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Auto Credit Express auto loans: 2025 review

Written by
Rebecca Betterton
Edited by
Rhys Subitch
Updated on June 27, 2024

At a glance

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with Bankrate
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3.2
Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
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Availability
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Affordability
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
3.4
Customer Experience
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Transparency
Rating: 2 stars out of 5
2.0

About Bankrate Score

Full methodology

Bankrate’s take

If you have poor credit, finding a competitive rate can be more of a challenge. The best way to secure an auto loan with poor credit is to shop with a bad credit lender. Auto Credit Express operates as a lender network, which can make it easier to find a good fit. More than that, some lenders in the network even work with those who have experienced bankruptcy.

Lender Details

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Loan amount

$5,000-$45,000

Rates Icon

APR from

Varies by lender

Credit Good Icon

Min Credit Score

Not Specified

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Funds available in

Not Specified

Auto Credit Express is best for bad credit borrowers  

Although car financing is available for borrowers with varying credit backgrounds, Auto Credit Express has tailored solutions for bad credit borrowers. If you have little to no credit history or have faced challenges getting approved for an auto loan due to a prior or current bankruptcy, you could be in luck with Auto Credit Express.  

Types of car loans that Auto Credit Express offers

New and used auto loans Refinance auto loans
APR Varies by lender Varies by lender
Loan amounts $7,000 to $45,000 $7,000 to $45,000
Loan terms 36 to 72 months 36 to 72 months

New and used auto loans

If you are looking to finance a new or used vehicle, Auto Credit Express offers options through its lender network. Rates and terms vary but available loans cater directly to drivers with good, bad or no credit history at all. However, if you are buying a new car, you will be limited to inventory from Auto Credit Express’s partnered dealerships. 

Refinance auto loans

Refinancing your current auto loan can be a great option to lower your monthly payment and adjust your rate. Although Auto Credit Express does not disclose specific credit requirements, its website states that most lenders approve drivers with “good” or above average credit. So, while Auto Credit Express specializes in bad credit loans, refi caters more to drivers with better credit.  

Where Auto Credit Express stands out  

  • Bad credit financing: Auto Credit Express partners directly with bad credit lenders to help consumers with no or poor credit to access auto loans. 
  • Co-signers allowed: The lender encourages borrowers to add a co-signer to their loans. Adding a friend or family member with strong credit can help bad credit drivers receive more competitive rates. 
  • Low minimum income requirements: Auto Credit Express has a minimum monthly income requirement of $1,500 to $2,000.

Where Auto Credit Express falls short  

  • Limited vehicle inventory: Auto Credit Express borrowers will not be able to use their auto loan to purchase any vehicle. Instead, you will be stuck with vehicles only from partnering dealerships.  
  • Unknown rates: The lender is not transparent about expected rates. There is no information about expected APRs, which can be especially daunting for those with poor credit.  
  • Customer service: Assistance is only available on the weekdays, and there is no online chat feature at the time of writing. 

Auto Credit Express customer experience

Customer support 

Customer support is available via an online contact form or on the phone at 855-439-0814. Agents are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.  

Digital experience 

The Auto Credit Express website appears a bit dated and has a menu-heavy layout that can be hard to navigate. There is also no chat option available to potential or current borrowers. However, you can still fill out a loan request form online. The company also features its phone number prominently if you prefer to speak directly to someone.   

What people are saying about Auto Credit Express

Auto Credit Express has an excellent Trustpilot score of an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews mention fast funding and attentive customer service. 

One borrower had this to say:

“Auto Credit Express are the greatest ! As soon as I sent my info to them, I had someone calling me, ready to get me my new car ! They did all the work finding a bank to finance me...3 days later, Im driving my new car ! Thank You !!!!” 

— Trustpilot user

Less favorable one-star reviewers noted a poorly explained process: 

“The carrier refers you to dealerships that try and choose the vehicle for you and then if you do not agree with their choice you will not get financed. The dealership also asks for a large down payment as well. None of this is explained with the approval.” 

— Trustpilot user

Even with a handful of poor reviews, the lender has a 96 percent rate of reply and typically responds in less than a week. 

Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate. Please see the issuer’s website for updated terms and conditions.

How this lender compares 

Although the lender marketplace serves poor credit borrowers, it is best to compare bad credit auto loan rates before making your decision. 

Auto Credit Express vs. CarsDirect 

CarsDirect also specializes in helping credit-challenged borrowers get auto loan financing. Like Auto Credit Express, it connects you with a dealer from its network to find the perfect ride and secure a car loan. But CarsDirect offers a slight edge over Auto Credit Express: You can search for vehicles by make and model directly from the website or check for deals in your local area. 

Read more: Auto Credit Express vs. CarsDirect

Auto Credit Express vs. Fifth Third Bank 

Fifth Third Bank is a direct lender offering new and used auto loans along with auto loan refinancing. Plus, you could be eligible for a 0.25 percent discount on your current loan if the payment is deducted from a Fifth Third Bank checking account using autopay. Unfortunately, there is no online prequalification tool, and loans are limited to consumers in select states.   

Do you qualify for an Auto Credit Express auto loan?

The specific requirements vary depending on the lender, but Auto Credit Express outlines the primary expectations when applying for a bad credit loan.  

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Proof of at least $1,500 to $2,000 in monthly income
  • Employed full-time or guarantee of fixed income
  • Address and proof of residency in the U.S. or Canada
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Can acquire auto insurance

You can also expect to pay a down payment of at least $1,000 or 10 percent of the selling price of the vehicle. 

How to apply for an auto loan with Auto Credit Express

An Auto Credit Express loan application can be done fully online or via the phone. The lender states it should take just three minutes. 

  1. Submit a loan request form: First, you must input basic information on your name, income, address (including rent payments), employment and SSN. 
  2. Get matched with a lender: At this point, you will be paired with a lender. Keep in mind that while Auto Credit Express doesn’t pull your credit report, the lender you’re matched with likely will, resulting in a hard inquiry.
  3. Shop for vehicle: Lastly, a dealer in your area will contact you and arrange for a time to visit the dealership. Your financial information will be verified, and you will be able to purchase a vehicle. 

How Bankrate rates Auto Credit Express

Auto Credit Express receives two Bankrate Scores. One is for its new and used loans, the other is for its auto loan refinance products.

Overall Score 3.2
Availability 4.3 While new, used and refi loans are available, the dealership requirement and middle-tier loan amounts produce a lower score.
Affordability 3.4 Acceptance criteria cater to poor credit drivers but with rates and terms varying by the lender, affordability is tough to measure.
Customer Experience 3.8 The combination of limited hours and poor online reviews, customer service slants lower.
Transparency 2.0 Auto Credit Express lacks transparency around its rates and terms but does provide prequalification in some cases.

Methodology

Bankrate's trusted auto loans industry expertise

Read our full methodology

48

years in business

26

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

520

data points collected

The Bankrate team uses a 20-point system to evaluate auto loan lenders across four main categories.

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.