Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She specializes in assisting readers in navigating the ins and outs of securely borrowing money to purchase a car.
Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites.
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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.
Auto Credit Express makes vehicle ownership possible for those with poor credit but can carry steep rates.
PROS
Bad credit loans
Encourages co-signers
Low monthly income requirement
CONS
Limited vehicle inventory
Limited transparency
Limited customer support
Auto Credit Express serves as a lender marketplace primarily serving drivers with poor credit, no credit and those who have been denied previously due to bankruptcy. Its mission is to help drivers secure loans from a reputable dealer even with less than perfect credit.
Auto Credit Express works with over 900 dealers across the country to fit every driver's needs for new, used and refinance loans.
Do you qualify?
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 in monthly income.
Address and proof of residency.
Three years of employment history without major gaps
Full-time employment for at least six months or other fixed income
Able to acquire auto insurance
Six to eight personal references
When it comes to bad credit loans you can also expect to pay a down payment of at least $1,000 or 10 percent of the selling price of the vehicle. Following the lender match, you can expect a hard credit inquiry.
What we like and what we don’t like
Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a loan with Auto Credit Express prior to submitting an application.
What we like
Specialize in bad credit loans. Auto Credit Express partners directly with bad credit lenders to help credit challenged consumers access auto loans.
Encourages co-signers. Adding a co-signer will help bad credit drivers receive competitive rates.
Low monthly income requirement. Auto Credit Express as a minimum monthly income requirement of $1,500.
What we don't like
Limited vehicle inventory. You will be stuck with vehicles from partnering dealerships.
Low transparency. There is no information about potential APRs on its website.
Limited customer support. Assistance is only available on the weekdays.
How to contact Auto Credit Express
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.
Auto loan types offered
Auto Credit Express offers loans for buying new or used vehicle loans, refinancing, cash-out refinance and leasing. Financing is available from $5,000 to $45,000.
New and used auto loans
Amounts: $5,000 to $45,000
Terms: 36 to 72 months
APR: Varies by lender
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. If you are buying new you will be limited to inventory from Auto Credit Express’s partnered dealerships.
Refinance
Amounts: $5,000 to $45,000
Terms: 36 to 72 months
APR: Varies by lender
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.
How to apply for a loan with Auto Credit Express
An application with Auto Credit Express can be done fully online or via the phone. It will likely take just three minutes and you can be matched with a dealer within 24 hours of your application. Once you are matched with a lender you will receive a phone call from a local dealership if you are buying new or used and will then be able to choose your vehicle.
Full name
Social Security number
Date of birth
Address and time living there
Email address and phone number
Housing payment
Employment information
Monthly income
Auto Credit Express FAQs
Yes, you can use Auto Credit Express to find lease financing options even if you have less than perfect credit.
Auto Credit Express can help you secure a car loan during or after bankruptcy. Ideally, you should aim for a vehicle with a lower price point, make a down payment of the lower of 10 percent of the selling price or $1,000, and bring a cosigner on board (if possible).
How Bankrate rates Auto Credit Express
Overall score
3.6
Availability
4.1
While new, used and refi loans are available, the dealership requirement and middle-tier loan amounts produce a lower score.
Affordability
3.2
Acceptance criteria cater to poor credit drivers but with rates and terms varying by the lender, affordability is tough to measure.
Customer experience
3
The combination of limited hours and poor online reviews, customer service slants lower.
Transparency
4
Auto Credit Express lacks transparency around its rates and terms, but does provide prequalification.
Methodology
Bankrate considers 18 data points when rating auto loan lenders. Acceptance criteria, whether rates and fees are available and APR range all influence lender scores. These scores are broken up into four categories.
Availability: Loan amounts, repayment options, dealership requirements and state availability all contribute to this category.
Affordability: This section houses APR ranges, acceptance criteria, fees and discounts.
Customer experience: How long you have to shop, customer service availability, whether there’s an app and autopay availability are accounted for in this section.
Transparency: This category accounts for the availability of fees and rates along with whether prequalification is available.
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.
Rebecca Betterton is the auto loans reporter for Bankrate. She specializes in assisting readers in navigating the ins and outs of securely borrowing money to purchase a car.
Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances by providing clear, well-researched information that breaks down otherwise complex topics into manageable bites.