Thinking of buying a car? Locking in a great car loan rate is key to lowering your monthly payments and total cost. Whether you have good or bad credit, are shopping for a new or used vehicle, or live in Eastern or Western Canada, compare car loan rates here to get the right financing for your needs.
Compare current car loan rates in Canada
To get a car loan, you’ll need to be employed for at least three months and earn at least $2,000 per month. Some lenders accept bad credit, but only borrowers with strong financial profiles qualify for the lowest rates.
| Lender | APR | Loan amount | Loan term | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch (used car loans) | From 7.99% | $7,500 – No max. | 24 - 96 months | |
| Loans Canada | 0% - 35.00% | $3,000 – $50,000 | 12-84 months | |
| My Auto Approval | 0% - 35.00% | $5,000 – $75,000 | 12 - 96 months | |
| Canada Auto Finance | 4.90% - 29.95% | $5,000 – $65,000 | 3 - 96 months | |
| Carsfast | 3.90% - 29.90% | $500 – $75,000 | 12 - 96 months | |
| LoanConnect | 8.99% - 35.00% | $500 – $60,000 | 72 - 84 months | |
| CIBC | From approx. 7.44% | $7,500 – No max. | 12 – 96 months | |
| Approval Genie | 3.90% - 29.90% | $5,000 – $75,000 | 12 - 84 months | |
| DUCA | From 6.90% | Varies | 12 - 60 months | |
| Kawartha Credit Union | From 6.49% | Varies | Up to 60 months | |
| Vancity | From 5.45% | $1,500 – No max. | Up to 120 months | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union | 4.3% - 6.7% | Varies | 36 - 96 months | |
| WFCU | 5.69% | Varies | 48 - 96 months | |
| Libro Credit Union | From 7.79% | Varies | 12 - 84 months | |
| TD Bank | 7.49% - 29.99% | $5,000 – $50,000 | 84 months | |
| Scotiabank | From approx. 7.49% | Up to $200,000 | up to 96 months | |
| RBC | From approx. 7.49% | $7,500 – No max. | 1 – 8 years |
What’s the average car loan interest rate in Canada?
The average car loan rate is 6.66%, according to Statistics Canada.
The average buyer may pay between 3.6% and 9.0% interest on their car loan, depending on their credit score, loan amount, loan term, interest rate type and other factors.
What are the bank car loan rates?
Below is an overview of bank car loan interest rates in Canada:
- TD: 7.49% - 29.99% (higher rates for subprime borrowers)
- CIBC: From approx. 7.44%
- Scotiabank: Approx. 7.49% - 29.99% (higher rates for subprime borrowers)
- RBC: From approx. 7.49%
BMO stopped offering car loans in 2023.
Which bank has the best car loan rates in Canada?
The best bank car loan rates come from TD, Scotiabank and RBC if you buy a brand-new vehicle that qualifies for a manufacturer promotion. Through these special partnerships, interest rates can drop to as low as 0%, 2.99%, 3.90% or 4.79%.
You cannot just walk into a local bank branch and get these rock-bottom promotional rates. They only exist because car manufacturers partner with specific banks to help clear out new inventory. The manufacturer essentially pays the bank a subsidy to lower the interest rate for you.
Examples of new vehicles that commonly qualify for these partner bank promotions include:
- 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV
- 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2026 Cadillac Lyriq
- 2026 Cadillac Optiq
- 2026 Dodge Charger
- 2026 Fiat 500e
Who has low car loan interest rates in Canada?
Compare car loan rates below from a variety of lenders to find the lowest rates.
| Provider | Lowest APR | Car eligibility | Lender type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loans Canada | 0% | Select new models | Loan search platform |
| CarsFast | 3.9% | Select new models | Loan search platform |
| TD | 0% | Select new models, such as the 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia | Bank |
| Libro | 7.79% | Models up to 3 years old | Credit union |
| NLCU | 4.3% | New 2025 models | Credit union |
| Vancity | 5.45% | New or used EV | Credit union |
What are the car loan rates for new cars?
New car loan rates now start at 0%. Dealerships like Ram, Cadillac, Volkswagen and Chevrolet regularly update their financing offers, which change from month to month.
Explore this month’s financing deals for new cars from popular Canadian brands.
| Model | Financing | Loan term |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz | 0% | 60 months |
| 2026 Toyota RAV4 XLE | 3.29% | 36 months |
| 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 | 0% | 84 months |
| 2026 Honda Civic | 6.99% | 84 months |
Offers last verified on November 4, 2026 and expire on November 2, 2026 (where an expiration date is disclosed). Offers are on approved credit, vary by region and may have other conditions.
Snapshot: Used car loan rates in Ontario
Used car loan rates vary depending on the vehicle, but they generally start at 7.99% for cars that are not certified pre-owned (CPO).
CPO cars in Ontario vary widely in interest rates. Below is a snapshot of the rates you can expect.
| Brand | APR | Loan term |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | From 3.99% | Varies (up to 84 months with some models) |
| Nissan | From 2.99% | 24 months |
| Mercedes | From 1.40% | 24 to 72 months |
Offers last verified on November 4, 2026. Offers are on approved credit, vary by region and may have other conditions.
Average car loan interest rates in Canada from 2017–2026
According to Statistics Canada, the average car loan interest rate has increased from 4.45% in December 2017 to 6.66% in February 2026—an increase of 2.21 percentage points in nine years. Car loan interest rates notably rose in 2022 after a series of rate hikes by the Bank of Canada.
The Bank of Canada influences car loan rates
The chart below shows the BoC’s rate moves over the past several years. When we compare the average car loan rates and BoC rate moves, we can see a similar pattern.
Will car loan rates go down for the rest of 2026?
The Bank of Canada increased its rate by 25 basis points to 2.50% on October 28, 2026. It could increase the policy rate further, according to Tiff Macklem, governor of the Bank of Canada. This means car loan rates could go up.
Where can I find competitive car loan rates today?
You can often get competitive rates from the following providers:
Dealerships
Dealerships are a strong option for financing for the following reasons:
- They’re partnered with banks and other lenders to help you sift through current offers and find the best rate.
- Dealers give banks lots of business and, in exchange, gain access to lower bank car loan rates.
- Dealers want you to purchase one of their cars, so they have an incentive to present you with an attractive financing offer.
That said, going straight to a dealership doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the best car loan rate, so it pays to get car loan pre-approval somewhere else first so you can negotiate with the dealer to match it or give you a better rate.
Online loan search platforms
Online loan search platforms like CarsFast and Loans Canada are partnered with hundreds of dealers and lenders and can match you with the best car loans for your situation. You can apply even if your credit score isn’t great, but be prepared for higher interest rates. Compare online car loan options above.
Banks and credit unions
Another option is to head straight to a bank or credit union. While financial institutions do not have an incentive to sell you a car, they may still offer competitive interest rates.
TD car loan interest rates at a glance
Here are examples of offers you might find from TD:
| Model | APR | Loan term |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia | From 0% | 36-96 months |
| 2026 Chevrolet Corvette | From 0% | 12-84 months |
| 2026 Dodge Charger Daytona | From 2.99% | 36-96 months |
| 2025 Fiat 500e | From 0% | 36-96 months |
| 2025 Kia EV4 | From 6.99% | 60-96 months |
Offers last verified on November 4, 2026. Offers are based on approved credit.
What is a good interest rate on a car loan in Canada?
While fluctuations in the prime rate will influence the interest rate on an auto loan, lenders also use a variety of other factors to set their interest rates, including the borrower’s credit score, loan term, loan amount and the current competitive landscape.
As a result, a good interest rate on a car loan in Canada is a rate that is equal to or near the current national average car loan rate of 6.66%.
New cars
If you have good credit, then car loan rates for new cars are typically 0% - 7.5% depending on the make and model.
Used cars
Car loan rates for used cars in Canada are typically higher and currently fall between 8% - 10%.
Bad credit
Car loan interest rates for people with bad credit are higher because lenders take on more risk. Bad credit auto loan rates are typically between 12.9% – 29.99%.
How car loan interest rates are calculated
Most borrowers focus on the prime rate, but lenders use a range of factors to set their rates, with risk assessment and market conditions being among the most important factors.
In general, each lender uses five criteria to set their rates.
1. Risk assessment
Banks and car loan providers assess the risk of lending to an individual based on their credit score, income, employment history and other financial factors. Borrowers with high credit scores and stable financial situations are generally seen as low-risk and may be offered low car loan rates.
2. Loan term
Car loan providers may offer different interest rates based on the length of the loan term. Most lenders offer their most competitive car loan interest rate with a term that helps them reduce risk and maximize earnings.
3. Competitive landscape
Lenders use the prime rate to establish a baseline but may choose to adjust their rates based on the competitive landscape. As a result, a lender may lower their rates to remain competitive or increase rates if they are no longer interested in attracting business for a certain loan type or in a specific region of the country.

4. Market conditions
Interest rates can also be influenced by broad market conditions, such as inflation, economic growth and government policies. Banks and lenders might adjust interest rates in response to these factors to manage risk and ensure profitability.
5. Loan amount
The loan amount might also impact the interest rate, with large loans or secured loans potentially offered at lower interest rates.
Knowing how or why car loan interest rates change helps borrowers negotiate with lenders to try to secure lower interest rates. Even in a volatile economic environment, borrowers with a strong credit score and a secure financial situation should negotiate.
How your financial situation affects your car loan rate
Here are the main factors lenders use to assess your application and determine what rate to offer.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Credit score | Higher credit scores = lower rates |
| Loan term | Shorter loan terms = less interest paid |
| Type of car | New vehicle / preferred make or model = lower rates |
| Income | Stable income = lower rates |
| Debt | Lower debt ratio = lower rates |
| Type of loan | A fixed-rate loan is typically offered at a higher interest rate |
- Credit score. Those with higher scores generally have access to lower car loan rates, so improving your credit history is an important part of getting a low interest rate on your car loan.
- Loan term. Car loan terms can range from 12 - 96 months. The loan term impacts the interest rate you’re offered and the total cost of the loan. In general, shorter loan terms correspond with lower car loan interest rates. That’s because lenders see longer loan terms as riskier. Even if a lender does offer you a lower interest rate on a longer loan term, you won’t necessarily save money since you’ll pay more interest over time.
- Type of vehicle. Your vehicle’s make and model can also play a role in rates, especially if you’re buying a used car. Since it’s possible that your car will be used as collateral to secure the loan, lenders often charge higher interest rates for cars that are of poor quality and more likely to break down.
- Income and debt ratios. Lenders consider your income and debt-to-income ratio because these reflect your ability to pay back the loan. You have a greater chance of being approved and getting lower interest rates if your income is higher.
- Type of interest rate. Banks and credit unions can offer fixed and variable interest rates on a car loan. Generally, variable-rate car loans have lower starting rates than fixed-rate car loans.
Example: Impact of credit score on car financing
The following example illustrates how your credit score will influence the rate a lender will offer you and how this impacts the total cost of buying a car. To illustrate, we assume the purchase is for a new vehicle with a purchase price of $48,000 and a loan term of 5 years. These calculations also factor in 13% provincial sales tax and a 20% down payment (of $9,600).
| Credit rating | Credit score | Interest rate | Monthly payment | Total interest paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 760 to 900 | 5.39% | $850 | $6,385 |
| Very good | 725 to 759 | 5.99% | $863 | $7,129 |
| Good | 660 to 724 | 6.20% | $867 | $7,390 |
| Fair | 560 to 659 | 9.90% | $946 | $12,136 |
| Poor | 300 to 559 | 14.99% | $1,062 | $19,065 |
Note: The information above is for illustrative purposes only and does not take into account all of the factors lenders consider when evaluating a loan application. Actual lenders may charge different interest rates.
Example: Impact of loan term on car financing
The length of your loan term directly impacts how much interest you’ll pay. The example below shows calculations for the same loan amount ($48,000) and interest rate (7.5%) at different loan terms.
| Loan amount | Interest rate | Loan term | Monthly payment | Total interest paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,000 | 7.5% | 2 years | $2,159.98 | $3,839.53 |
| $48,000 | 7.5% | 3 years | $1,493.10 | $5,751.54 |
| $48,000 | 7.5% | 4 years | $1,160.59 | $7,708.19 |
| $48,000 | 7.5% | 5 years | $961.82 | $9,709.29 |
| $48,000 | 7.5% | 6 years | $829.93 | $11,754.63 |
Note: The information above is for illustrative purposes only and does not take into account all of the factors lenders consider when evaluating a loan application. Actual lenders may charge different interest rates.
This example shows that longer loan terms mean lower monthly payments, but you pay more interest overall. When negotiating with a dealer, it pays to negotiate the total car price rather than your monthly payment to avoid unfavourable terms.
Car loan payment calculator
Use this calculator to find out how much you might pay per month based on varying loan amounts, loan terms and interest rates.
Auto Loan Payment Calculator
Total Amount Financed
Estimated Payments
| Payment Frequency | Payment Amount | Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Bi-weekly | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Weekly | $0.00 | $0.00 |
7 tips to score the best deal
Finding the best rates in Canada involves doing research and comparing lenders. The following tips can help you find a low interest rate on your next car loan—and save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
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Before you start comparing car loan interest rates in Canada, understand your credit score and how it impacts your finances. If you have a history of missed payments, many open credit lines, or a high debt-to-income ratio (i.e. your monthly debt payments are more than 40% of your monthly income), then your application will look less favourable to lenders.
You can get a copy of your credit report from credit reporting agencies.
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Some lenders allow you to pre-qualify without impacting your credit, so you know what rates you’re eligible for. If that’s the case, you can apply to multiple lenders without damaging your credit score. This makes it easier to compare rates and find a loan that’s suitable for your needs.
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When you compare your options ahead of time, you’ll have an idea of the rates you’re eligible for. This means you’ll have a solid number to negotiate a lower APR when you visit a dealership that offers financing. If you prefer not to deal with the stress of negotiating with a dealership, you can buy a car online.
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Many buyers visit the dealership with an idea of their monthly car payment. While this is great for your budget, it can lead to salespeople inflating the price of your car, usually by offering you a longer loan term, which means you’ll be paying more in interest. Your focus should be on the overall cost of the vehicle, that is, the sale price as well as the total amount of money you’ll have paid throughout the entire term of your loan. Once you have this number, it’s much easier to determine what term length is best so you can handle monthly repayments.
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If you decide to visit a car dealership without knowing what rates you’re eligible for, you’ll need to negotiate your interest and the price of the car. No matter how good your credit score is, you likely won’t be offered the lowest interest rate right off the bat. Dealerships are hoping you don’t question your rate, so come prepared, knowing your credit score and the average rates currently offered on the market.
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After researching, price shopping and comparing lenders, it might be tempting to take the first good interest rate that comes your way. Stay patient. Since your interest rate isn’t the only thing that impacts the final price of your car, spend the time determining how term length and vehicle cost affect your budget. Most lenders will offer you a few days to consider your options. You won’t be wasting time if you decide to take a moment to get your thoughts in order, and you might save a lot of money in doing so.
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Like most loans, car loan contracts are notorious for having difficult-to-understand terminology. You should know how interest is calculated on your loan and any potential fees you might have to pay. You’ll also want to confirm that your loan isn’t conditional when you visit a dealer. Conditional means “subject to change.” In other words, your loan isn’t finalized when you drive off the lot. Your terms could change, which could leave you with a worse interest rate on a loan you thought you had a good deal on.
Searching for deals for new or used cars?
"We knew it was time to upgrade from our 2005 Toyota Corolla to a more spacious SUV for our family of three. We wanted a reliable used SUV with heated seats, Bluetooth, and optional third-row seating.
Budgeting and financing
We followed the 20/4/10 rule to set our down payment savings goal, aiming for a 48-month loan term and a monthly payment under $250. After narrowing down options, we settled on a 2016-2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited with under 100,000 km. We saved for 12 months and planned to finance around $9,000, including HST.
Finding the right deal
We preferred a dealership that offered financing to avoid penalties some dealers charge for outside loans. We found our 4Runner at a Chrysler dealership in the GTA and worked out the financing terms.
Financing process
At the dealership, we discussed our credit scores, income, and homeownership status with the finance manager. Doing our research saved us from financing more than we wanted, which would have increased the total cost.
We financed $8,900 over 48 months at 8.99% interest with National Bank. I pushed for a lower rate, but they wouldn’t budge unless we financed more. We made sure there were no penalties for early repayment, as we plan to pay off the loan early.
Key takeaways
- You can negotiate the interest rate with good credit and a larger loan.
- Older vehicles may have limited loan terms.
- The lender might not be disclosed until you sign the loan agreement."
Car loans are among the least common new debts
Despite the ability to select multiple loan types, only 8% of Canadians reported taking out a car loan or lease in the past year, according to the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey March 2026. This indicates that vehicle financing is significantly less common than revolving debt, with Canadians nearly four times more likely to have used a credit card.
Bottom line
To get the best car loan interest rates in Canada, you’ll need to have an excellent credit score, enough income to easily manage your loan repayments and a vehicle that is viewed favourably by lenders. Getting a low interest rate allows you to save money over the course of your car loan and ultimately lowers the total price you pay for your car. Compare car loans now.
If you already have a car loan with a high interest rate and think you could qualify for a lower one, you might want to consider auto loan refinancing.
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Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.
Romana King was the Canada group editor at Finder and a personal finance expert. As an award-winning personal finance writer and real estate expert, she has spent almost two decades helping Canadians make smarter money management decisions. Her first book, House Poor No More: 9 Steps That Grow the Value of Your Home and Net Worth, launched in November 2021, continues to be an Amazon bestseller and won the Excellence in Financial Journalism Book Award in 2022. See full bio
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Leanne Escobal is a senior publisher at Finder with more than 13 years of experience in financial products and services, with a focus on content strategy and marketing. She has completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC®) as well as the Personal Lending and Mortgages course through the Canadian Securities Institute. Leanne holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English literature and creative writing from Western University. See full bio
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