Current Auto Loan Rates by Credit Score (2026)
Written by
Michael Ecke
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Reviewed by
CarSavr Editorial Team
Last updated:
5 min read
Live ranges for new and used car loan APRs by FICO band, plus how to lock the lowest rate you qualify for.
Average APR by credit score (Q4 2025)
New car APRs: • 781+ → 5.2% • 661–780 → 6.8% • 601–660 → 9.6% • 501–600 → 13.2% • Below 500 → 15.8%+
Used car APRs: add 1–3 percentage points to each band.
Why your rate may be different
Your actual rate also depends on: loan term (longer = higher), down payment (lower = higher), vehicle age (older = higher), debt-to-income ratio, and prior auto loan history.
Three ways to lock a lower rate
1. Get pre-approved with 2–3 lenders so the dealer competes. 2. Time it right — apply for credit increases 60 days before, not just before, your auto loan. 3. Use a co-signer if your score is below 660 — can drop your rate by 2–4 points.
Use the tool
Auto Loan Calculator