1
SAN FRANCISCO‐April 6, 2021‐SoFi announced today that transparent, competitive, and personalized auto loan refinancing offers are now available through Lantern, the financial services product comparison site owned and operated by SoFi, the digital personal finance company. SoFi launches auto loan refinancing in partnership with MotoRefi – an auto fintech startup on a mission to help people save money on their auto loans – to combine selection, speed, and convenience through its network of trusted lenders. This agile approach ensures borrowers have the opportunity to choose from a selection of competitive offers that fit their financial situation and goals, quickly.
Auto loan debt has quickly become one of the most important areas for consumers to be mindful of when it comes to maximizing financial well-being and now ranks as the third largest component of household debt1. This need is underscored by the record-setting volume of auto loans borrowers took out last year. In 2020, the average auto loan amount soared to more than $35,000, on average, according to Experian. This means Americans are now approaching an average payment of $600/month for new cars and more than $400/month for used vehicle purchases.2
“For most people, having our own form of transportation is a critical staple when it comes to meeting many obligations – across both our personal and professional lives – and we don’t think access to it should come at the cost of anyone’s financial well-being,” said Anthony Noto, CEO of SoFi. “We know lowering monthly payments on a loan that was used to finance an expensive, yet often depreciating, asset is a smart decision that can make a very real, positive impact, not only on a monthly basis but also in the long-term. Our decision to expand into auto loan refinancing is rooted in a belief that everyone deserves visibility into the steps they can take to improve their financial stature throughout each milestone in their financial lives.”
SoFi’s expansion into auto loan refinancing in partnership with MotoRefi not only makes for a seamless user experience, it also adds a much-needed layer of transparency to the process by allowing the borrower to view competitive offers and determine eligibility without any impact to their credit score. The integration is powered by MotoRefi’s ecosystem API, which empowers borrowers by connecting them with pre-qualified refinance offers that the company says saves borrowers an average of $100/month.
“MotoRefi and SoFi share a similar goal of helping average consumers improve their financial lives,” said MotoRefi CEO, Kevin Bennett. “At a time when a lot of Americans are making every dollar count, we can think of no better partners in launching our API than a fintech powerhouse like SoFi.”
Starting today, borrowers who are interested in quickly obtaining transparent, competitive, and personalized auto loan refinancing offers can begin the process on the SoFi.com homepage or directly through Lantern, the product comparison site owned and operated by SoFi. In the coming weeks, SoFi will continue to embrace Financial Literacy Month by helping people Get Their Money Right across all categories through educational content, new solutions, and through the continued expansion of its partner network, which includes leading lenders, insurance providers, and more.
About SoFi
SoFi helps people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. Our products for borrowing, saving, spending, investing and protecting give our over 1.8 million members fast access to tools to get their money right. SoFi membership comes with the key essentials for getting ahead, including career advisors and connection to a thriving community of like-minded, ambitious people. SoFi is also the naming rights partner of SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams. For more information, visit SoFi.com or download our iOS and Android apps.
About Lantern
Lantern by SoFi is a product comparison site that makes it easy for individuals to shop for products and compare offers with top lenders. Lantern is owned and operated by SoFi Lending Corp. or an affiliate, the digital personal finance company that has helped over one million people get their money right.
About MotoRefi
MotoRefi believes refinancing your auto loan should be a simple, transparent process. Through our partnerships with trusted lenders, like credit unions and community banks, we bring customers great rates and lower monthly payments, ultimately saving customers an average of $100 per month on their car payments. MotoRefi, incubated by QED Investors, is backed by Moderne Ventures, Accomplice, Link Ventures, Motley Fool, CMFG Ventures (part of CUNA Mutual Group), Gaingels, FireBolt Ventures, and others.
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1 Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Household Debt and Credit Report (Q4 2020), February 2021
2 Experian, Automotive Industry Insights: Finance Market Report (Q4 2020), March 2021