: Often used for initial eligibility or quotes. These do not affect your credit score and are not visible to other lenders.

: It is possible to get a loan with a score as low as 400 or 500 , but expect significantly higher interest rates. For example, 500-score buyers averaged over 14% for new cars and 21% for used cars in early 2023. Can a Car Loan Actually Help Your Credit?

Not all "checks" are created equal. It's important to know the difference:

Yes! A well-managed auto loan is a great way to build credit. How Does Buying a Car Affect Your Credit? - Experian