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Can I get a car loan with a 538 credit score?

I recently checked my credit score and found that it sits at 538. I know this isn’t a great credit score, but I really need a car to get to work. Can I get a new or used car loan with a credit score of 538?

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Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You can get a
car loan
with a 538 credit score, but finding a willing lender or a low interest rate will prove difficult. With a 538 credit score, you’re in the subprime range of borrowers, meaning you’re high-risk. As a result, you’ll need to work with a lender that specializes in bad credit loans.
Alternatively, you can try a buy here pay here dealership. Oftentimes, these dealerships won’t even check your credit. But even if they do, they’re likely to approve you. Be aware that these dealerships charge exorbitant interest rates, sometimes in the 15% to 25% range. This isn’t ideal, but if you can pay the loan down early and refinance in about a year, it’s an option.
Another choice is to get a cosigner. If you can find a family member or friend with good credit to cosign for the loan, you’ll increase your chances for approval, and you might even get a better interest rate.
Whatever method you choose to get a car loan, your lender will require full coverage car insurance. If you’re not sure where to shop for car insurance, give the
Jerry
app a try.
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