Advertiser Disclosure: WiseIQ has affiliate relationships with some companies discussed on this page and may earn a commission if you apply through our links. Learn more.
Scoreboard · Auto loans
Auto Loan Scoreboard: Six Ways to Finance a Car, Same Five Criteria
Dealer financing is where most people get their car loan and the worst place to compare. This scoreboard scores six alternatives on published criteria and labels the one that pays us. Our partner myAutoloan wins the bad-to-fair credit slot because it is a marketplace that makes lenders compete; it does not win for prime credit, and we send those borrowers elsewhere.
Our take in 10 seconds
Get offers before you walk into the dealership, whatever your credit. Under about 680, a marketplace application to multiple subprime and near-prime lenders beats any single lender. Above it, a credit union or no-fee bank wins on rate. Already financed at a worse tier? Refinancing is the highest-return hour in auto lending.
Paid partner link. Scored on the same rubric as every other option below.
The scoreboard
Every option, scored 1–10 on the same five criteria
Scores and facts last verified September 5, 2026. Sorted by overall score. Rows marked Partner pay us a commission if you apply through them and are scored on exactly the same rubric. Non-partners are here because they belong here; we don't link to them.
Your credit · tap to highlight what fits
myAutoloan PartnerFits you
Best for: Bad-to-fair credit, used cars
8.0/10
Min credit~575
Loan floor~$8k
FeesNone to apply
DecisionMinutes, up to 4 offers
Cost7
Access9
Speed9
Transparency7
Fit8
Why this score: Marketplace competition wins access and speed for subprime and near-prime files; the tier it serves keeps cost mid-pack.
One application, up to four lender offers. Minimums around 575 and a modest loan floor. Marketplace pricing beats dealer routing for subprime and near-prime files.
Paid partner link · WiseIQ earns a commission if you apply. myAutoloan is a marketplace; approval and terms depend on the lenders you match with.
How we score
The five criteria
CostRates and fees relative to the credit tier served. Origination and admin fees weigh heavily.
AccessHow far down the credit ladder the product actually approves, and how it treats thin files.
SpeedTime from application to money, quote, or first reported payment.
TransparencyClear pricing before a hard pull, plain disclosures, no bait terms.
FitHow many real situations it serves well, not just the ideal customer.
Scores use published terms, our own application tests, and reader reports. Facts are re-checked quarterly and after any partner change. Full method on our how we rank page.
Who gets paid on this page
myAutoloan — if you apply for an auto loan through our linkpays us a commission
Every other company discussedpays us $0
If that changes, this box changes the same day. How we rank →
Questions
FAQ
Is a marketplace better than dealer financing?
For subprime and near-prime credit, usually yes: several lenders see the same file and you see the offers, instead of the dealer picking the one that pays it best. For prime credit, a credit union or no-fee bank often beats both.
What credit score do you need for an auto loan?
Marketplaces like myAutoloan work from about 575; prime lenders want roughly 680+; credit unions sit in between. The car's age and value matter as much as your score at the lower tiers.
Should I refinance my car loan?
If your credit improved by a tier or more since you financed, or you took dealer financing without shopping, almost always. Refinance lenders and credit unions handle it in days.
Why does myAutoloan score lower on cost than LightStream?
Because it serves a riskier tier. Subprime and near-prime rates are higher by definition. Within its tier it prices well; against a no-fee prime lender it cannot compete, and it should not have to.
Can I get an auto loan with no credit history?
Yes, through marketplaces and some credit unions, with documented income and a down payment. See our guide to first car loans with no credit for the specifics.