Auto Loan Rates by Credit Score (2026)
By Shawn Cruze · Published November 3, 2026 · Updated November 3, 2026 (Experian Q2 2026 data) · 7 min read
Quick answer: In Q2 2026, the average auto loan rate was 6.35% for new cars and 11.19% for used cars, according to Experian. Your credit score moves that a lot: super-prime borrowers (781+) averaged 4.41% new, while deep-subprime borrowers (300–500) averaged 16.11% new and 21.62% used. On a $30,000, 60-month new-car loan, that gap is about $173 a month and more than $10,000 in interest.
Average Auto Loan Rates by Credit Score
Find your score range, then read across. New-car rates run lower than used-car rates in every tier, because lenders see used cars as riskier collateral.
| Credit tier (score) | New car APR | Used car APR |
|---|---|---|
| Super prime (781–850) | 4.41% | 6.29% |
| Prime (661–780) | 6.15% | 8.81% |
| Near prime (601–660) | 9.71% | 13.93% |
| Subprime (501–600) | 13.52% | 19.10% |
| Deep subprime (300–500) | 16.11% | 21.62% |
| All borrowers | 6.35% | 11.19% |
Source: Experian, State of the Automotive Finance Market, Q2 2026, as published in Auto Loan Rates and Financing for 2026 (Sept 10, 2026). Scores are VantageScore 4.0. We update this table when Experian releases a new quarter.
What Your Rate Tier Costs in Dollars
Percentages are easy to shrug off. Here is the same $30,000 new-car loan over 60 months at each tier's average rate. The only thing that changes is the credit score.
| Credit tier | Monthly payment | Total interest |
|---|---|---|
| Super prime (4.41%) | $558.06 | $3,483.82 |
| Prime (6.15%) | $582.08 | $4,924.73 |
| Near prime (9.71%) | $633.14 | $7,988.34 |
| Subprime (13.52%) | $690.60 | $11,436.27 |
| Deep subprime (16.11%) | $731.30 | $13,877.78 |
Moving from near prime to prime alone saves about $51 a month and $3,064 over the loan. For a used car, the same pattern holds: a $20,000, 60-month used-car loan runs about $389.36 a month at the super-prime average (6.29%) and $548.07 a month at the deep-subprime average (21.62%), with total interest of $3,361.52 versus $12,883.95.
Payment examples are calculated by TrueCostCalc with the standard amortization formula at Experian's average rates. They are examples, not quotes, and exclude taxes and fees.
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Open the car down payment calculator →How Lenders Use Your Credit Score
A lender prices your loan by asking how likely you are to stop paying. Your score is the fastest answer, so most auto lenders sort applicants into bands like the ones above. Cutoffs vary by lender, and the score isn't the only input:
- Debt-to-income ratio. How much of your gross monthly income already goes to debt. Check yours with the debt-to-income calculator.
- Down payment. More money down means a smaller loan against the car's value, which lowers the lender's risk. Compare 0%, 10%, and 20% down in the car down payment calculator.
- Loan term. Longer terms carry more risk and more total interest. See 60 vs 72 vs 84 month car loans.
- The car itself. Older, high-mileage cars usually get higher rates, which is part of why used-car APRs are higher in every tier.
How to Get a Lower Rate Than Your Tier's Average
- Know your score before the dealer does. Walking in knowing your tier lets you spot a marked-up offer.
- Get preapproved with two or three lenders. Banks, credit unions, and online lenders price differently. A preapproval gives you a number the dealer has to beat.
- Pay down card balances first. Lower utilization and a lower debt-to-income ratio can move you up a tier. Our credit card payoff guide covers the fastest ways.
- Put more down or pick a shorter term. Both lower the lender's risk and your total interest.
- Price the car you can afford, not the car you're approved for. Start from a payment with How Much Car Can I Afford?
We may earn a commission if you apply through this link. Affiliate disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good auto loan rate for my credit score?
A good rate is one at or below your tier's average. In Q2 2026 that was 6.15% new and 8.81% used for prime borrowers (661–780), and 4.41% new and 6.29% used for super prime (781+), per Experian.
What is the average car loan rate right now?
Experian's Q2 2026 averages were 6.35% for new cars and 11.19% for used cars across all borrowers.
How much does a lower credit score cost on a car loan?
On a $30,000, 60-month new-car loan at Q2 2026 averages, a subprime borrower (13.52%) pays about $690.60 a month and $11,436.27 in interest. A prime borrower (6.15%) pays about $582.08 a month and $4,924.73 in interest.
Can I get a car loan with bad credit?
Usually, yes, but at a much higher rate. Deep-subprime borrowers (300–500) averaged 16.11% on new cars and 21.62% on used cars in Q2 2026. A larger down payment, a cosigner, or a cheaper car can bring the cost down.
Why are used car loan rates higher?
Used cars are older collateral that's more likely to need repairs, and used-car buyers tend to have lower average scores (688 vs 751 for new, per Experian Q2 2026). Lenders price in that extra risk.
Sources
- Experian — Auto Loan Rates and Financing for 2026 (Q2 2026 State of the Automotive Finance Market; published Sept 10, 2026)
Related: Car Down Payment Calculator | Auto Loan Calculator | Average Car Payment in 2026 | How Much Car Can I Afford?