Car loan interest rates by credit score
By Mihir · Updated November 2026 · Numbers from the CarBudgetFit calculator
Your credit score sets your car loan rate more than anything else. Here are the current average rates for each score range, and what each one costs on a $30,000 loan.
Subprime credit costs about $133 more a month than super prime
On a $30,000, 5-year new-car loan, the gap between a 781+ score and a 501 to 600 score is about $7,952 in extra interest. Raising your score one tier before you shop is often worth more than haggling over the price.
Average car loan interest rates by credit score
| Credit score | New car APR | Used car APR |
|---|---|---|
| Super prime781 to 850 | 4.41% | 6.29% |
| Prime661 to 780 | 6.15% | 8.81% |
| Near prime601 to 660 | 9.71% | 13.93% |
| Subprime501 to 600 | 13.52% | 19.10% |
| Deep subprime300 to 500 | 16.11% | 21.62% |
| All borrowers | 6.35% | 11.19% |
Source: Experian, State of the Automotive Finance Market, Q2 2026 (VantageScore 4.0). Rates are averages of loans actually made, so offers vary by lender, loan length and down payment.
What your rate costs on a $30,000 loan
Monthly payment and total interest on $30,000 borrowed for 5 years at each average rate.
| Credit score | New car rate | Used car rate |
|---|---|---|
| Super prime | $558$3,484 interest | $584$5,042 interest |
| Prime | $582$4,925 interest | $620$7,199 interest |
| Near prime | $633$7,988 interest | $697$11,818 interest |
| Subprime | $691$11,436 interest | $780$16,792 interest |
| Deep subprime | $731$13,878 interest | $822$19,326 interest |
How to get a lower rate
- Get pre-approved first. A quote from your bank or a credit union gives you a rate to beat before the dealer makes an offer.
- Shop several lenders in a short window. Credit scoring models generally count multiple auto-loan checks within about two weeks as a single inquiry.
- Borrow for less time. Lenders usually charge more for 72 and 84-month loans, and you pay interest for longer.
- Put more down. A smaller loan compared with the car's value can earn a better rate and keeps you from owing more than the car is worth.
Already have an offer? Enter your rate in the calculator to see what the car really costs each month with insurance, gas and upkeep. If you don't, the calculator uses a typical rate for your credit level, set slightly above these averages to stay on the safe side.
See a car's full monthly cost at your own interest rate.
Try it with a 6.15% rate →Common questions
What is a good interest rate for a car loan right now?
For a new car, anything near or below the prime average of about 6.15% is good; super prime borrowers average about 4.41%. For a used car, the prime average is about 8.81%. These are Experian averages for the second quarter of 2026.
What credit score do you need for a car loan?
You can get a car loan with almost any score, but the rate changes sharply. Scores of 661 and up (prime) get average new-car rates around 6%, while scores from 501 to 600 average about 13.5% for new and 19% for used.
Why are used car loan rates higher?
Used cars are worth less and lose value less predictably, so lenders charge more. With prime credit the average used-car rate is about 2.7 points higher than for a new car.
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