Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ explains how Complete Car Loans helps people across the United States get auto financing, including bad credit and first-time buyers. It covers income requirements, credit situations, down payments, and how our dealer and lender partners work.

What credit score do I need to buy a car?

Most lenders accept credit scores as low as 500-550 for auto loans, though rates and terms vary based on your overall credit profile. While credit scores range from 400 to 850, Complete Car Loans works with dealerships that specialize in subprime lending for scores in the 500-650 range. Higher credit scores (700+) receive faster approvals and lower interest rates, but bad credit does not disqualify you—the key is working with the right dealership that has access to specialized lending programs.

If you would like to check your FICO score, please feel free to click here: Get your free credit score now

Are there requirements to get an auto loan?

Yes, basic requirements include being 18+ years old, having a valid U.S. driver’s license, and being a U.S. resident. For bad credit auto loans, you’ll also need to provide identification, proof of income, proof of residence, proof of insurance, and references. Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio to ensure your car payment doesn’t exceed a manageable percentage of your income (typically 15-20% of gross income).

At Complete Car Loans, we partner only with dealers who have specialized national programs designed to help you meet these requirements and get approved.

Do I need a down payment?

Down payments vary by lender, ranging from $0 down to 10% of the vehicle price. While putting money down (typically $1,000 or 10%) significantly improves your approval odds and lowers your interest rate, we do work with specific lending programs that offer zero-down options for qualified buyers.

Some dealerships in our network even offer down payment assistance programs. Trade-ins can also be applied toward your down payment requirement.

Does a trade-in car count as your down payment?

Yes, your trade-in vehicle can serve as your down payment. If your car is paid off, the dealership will appraise it and apply that value toward your new purchase. Even if you still owe money on your current loan, as long as the trade-in value exceeds your payoff amount, the equity can be used as a down payment. Our Complete Car Loans dealer network will handle the appraisal and payoff process for you.

I have never had an auto loan before; can I get a loan?

Yes, first-time auto buyers can get approved even without a cosigner, especially if they have other positive credit history. While getting your first auto loan can be challenging, lenders look favorably on applicants who have successfully managed credit cards, personal loans, or other credit accounts with on-time payments. These demonstrate creditworthiness even without prior auto loan experience.

Can I get a car loan even if I had a repossession?

Yes, you can get a car loan after a repossession, though most lenders prefer to see at least 12 months since the repo date. While many bad credit lenders prefer to see at least 12 months pass since a repossession, we work with partners who can approve applicants sooner—especially if you have a down payment or stable income. If the repossession was included in a discharged bankruptcy, the waiting period may be waived entirely.

Why should I use an online car application?

Applying online saves significant time and gets you matched with the right dealer immediately. While final approval happens in-person or over the phone, submitting your application online starts the process instantly. Our system matches you with dealers who specialize in your credit profile, eliminating the need to visit multiple dealerships. Most applicants hear from our dealer partners within 3 hours of submitting their application.

What is your minimum monthly income requirement?

Most lenders require a minimum gross monthly income of $1,600. “Gross” income refers to your pre-tax earnings. If you receive fixed income (such as disability or retirement), many lenders allow you to claim a higher effective amount since those payments are post-tax, giving you more qualifying power.

Is there a charge for your service?

No. Complete Car Loans is 100% free with no application fees, processing fees, or obligations.

How long does the loan application process take?

The online application takes approximately 2 minutes to complete, and most applicants receive contact from a dealer partner within 3 hours. Our system immediately matches you with a local dealer after submission. During busy periods, it may take up to 24 hours to receive a call. If you haven’t heard back within 24 hours, we encourage you to call the dealer directly using the contact information provided.

Why do you only work with dealers?

We work exclusively with dealers because virtually all auto lenders—including banks, credit unions, and finance companies—require dealer facilitation for consumer auto loans. Complete Car Loans partners only with dealers who have access to specialized subprime lending programs not available at all dealerships. These dealers have dedicated processes for working with all credit types and higher approval rates for challenging credit situations.

Why do I need to provide personal information like my social security number?

Your Social Security number is required to access your credit report and provide you with a legitimate loan offer with specific rates and terms. Without verifying your identity and credit history, lenders cannot determine your actual interest rate, loan amount, or approval status. We use bank-level encryption to protect all personal information submitted through our application.

Can I get a car loan with a 500 credit score?

Yes, you can get a car loan with a 500 credit score through Complete Car Loans. We specialize in subprime lending and work with dealerships that offer in-house financing for credit scores as low as 500, and sometimes lower on a case-by-case basis. While a 500 score is considered “very poor” credit, our dealer partners have access to specialized lending programs designed specifically for this credit tier. Expect higher interest rates (typically 15-25% APR) and down payment requirements around 10% of the vehicle price.

Can I get a car loan after bankruptcy?

Yes, you can get approved for an auto loan after bankruptcy, typically once your bankruptcy has been discharged. For Chapter 7 bankruptcy, most lenders want to see 12 months post-discharge before approving a new auto loan. For Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may be able to get approved while still in your repayment plan if you have court permission to take on new debt. Post-bankruptcy auto loans help rebuild your credit when paid on time.

What interest rate can I expect with bad credit?

Bad credit auto loan interest rates typically range from 15% to 25% APR, depending on your specific credit score, income, down payment, and the vehicle being financed. Credit scores in the 500-600 range usually receive rates at the higher end (20-25%), while scores in the 600-650 range may qualify for 15-18%. Your actual rate depends on multiple factors including your debt-to-income ratio, employment stability, and down payment amount. Rates are regulated by state usury laws.

Do you offer same-day car loan approval?

Yes, we offer same-day car loan approval and same-day appointments. Most applicants receive contact from a dealer partner within 3 hours of submitting their application. If you apply early in the day and have all required documents ready (ID, proof of income, proof of residence, insurance), you can often be approved and schedule a same-day appointment to view vehicles. The complete process from application to driving away typically takes 24-48 hours.