How to Pre-Qualify for a Car Loan Faster

Jump-To:

• What Do Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval Mean?
• What are the Benefits of Getting Pre-Qualified?
• How to Get Pre-Qualified for a Car Loan Faster
• What to do After You're Pre-Qualified
• Auto Loan Express Drafts

Car loan pre-qualification is a powerful step toward buying your next car! In this article we will break down the steps and secrets to faster pre-qualification and pre-approval so you can avoid the lengthy and sometimes costly process of dealership loan applications.

What Does “Pre-Qualified” Mean for a Car Loan?

You may see the terms pre-qualification and pre-approval used interchangeably but they have slightly different meanings. Pre-qualification and pre-approval are tools that provide clarity around what you can afford to buy. First, let us break down the meaning of each term.

• Pre-Approval: Pre-approvals typically occur after the lender has reviewed your credit and income qualifications to determine the maximum loan amount they’re able to offer.
• Pre-Qualification: Pre-qualification means that your creditworthiness indicates that you may qualify for a certain interest rate and loan term. In some instances, for pre-qualification, the lender may perform a soft credit check, which does not affect your credit score. Vehicle loan pre-qualification means a lender gives you a general idea of the loan amount, interest rate, and term you may qualify for.

3 Key Benefits of Getting Pre-Qualified

• First, pre-qualification gives you knowledge of your budget. With pre-qualification, you go into the car shopping process knowing what price range to stay within. You are better prepared and can avoid surprises or the temptation to overspend.
• Secondly, pre-qualification gives you enhanced negotiation power. You shop knowing what you can afford, and with proof of pre-qualification in hand, you have control of the wheel when it's time to negotiate price.
• Lastly, the streamlined pre-approval process saves you a lot of time! You can get an auto loan pre-approval quicker when you’re prepared with all your necessary documents. With proof of pre-approval, you can essentially shop as a cash buyer at the dealership. At Community First, this pre-approval comes in the form of an auto loan express draft. Learn more about Auto Loan Express Drafts.

How to Get Prequalified for a Car Loan

• Step 1: Check your credit score. There are several ways to check your score for free. For example, the Experian^® and TransUnion^® websites provide free ways to obtain your credit score. You may also be able to get a credit score from your credit card company, financial institution or loan statement. The Equifax^® website is another option. Equifax charges a small fee but provides credit monitoring and alerts.
• Step 2: To save time, gather the following documents: Photo ID. Proof of an income source, which can include pay stubs, W2s, tax returns, bank statements, or investment earnings. Proof of residence, which can include utility bills or bank statements. Lenders will specify what documents are acceptable, but it's best to gather all the documents you can in advance to avoid hunting for them during the application process.
• Step 3: Choose a lender to apply with. There are benefits to seeking pre-qualification at your credit union. You can research other lenders such as banks and online lenders but be aware of hidden fees that sometimes come with these kinds of lenders.
• Step 4: Complete the pre-qualification application. Community First Credit Union makes it easy to apply and you can lock in your interest rate for up to 45 days while you shop.

What Happens After You're Pre-Qualified?

Once you know what rate, term and amount you pre-qualify for, you can start to browse cars online and at dealerships to understand what fits your budget. Remember, pre-qualification is not the same as pre-approval. Once you know which vehicle makes and models fit your pre-qualified amount, you can apply for pre-approval with your lender and then purchase your new car.

Auto Loan Pre-Approval at Community First Credit Union of Florida

At Community First Credit Union of Florida, you can apply for an auto loan pre-approval online or in-person at any of our branches and the process is simple. Having all your documents prepared can also speed up this process! After you are pre-approved for an auto loan, you will be given an Auto Loan Express Draft that you can take to your Florida dealership or auto mall.

Conclusion

Doing your research, gathering documents, and getting pre-approved before purchasing a vehicle gives you more control over your purchase and car buying experience. Take a step forward in your financial fitness with a pre-approved auto loan that fits your budget.

Get an idea of what fits your budget by using a free online auto calculator at Community First. Auto loan calculators provide clarity and take some guesswork out of budgeting for a vehicle. Plug in the vehicle price, down payment, loan term, and interest rate to understand how much you could end up paying per month, and a graph of how the principal balance would decrease over the length of the loan. It is helpful to try a few examples with different interest rates. Once you have an idea what fits your budget, reach out to us! Community First offers competitive rates and an easy application process so you can be ready to hit the road in no time!