Skip to content
HeftySavings

Debt

Lower your car loan bill

Refinancing a car loan can lower the payment if rates have dropped or your credit has improved.

Quickest win: Get preapproved before buying

Where to start: effort vs impact

Car loan

Photo: JThomas, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dealer-arranged loans are not always the cheapest.

Ways to save

1
Refinance with a credit union

Credit unions often have competitive rates.

Some effort Good saving
2
Get preapproved before buying

Gives you a rate to beat at the dealer.

Easy Big saving
3
Avoid add-ons rolled into the loan

Extended warranties and gap insurance can often be bought cheaper elsewhere.

Easy Good saving

Step by step

  1. Find your current rate, balance and payoff amount.
  2. Get refinance quotes.
  3. Compare the total interest, not just the monthly payment.

When

When your credit score has improved or rates have dropped.

Watch out for

  • Longer loan terms that lower the payment but increase total interest.

Did it work? What readers report

Real results from people who tried these steps on their car loan bill. "Worked" means they got a lower price; savings are per month, counting only people who saved something.

Loading reader results…

Tried one of these? Tell us how it went

Anonymous. We show results only once at least 5 people have reported, and never show single reports.

See results for every bill on what worked.

General information, not financial, legal or insurance advice. Terms vary by provider and state.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to lower my car loan bill?

Get preapproved before buying. Gives you a rate to beat at the dealer.

When should I shop for car loan?

When your credit score has improved or rates have dropped.

What worked for readers

Cut your Car loan bill? Tell us what worked. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Question about Car loan? Ask it here.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.