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Best auto loan rates in July 2026

Rates start at 4.33%

Updated Jul. 31, 2026

What to know first: The current auto loan interest rate sits at 6.97% for a 60-month new car loan, according to Bankrate's weekly survey. To find the best interest rate for your credit score and financial background, our experts reviewed hundreds of data points to inform our top auto loan picks.

Want a lower monthly payment? Check your personalized refinance rates

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REFINANCE

Caribou: Best for fair credit loan comparison

4.5
APR from
4.49- 28.55%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$125K
Min credit score
600

USED

myAutoLoan: Best for fair credit borrowers

4.0
APR from
6.74%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
Starting at $8,000
Min credit score
600
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

NEW

myAutoLoan: Best for good credit borrowers

4.0
APR from
6.49%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
Starting at $8,000
Min credit score
600
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

Gravity Lending: Best for no fees

4.4
APR from
4.99- 14.99%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$10k-$125K
Min credit score
640
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

NEW

LightStream: Best Online Lender

4.0
APR from
6.49- 15.24%
with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$100K
Min credit score
660
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Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

Auto Approve: Best for loan comparison

4.2
APR from
4.99- 19.99%
Loan term
1-8 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$85K
Min credit score
600
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Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

Autopay: Best for initial car loan refinance comparison research

4.5
APR from
4.85%
Loan term
1-8 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k-$150K
Min credit score
580
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Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

myAutoLoan: Best for comparing rates with good credit

4.0
APR from
4.09%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
From $5,000
Min credit score
600
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Apply on partner site

NEW

Tenet: Best for specialized EV loans

4.1
APR from
5.99- 16.20%
Loan term
3-7 yrs
Loan amount
$15k-$95K
Min credit score
640
Read our reviewArrow Right

Read review on Bankrate

REFINANCE

LightStream: Best Online Lender

4.0
APR from
6.74- 15.49%
with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$5k-$100K
Min credit score
660
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

iLending: Best for poor credit refinancing

4.5
APR from
4.99- 19.24%
Loan term
1-8 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k-$150K
Min credit score
560
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

USED

Lightstream: Best Online Lender

4.0
APR from
6.49- 15.24%
with AutoPay
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k-$100K
Min credit score
660
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

RefiJet: Best for customer support

4.1
APR from
4.49- 21.99%
Loan term
2-8 yrs
Loan amount
$10k-$120K
Min credit score
540
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REFINANCE

LendingClub: Best for auto refinance

4.1
APR from
5.49- 24.99%
Loan term
2-7 yrs
Loan amount
$4k-$55K
Min credit score
300
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Apply on partner site

REFINANCE

RateGenius: Best for comparing refinancing offers

4.1
APR from
4.67%
Loan term
3-6 yrs
Loan amount
Not specified
Min credit score
Not disclosed
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Apply on partner site

NEW

Best for comparing refinancing options

3.9
APR from
4.85%
Loan term
1-8 yrs
Loan amount
$8k-$150K
Min credit score
Not disclosed
See ratesArrow Right

Apply on partner site

NEW

Carputty: Best for auto loan for used car purchase

4.4
APR from
4.33- 14.07%
Loan term
4-6 yrs
Loan amount
$25k-$250K
Min credit score
680
Read our reviewArrow Right

Apply on partner site

USED

Carputty: Best for online car buying

4.4
APR from
4.33- 14.07%
Loan term
4-6 yrs
Loan amount
$2.5k-$100K
Min credit score
680
Read our reviewArrow Right

Apply on partner site

How Bankrate works

Woman looking for rates
01

Compare rates

Our team researched the best good credit loan options available so you can compare lenders in one place.

02

Tell us the basics

Fill out a quick form to be matched with lenders that meet your needs. The details you provide are for prequalification purposes only and will not impact your credit score.

03

Get matched and receive funding

Choose a loan from a Bankrate partner and receive your funds if you qualify.

A closer look at the best auto loan lenders

Auto Credit Express: Best for low-income borrowers

Rating: 3.6 stars out of 5
3.6

Overview: Auto Credit Express is not a direct lender. Instead, it matches borrowers with lenders. You can qualify with an income as low as $1,500 per month, though the rates you qualify for may be high.

Fixed APR
Not disclosed
Loan amount
$5k– $45k
Min credit score
Not specified

CarsDirect: Best for poor credit borrowers

Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8

Overview: CarsDirect is not a direct lender, but its network of lenders caters to borrowers with fair or bad credit. You may qualify for a large loan to cover purchase price and other costs, like taxes. However, CarsDirect does not list its maximum loan amount or potential rates online.

Fixed APR
Not disclosed
Loan amount
$10k– $100k
Min credit score
Not specified

LightStream: Best online lender

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: LightStream offers unsecured personal loans to borrowers in all 50 states. Unlike traditional auto lenders that work with a network of dealerships, LightStream sends funds directly to the borrower. Although the minimum APR is competitive, the maximum is quite steep. 

Fixed APR
6.49%–15.24%
Loan amount
$5k– $100k
Min credit score
660

Tenet: Best for specialized EV loans

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1

Overview: Tenet is a lender that specifically finances electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. It has an online marketplace to view your options and apply quickly. Plus, it also has options to finance at-home charging systems when you buy your vehicle.

Fixed APR
5.99%–16.20%
Loan amount
$15k– $95k
Min credit score
640

Tresl: Best for initial comparison research for a new car loan

Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9

Overview: Tresl is another auto loan marketplace, but unlike many others, its lenders advertise low starting rates for new auto loans. It primarily focuses on refinancing, and you can borrow as little as $4,000 for terms up to 96 months.

Fixed APR
4.85%
Loan amount
$8k– $150k
Min credit score
Not specified

Carputty: Best for online car buying 

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4

Overview: Carputty is a direct lender that allows borrowers to finance multiple vehicle purchases at once. It offers higher than usual loan amounts, called lines of credit, up to $250,000. Along with that borrowers can access funding as soon as the same day.

Fixed APR
4.33%–14.07%
Loan amount
$25k– $250k
Min credit score
680

myAutoLoan: Best for fair credit borrowers

Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4

Overview: Unlike many other lenders, myAutoLoan offers a wide range of financing options for its borrowers. Its rates are competitive, and you may be able to qualify with a fair credit score. However, it does have a high minimum loan amount of $8,000.

Fixed APR
6.49%
Loan amount
Starting at $8,000
Min credit score
600

RateGenius: Best for comparing refinancing offers

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1

Overview: RateGenius updates its auto loan refinancing rates daily, which is handy if you want to keep an eye on the market and refinance when rates are low. The lenders in its network also allow co-applicants, and while it isn’t upfront about the credit you need to qualify, it may accept borrowers with fair credit.

Fixed APR
4.67%
Loan amount
Not specified
Min credit score
Not specified

Current car loan interest rates

On a weekly basis, Bankrate surveys average rates from the 10 largest banks and thrifts in U.S. markets. Bankrate experts crunch the numbers to index interest rates for common loan terms and help you know the best time to buy a car.

Current rates as of July 29, 2026

60-month new car 6.97%
48-month new car 6.81%
48-month used car 7.46%
36-month used car 7.29%

How to choose the best auto loan lender

A car is an expensive purchase, so you want to make sure you get the best terms. To do so, follow these steps: 

  1. Determine how much car you can afford. Start by considering your financial situation and setting a realistic car-buying budget, based on your monthly spending and credit profile. Remember that lenders consider your credit score, income and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio when you apply for an auto loan. These factors will determine your approval chances and the interest rate you can get.
  2. Compare lenders. Once you have your budget, you can begin evaluating lenders. Auto loan marketplaces like Bankrate can streamline this process for you. Narrow your lending options to at least three lenders whose eligibility you meet. Auto loan rates are largely based on your credit score, so ensure lenders are offering you a competitive rate for your financial position before accepting a loan. 
  3. Prequalify for the loan. You can prequalify for an auto loan online and without leaving your home. The process is simple to start — you can browse options on Bankrate or check your rates with the institution you already bank at. Many lenders let you get prequalified for an auto loan with a soft credit check, which allows you to compare estimated rates and fees. 
  4. Submit an application. Once you've chosen your lender, submit a full application and finalize your loan. If you receive a firm offer from a lender, you can then use this to negotiate at the dealership for both price and potential rate discounts for in-house financing options.
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Prequalification is different from preapproval

Since preapproval requires a hard credit check, the lender is likely to offer a much more accurate estimate of interest and fees. Submit multiple applications within 14 days to avoid damaging your credit score because the hard inquiries will be combined on your credit report. 

 What affects auto loan rates?

Auto loan interest rates are calculated based on factors that are under your control — and also considerations that aren’t. Each lender has its own formula for evaluating borrowers, so apply for preapproval with multiple lenders before accepting a loan offer. This ensures you get the best possible rate.

Factors under your control

  • Vehicle choice: New cars tend to carry lower average APRs than used vehicles, but they also have higher sticker prices.
  • Loan terms: Borrowing less — and over a shorter period — generally leads to lower rates because lenders perceive less risk.
  • Lender type: While it’s wise to shop with various lenders, credit unions and online lenders are likely to offer lower rates than dealerships and their financing partners.
  • Your application: Easier said than done, of course, but the more you can improve your credit, income and debt-to-income ratio before applying, the lower your rate will be.
  • Down payment: Budgeting and saving up before applying for a loan can also go a long way toward a lower rate.

Factors out of your control

  • Federal Reserve policymaking: When the Fed cuts its target rate, auto loan rates are likely to descend — conversely, when the central bank raises its rate, APRs are likely to ascend.
  • The economic environment: The Fed is responding to trends, such as inflation, employment data and trade policy.
  • Inventory: When automakers or dealers have excess inventory, they often provide promotional low-APR or 0% financing offers. Tight inventory, on the other hand, might result in fewer incentives and less flexibility on rate.
  • Lender risk assessment: Each lender has its own policies evaluating the lending risk. Besides your credit profile and DTI, it also involves internal factors like default trends, the lender’s overall risk tolerance and more.
It’s important to look beyond the monthly payment so you’re aware of all the terms of the loan. There are many factors, such as the interest rate and loan term, that help determine the monthly payment. For instance, one lender might be able to offer a lower monthly payment compared to other lenders because the loan term is longer. You’d save money on monthly payments, but you’d pay more interest in the long run. Review all the terms for each lender, including the interest rates, the loan terms and fee structures.
Beverly Harzog, Nationally-recognized finance expert

Types of auto loans

Car loan options go beyond just new and used. Each auto loan type has specific uses that cater to certain types of borrowers, and knowing what type you need can make the loan shopping process easier.

Calculate your auto loan payment

Use Bankrate’s auto loan calculator to see how different interest rates will impact your monthly payment and compare it against average auto loan payments.

How the loan calculator works

  • Loan amount: How much you want to borrow. Auto loan amounts typically range from $5,000 to $100,000.
  • Loan term: How many years you choose to pay back the loan. Auto loan terms are usually between 24 and 84 months. Experiment with shorter and longer terms to find the right payment for your budget.
  • Loan interest rate: How much the lender is charging in interest. Your auto loan rate will be based on the amount you borrow, the term you choose and your credit score.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate's trusted auto loans industry expertise

48

years in business

26

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

520

data points collected

The Bankrate team evaluated over two dozen lenders to select our top picks for the best auto loans. Our 20-point system judged how lenders perform across four main categories.