Car Loans US – Finance Your Next Vehicle

Comparing 6 offers. Updated July 22, 2026.

Best Offers – Car Loans 2026

LightStream

LightStream is the online lending division of Truist Bank offering unsecured personal loans up to $100,000 with some of the lowest APRs in the US market.

$5,000 USD – $100,000 USD APR from 7.49% Approval: 24 hours
4.6

Upgrade

Upgrade offers personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000 with flexible terms up to 7 years and accepts joint applicants and co-signers.

$1,000 USD – $50,000 USD APR from 7.99% Approval: 1-4 business days
4.4

Capital One Auto

Capital One Auto Navigator offers fast online auto loan pre-qualification with no impact on credit and financing for new, used, and refinanced vehicles.

$4,000 USD – $75,000 USD APR from 7.40% Approval: Pre-qualified in minutes
4.3

U.S. Bank Personal Loan

U.S. Bank offers unsecured personal loans up to $50,000 with no origination fees for both existing customers and new applicants in eligible states.

$1,000 USD – $50,000 USD APR from 7.99% Approval: Same day for customers
4.1

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union offers competitive personal loans starting at $600 with no origination fee, open membership for all US residents.

$600 USD – $50,000 USD APR from 7.99% Approval: 1-2 business days
4.5

Mariner Finance

Mariner Finance is a regional consumer lender with 480+ branches across 27 states, offering personal loans, secured loans, and auto loans for fair credit borrowers.

$1,000 USD – $25,000 USD APR from 18.99% Approval: Same day in branch
4.0

Car loans let you finance the purchase of a new or used vehicle. In the US auto loans are available from banks, credit unions, online lenders, and dealerships. The best APRs go to borrowers with credit scores above 720.

Where to Compare Auto Loans

Top auto loan sources include Capital One Auto Navigator, LightStream, Bank of America, Chase Auto, and credit unions like Navy Federal and PenFed. Pre-qualification with most online auto lenders does not affect your credit score.

Car Loan vs. Lease

With a car loan you own the vehicle outright once payments are complete. A lease returns the car at the end of the term, usually with mileage limits. Loans are better if you drive a lot or plan to keep the car long-term.

Best Car Loan Rates in the US

New auto loan APRs in the US start around 6.49% for borrowers with excellent credit. Used auto loans typically run 1 to 2 percentage points higher. Your credit score, term length, and down payment all affect your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for a car loan?

Capital One Auto accepts scores starting around 500, but the best APRs go to scores of 720 or higher. Credit unions like Navy Federal and PenFed often beat banks for borrowers with FICO 660 or above. Subprime auto lenders accept scores from 500 but charge 14 to 24 percent APR.

Should I get pre-approved before visiting a dealer?

Yes. Pre-approval from a bank or credit union gives you bargaining power and prevents dealers from inflating the rate. Capital One Auto Navigator pre-qualifies you with a soft credit pull and shows you actual offers from 12,000+ participating dealers.

New car vs used car APR?

New car loans typically run 1 to 2 percentage points lower than used car loans because the collateral has higher resale value. As of 2026 a new car loan averages 6.5 to 8 percent APR, while a used car loan averages 8 to 11 percent for prime credit.

How long should my car loan be?

60 months is the safer maximum. 72 or 84 month loans lower the monthly payment but you are likely to be underwater (owe more than the car is worth) for most of the term. Putting down 10 to 20 percent helps avoid negative equity.

Frequently Asked Questions – Car Loans

New car loans often have lower APRs and longer terms because new vehicles are easier for lenders to value and resell. Used car loans may carry slightly higher rates and shorter terms since older vehicles depreciate and carry more risk. The car typically serves as collateral in both cases, meaning the lender can repossess it if you default.
Many buyers find preapproval helpful because it shows the rate and amount a lender will offer, giving you a baseline to compare against dealer financing. Preapproval can also clarify your budget before you shop. You are not obligated to use a preapproval, and comparing it with the dealer's offer may reveal which option costs less overall.
Yes. Refinancing replaces your current auto loan with a new one, ideally at a lower APR or different term. Borrowers often refinance after their credit improves or when rates drop. Keep in mind that extending the term can lower payments but increase total interest. Comparing your current loan against new offers helps you decide whether refinancing actually saves money.
Because most car loans are secured by the vehicle, defaulting can lead to repossession, where the lender takes the car. You may still owe the difference if the car sells for less than your balance, known as a deficiency. Late payments and repossession also damage your credit. Contacting your lender early about hardship options is often better than missing payments.