What Is a Bad Credit Car Loan?

Bad credit car loans give everyone a chance to own a new or used car. As most people know, lenders do credit checks before qualifying borrowers for a loan. These credit checks are often held to high standards, and many people may be denied because of their poor credit history. Depending on your credit score, you may still be able to qualify for a bad-credit auto loan with very high interest rates. The reason for the higher rates is that you are more of a risk to lenders, so they compensate for this risk with higher interest charges.

What are My Options If I have Bad Credit?

There are alternatives for people with bad credit. Some lenders give the option of making a substantial down payment and then making monthly payments like with a traditional loan. When you put down a larger down payment, it shows the lender that you are serious about the loan and have risked a large amount of your money. If credit challenges are hindering you from securing the loan you need, then you might need to save for a larger down payment. Keep in mind that, even with a high down payment, your interest rates will still be higher compared to those of a borrower with good or excellent credit.

If I have Bad Credit Should I have a Co-Signer?

Having a bad credit score can leave you with few options in some cases. Once you have exhausted all other alternatives, you might consider recruiting a co-signer, if you can find one. A co-signer is someone who agrees to take over the payments on the loan in the event that you fail to pay as agreed. Finding a co-signer can be difficult because it requires the other person to stake his/her credit and financial stability on your promise to repay the loan as agreed. Having a co-signer can help you qualify for a better loan, but it will end up being a tremendous burden on the other party if you can’t repay the loan.

Where to Find Bad Credit Car Loans

Finding the right loan for you is tough regardless of your creditworthiness. With bad credit, finding a loan can be a lot more challenging because lenders will hesitate to lend you money. Your best option when searching for a bad credit loan is looking online. Online sites will still compete for you business even though your credit score is less than desirable. Although you will probably pay a higher interest rate, you will still enjoy the convenience of financing your vehicle over time.