Minimum Credit Score to Buy a Car
Minimum credit score to buy a car in the US—no single minimum, but lower score means higher APR and fewer options.
There is no single minimum credit score to buy a car in the U.S.—lenders approve at different tiers, but lower score means higher APR and sometimes stricter terms. Here's minimum credit score to buy a car.
TL;DR No universal minimum—some lenders approve below 600 (subprime), but APR is high. Prime (720+) gets best rates; 660–719 near-prime; below 660 subprime. Improve score if you can; shop multiple lenders. Use autopremo.com payment calculator to see payment at different APRs. Use autopremo.com.No Single Minimum
Lenders set their own tiers. Some approve 500+ (subprime, high APR); others prefer 660+. Prime (720+) gets best rates. Use autopremo.com payment calculator to see how APR affects payment. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.
Lower Score = Higher APR
Below 660 you'll likely pay a higher APR—same car, higher total cost. Shop banks, credit unions, and dealer-arranged lenders to get the best rate for your tier. Use autopremo.com. See payment at autopremo.com.
Improve Score If You Can
Pay down debt, fix report errors, and avoid new credit before you buy—so you get a better APR. Use autopremo.com payment calculator to see how much a better rate saves. Check at autopremo.com.
Bottom Line
No single minimum credit score to buy a car—but lower score = higher APR. Shop lenders; improve score if you can. Use autopremo.com payment calculator so you see how APR affects cost.