
Auto Loan Pre-Approval: How to Get Pre-Approved Before You Buy
Getting pre-approved for an auto loan before you visit the dealership is one of the smartest moves you can make as a car buyer. Pre-approval
PrimeRates provides access to personalized loan offers through our simple and quick pre-qualification application. Once you’re pre-qualified, you can select the best offer for you and finalize the loan application with the lender.
1
Simple pre-qual application in less than 1 minute.
2
Choose the offer that best fits your needs.
3
Finalize your loan offer, get approved, and receive funds.
If your credit score falls between 600 and 699, you’re considered a “fair credit” borrower. While you may not qualify for the lowest interest rates, many reputable lenders offer competitive loans for borrowers in this range. The key is finding lenders who consider your full financial picture beyond just your credit score.
A personal loan can also help improve your credit over time through consistent on-time payments. Compare options from these personal loan lenders below.
These lenders specialize in working with fair credit borrowers and offer competitive terms for credit scores between 600 and 699.
| Lender | APR range | Min. loan | Min. credit |
| Upgrade | 6.94% – 35.97% | $1,000 | 580 |
| Upstart | 6.40% – 35.99% | $1,000 | 300 (AI) |
| OneMain Financial | 18.00% – 35.99% | $1,500 | None |
| Avant | 9.95% – 35.99% | $2,000 | 580 |
| LendingPoint | 7.99% – 35.99% | $2,000 | 580 |
| Prosper | 6.99% – 35.99% | $2,000 | 600 |
Yes. Many lenders accept credit scores in the 580–640 range. Upgrade, Avant, and LendingPoint all accept scores as low as 580. Upstart uses AI evaluation that looks beyond just your score.
Apply with a co-signer, reduce existing debt, show stable income, and pre-qualify with multiple lenders to compare offers without impacting your credit score.
Yes, if managed responsibly. Making on-time payments builds positive payment history, which is the biggest factor in your credit score. It also adds to your credit mix, which can further boost your score.
Upgrade accepts credit scores as low as 580 and offers loans from $1,000 to $50,000. Reports to all three credit bureaus, helping build credit with on-time payments. Funds typically deposited within one business day.
Upstart uses AI and machine learning to evaluate borrowers beyond traditional credit scores. Considers education and employment history. Funding often next business day.
Avant specializes in lending to borrowers with credit scores between 580 and 700. Straightforward online application with next-day funding. No prepayment penalties.
LendingPoint looks at your complete financial picture, not just your credit score. Reports to all three credit bureaus to help you build credit over time.
Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending marketplace connecting borrowers with individual investors. Offers loans from $2,000 to $50,000 with terms of 24 to 60 months.

Getting pre-approved for an auto loan before you visit the dealership is one of the smartest moves you can make as a car buyer. Pre-approval

Personal loans are one of the most flexible ways to borrow money. You can use the funds for debt consolidation, home repairs, medical bills, or

Finding the right credit card can save you hundreds of dollars a year in fees and earn you cash back, points, or travel miles on

Compare the best debt consolidation loans of 2026. Find low rates, learn how consolidation works, and get tips for paying off credit card debt faster.

If you want to buy a new car, used vehicle, truck, or motorcycle, the auto loan rates you get can save or cost you thousands.

If you are carrying balances on multiple credit cards or loans, keeping track of due dates, interest rates, and minimum payments can feel overwhelming. Debt
