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Does a car dealership have to run your credit even if you're not financing with them?
I want to buy a car and have preapproval from Regions Bank. Now that I'm going to dealerships, they want to run my credit again to see if I can get financing through them. I already have preapproval, I've done my homework, and I'm not interested in financing through the dealer. Does the dealer have to run my credit anyway?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Unless you sign a document that says they can run your credit, dealerships are not allowed to do so.
If a dealer keeps hassling you about financing: walk away. They may think you’re bluffing, but when you head toward the door, they’ll probably start singing a different tune.
Remember to read the fine print before you sign anything at the dealership. You don’t accidentally want to sign something that says the dealership can run your credit.
If you conduct proper due diligence, you can avoid the unnecessary hit on your credit and still walk away with a vehicle. But you don’t need to fear the dealer—just be prepared.
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- Gregory R.
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