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Compare dealership finance vs. car loans

Finding the right type of financing can help you save.

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Matt Corke
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Two of the most popular ways to pay for a new care are dealership financing and car loans from a third-party provider. Knowing the difference between these two financing options to select the best one for you.

Dealership financing vs. auto loans

Dealership financeAuto loan
Interest rates
  • Can offer lower interest rates than car loans
  • Low interest rates may only be available for promoted makes and models
  • Commission for the car salesman may push rates up
  • 0% rate deals may indicate a higher purchase price for the car
  • Lenders offer various rates, which means you can choose the most competitive
  • Using your car as collateral lets you take advantage of lower rates
Loan term
  • Typically 3-year terms
  • A down payment is generally required
  • Early repayment costs may apply
  • Choose rates between 1 and 7 years
  • Early repayment costs differ between lenders
Who it’s best forBorrowers that want to buy a new car and have a down payment.Borrowers that want to shop around and have the option of buying from a dealer or a private seller.

Compare car loans

Data updated regularly
Name Product Filter Values Minimum credit score APR Loan term Requirements
PenFed Auto Loans
PenFed Auto Loans
Varies
Starting at 1.79%
3 to 7 years
Active membership with PenFed
Low APR car loans from a well-known credit union.
Go to site
More Info
Carvana
Carvana
No minimum credit score
3.9% to 27.9%
Varies
18+ years old, annual income of $4,000+, no active bankruptcies
Get pre-qualified for used car financing and receive competitive, personalized rates.
Go to site
More Info
car.Loan.com Car Loans
car.Loan.com Car Loans
300
Varies by network lender
Varies by lender
Must be a US citizen with a current US address and employed full-time or have guaranteed fixed income.
Apply with a simple online application to get paired with a local auto lender. No credit and bad credit accepted.
Go to site
More Info
CarsDirect auto loans
CarsDirect auto loans
No minimum credit score
Varies by network lender
Varies by network lender
Must provide proof of income, proof of residence, and proof of insurance.
Save time and effort with this lending service specializing in beginner-friendly or subprime car loan.
Go to site
More Info
Auto Credit Express Car Loans
Auto Credit Express Car Loans
300
Varies
Varies
Must be employed full-time or have guaranteed fixed income of at least $1,500/month and be a current resident of the US or Canada.
Get connected with an auto lender near you, even if you have bad credit.
Go to site
More Info
Monevo Auto Loans
Monevo Auto Loans
500
3.99% to 35.99%
3 months to 12 years
Credit score of 500+, legal US resident and ages 18+.
Quickly compare multiple online lenders with competitive rates depending on your credit.
Go to site
More Info
LendingTree
LendingTree
Good to excellent credit
Starting at 0.99%
Varies by lender
18+ years old, good to excellent credit, US citizen
Compare multiple financing options for auto refinance, new car purchase, used car purchase and lease buy out.
More Info
myAutoloan.com Car Loans
myAutoloan.com Car Loans
550
Starting at 1.89%
550+ credit score, no open bankruptcies, $24,000+ annual income, US citizen or permanent resident, 18+ years old
Get up to four offers in minutes through one simple application. Multiple financing types available including new cars, used cars and refinancing.
Go to site
More Info
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Compare up to 4 providers

What’s the difference between dealership financing and auto loans?

The main difference between dealership financing and auto loans is in how you apply. If you borrow through your dealer, they’ll typically send your details to multiple lenders to see where you qualify. With a car loan, you apply directly with one lender and can get a rate quote before you submit your application.

Because dealerships have a relationship with these lenders, they might have room to negotiate. However, you won’t be able to compare lenders and could potentially find a better deal if you apply for a car loan yourself. There are also differences depending on which type of lender you consider.

Dealer finance vs. online lenders

If you’re crunched for time but want to compare your options, an online lender might be the way to go. You can typically prequalify with a lender in a few minutes to get a ballpark idea of your rates and get your money as soon as the next day.

Some online lenders might already have a partnership with your dealer. In that case, the dealer might get the funds directly and you can sometimes even drive away in your car as soon as you sign your papers. However, applying through a dealership is generally faster and involves less work on your part.

Dealer finance vs. banks

A lot of dealer financing also comes from banks, so there might not be as much of a difference between the two as you think. However, applying for a car loan from a bank is often not as easy online.

Prequalifying can be difficult, making it hard to compare rates between banks. And the whole process can take a lot longer, since banks often rely on older technology than online lenders. Plus, banks typically have tougher credit requirements than other lenders and you might not be eligible if you don’t have good or excellent credit.

Which option is best for me?

It depends on your situation. If you’re looking for a more hands-off experience or need funding fast, dealership financing might be a better option. But if you’re not up for negotiating and aren’t locked in on a particular make or model, a lender could be the way to go.

Benefits and drawbacks of dealership financing

Here’s why you might and might not want to finance through your dealership.

Benefits
  • The dealer finance representative handles the paperwork
  • No need to shop around for better offers
  • Gives you leverage to negotiate the sale price
Drawbacks
  • You need good credit to be eligible
  • It’s usually only available for newer vehicles
  • Down payments can be a large upfront cost

Benefits and drawbacks of car loans

Here’s why you might and might not want to get financing from a bank, credit union or online lender.

Benefits
  • A range of competitive car loans are available
  • You can choose your lender and loan type
  • Loans are available for new, used and classic cars
Drawbacks
  • Fewer promotional deals like 0% financing
  • Upfront and ongoing fees may apply
  • Less room to negotiate

Case study: Who got a better deal?

Who saved more money?

Julian and Clay have both purchased new cars for $20,000 each. Julian opts for a car loan while Clay takes on a financing option from the dealership — so who chose the better financing option?

Car loan

Julian’s car loan comes with a 7% rate for a five-year period and pays $396 in monthly repayments. At the end of the loan he’ll pay a total of $3,761 in interest, amounting to $23,761 when all said and done.

Dealer financing

Clay, who takes on dealer finance, will pay $283 each month for the term of his loan. But his $5,000 down payment means he’s only charged interest on $15,000, resulting in lower ongoing repayments.

When the loan is paid off, Clay will have paid a total of $21,980. That’s $1,781 less than Julian.

Don’t want either? Consider these other options

  • Paying in cash. If you have the money upfront, you don’t need to finance your vehicle at all.
  • Crowdfunding. You might be able to raise the funds from your friends and family — especially if you have a compelling story to tell about why you need the car.
  • Home equity loans. Borrowing agains the amount you own in your home could be a cheaper way to fund a car loan — though you risk losing your home if you default.
  • 401(k) loans. Some employers might let you borrow from your 401(k). While loan is essentially interest-free, it comes with some significant risks.
  • New credit cards. If you’ve got a new card with a 0% promotionnal period, you might be able to put some or all of your car loan on plastic. Try to pay as much off as possible before that period is over to avoid those high credit card APRs.

Bottom line

Convenience always comes with a price and that extends to the dealer-financed car loan. Before settling for what a dealer can offer, compare outside banks, online lenders and credit unions. In many cases, you’ll find terms that are better than the dealer’s.

No matter what route you choose when car shopping, always put in the time to research so you understand how to get the most out of your options for car loans.

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