Auto refinancing involves using a new loan to replace an existing auto loan or lease agreement. The best auto refinancing companies of 2026 will offer competitive rates, flexible repayment plans, and helpful customer service representatives who can answer questions about the process.
Before you refinance, compare different lenders to get the best deal possible. Additionally, ensure you understand all the requirements and terms of the loan before signing any documents. Be sure to read reviews, compare rates and fees, and ask any questions you may have before making your decision on who to refinance with.
What is auto refinancing?
Auto refinancing is the process of replacing a current car loan with a new loan, typically with a lower interest rate. By doing so, borrowers can save money on their monthly payments, reduce the total amount of interest they pay over the life of the loan, or even shorten the loan term. It also may be possible to add or remove a cosigner.
Refinancing can be helpful if you have improved your credit score or achieved a better financial position since first taking out your car loan. By refinancing, you can leverage these improvements to lower their monthly costs and save money in the long run.
How auto refinancing works
When you refinance your car loan, you take out a new loan to pay off the old one. Unless you contribute any cash towards paying off your old loan, the balance of your new auto loan will be equal to the payoff amount of your old loan, plus any additional fees that your new lender adds to your loan amount.
To start the process, shop around for lenders that offer auto refinancing and compare their terms and rates. Once you choose a lender and are approved and close on your new loan, the new lender will pay off your existing car loan, and you will start making payments on the new loan. Auto refinancing can help you save money in the long run. Still, weighing the potential benefits against any fees or charges associated with the new loan is important.
Refinancing a car lease
Refinancing a car lease is a popular way to save money and potentially lower monthly car payments. When you refinance a car lease, you essentially buy out the existing lease and own the car. Then, you’ll make regular monthly payments on the loan rather than your previous lease payments. Sometimes, you can replace your existing lease with a new lease agreement, though this can be a bit more complicated.
Refinancing a lease may involve negotiating with your current leasing company or researching other leasing companies to find the best deal. The most significant benefit of refinancing a lease is that it transfers the car’s ownership to you rather than the leasing company. That way, when you repay the loan, you can sell the car and recoup some of what you paid. Refinancing a lease can also help you extend your lease term or adjust your mileage limit to better suit your needs.
It’s important to note that refinancing a lease is not the same as refinancing a car loan, as leases involve more complicated contracts and terms. Before refinancing, review all documents, terms, and fees associated with your current lease and the new loan.
Types of auto refinancing
If you’re considering refinancing your car, it’s important to understand that several options are available. Which one is right for you will depend on your specific circumstances. For instance, traditional rate-and-term refinancing may be the way to lower your monthly payments. On the other hand, cash-out refinancing could be the best option if you need to access the equity in your vehicle to pay off other debts. Educating yourself on the different types of refinancing can help you choose the best option for your unique needs and circumstances.
Conventional refinancing
Conventional auto refinancing can help you save money on car payments in the long run. This method of refinancing works by allowing you to pay off your original car loan with a new loan, usually at a lower interest rate. By paying off the initial loan in one lump sum, you can eliminate future interest payments and reduce the total amount owed.
Traditional auto refinancing is best for individuals who have improved their credit score, received a pay increase, or experienced a financial windfall.
Lease buyout loan
Lease buyout refinancing is a way to buy your leased car outright instead of returning it to the dealership. The process entails taking out a loan to the lease buyout amount, plus any early termination fees, and paying off that amount over time to a financing company. This option gives you the chance to own your vehicle and possibly lower your monthly payment or interest rate.
Lease buyout refinancing is best if you plan to keep your car after the lease ends and want to avoid extra fees and mileage restrictions that come with leasing. It is also ideal if you leased a vehicle but later realize you enjoy driving it and want to keep it longer.
Cash-out refinancing
Cash-out auto refinancing allows owners to borrow against their car by refinancing their existing loan into a larger one. Essentially, the refinanced loan takes care of the original balance and provides the owner with cash in hand. This cash can be used to pay off other debts or cover other purchases.
Cash-out auto refinancing is best if you have a significant amount of equity in your vehicle, good credit, and are looking to raise cash to cover other purchases or expenses. Before pursuing this option, evaluate your credit score, income, and the terms of your current loan to determine if cash-out refinancing is financially beneficial.
How to choose an auto refinancing lender
When comparing auto refinancing companies, look at interest rates, fees, repayment terms, customer service ratings, and qualification requirements. With a little research and comparison shopping, you can find a great deal on auto refinancing that will help save you money in the long run. Here’s what to consider when choosing an auto refinancing lender:
- Interest rate: The interest rate you receive is often the most crucial factor when choosing a lender, as it is one of the most significant factors determining your monthly payment and the total amount of interest paid over the life of your loan. Make sure to compare lenders to get the best rate possible.
- Fees: Most auto refinancing lenders charge fees, such as origination fees and loan processing fees. Read through all of the details carefully before signing any documents.
- Repayment terms: Different lenders offer different repayment terms for auto refinancing loans, so compare them before choosing. Look at the type and frequency of payments required, how soon you need to start paying back the loan, and if there are any penalties for late or missed payments.
- Customer service ratings: Good customer service is essential for auto refinancing. Research the lender’s customer service ratings and read any reviews you can find online before committing to a loan.
- Other requirements: Some lenders require specific criteria for approval, such as a minimum credit score or proof of income. Ensure all your documents are in order before applying for auto refinancing to avoid delays in processing your application.
Ultimately, finding the best auto refinancing company of 2026 requires some research and comparison shopping. But with a little bit of effort, you can get the best deal possible on your car loan and save money in the long run.
Comparing the Top Auto Refinance Platforms
AUTOPAY
AUTOPAY is a leading digital auto finance marketplace that is known for its wide network of credit unions and fast, tech-forward application process.
AUTOPAY is great for traditional refinancing, cash-out refinance, lease buyouts, and company car purchases. If you have poor credit but would like an auto loan with the lowest APR possible, AUTOPAY is a very good option to consider.
Credit Flexibility: Offers options across the entire credit spectrum, including subprime and bad credit rebuilding options.
Soft Pull Pre-Qualification: Allows borrowers to check rates without impacting their credit score initially.
Standout Feature: Strong partnership network with regional credit unions, which frequently deliver lower baseline APRs than traditional commercial banks.
RateGenius
RateGenius is an established tech-enabled marketplace that has a strong nationwide network of over 150+ lenders. They focus on data-driven loan matching and have generally higher application approval rates for auto loan refinancing. If you’re worried about getting rejected, RateGenius is a good option to consider.
Plus, RateGenius has special analysis tools they can provide you with to help you gain long-term savings. This is very useful if you have a lot of debt, not just with your auto loan, and you want to improve your overall financial health.
Lender Network Size: Connects applicants to one of the largest credit union and banking networks in the auto finance industry.
Customer Experience: High customer satisfaction scores with end-to-end guidance from application to final title transfer.
Financial Health Tools: Built-in rate calculators and debt-to-income (DTI) analysis tools to help borrowers evaluate long-term savings.
Standout Feature: RateGenius has high approval rates due to the sheer volume and diversity of its participating lending partners.
RefiJet
RefiJet is a high-touch, concierge-style refinance broker. They pair every applicant with a dedicated Financial Services Specialist who can provide personalized assistance.
Plus, if you have special requirements and need a co-applicant to help you get the application, RefiJet does accommodate unique income structures, co-signers, and other needs.
White-Glove Support: Ideal for borrowers who want a human representative to walk them through paperwork, verification, titling, and other services.
Flexible Options: Accommodates joint applicants, co-signers, and unique income structures.
Deferred Payment Options: Often connects borrowers with lending partners who offer 60- to 90-day deferred first payments, making it easier for you to have breathing room immediately after the auto loan refinance.
Standout Feature: Exceptional phone-based customer service that takes the hassle out of DMV title transfers.
iLending
iLending is a personal finance consultation platform that specializes in tailored auto refinancing to reduce monthly household expenses. It can get frustrating dealing with all of your different financial needs and challenges while refinancing your auto loan. iLending makes the process more streamlined and can provide useful credit education advice, allowing you to improve your overall financial profile as you go through the auto loan refinancing process.
Dedicated Loan Consultants: Assigns a single point of contact to evaluate the borrower's overall financial picture rather than just running algorithms.
Focus on Monthly Cash Flow: Excellent for borrowers looking to lower immediate monthly bills through loan term restructuring.
Protection Product Bundling: Streamlined integration of GAP insurance, tire/wheel protection, and extended warranties directly into the new loan.
Standout Feature: Strong focus on credit education and helping borrowers improve their financial profile during the refinance process.
Auto Approve
Auto Approve is a top-rated refinancing broker recognized for specializing in high-ticket vehicle refinancing, lease buyouts, and specialty vehicles.
If you have a specialty vehicle, it can often be very challenging to get your auto loan refinanced. That is why Auto Approve is one of the best loan refinance brokers around if you have a vehicle (or multiple vehicles) that need refinancing. Plus, they help you streamline the potentially very complex paperwork of buying a leased vehicle directly from a dealership.
Specialty Vehicle Coverage: Refinances standard cars, trucks, as well as motorcycles, RVs, boats, and commercial fleet vehicles.
Lease Buyout Expertise: Streamlines the complex process of purchasing a leased vehicle directly from a dealership.
Zero Markup and Extra Transparency: Connects borrowers directly to credit union rates without hidden broker interest-rate markups.
Standout Feature: Direct, hassle-free DMV title handling. Also has a high customer rating metrics across various review platforms.
Head-to-Head Brand Comparison
| Brand |
Specializations |
Best for |
Soft-Pull Pre-qualification |
DMV Titling Support |
| AUTOPAY |
Traditional auto refinancing features, strong partnership with credit unions |
Low APRs |
Yes |
Yes |
| RateGenius |
Connects you to a suitable auto loan refinancer |
Low APRs |
Yes |
Yes |
| RefiJet |
Gives you a human representative to walk you though it all |
A human connection and personalized advice. Deferred payment options |
Yes |
Yes |
| iLending |
A personalized finance consultation platform that helps you improve your financial profile |
Lowering overall monthly bills |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
|
|
|
| Auto Approve |
Allows co-applicants and can refinance quickly, no waiting period. |
Fast auto refinances, especially those with low credit |
Yes |
Yes |
How to Choose the Right Refinance Platform
The best refinance platform for your auto loan depends on your situation and goals.
Low Rates
Just really want to save money every month so that you can catch a financial breather? If you want the lowest possible rate, check out RateGenius or AUTOPAY. They have deep credit union integrations and low rates for those looking to refinance their auto loans on a limited budget. They can also be easier to apply and get approved for compared to other auto refinance platforms out there with similarly low APRs.
Specialty Vehicles or Buying Out Leased Vehicles
If you are buying out a leased vehicle or refinancing a motorcycle or RV, Auto Approve is the best choice. It is also the top auto refinance platform if you need to refinance the loan for a specialty vehicle or a fleet of vehicles.
Dedicated Assistance
If you want a dedicated person to handle all the paperwork over the phone or personalized advice, choose RefiJet or iLending. They are convenient and reliable, sticking to things that can help you.
RefiJet connects you to a real human so that you don’t have to feel the frustration of getting routed through various AI customer support or algorithms. iLending assigns you a single point of contact that can help you improve your overall financial situation through strategic choices and debt clearing.
Compared to the other options, RefiJet and iLending may not be as cheap, but they may have better results if you prefer a human touch or individualized help that doesn’t feel robotic.
Poor Credit
Having a poor credit score can hurt your overall financial profile and credit experience. It can feel impossible to qualify for new credit lines or loans, preventing you from getting over hurdles in life and finding new opportunities.
If you have fair or poor credit, consider AUTOPAY or iLending for specialized subprime lender matches. They can help you find a suitable auto loan refinance option even if you have a poor credit score.
Why Auto Refinancing Works
When you first get your auto loan, you’re excited to drive the car. You’re thinking about all the journeys and opportunities you can unlock with the new vehicle. You may not have many options, but you need a car, so you opt for an auto loan with a higher rate than you’d like.
Refinancing a loan essentially means you’re trading in your current auto loan for a new one. The brand new loan will have new terms that are decided by the new lender and the agreement you sign. The new lender who is refinancing the loan will pay off the old loan for you, but then you will be responsible for the new loan according to the refinanced terms.
Advantages of refinancing a loan
When you refinance a loan, you can usually negotiate for terms that make it easier for you to pay off. The loan duration may be increased so that you can reduce your monthly payments, so you can make each installment more easily. You may also be able to change the type of interest rate to a different, fixed one.
Credit Increase
If you can consistently show that you are paying off a loan or line of credit, your credit score can go up over time. The issue with high rate auto loans is that you may be falling behind and feeling extremely stressed about the monthly payments, which snowball into a worse situation. With the help of a lower APR or lower monthly payment auto loan refinance broker, you can get into a more stable financial situation and ultimately improve your credit score.
How to Start Your Auto Refinancing Process
Here are some actionable steps to help you get started.
First, gather your current loan details
Find out your current auto loan interest rate (APR) and remaining term. What is the payoff amount? Also take note of your vehicle VIN and mileage. Calculate what you know about your auto loan at the moment.
Compare rates
Then, you can get started with comparing auto loan refinance rate offers by using soft credit pulls. You can pre-qualify across 2 to 3 of the best auto refinance platforms without damaging your credit score, getting a good idea of your potential new rates and savings.
Be careful about the auto refinance credit checks; soft pulls won’t damage your credit score. Some creditors may do a hard credit check before you are ready, which would hurt your credit score temporarily, making it harder to qualify for other credit lines for a few months until the credit score recovers. That is why the soft-pull pre-qualification checks are so useful.
Evaluate total loan cost
See how the lower monthly payments can actually impact your total auto loan costs. Make sure that they won’t simply extend your loan term so much that you end up paying more in the long run despite the lower monthly payments. Paying a little more after a loan refinance is normal, but you do not want to be losing that much money long-term.
Fill out an application
Once you know which auto refinance platform you would like to work with, you can submit an application. You will be asked to provide personal details and documents, such as proof of income, insurance, registration, and more. The auto loan refinancing broker will handle the DMV title transfer and other paperwork for the process.
Auto refinancing requirements
Auto refinancing is a great way to save money on car loan payments and get better terms. But, before you apply for an auto refinance loan, you should know there are several requirements that lenders consider when evaluating applications. Understanding these requirements and how to prepare for them can help make applying for auto refinancing much smoother.
These are some standard auto refinancing requirements:
- Proof of income and employment: Before approving your loan, lenders want to know that you can pay back your loan on time. You will need to provide proof of income and employment to qualify.
- Credit score: Most lenders require a minimum credit score for auto refinancing. A good credit score (660 or higher) lets lenders know you are a responsible borrower and can usually get you better rates and terms.
- Current loan terms: In some cases, lenders may need to evaluate your current loan terms to determine what refinancing types are feasible. This includes looking at the interest rate, remaining balance, early termination fees, and other factors.
- Vehicle value: Because your vehicle will serve as collateral for whatever loan you get, the lender will evaluate the current value of your vehicle. This helps determine how much they can lend against the car. Generally, the higher the value of your vehicle, the more money you can borrow with a refinance loan. Lenders will also need your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and year to evaluate how much they can lend you.
- Driver’s license or other form of ID: You will need to provide a valid driver’s license or other form of ID to qualify for auto refinancing.
- Proof of insurance: When you apply for refinancing, you may also need to provide a copy of your auto insurance card or policy to show that you’re adequately covered.
When can you refinance a car loan?
You can usually refinance a car loan as soon as you buy it. However, it’s best to wait at least six months after buying your car to give your credit score time to increase. However, the best time to refinance is generally when interest rates are lower than what you currently pay on your existing loan. You should also ensure there is no early termination fee or other charges associated with refinancing before moving forward with the process.
Some lenders offer additional incentives such as cash-back rewards and bonus points to help you get a better deal when refinancing. Generally, though, refinancing may be a good option if you want to reduce your monthly payments, save money in interest costs, or change up the terms of your car loan agreement. Nevertheless, be sure to read through all of the terms and conditions of your auto refinance loan before signing anything so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
How to apply for auto refinancing
Follow these steps to apply for auto refinancing:
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Gather the necessary information and documentation. Before you can apply for auto refinancing, you’ll need to have all of the necessary documents and information on hand. This includes your driver’s license, proof of income and employment, vehicle information, credit score, loan terms from your current loan, and a down payment (if required).
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Compare different lenders. With the necessary information in hand, it’s time to compare different lenders and their auto refinancing offers. Consider each lender’s interest rates, loan terms, customer service ratings, and other requirements before deciding which to choose.
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Submit your application. Once you have chosen a lender, you can submit your application online or in person. Be sure to provide all the necessary documents and information as requested by the lender. If the lender requests additional information or documentation, provide it as soon as possible to avoid delays in underwriting.
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Wait for approval. After you submit your application, you’ll need to wait for the lender to approve it. While some lenders offer instant credit decisions, in some cases, this process can take a few days or weeks.
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Sign the documents and finalize the loan. Once approved, sign your new loan documents and finalize the loan. You may be able to complete this step online, or you may need to visit your lender’s office to finalize your loan.
Instead of disbursing the loan funds to you, the lender will typically pay off the old loan and transfer the title. You’ll need to start making payments required on your new loan and abide by any other terms and conditions.
Pros and cons of auto refinancing
Auto refinancing is a great way to save money on your car loan by taking advantage of lower interest rates or changing the terms of your agreement. However, it’s essential to consider all the pros and cons of auto refinancing before deciding.
Advantages of auto refinancing
Auto refinancing can help reduce your monthly payments and save money on interest, among other benefits. These are the major advantages of auto refinancing:
- Lower monthly payments: Refinancing a car loan can help lower your monthly payments. This can be achieved by reducing the interest you pay or extending the loan term.
- Reduced loan costs: Refinancing can also help you to save money in the long run by reducing the total cost of your loan. By refinancing to a lower interest rate, you can pay less in interest over the term of your loan. Remember, however, that an origination fee may apply, and this can increase your overall costs.
- Flexible repayment terms: Refinancing allows you to choose different repayment terms that better fit your current financial situation. This could mean going with a longer loan term and lower monthly payments or vice versa, depending on what works best for you.
- Ability to consolidate multiple loans: If you have several car loans with different lenders, refinancing them into one loan can help simplify the process and make it easier to keep track of payments each month.
- Access to additional funds: You may qualify for additional funds when you refinance your car loan if the new lender offers better terms. This cash can be used for home improvements, college tuition, or other expenses.
Disadvantages of auto refinancing
While refinancing has many advantages, there are also some drawbacks. These are some of the major disadvantages of refinancing your auto loan:
- Early termination fees: Depending on your lender and the terms of your loan, you may be subject to an early termination fee if you refinance your loan before paying it off.
- Higher interest rates: Refinancing can mean higher interest rates than initially available when borrowing. If your original loan involved some sort of special incentive rate, you may not be able to refinance at the same low rate.
- Comes with additional costs: You may have to pay additional costs for appraisal fees, closing costs, document preparation fees, or other charges when refinancing a car loan. While these may be nominal, they can add up and impact the overall cost of your loan.
- May result in a lower credit score: Refinancing can lower your credit score, as your lender will conduct a credit check before issuing your loan. If you’re opening a new line of credit or taking on more debt than you have with your current auto loan agreement, these may negatively impact your credit.
- Loss of incentives/rebates: When refinancing an existing car loan, any existing incentives, such as cash-back offers or 0 percent financing, might not apply. This means you could lose out on these rewards and related savings (e.g., manufacturer rebates).
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does refinancing a car hurt your credit?
Refinancing a car loan can help your credit score if you can secure a new loan with improved terms and conditions, such as a lower interest rate or a more extended repayment period. However, if you have poor credit, the refinancing process may cause an initial drop in your credit score due to the resulting hard inquiry. Ultimately, any impact on your credit will likely be temporary and depend more heavily on whether you make all your payments on time and in full.
When should I refinance an existing car loan?
When deciding whether to refinance an existing car loan, there are a few things to consider. First, make sure the new loan terms are better than the original loan. Second, check what fees and closing costs will be associated with the refinancing before committing. Third, compare interest rates available from different lenders to find the most competitive rates. Lastly, consider shortening your repayment period, as this may help lower your total payments over time—even with a higher interest rate.
In many cases, it’s best to wait until at least six months have passed since taking out the original loan to give your credit score time to rebound after applying. Waiting at least six months can also help you avoid early termination penalties.
How many times can you refinance a car?
You can typically refinance a car loan up to three times. However, this may vary depending on the lender and other factors. Generally, it is best to wait at least six months after taking out an auto loan before seeking refinancing to get the most favorable terms. However, each situation is unique, and you should evaluate your individual needs when considering whether or not to refinance a car loan.
How can I compare rates from different auto refinancing companies?
When comparing rates from different auto refinancing companies, you should look at the APR (annual percentage rate) to see how much interest you will pay on the loan. Additionally, consider fees associated with setting up a new loan and compare any additional payments required each month. Ask about additional services such as payment protection insurance, gap insurance, or automatic payment options each lender offers. Finally, read reviews and compare customer service ratings of potential lenders to ensure they’re fair and honest.
What credit score should I have to refinance an auto loan?
To refinance your auto loan, you typically need a credit score of at least 660. However, this can vary depending on the lender and other factors such as employment history, other outstanding debts, and income level. You may be able to get approved with a score as low as 500—especially if you have a large down payment or if you’re applying with a co-borrower or cosigner.
Additionally, lenders like banks and credit unions typically require higher scores than online lenders who do not specialize in auto refinancing loans. To ensure that you qualify for the best rate possible, improve your credit before applying for refinancing by reducing any outstanding debt and consistently paying bills on time.
What are common reasons for refinancing auto loans?
Common reasons for refinancing an auto loan include reducing interest costs, lowering monthly payments with a longer loan term, or switching lenders to take advantage of better rates. Other reasons may include consolidating multiple auto loans into one loan, refinancing to get cash out of your car’s equity, and adjusting the loan length to pay off the vehicle faster. Before deciding to refinance a car loan, weigh the costs and benefits to make sure it makes sense for you.
Are there certain auto loan companies to stay away from?
Be aware of auto loan companies with a reputation for being unfair, dishonest, or not providing good customer service. Companies with poor reviews, unclear or unfair rates, or unreasonable terms and conditions should also be avoided. Finally, check for complaints about the lender with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or other government offices in your area. By doing due diligence on each lender, you can better ensure that you find reputable companies with good deals when refinancing a car loan.
What should I do if I get declined in the refinancing process?
If you get declined during the refinancing process, it’s important to look at what factors led to your rejection. You should understand why you were declined to make any needed changes before reapplying. If the lender doesn’t provide a reason, contact your loan officer to ask why you weren’t approved and take steps to improve your approval chances the next time around.
When you’re ready to apply again, contact other lenders and compare rates, terms, and special offers before applying. Try working with a lender specializing in providing credit to individuals with similar credit histories, as this will increase your chances of getting approval.
