Loans5 min read
Current Auto Loan Rates by Credit Score (2026)
Live ranges for new and used car loan APRs by FICO band, plus how to lock the lowest rate you qualify for.
Quick answers
- How often do auto loan rates change?
- Lenders update rates weekly based on prime rate movements. Major shifts follow Federal Reserve announcements.
- Is it worth waiting for rates to drop?
- Generally no — if you need the car now. You can always refinance later when rates fall.
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.
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