What Credit Score Do You Need for Car Finance? Explained

Your credit score is a deciding factor in whether you will be given car finance, what interest rates are offered to you, and how affordable your loan will be. But what credit score actually gets you through the doors?

That depends on the lender, the type of finance product you need, and your whole financial picture. The good news is that Quick Car Finance places applicants across all lenders, including some offering bad credit car loans. This opens up a myriad of options for securing the financing you want, regardless of your credit history.

Why Your Credit Score Matters for Car Finance

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Lenders assess your credit score for how responsible you are with money. With a higher score, the likelihood of receiving a lower interest rate and better terms is higher, whereas people with lower scores may need to pay higher interest or meet additional requirements such as a guarantor or a larger deposit.

Some key factors that affect your credit score include as follows:

  • Payment history (on-time payments and missed payments)

  • Credit utilization (how much credit is being consumed against total available credit)

  • Length of credit history

  • Credit mix (loans, credit cards, etc.)

  • Recent credit applications

The good news is that Quick Car Finance works with a handful of lenders, including those who specialize in financing for bad credit car purchases, so we can provide you with a great deal even if your score is anything but perfect.

What Credit Score Would Help You Get Car Finance?

Quite simply, there is no minimum credit score for car finance since the requirements of lenders differ vastly. However, as a general rule, these ranges may apply to applying for car finance:

Excellent Credit (800 and above)

  • Highest likelihood of approval

  • Lowest interest rates available

  • Most likely to qualify for no-deposit finance

Good Credit (700-799)

  • Higher chances of approval

  • Competitive interest rates

  • More options for lenders and flexible terms

Fair Credit (600-699)

Approval is likely but rates may be higher

Deposit may be required

Fewer options with lenders than higher scores

Poor Credit (500-599)

  • Higher interest rates set

  • May require a guarantor or larger deposit

  • Limited choices amongst lenders

Very poor credit (below 500)

  • Difficult to get approval

  • Higher rejection risks

  • Needs specialist lenders

If you are wondering about getting sub-600 approval for a car loan, do not worry because Quick Car Finance works with specialty lenders in bad credit car finance, boosting your approval chances.

How to Get Approval for Car Finance with a Low Credit Score

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If your credit score is not good enough, you may still have some chances to improve upon a car finance approval:

1. Apply to a Specialist Provider Like Quick Car Finance

Ordinary lenders may outright reject applicants with a low credit profile, but Quick Car Finance works with lenders who specialize in bad credit, no credit, and people with past financial issues.

2. Check Your Credit Report

Before applying, take a minute to comb through your credit report for errors. When you find mistakes, get them fixed to increase your score before putting in an application for a car loan.

3. Put Down a Deposit

Having a deposit reduces the risk put upon the lender; therefore, it strengthens your case for approval-higher chances of getting approved, even with a lower credit score. It also helps lower your monthly repayments.

4. Accompany It with a Guarantor or Joint Application

Having a guarantor or someone with solid credit history who guarantees payments in case of need could help you almost secure approval.

5. Work on Improving Your Payment Score Before Application

Timely payments, reduced payments on existing debts, and limited new credit applications would, on the contrary, get you a better payment score ahead of application.

Why Choose Quick Car Finance?

For fast, reliable, and flexible car finance, Quick Car Finance is the way to go. They offer:

  • Expedient approvals: Get a decision in a matter of minutes.

  • No hidden fees: Unambiguous pricing and terms.

  • All credit types accepted: Good, bad, and no credit history applicants welcome.

  • Zero-deposit finance available: No large upfront payment required.

  • Access to multiple lenders: Greater options mean greater chances of approval.

Final Thoughts: What Credit Score Do You Really Need?

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Expect a good chance of getting approved with a decent rate if you have a credit score above 600, but it is still possible to get car finance with a lower score especially if you are applying through Quick Car Finance.

Whatever your credit scenario might be, it has a finance alternative. If you are ready to grab the best deal, apply now with Quick Car Finance and be pre-approved in no time.

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