While there is to buy a car, most lenders look for a score of at least 661 (considered "prime") to offer competitive interest rates and standard loan terms.
Lenders use your credit score to gauge risk; a higher score almost always leads to a lower . Credit Tier Score Range New Car Avg. APR Used Car Avg. APR Super-prime Prime Non-prime Subprime Deep subprime Buying a Car with Lower Credit what kind of credit is needed to buy a car
As of early 2026, borrowers with scores in the typically receive the lowest rates, while those with scores below 500 may face interest rates exceeding 20% or struggle to find a traditional lender. Typical Credit Scores and Interest Rates (April 2026) While there is to buy a car, most
If your score is below 600, you can still secure a loan, but it will likely require additional effort or higher costs. What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car? - NerdWallet APR Used Car Avg