Improve Credit Before Buying a Car
Improve credit before buying a car in the US—pay down debt, fix errors, avoid new credit so you get a better APR.
Improving your credit before buying a car in the U.S. can get you a lower APR—pay down debt, fix report errors, and avoid new credit so your score improves before you apply. Here's how to improve credit before buying a car.
TL;DR (1) Pay down revolving debt (e.g., credit cards)—lowers utilization. (2) Fix errors on your credit report. (3) Avoid new credit (new cards, other loans) before you apply. (4) Pay bills on time. Use autopremo.com payment calculator to see how a better APR saves. Use autopremo.com.Pay Down Debt
Lowering credit card and other revolving balances can improve utilization and score. Give it a billing cycle or two to report. Use autopremo.com payment calculator to see savings at a lower APR. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.
Fix Report Errors
Check your credit report for errors (wrong balances, accounts that aren't yours). Dispute errors so they're corrected—can boost score. Use autopremo.com when you're ready to buy. See payment at autopremo.com.
Avoid New Credit
New credit cards or other loans before a car loan can lower score (new inquiry, new account). Avoid if you can. Use autopremo.com payment calculator when you apply. Check at autopremo.com.
Bottom Line
Improve credit before buying: pay down debt, fix errors, avoid new credit. Use autopremo.com payment calculator to see how a better APR saves so you're motivated to improve.