A good credit score to buy a car in early 2026 is generally , which places you in the "prime" credit category. While there is no universal minimum score required to secure a loan, borrowers above this threshold typically qualify for standard interest rates and account for roughly 69% of all auto financing . Average Credit Scores for Car Loans (Q4 2025)
Lenders typically have higher standards for new car loans compared to used ones. According to latest data from Experian : : 753 (Very Good) Used Car Loan Average : 689 (Good) Impact of Credit Score on Interest Rates (April 2026) whats a good credit score to buy a car
: This is a common threshold for traditional lenders. Below this, you enter "near-prime" or "subprime" categories where rates can jump by 3% to 5% . A good credit score to buy a car
: On a $30,000 loan over 60 months, an excellent credit score can save you over $9,500 in total interest compared to a poor score. Factors Beyond the Score According to latest data from Experian : :
Lenders also evaluate your overall financial health to mitigate risk: Credit Score Needed to Finance a Car - Starling GMC
Your credit score is the primary factor in determining your . As of April 2026, average rates by credit tier include: Credit Tier Score Range New Car APR Used Car APR Super Prime 4.66% 7.70% Prime 6.27% 9.98% Non-Prime 9.57% 14.49% Subprime 13.17% 19.42% Deep Subprime 16.01% 21.85% Data sourced from U.S. News and Bankrate surveys. Strategic Recommendations