Can a 500 credit score get me a car?

  • Posted on: 22 Jul 2024

  • Although a 500 credit score is theoretically possible to get a car, in terms of choices it is somewhat limited.

    Although poor credit can make one less likely to be approved for an auto loan, it is rather likely to find finance to buy a car even with a 500 credit score. All the crucial knowledge every buyer with bad credit should be aware of is compiled in this post.

    A 500 credit score represents what? the meaning of a 500 credit score?

    The numerical representation on a scale from 300 to 850 is a FICO credit score. A score of 500 marks the end of the low range, hence this is a definition of very poor credit based on lenders. Important information on a 500 credit score:

    Your credit reports and payment history show late payments, large credit card balances, collections and/or accounts under review, bankruptcy, and judgment records. These ruin your credit portfolio.

    Lenders view you as a dangerous client who might stop making loan repayments and cause default.

    Only authorized to borrow from lenders with a negative credit list (credit scores less than 670), you will not be able to get the best auto loan rates. In such circumstances, you might still be qualified for a bad credit or subprime auto loan.

    With the 500 Credit Score, what are the chances of being approved for an auto loan?

    The answer is yes; even if your credit score is 500, you could be qualified for a car loan. One might seek for a loan with a 500 credit score since subprime lenders provide auto loans for borrowers with a credit score of less than 580. But you won't find very enticing the loan interest rate you will be offered.

    If looking for a 500 credit score vehicle finance should prepare you for this.

    Enhanced Interest Rates
    Giving credit to a customer with barely an acceptable credit score exposes subprime lenders to extra risks. While prime car loans can run from 3% to 8%, those with a credit score of 500 could pay 10% to 25% or more. The interest rate lowers with increasing risk score.

    Better Down Payment
    Usually, subprime lenders want a borrower to provide twenty percent of the needed auto loan amount. For individuals with scores of roughly 500, some could want as much as 50% down on credit. More money down translates into a smaller loan amount involved, hence the risk the lender bears should you default would be substantially less.

    Shorter Loan Term
    Most of the time, a prime auto loan lets customers pay back in intervals between five and six years. For those with a poor credit score, subprime car loans often have a shorter payback period—36 months. On the same loan amount, its monthly cost is more but it covers a shorter duration.

    Fewer Vehicle Choices
    Your options to finance a car via subprime financing are limited to an older used car—not a brand-new car. Security is demanded by creditors, hence decisions in case of repossessions are limited and only allow consumers to buy rather cheap secondhand cars. When dealing with auto credit with a 500 credit score, luxury or sport-type automobiles are not relevant.

    Advice on how to apply for a car loan with terrible credit conditions.

    Though it may be a bit difficult to organize, an auto loan with 500 credit is quite feasible. These guidelines can help to guarantee the best conditions and approval: These pointers can help to guarantee approval and the best terms:

    Try for 25–50% and make a point of downing more than the usual 10% deposit. Given your huge upfront investment, a bigger initial payment shows your real will to pay back the loan.

    Purchase a used car under your means that comes under $15,000. Aim for dependability; there is no need to target the latest model since lenders may not fund it anyway.

    Before asking for credit, it is advisable to review your credit records and contest erroneous items in your credit profile to perhaps raise your score. As this example shows, any change in the score is beneficial.

    Choose lenders instead of a nearby bank or dealer that uses deep subprime candidates such as Capital One, Upgrade, Prestige, or Auto Credit Express. Additionally, credit unions offer quite cheap rates, which help to offset overall expenses.

    To increase the possibility of your loan application, it is advisable to think about looking for a co-signer with a clean credit record. It works with your income, assets, and credit record; also, their credit history complements yours.

    If your credit history is poor, try to explain the situation using records proving that you have lately reversed your negative practices. Supporting records can also help a borrower justify why he or she should be allowed to acquire a car even if their credit score is low.

    Expect to be charged more and spend more, but as is always with a little lender comparison, most situations allow for a 500 credit vehicle loan with the above advice. As you sign, think about your repayment capacity to help you avoid a heavy load of loan payments.

    Call now for expert credit repair services: (888) 803-7889

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