There is no universal minimum credit score required to buy a car, but your score directly determines the interest rate you qualify for — and that affects every monthly payment you will ever make on the loan. Most auto lenders use the following credit tiers (based on Experian's Q3 2025 Automotive Finance Market data):
Credit Tier
Score Range
Avg. APR — New Car
Avg. APR — Used Car
Super Prime
781 – 850
~4.88%
~7.13%
Prime
661 – 780
~6–7%
~9–10%
Near Prime
601 – 660
~9–10%
~13–14%
Subprime
501 – 600
~13.18%
~18.86%
Deep Subprime
300 – 500
~15.85%+
~21%+
Source: Experian State of the Automotive Finance Market, Q3 2025.
A score of 661 or above puts you in the prime range and qualifies you for competitive rates. A score below 600 means you can still get a loan — but expect higher rates, a larger required down payment, or the need for a co-signer. Lenders also weigh your income, employment stability, and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio alongside your score.
How to improve your approval odds:
Increase your down payment — 20% down on a new car reduces the lender's risk
Add a co-signer — A co-signer with good credit can unlock lower rates.
Shop multiple lenders — Banks, credit unions, and online lenders each have different cut-offs; comparing offers protects you from overpaying.
Check your report first — Errors on your credit report are common. Dispute any inaccuracies at annualcreditreport.com before you apply.
