Those old payments and old rates might reflect your old credit. You might be able to save big when you learn how to refinance your car loan for better terms
A Simple Guide to Refinancing Your Car Loan
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How to Refinance Your Car Loan
Most car loans are somewhere between 48 to 72 months, with the median term being 69 months. The average car loan size is $23,438, but that is not all you are paying. There are interest costs that accumulate during the whole term, and if your credit score is below 720, there is a good chance it is costing you more than you think in interest. If your car payment makes you sweat more than hot curry, there might be relief. It may be possible to give yourself some breathing space by learning how to refinance your car loan.Why You Might Want to Refinance
Refinancing a car loan can be a good call for a few different scenarios:- If your interest rate is in double digits, refinancing can help. The amount applied to the principal loan amount could be peanuts compared to the interest charges. For example, on a $25,000-loan with $500 monthly payments, the principal portion at 8% is about $333 — two thirds. At 20% interest on the same loan, only $83 goes toward the principal loan!
- If the loan term you chose is stretching you thin, a refinance can loosen the noose. Maybe you thought paying down your loan in 36 months was a good idea. If you lost your job or your rent was jacked up, that might no longer work, but a 72-month term would be fine.
- If you have a co-signer, you can build credit faster. When you bought your car, you might have needed a co-signer. But you will improve your credit faster on your own. Or maybe you and your co-signer had a falling-out. In any case, you can remove or change co-signers when you refinance.
What You’ll Need to Get It Done
It’s on you to prove you should get refinanced — not the bank or anyone else. When it comes to how to refinance your car loan, you will need a few things to convince a bank that they should give you what you need.Better Credit Rating
Odds are pretty good that you are refinancing because of a high interest rate. To lower it on a refinance, you better have a better credit rating than you did before. That means making payments on time every time and paying down outstanding debt.Supporting Income
Whether you are trying to lower your payment or remove a co-signer, you need to prove to the lender that you are able to make the payments on your own. Have proof of steady income for at least three months, although at least proof of two years of income is best.A Co-Signer
A family member or friend could be your golden goose here. If someone you know is willing to co-sign for you to get better car loan terms, it can make a huge difference in your payment.
Steps to Refinancing Your Car Loan
In general, refinancing an auto loan requires the same process for everyone, although lenders might do things slightly different.Step 1: Check With Your Current Lender
The first place to start with your refinancing plight is the current bank, credit union or lender who has your car loan. On their website, you will find contact information for a customer service department. Jump through the hoops to talk to a real person. Ask if they refinance car loans for current customers. If they do, ask to be pre-approved immediately. They’ll walk you through it, but don’t sign up for it quite yet.If your current loan is through a captive lender — that is, a lender like Toyota Financial Services, GM Financial or Ford Credit — you won’t be able to refinance directly with them.Step 2: Check With Other Lenders
Occasionally, the first lender you talk to is the best rate. Often, is not. Lenders make fistfuls of cash on the money you borrow from them, so they compete to get your business. It’s common for lenders other than your current one to undercut rates and terms to snag your business.Check with a loan rep at the bank branch that holds your checking account. You’ll also want to get a couple of quotes from other lenders. Cast a wide net, and pick a credit union, a bank and a specialty lender for auto loans to compare rates.Step 3: Consider a HELOC an Option
If you have equity in your home, whether you own it outright or have a mortgage, you can use that to your advantage. A HELOC, or home equity line of credit, can be your ticket to a low-interest loan. Depending on your mortgage lender, the interest rates offered are usually only a percentage or two above your mortgage rate. For example, if your mortgage rate is 4%, a HELOC could be 5% or 6%. You’ll still need to qualify, but the lender has your home as collateral, so it is a relatively safe bet for them.Additional Things to Keep in Mind
It can’t be emphasized enough that your credit rating has to be better than it was when you first got the loan. There’s no reason to expect a lender to help you out if you haven’t helped yourself first.
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