Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 6.99%
Get Started You can apply with no effect to your credit score
📅 Last Updated: December 18, 2023
✏️ Written By Bryan Daly
🕵️ Fact-Checked by Caitlin Wood, BA

Living with bad credit can be a challenge, especially when you’re trying to get approved for financing products like a car loan. Most consumers believe that they need to have an excellent credit score to get an auto loan, when in fact there are lots of auto loans available for those with lower credit scores. Looking for and being approved for an auto loan when you have a low credit score can be a bit difficult but not impossible so don’t be discouraged from even trying.

Here are a few things you need to know if you’re looking for an auto loan and have a low credit score.

What Are Bad Credit Car Loans?

Bad credit car loans involve borrowing money from a lender so you can finance a vehicle. It’s the same process as a traditional car loan, only you’re applying with bad credit. Having bad credit can make it more difficult to qualify for a car loan. It can also make it more expensive as lenders generally charge higher rates when dealing with bad credit borrowers.

What Is The Interest Rate On Bad Credit Auto Loans In Canada?

As of September 2023, the average interest rate for a regular car loan is 8.3%. Given that bad credit auto loans generally come with higher rates, you can expect a rate higher than 8.3%. However, do note that legally lenders cannot charge borrowers an APR of more than 47%. 

Is Your Credit Score Too Low For A Car Loan? 

In Canada, credit scores go from 300 to 900. Credit scores below 600 are generally considered bad by lenders. This low score can be the result of many factors, including but not limited to:

  • Too many late, short or missed credit account payments
  • A mistake on your credit report, like the wrong address or name
  • Applying for too much new credit within a short period
  • Carrying large amounts of unpaid debt for months at a time
  • Being a victim of fraud or identity theft
  • Going through a debt settlement, consumer proposal, or bankruptcy     

Unfortunately, banks, credit unions, and other types of lenders will sometimes deny applicants with bad credit scores because they have a higher chance of defaulting on their loans. But that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get a car loan when you have bad credit.

How Much Do Bad Credit Car Loans Cost?

Use this car loan calculator to calculate your car loan payments and the total cost of your loan.

Estimate Your Monthly Payments

CALCULATOR

Credit Score 1
Your Interest Rate: 35 %
Loan Options 2
$
$
Result 3

Where Can You Get A Bad Credit Car Loan In Canada?

The good news is that when it comes to finding the right car loan, you have multiple options, even with bad credit. Below are some of the best sources for bad credit car loans in Canada.

Dealerships

One of the most common places for people with bad credit to look for car loans is the car dealership itself. Dealerships are often willing to work with everyone and there is a good chance they can help get a deal done. However, some dealerships might look to take advantage of you because of your bad credit. It’s important to be mindful of the deal they are giving you and if you can, shop around to make sure you aren’t being ripped off.

Private Lenders

If the dealership isn’t willing to work with you or won’t give you an interest rate or deal that you feel is fair, it might be a good idea to go the private lending route. There are hundreds of options for private loans out there, but of course, these can often be riskier than getting a loan from an established company, website, or dealership. It is important to do extensive research on the lender if you decide to get a car loan from them.

Best Bad Credit Auto Loan Lenders

AmountInterestTerm (Months)
Loans Canada Logo - Bad Credit Loans Canada$500 - $50,000Up to 46.96%12 - 84Learn more
ClutchVaries8.49% +24 - 96Learn more
Canada Drives$500 - $35,00029.99% - 46.96%9 - 60Learn more
SkyCap Financial$500 - $10,00012.99% - 39.99%9 - 36Learn more
Carloans411$5,000 - $40,000Varies12 - 72Learn more
Canada Auto Finance$5,000 - $45,0004.90 % - 29.95%36 - 72Learn more
Eden ParkVaries11.9% +12 - 84Learn more
Splash Auto Finance by RifcoUp to $50,000Varies12 - 84Learn more

How To Apply For A Car Loan With Bad Credit

If you find a trustworthy and affordable alternative lender or auto dealer, here are some simple steps you can take to get approved for a bad credit car loan:

Step #1 – Set Your Budget

Car loans can vary greatly in price depending on where you apply, what kind of vehicle you’re financing and how strong your financial health is, including your credit score. So, the first thing you should do is find a loan option that works for your income, savings and monthly budget. 

Along with your loan payments, be sure to consider these other common car costs: 

  • Gas/electricity
  • Repairs
  • Maintenance
  • Tires 
  • Car insurance
  • Registration

Step #2 – Decide If You Want A New Or Used Vehicle

The type of vehicle you’re financing can also make a huge difference in price, as well as your ability to qualify for a bad credit car loan with appealing conditions. For example:

  • If you agree to finance a newer car, your lender/dealer may offer you a better payment plan and interest rate. Plus, the car will likely be more safe and reliable than an older model with higher mileage.
  • However, a used car can be more affordable. Not only would this help you pay less interest over time, but value depreciation also isn’t as much of a problem with older cars. 

Step #3 – Get A Car Loan Quote

For a better idea of how expensive your bad credit car loan could be, shop around with different lenders, dealers, and retailers in your area. If you’re willing to provide a few basic pieces of information, many of these financing sources have a free pre-approval process that lets you know what your potential loan payments will look like.

Keep in mind that this quote may not end up being the true price of the actual bad credit car loan you’re approved for. During the pre-approval process, the details you’ll have to provide may include:

  • The make, model and year of the car
  • Your gross monthly/yearly income
  • The length of your desired payment plan 
  • How often do you want to make payments (bi-weekly, monthly, etc.) 

Step #4 – Consider Your Options

Every lender and auto dealer has different requirements, rates and payment plans for their bad credit car loans, so it’s important to compare multiple offers. Above all, make sure that your financing source is flexible and has a good reputation. 

When you find an appealing bad credit car loan, you should also read your contract carefully and make copies for your records. Remember, a car is a serious financial investment.

Documents Needed To Get A Bad Credit Car Loan

Although bad-credit-friendly lenders and auto dealers have easier restrictions, you will need several personal and financial documents to apply, including:

  • Proof Of Employment – Before they approve you for a large loan, most lending sources will want to confirm that you have a history of steady employment, so copies of your latest pay stubs or paychecks may be necessary.  
  • Proof Of Income, Assets, And Liabilities – The lender/dealer also needs to know how much car you can afford. So, they may ask for your latest bank statements, as well as any paperwork that details your existing debts and properties.  
  • Driver’s License & Proof Of Address – When applying, you’ll have to show that you’re a registered driver in your province or territory. To confirm your residency status, a bill displaying your address may be required too (utility, internet, etc.).

Everything you need to know about refinancing a car loan.

Bad Credit Car Loan Costs To Consider

Before you finance any sort of vehicle with a bad credit car loan, it’s essential to find a payment plan that fits your budget. Here are some of the largest costs to factor in. 

Length Of Car Loan Term

A longer loan term involves lower monthly payments, which can be appealing. That said, a longer term means more interest paid over time. Sometimes a shorter loan term is the best option to save you money and pay off your loan faster.

Interest Rate

Bad credit car loans can have high rates. So, the best way to get your rate reduced is to apply with a solid income, a down payment and/or a cosigner. Financing a cheaper vehicle can allow you to pay less principal and interest too.    

Additional Fees

Bad credit car loans can come with many high service and administrative fees as well. This is especially true if you finance your car through a dealership, where fees like vehicle preparation and documentation may also apply.

Total Cost vs. Monthly Payment

The sales price of your car will not be what you’ll pay if you finance it. When you factor in fees and interest, all your monthly loan payments could add up to much more than that overall

Bad Credit Car Loan Tips

Here are some other ways to get approved for an affordable bad credit car loan:

Make A Down Payment

Saving up for a down payment before you purchase a new or used car is always good practice. It could even help increase your chances of getting approved. Although, there are no down payment car loan options offered by certain lenders.

Get A Cosigner

Asking someone to cosign your car loan is another way to get approved for better conditions if you have bad credit or no down payment. This person will need to have fair to good credit and will be responsible for making your payments if you do not.

Do A Trade-In

If your current car has resale value, an auto dealer may allow you to trade it in for a lower price on the car you’re financing. However, you may not get what the car is truly worth because the dealer needs to make a profit.

Meet The Lender’s Minimum Requirements

Since you have bad credit, the right dealer/lender will focus on other aspects, like your income. Before applying with a lender, be sure you meet the lender’s minimum income requirements.

Avoid These Bad Credit Auto Loan Traps

Unfortunately, having bad credit means that certain lenders and dealers may try to take advantage of you. They may think you’re desperate enough to accept any deal. When looking for a bad credit car loan, watch out for these traps.

Loan Markups

The most common and probably most obvious of traps? Loan markups. Your dealer will profit from trying to get you to go for a more expensive loan, stick to your plan and don’t accept any offer that you can’t afford.

84-Month Loan Terms

The longer your term the more affordable your monthly car payments will be. This can be very appealing to borrowers and that’s why lenders offer 84-month terms. 84 months is seven years, which means you’ll be paying seven years worth of interest. The final cost of your car will be extremely high. 

Yo-Yo Financing

This is when your dealer allows you to take home the vehicle you’ve chosen before you’ve been officially approved for a loan. Then they’ll call you back a few days later and explain that your loan application has been rejected. They’ve now trapped you in with a new price and a new interest rate knowing that you’ll most likely pay whatever they ask you to.

“Buy Here, Pay Here”

These types of dealers will offer you a loan no matter what your credit history or score is. While this might seem like exactly what you need, some cons that can end up costing you. Not all “buy here, pay here” dealerships are bad but you should do your research and know what kind of interest rate you can qualify for ahead of time as they might try and scam you with an incredibly high one.

Getting The Right Bad Credit Car Loan

Car loans are not reserved for those who have high credit scores. Your low credit score shouldn’t discourage you from looking for a new car and a loan to pay for it. Make sure you follow our steps and keep yourself informed about your financial situation and you should be able to get the car you want and need.

Bad Credit Car Loans FAQs

Do bad credit car loans help build credit?

Yes, if your lender reports your payments to one or both of the Canadian credit bureaus, your credit may improve over time. Just keep in mind that everyone’s credit scores react differently so it’s hard to predict exactly how and when your score will improve.

How can I improve my chances of getting a car loan with bad credit?

There are several other ways to improve your chances of qualifying for a bad credit car loan, such as:
  • Make a large down payment
  • Find a cosigner
  • Offer collateral to make the loan secured
  • Apply when you have a good income and multiple years at the same job
  • Pay off existing debts
  • Be discharged from debt settlements, consumer proposals or bankruptcies

Will I have to make a down payment to get a car loan if I have bad credit?

While some lenders and auto dealers don’t require down payments, putting at least 20% of the car’s sales price down can help your approval odds greatly. 

Can I get a car loan with no credit score in Canada?

It’s possible that certain lenders won’t care that you don’t have a credit score. But they will charge significantly higher interest rates because of this. It’s always in your best interest to wait and work toward building a healthy credit score. 

Glossary

TERMDEFINITION
Add-OnsAny features or services that are applied on top of the base price of a car are considered add-ons. These can include things such as tinted windows, heated seats, leather seats, alarms, and wheel locks, to name a few.
Base PriceThe base price of a car is the cost of the vehicle without any upgrades or added features that can be added after the car is ordered from a dealership. Only standard equipment and the manufacturer’s warranty are included in the base price, but any other fees will be added afterward.
Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)CPO cars refer to used cars that have been certified, either by the dealership selling the car or the manufacturer of the vehicle. This gives consumers confidence knowing they are buying a used vehicle that is in good condition. When a used car is obtained by a dealership, it is inspected by a certified mechanic. The car is then repaired if it meets the required standards and is then ready to be sold as a CPO vehicle.
Clear TitleA clear title means that the owner of the car has a free and clear title and no longer carries a balance owing on a car loan. There are no liens of the title or levies from creditors.
DealershipAuto dealerships are businesses that are authorized to sell new or used automobiles to consumers and serve as a direct dealer for automakers
Dealership FinancingConsumers can obtain dealer financing to help fund the purchase of a vehicle. A contract is signed with a dealership that requires a consumer to pay for a specific amount plus interest and funding fees over a certain period of time. Dealers will send the details of the consumer’s financials to various lenders to find one that will approve the loan.
DepreciationDepreciation refers to the decline in the value of a vehicle. Immediately after purchase, a vehicle will become less valuable as soon as it is used. Put another way, depreciation is the rate at which an automobile loses its value over time
TERMDEFINITION
Extended WarrantyVehicles come with a manufacturer’s warranty when purchased, but buyers can choose to purchase an extended warranty. This serves as a form of insurance policy on the vehicle to cover the cost of potential repairs in the future. An extended warranty is usually good for a certain period of time and/or mileage.
TERMDEFINITION
LeaseA contract that allows an individual the right to use or occupy a property for a specified period of time in exchange for a monthly payment. Leases are common for a property like apartments and vehicles. The individual on the lease does not own the asset at the end of the lease’s term, it is strictly for rental purposes.
TERMDEFINITION
MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)Car manufacturers will offer recommendations on how much a car should be priced at the retail level, known as the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP. The purpose of the MSRP is to standardize pricing in the automobile industry so that there is not a lot of fluctuation in price from one dealership to another.
TERMDEFINITION
Title LoanA title loan uses the vehicle title as a form of collateral to secure a loan. Borrowers must own their vehicles free and clear and no longer owe any amount on a car loan. A lender will place a lien on the car title in exchange for funds. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can take possession of the vehicle and sell it to cover any losses.
Trade-in AllowanceA trade-in allowance is the amount that a car dealer will reduce the cost of a new car purchase by after the consumer’s old vehicle has been traded in. It is somewhat like being given credit from the sale of an existing vehicle that is then applied to the purchase of a new vehicle.
Trade-in ValueA trade-in value is the amount that dealerships offer consumers for their vehicle and is typically applied toward the purchase price of another vehicle. Dealerships will assess the value of the vehicle and will base the amount that can be applied to a new car purchase. The consumer will then trade in the old vehicle and the assessed value amount will be deducted from the price of another vehicle. Trade-in value is often different than what the vehicle may be worth when sold in the open market.
TERMDEFINITION
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)Every vehicle will have its own unique vehicle identification number, which is used to identify a specific vehicle. No two vehicles will have the same VIN, making them easily identifiable with this unique 17-character code.
Caitlin Wood Priyanka Correia Lisa Rennie Bryan Daly Cris Ravazzano Margaret Johnson Kale Havervold Liz Enriquez Sean Cooper Veronica Ott Corrina Murdoch Chrissy Kapralos

A Team of Experts

Get expert tips and guidance from a community of renown personal finance experts right here at Loans Canada. We're here to help you stay informed so you can make the best financial decisions.

Trusted by more than

1,500,000 Canadians

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gifting-a-car-in-Ontario.png
Gifting A Car In Ontario: Everything You Need To Know

By Lucas Elliott
Published on November 13, 2023

Gifting a car in Ontario? Learn who is exempt from taxes, how to transfer ownership, required documents, and tips for insuring a gifted car.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Lemon-Law-1.png
Quebec’s Lemon Law: Ensuring Vehicle Quality and Consumer Rights

By Maidina Kadeer, BA

The Lemon Law protects consumers by shifting the financial burden of a defective vehicle from the consumer onto the manufacturer.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/G-license-test.png
What Is A G License Test?

By Lisa Rennie

Are you trying to getting your license in Ontario? Then you should find out what's on the G license test.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Car-theft.png
9 Easy Ways To Prevent Car Theft

By Barry Choi

Car theft is on the rise in Canada so we have 9 easy ways to keep your car from getting stolen. No, keeping your key fob in your house won't

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Sell-Your-Car-With-Clutch.ca_.png
How Selling or Trading In Your Car With Clutch.ca Doesn’t Waste Your Time, Money or Gas

By Stefani Balinsky

When you sell or trade-in your car with Clutch.ca, you get a great price . Plus, they pick up your car, saving you time, gas. and stress.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Car-Lease-and-Bankruptcy.png
What Will Happen To My Leased Car If I File For Bankruptcy?

By Bryan Daly

Are you wondering what happens to your car lease when you go through bankruptcy? Find out if a leased car is considered an asset during bankruptcy.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Sell-your-car.png
Want To Sell Your Car? Here Is How To Do It

By Barry Choi

Now is the best time to sell your car. As long as there is no lien on it, you can sell your car for a lot of money. Here are 6 steps to get

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Charging-for-electric-cars.png
How Does Charging For Electric Cars Work In Condos Or Apartments?

By Lisa Rennie

Are you planning on buying an electric vehicle but wondering how will you charge it? Find out how charging for electric cars work in condos.

Recognized As One Of Canada's Top Growing Companies

Loans Canada, the country's original loan comparison platform, is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's fastest growing companies by The Globe and Mail!

Read More

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers

Build Credit For Just $10/Month

With KOHO's prepaid card you can build a better credit score for just $10/month.

Koho Prepaid Credit Card