Dealership Research

When you’re out shopping for a new truck or SUV, credit checks are just a normal part of dealing with lenders and dealership finance managers. Even though these checks can clip your score a bit, the actual impact is pretty minor and doesn't last long. Let's break down exactly what happens to your credit score when you apply for a car loan.

Paying off your car loan early is usually a great move, but knocking out that balance ahead of schedule can actually impact your credit profile in a few unexpected ways. In fact, depending on what the rest of your history looks like, it can sometimes cause your credit scores to take a dip. But you don't have to worry—it's only temporary.

When you're trying to buy a truck or a car, but your credit isn't where it should be, bumping your score up by 100 points won't happen overnight, but it is possible over time. How long it takes for your numbers to move depends mostly on where you're starting out, what your past credit looks like, and the specific habits you choose to fix. Let's look at how to raise your credit score before buying a car here

Having an auto loan that's higher than the actual value of your car is a drag, but it doesn't mean you're stuck. Whether you decide to change up your monthly payment routine or look into a refinance, you can close that gap and get your finances back on track. Here are some solutions for an upside down vehicle loan to help you get back on track financially.

When shopping for a vehicle, one of the first questions many buyers ask is how to cover the down payment. While cash, trade-ins, and bank transfers are the most common options, some consumers wonder whether a credit card down payment is possible. The answer depends on the dealership, the amount being charged, and the terms of your auto financing agreement.

If you’re dealing with negative equity on your vehicle, you’re not alone. An upside-down car loan happens when you owe more on your car than its current market value, which can make trade-ins more complicated and potentially more expensive if you’re not careful.

Buying a used car in 2026 also means financing options to consider, but one question still confuses many shoppers: how much down payment is actually enough? While there is no single requirement that applies to every auto loan, the amount you put down can significantly affect your monthly payments, interest rate, and overall loan approval chances.

If you have bad credit and little or no money for a down payment, buying a vehicle may seem out of reach. Many shoppers assume that lenders require a large down payment before they'll consider an application, especially when credit scores are less than perfect.

If you co-signed a loan with your ex and now want out, you can ask to be removed, but there’s a possibility the lender won’t agree. Once you sign, you’re just as responsible for that debt as the primary borrower, and lenders don’t give that up easily. In fact, a large share of cosigners end up paying part (or all) of the loan themselves. Here's how to get out of a cosigned car loan after divorce or breakup.

When a borrower tries to get approved for a car loan, but their credit isn’t strong enough on its own, bringing in another person can make the difference between them driving something off the lot and walking home. That’s where cosigners and co-borrowers come in. Both can help you qualify for financing, whether it’s a car, home, or even a credit card. But once the loan is approved, the roles each person plays and what they’re responsible for look very different. Find out when to use a cosigner vs. a co-borrower for auto financing below!