Auto Credit Express: February 2024 review | finder.com (2024)

First, do I qualify for an Auto Credit Express car loan?

Auto Credit Express is a referral source, not a lender. This means they don’t require you to meet specific eligibility criteria but rather general requirements lenders may have.

To take out an auto loan with a partner in its network, you’ll typically need to be:

• At least 18 years old.
• A current resident of the US or Canada.
• Employed full-time or able to prove a guaranteed fixed income of at least $1,500 a month.

What’s unique about Auto Credit Express?

Auto Credit Express isn’t a direct lender. Instead, it’s an online service that specializes in finding car loans for borrowers who have bad credit, no credit or simply trouble getting a loan because of a past bankruptcy. Auto Credit Express makes money by charging lenders to its partners to join the network, resulting in a free service for you.

A service like Auto Credit Express sounds helpful if you’re in a financial pinch, but it also narrows the pool you’re drawing from. Its network includes more than 1,000 lenders across the US and Canada, but borrowers complain that its options are limited in some states like California.

After you complete a quick online application, you’ll meet with an Auto Credit Express specialist to go over your options. This can be particularly helpful if you have bad credit, since good deals can be far and few between.

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What are the benefits?

• No credit requirement. Auto Credit Express may be able to find you a loan, even if you’ve filed for bankruptcy.
• Personal touch. Unlike most connection services, Auto Credit Express has special finance managers that can help you navigate your way to a car loan with bad credit.
• Past bankruptcies OK. You can find financing through this service even if you have a past bankruptcy on your credit report.
• Program for service members. Members of the military might be able to discounts, lower down payments and lower rates by using Auto Credit Express’s service for members of the military.

What to watch out for

• Potentially high APRs. Because these loans are specialized for people with bad credit, interest rates may be higher than you’d find elsewhere.
• Employment requirements. Although there’s no credit score requirement, you must make at least $1,500 a month to qualify for a car loan with Auto Credit Express and have at least three years of work experience.
• Lender calls. Like other connection services, you might end up fielding calls from lenders even after you’ve found financing when you use Auto Credit Express.

Auto Credit Express reviews and complaints

Auto Credit Express’s online reviews are generally positive for a bad credit connection service as of June 2019. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives an A+ rating and customers rated it 3 out of 5 stars on average. The connection service did slightly better on Trustpilot, earning a 9.1 out of 10 based on over 1,300 reviews. Nearly 80% of reviewers rated it as “Excellent.”

Many customers were pleased with how simple and easy the process was. However, some were discouraged by how many dealerships asked to meet with them only to turn them down. And others didn’t like how many local dealers were contacting them — a common complaint for car loan brokers.

How do I apply

1. Click the Go to site button on this page to go straight to Auto Credit Express’s website.
2. Click Apply now to view the online application form.

2. Enter your contact information and click Continue.
3. Follow the instructions to submit all required information.

After you submit your application, a call center representative will call you within 48 hours to set up an appointment with a special finance manager. Together, you’ll review your options to find a lender and car that fits your budget.

What documents do I need to apply?

• Government-issued ID. Such as your passport or driver’s license.
• Proof of residency. A recent piece of mail or a working phone number can be enough.
• Verification of your income. Be ready to show either your tax forms or pay stubs.

How do I find an Auto Credit Express dealer near me?

The easiest way to find a dealership inn your area that works with Auto Credit Express is to call customer service. Or, if you have a preferred dealership, reach out to them to ask of they work with this service.

I got an Auto Credit Express car loan. Now what?

Once you’re offered and accept a loan, stay on top of your payments to avoid stiff fees and penalties.

• Set up autopay. Never miss a payment again with automatic withdrawals from your bank account.
• Customer service. Get in touch with Auto Credit Express via phone or by completing an online contact form. Once you’ve accepted a loan, get your auto dealer’s direct contact information.

Bottom line

If you need to buy a car but are in a financial bind, Auto Credit Express could connect you to a lender in its network. The representatives help you navigate your options to potentially find a better deal than you’d find on your own.

Because you’ll need to sign up to learn the rates or terms you might qualify for, you may want to compare other car loan providers before you commit to a contract.

Frequently asked questions about Auto Credit Express

• It can. When you agree to the terms and conditions, you agree to let lenders check your credit report — which can mean a hard credit check. Hard credit checks show up on your credit report and lower your score briefly. Having too many credit checks on your report also doesn’t look good to future lenders.

• It depends on the type of loan you’re interested in. Traditional auto loan providers offer terms that range from 36 to 72 months. Nontraditional terms are often shorter — rent-to-own terms typically last from 12 to 36 months, for example.

• You won’t want to refinance if your balance is more than your car is worth (also called “upside down”). In that case, lenders are less than likely to give you a decent rate.