Generally, you need to be at least 18 years old to obtain an auto loan, and things aren’t much easier for minors hoping to pay in cash. Here’s what to expect when car shopping with your teen.
How hard is it for a 18 year old to get a car loan?
18-year-olds are technically eligible for a car loan. However, teens may have more difficulty qualifying for a loan than someone with a more established credit history. Most lenders prefer to loan to a person who has stable credit—and most 18-year-olds usually have little to no credit history.
Can an 18 year old buy a car without a cosigner?
The basics: you need to be 18 years old, a current resident and citizen of the US, and make a certain level of income, which will vary by lender. Special finance lenders are more willing to approve people with little or no credit history.
How can I finance a car at 18 with little money?
How teens can finance a car
- Look for lenders that work with people who don’t have a long credit history. Some lenders specialize in working with people who have little or no credit.
- Find out if you qualify for special financing.
- Check with your local credit union.
- Get a family member to co-sign the loan.
Can you finance a car at 18? – Related Questions
How much can a 18 year old get for a loan?
18-year-olds with no cosigner or parental support qualify for the most substantial federal student loan amount.
No Cosigner.
|
Subsidized Amount |
Unsubsidized Amount |
| Independent |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
How much should an 18 year old spend on a car?
It’s generally suggested that parents cap their spending limit at around $10,000 for their teen’s first vehicle, and most stick to used ones. If you stick to this guideline, then the most you need to save is around $2,000.
Can an 18 year old with no credit history get a loan?
It’s possible to get a personal loan if you’re 18 years old and have no credit history — everyone’s gotta start somewhere! Sure, your options are more limited compared to older borrowers, but there are lenders with more lenient credit score requirements and loans geared specifically for new borrowers.
How do I finance a car for the first time?
7 tips for securing your first auto loan
- 7 tips for securing your first auto loan. Make a down payment.
- Make a down payment.
- Budget for your loan.
- Get a co-applicant or cosigner.
- Get preapproved.
- Apply with a full-spectrum lender.
- Build credit first.
- Build credit as you go.
Can a 17 year old get a car loan with a co signer?
Why You Have to Be 18 to Get a Car Loan. Seventeen-year-olds can’t take out a car loan, or even become a cosigner or co-borrower on one.
How can I get approved for a car loan with no credit?
How to Get a Car Loan With No Credit
- Get a Cosigner. If you have a family member or friend with a great credit history who is willing to cosign your loan application, that can help you get approved with a lower rate.
- Make a Large Down Payment.
- Apply for a No-Credit Auto Loan.
How can I build my credit at 18?
How to start building credit at age 18
- Understand the basics of credit.
- Become an authorized user.
- Get a starter credit card.
- Build credit by making payments on time.
- Keep your balance low.
- Take out a student loan.
- Keep tabs on your credit report and score.
Is it hard to get financed for a car?
It’s typically not very difficult to get a car loan, especially if you have good credit. Here are the things that lenders typically ask for when considering a loan application: Proof of identity. You’ll usually be asked for documentation of your name, address, and Social Security number.
What credit score do you start with?
The base credit scores of the most popular credit-reporting models start at 300. Starting with a score of around 300 is possible only if you’ve managed your finances poorly. You may start to build a credit history or improve your score without using any type of credit.
What’s your credit score when you turn 18?
In reality, 18-year olds do not have a credit score at all because there are no details on their credit report to derive a credit score. However, once you take out a loan or open a credit card and start making payments, your bank starts reporting your account status to credit reporting bureaus.
What is a bad credit score?
A credit score of 600 or below is generally considered to be a bad credit score. And if your credit is low, you may qualify for a loan but the terms and rates may not be favorable. Credit scores between 601 and 669 are considered fair credit scores.