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Compare auto loan opportunities
Last updated: July 12, 2026. Rates and terms change frequently — always check with the lender.
The short version
- Get pre-approved by a bank or credit union before the dealership — it tells you a fair rate and gives you a number to beat. New to this? Read the playbook first.
- Compare on APR (rate plus fees), and remember a longer term lowers the payment but raises the total interest. See the total-cost example.
- Some names below finance a purchase; others specialize in refinancing an existing loan. We label which.
- Don't overlook credit unions and buying services — they're often cheaper and are easy to miss.
↓ Narrow the list — your picks instantly change the lender table below
Anonymous filter — nothing you pick is saved or sent. Labels come from each lender's own site.
Listed for your consideration — not ranked or endorsed. Links go to each lender's own site. We add our review and verified rate details over time.
| Lender | Type |
|---|---|
| Capital One Auto Navigator ↗ | Bank |
| LightStream ↗ | Direct (Truist) |
| Chase Auto ↗ | Bank |
| Bank of America ↗ | Bank |
| Carvana ↗ | Online dealer |
| Caribou ↗ | Refi marketplace |
| AUTOPAY ↗ | Marketplace |
| RefiJet ↗ | Refi specialist |
| myAutoloan ↗ | Marketplace |
Didn't find your fit? More lenders to consider
These are the options most comparison sites skip. Credit unions in particular tend to have lower rates and will finance older or private-party cars that banks won't.
PenFed Credit Union ↗ — Broad, easy-to-join membership; also runs a car-buying service. Fits almost anyone wanting credit-union pricing.
Alliant Credit Union ↗ — Online credit union; straightforward new/used auto loans.
DCU (Digital Federal) ↗ — Known for financing older vehicles and private-party purchases.
Navy Federal ↗ — For military families and Department of Defense-affiliated members.
Buying services — TrueCar ↗ / Costco Auto Program ↗ / CarEdge ↗ — These aren't lenders. TrueCar and Costco show upfront/member pricing so you negotiate less; CarEdge is a research and negotiation-coaching site (free pricing data and its "Deal School" course; some tools are paid). You still arrange your own financing — and the full walkthrough lives in our car-buying guide ↗.
Questions people ask
Should I get financing before I pick the car?
Yes. A pre-approval from a bank or credit union tells you what rate you actually qualify for and turns the dealer's finance office into a competition instead of a trap. The playbook walks through it — and there's a printable checklist to take with you.
Yes. A pre-approval from a bank or credit union tells you what rate you actually qualify for and turns the dealer's finance office into a competition instead of a trap. The playbook walks through it — and there's a printable checklist to take with you.
Is dealer financing always worse?
No — dealers can sometimes beat your pre-approval, especially with manufacturer promotions. The problem is walking in without a number to beat. Bring one.
No — dealers can sometimes beat your pre-approval, especially with manufacturer promotions. The problem is walking in without a number to beat. Bring one.
When does refinancing a car loan make sense?
When rates have dropped, your credit has improved since you bought, or the dealer marked up your original rate. Run the auto-refinance calculator — and be careful about stretching the term, which can erase the savings.
When rates have dropped, your credit has improved since you bought, or the dealer marked up your original rate. Run the auto-refinance calculator — and be careful about stretching the term, which can erase the savings.
What about buying out my lease?
If the buyout price written in your lease is less than the car is worth, buying it can be real money saved. Some lenders above finance lease buyouts; so do many credit unions. More in the leasing guide ↗.
If the buyout price written in your lease is less than the car is worth, buying it can be real money saved. Some lenders above finance lease buyouts; so do many credit unions. More in the leasing guide ↗.
How long a loan should I take?
The shortest payment you can live with. Longer terms mean more total interest and more time "underwater" (owing more than the car is worth). See the total-cost example.
The shortest payment you can live with. Longer terms mean more total interest and more time "underwater" (owing more than the car is worth). See the total-cost example.
Reviewed by AI and James Mills, retired financial planner with Professional Designations (25-year career), former FL mortgage and real estate broker. Lenders here are verified as real and currently operating; inclusion is not an endorsement. Rates and terms come from the lender — always check the source for current information.
Editor’s note: our own review, verified rate ranges, and a fit summary get added per lender over time. Links are informational until affiliate programs are approved.