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How long should it take to get approved for a car loan?

I haven't had a car for a few years, but I recently got a job and need a set of wheels to get to work. The only way I can purchase one is with a car loan. I start in a week and a half, so I definitely want to move quickly! How long does it take for car loan approval?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on the new job—and great question! If you have all of your documentation in order, you can usually get approved for a
car loan
in a matter of hours. However, this is highly dependent on the backlog of applications. If the lender has tons of applications, this could prolong the process.
To streamline the process, you should also gather all the documentation you need to apply online or in-person, including:
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of residence
  • A valid ID
  • Method of down payment (if applicable)
  • Vehicle information, such as the VIN
  • Proof of insurance
Most of these are fairly easy to obtain in a few minutes—even car insurance, if you shop with the
Jerry
app! We’ll get you customized quotes from top providers in seconds so that all you have to do is pick the plan that works best for you.
Best of luck on your first day of work—you’ve got this!
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