While you can technically secure a loan with a score as low as , these "deep subprime" loans often come with predatory interest rates.
Title: Is Your Credit Score Ready for a New Ride? What You Need to Know in 2026 how much credit you need to buy a car
: A score of 661+ is generally the gateway to "prime" rates, where roughly 70% of all car financing occurs. Estimated Interest Rates by Credit Tier (April 2026) While you can technically secure a loan with
According to data from Bankrate and NerdWallet , higher scores yield significantly lower annual percentage rates (APR): Credit Tier Score Range New Car Avg APR Used Car Avg APR Prime Nonprime Subprime Deep Subprime Blog Post: Roadmap to the Driver’s Seat Estimated Interest Rates by Credit Tier (April 2026)
Buying a car is one of the most exciting milestones, but before you fall in love with that leather interior or high-tech dashboard, there is one number you need to check: your credit score.