When we think of Capital One, many of us might first recall its catchy slogan: “What’s in your wallet?” But aside from the world of credit cards, Capital One has been making strides in the auto finance sector. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the pros, cons, and unique features of Capital One Auto Finance. Buckle up!
Want to make sure you get the best auto loan?
Capital One Auto Finance Overview
Capital One Auto Finance can be helpful if you want to comparison-shop and check rates before you’ve found a vehicle that you want to purchase. With a required minimum credit score of just 500, Capital One is an option whether you have poor credit or excellent credit.
Founded in 1988, Capital One has grown to become one of the largest banks in the United States. It offers credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and more. So if you consider an auto loan from Capital One, you’ll be working with a known lender that’s already well-established in the auto industry.
Capital One Auto Finance Application Requirements
To qualify for a Capital One auto loan, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 500. Depending on your credit score, you will also need a minimum monthly income of at least $1,500 to $1,800. Capital One auto loans are available to residents of all states except Alaska and Hawaii. However, you can’t use these car loans to purchase Oldsmobile, Daewoo, Saab, Suzuki, and Isuzu vehicles.
When you’re ready to apply for a car loan, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Personal information, including your address, email address, your driver’s license, and your Social Security number
- Financial information, including your annual gross income and contact information for your employer
- Proof of residence, like a copy of a utility bill or a mortgage statement
- Proof of income, like a copy of a pay stub or three recent bank statements (if you’re self-employed)
Capital One does allow cosigners, which can increase your chances of being approved if you have a poor credit history. If you are applying for a Capital One car loan with a cosigner, they will need to be prepared to provide all the above information, too.
Types of Auto Loans Available Through Capital One Auto Finance
Capital One provides several auto financing options that you can use only at participating dealerships. While choosing from a participating dealer can limit your car-shopping choices, Capital One’s network consists of 12,000 dealerships nationwide. You can find a participating dealership online.
New Car Financing Options
Capital One Auto Finance offers a variety of options for financing the purchase of a new car. Customers can choose from traditional loan options, as well as lease options. Capital One also offers a variety of flexible payment plans, including the option to make biweekly payments, which can help reduce the overall cost of financing a new car.
Used Car Financing Options
In addition to financing options for new cars, Capital One also offers financing options for used cars. Customers can choose from traditional loan options, as well as lease options for used cars. The company also offers a variety of flexible payment plans for used car purchases, including the option to make biweekly payments.
Refinancing Options
Capital One Auto Finance also offers auto loan refinancing options for customers who are looking to lower their monthly car payment or improve the terms of their existing car loan. Customers can refinance their existing car loan with Capital One to take advantage of lower interest rates or to extend the loan term and reduce their monthly payments.
Lease Options
In addition to traditional loan options, Capital One also offers lease options for both new and used cars. You can choose from a variety of lease terms, ranging from one to four years. Capital One’s lease options include the option to purchase the car at the end of the lease term, as well as the option to trade in the car for a new one.
Getting Pre-Qualified
You can easily get pre-qualified for a new or used car loan with Capital One’s Auto Navigator. The process takes just a few minutes, and you don’t need to have already identified the vehicle you want to buy.
Instead, you just need to have an idea of how much you’ll want to borrow. Then, if you’re approved, your pre-qualification letter can help you bargain with a dealership. Plus, since there’s no hard credit inquiry required upfront, getting pre-qualified with Capital One can be a great option when you’re comparison-shopping for the best auto loans.
Benefits of Using Capital One Auto Finance
Exploring the multitude of auto financing options can be overwhelming. Among the myriad of possibilities, Capital One stands out for many individuals looking for car loans. What gives them the advantage? A mix of competitive features designed with the customer at the forefront. Let’s explore further.
Competitive Interest Rates
Sure, it’s a given: nobody wants to feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick, especially when it comes to financial matters. Interest rates can make or break your auto loan experience, and Capital One understands this all too well.
Comparison with major lenders: In the fiercely competitive auto loan market, Capital One consistently offers interest rates that rival, if not outperform, many of its competitors. For borrowers with good to excellent credit, this can translate to significant savings over the life of a loan.
Factors influencing your rate: While Capital One offers competitive rates, it’s crucial to remember that individual rates vary. Your credit score is the primary driver, but the loan term and amount also play pivotal roles. Before locking in a rate, it’s wise to understand how these factors intersect.
Flexible Loan Terms
Flexibility in loan terms isn’t just a nicety—it’s a necessity. After all, every borrower’s financial situation is as unique as their fingerprint.
Term lengths: Capital One appreciates this individuality by offering a spectrum of loan terms. Whether you’re looking for a concise 36-month loan or considering a more extended 72-month term, there’s flexibility to find a term tailored to your budget.
Deciding the best term: The rule of thumb? Shorter terms often translate to higher monthly payments but can lead to less interest paid over the life of the loan. In contrast, longer terms may lower your monthly outlay but could cost more in interest over time. It’s essential to weigh these trade-offs based on your financial standing and future projections.
Transparent Fees
In financial dealings, transparency is paramount. The last thing any borrower wants is to be blindsided by fees they never saw coming.
Breakdown: Capital One prides itself on its transparent fee structure. Right from the outset, borrowers are made aware of any fees or associated costs. This clarity helps in planning and avoids unpleasant surprises down the road.
Industry comparison: While it’s disheartening to admit, hidden fees have become relatively par for the course in the auto loan industry. However, Capital One’s commitment to transparency sets it apart from many other lenders, making the loan process more trustworthy and straightforward.
Easy Application Process
Your time is invaluable, and Capital One seems to have gotten the memo.
Applying: Gone are the days of lengthy and convoluted credit application processes. Capital One has streamlined the procedure, allowing most applicants to know their fate within minutes of hitting the ‘submit’ button online.
Approval and disbursement: Speed and efficiency don’t stop at the application stage. Once approved, potential car buyers can seamlessly transition to shopping with the Auto Navigator tool. Those eyeing refinancing options can quickly acquaint themselves with the new terms, ensuring a swift move to the next phase of their auto journey.
Customer Support
Behind every great service is a stellar support team. Capital One’s reputation in this area isn’t just built on words but on consistent action.
Availability: With a trifecta of support options—phone, chat, and email—Capital One ensures that help is always at hand, catering to the varied preferences of its clientele.
Feedback: The real testament, however, comes from those who’ve walked the path. An overwhelming majority of customers tip their hats to Capital One for their timely, insightful, and empathetic responses. It’s clear that for Capital One, customer support isn’t just a department—it’s a cornerstone of their ethos.
Capital One Auto Finance Restrictions
Keep in mind that auto loans from Capital One are available only for:
- New or used cars, trucks, minivans, or SUVs for personal use
- A model year within the last 10 years
- Vehicles with less than 120,000 miles
- Vehicles sold by participating dealers
Capital One Auto Financing has a minimum loan amount of $4,000. Pre-qualifications are good for 30 days, giving you time to shop. If you’re pre-qualified, that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be approved for the loan. Your final loan terms may also change based on the hard credit pull performed when you officially apply for the loan.
In addition to auto loans for new purchases, Capital One also offers to refinance for current auto loans. By refinancing your current loan, you may be eligible for a lower interest rate and lower monthly payment.
According to Capital One, customers save an average of $50 per month by refinancing. Auto refinance loans range from $7,500 to $50,000. Refinance loan applications are usually processed in 24 hours.
To be eligible for an auto refinance loan, you must have a current auto loan that is being reported to a major credit bureau by your current lender. In addition, your current lender must be either federally insured or BBB accredited, and must be either a state-registered lender or a state-registered auto dealer.
Capital One Auto Finance Fees and Rates
Capital One offers competitive auto loan rates. Purchase loans have an APR as low as 3.39%, while refinance APRs vary from 4.07% to 24.99%. The better your credit, the better the interest rate you may qualify for. With Capital One, you won’t have to pay an application fee or an origination fee.
If you’d like to get an idea of your potential monthly payment, Capital One offers a car payment calculator that can help. The calculator can give you a sense of what your monthly payment will be based on your credit rating and corresponding APR.
You can use the following average interest rates for each credit score to help estimate your payments:
New Car Purchase
- 501-600: 11.71% APR
- 601-660: 7.77% APR
- 661-780: 4.96% APR
- Above 780: 4% APR
Used Car Purchase
- 501-600: 16.89% APR
- 601-660: 11% APR
- 661-770: 6.36% APR
- Above 780: 4.66% APR
Capital One Auto Finance Reviews
Customers have had varying experiences with Capital One Auto Finance loans. Some customers have reported positive experiences. They state that the customer service team was helpful and responsive, and that the car buying process was smooth and straightforward.
However, other customers have had negative experiences with the company. These include issues with the customer service team and difficulties with the financing process.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) currently gives Capital One Auto Finance an ‘A,’ and they have very few complaints. You will find plenty of 4- and 5-star reviews of Capital One at several other review sites as well.
Capital One Auto Finance Loan Application Process
While you can apply for pre-qualification online, you’ll need to apply for an auto loan through a participating dealership. You can bring your pre-qualification letter with you to streamline this process. Remember, it’s good for 30 days.
When you apply at the car dealership, Capital One will run a hard credit inquiry, which will appear on your credit report. Then, you will receive your official financing terms.
Capital One Auto Loans Special Features
Capital One offers a few distinct advantages over some other loan providers. The ability to get pre-qualified for a loan without a hard credit inquiry is a great perk. It will give you some bargaining power if you want to negotiate the price of a car. You can also potentially use it to see if the dealership can offer you a better financing deal through another one of their finance providers.
If you would like to qualify for an auto loan with bad credit, Capital One accepts credit ratings as low as 500. While you’ll pay higher interest rates and possibly have a higher required down payment, you may still be able to qualify for Capital One auto financing. Having a family member or close friend co-apply for the loan with you can increase your chances of loan approval and of getting a better interest rate.
Bottom Line
A Capital One loan might be right for you if you:
- Want to get pre-qualified without a hard inquiry into your credit
- Plan to buy a vehicle from a participating Capital One dealership
- Need financing but have a low credit score that disqualifies you from some other finance options
- Have a high credit score and want to enjoy low-interest loan options
- Plan to apply for a loan with a co-applicant
It’s always important to make sure auto loan lenders to find the one that’s right for you. With Capital One auto loans, you can quickly get a sense of the rates you might see so that you can compare this loan with other offers to find the best deal.
Still Searching?
Check out our other auto loan reviews below to continue exploring your options.