What Is the Lowest Credit Score You Can Have to Buy a Car?

If you're asking, "What is the lowest credit score you can have to buy a car?"—you're not alone. Many people with less-than-perfect credit wonder if they can still get into a vehicle, and the answer is: yes, you often can. But the process depends on many factors beyond just the number on your credit report.

The Short Answer: There’s No Hard Minimum

While there's no official minimum credit score required to buy a car, most lenders have guidelines. Some will finance buyers with scores as low as 500 or even lower, but that usually comes with higher interest rates and stricter loan terms. Some subprime lenders specialize in helping people with bad or no credit, and many dealerships (like ours at Easy Auto Buying) work with those lenders to help buyers get approved.

But whether you qualify—and what kind of loan terms you get—depends on much more than just your credit score.

Let’s Break It Down: What Goes Into a Credit Score?

To understand why your score matters, you first need to understand what actually makes up a credit score. Your score is not just a random number; it's calculated using a variety of key factors.

1. Repayment History (35%)

This is the biggest factor in your score. It shows how reliable you are at paying back your debts. Late payments, charge-offs, collections, bankruptcies, and foreclosures all impact this area.

If you’ve missed payments before, that’s a red flag to lenders. However, consistent, on-time payments over the last 6 to 12 months can go a long way toward building trust again.

2. Credit Utilization (30%)

This measures how much of your available credit you're using. If you have credit cards and they’re maxed out, it signals that you're financially stretched.

Ideally, lenders like to see your utilization under 30%. So, if you have $1,000 in credit available, try to keep your balances under $300.

3. Length of Credit History (15%)

How long you’ve had credit matters. A longer credit history gives lenders a better idea of your habits and responsibility over time. If you’re younger or haven’t used credit much, your score may be lower simply due to a limited history.

4. Credit Inquiries (10%)

Every time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry is made on your report. Too many hard inquiries in a short time may lower your score because it can appear you’re desperate for credit.

However, if you're rate-shopping for an auto loan within a short window (usually 14–45 days), those inquiries may be grouped together and not hurt your score much.

5. Credit Mix and Trade Lines (10%)

Lenders also like to see a mix of different types of credit—like credit cards, installment loans, and retail accounts. Having open and active trade lines (accounts in good standing) shows you know how to handle different kinds of financial responsibility.

Having only one type of account—say, just one credit card—can limit your score's potential.

Other Factors That Can Influence Auto Loan Approval

Credit score is huge, but it’s not the only thing lenders look at. Here are some additional elements that could help (or hurt) your chances:

1. Down Payment

If your credit is poor, offering a solid down payment can reduce the lender’s risk and increase your chances of approval. It shows you're committed and reduces the loan amount.

2. Income and Job Stability

Lenders want to know you can afford the car. If you have a steady income and a history of stable employment, that can go a long way—even if your credit score is low.

3. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

This measures how much of your monthly income goes toward paying debts. If too much of your income is already spoken for, lenders may worry about your ability to take on another payment.

4. Previous Repossession or Bankruptcy

These don't necessarily stop you from buying a car, but they can make it harder. Some lenders will want to see a certain amount of time has passed or that you've started rebuilding credit.

5. Co-signer or Joint Applicant

Having someone with better credit co-sign can help you qualify for better terms—or get approved in the first place. Just remember, they’ll be equally responsible for the loan.

So… What’s the Actual Minimum Score?

Here’s a general idea:

Credit Score Range	Approval Likelihood	Typical Interest Rate
750+	Excellent – Easy approval	3%–5%
700–749	Very Good – Likely approval	4%–6%
650–699	Good – Approval likely	6%–9%
600–649	Fair – Approval possible	10%–15%
500–599	Poor – Approval harder but possible	15%–20%+
Below 500	Very Poor – Subprime lenders only	Varies; high risk

Remember, people with credit scores under 600 get approved every day. You just need to work with the right dealer and the right lenders.

How to Improve Your Odds—Even with Low Credit

Even if your score is on the low end, there are smart moves you can make:

• Bring recent pay stubs and proof of income.

• Get pre-approved or pre-qualified.

• Clean up your report (dispute errors or pay down cards).

• Offer a larger down payment if possible.

• Work with a dealer that specializes in credit-challenged buyers.

At Easy Auto Buying, we help people in all credit situations—especially those rebuilding—to get financed and into a car they love. We understand that life happens, and we’re here to help you move forward.

Final Thoughts

To answer the question directly: there is no strict minimum credit score to buy a car—you can often get approved even with a score below 600. But approval and your interest rate depend on your entire financial picture, not just a number.

Focus on what you can control: your payment history, how much you owe, and how long you've been building credit. With time, smart choices, and the right dealership on your side, you can drive away even with challenged credit.