What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car on Finance?

05 Jan 2026

What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car on Finance?

If you’re thinking about buying a car on finance, your credit score is probably already on your mind. You might be wondering whether your score is ‘good enough’, whether there’s a minimum credit score to finance a car, or if past money problems mean car finance is off the table altogether.

The reality is a lot more flexible than many people expect. While your car finance and credit score are linked, there isn’t one fixed number that decides everything. Lenders look at the bigger picture, not just a score on a screen.

In this guide, we’ll break down what credit scores really mean for car finance, how lenders assess applications, and what you can do to improve your chances of approval.

Autodosh is a credit broker, not a lender. Approval comes down to lender requirements and personal circumstances, and finance is never guaranteed.

Is There a Minimum Credit Score to Finance a Car?

There’s technically no universal auto finance credit score requirement. Unlike some other types of finance, car finance decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Different lenders have their own rules, and many look beyond your score and focus on things like affordability.

As a general rule of thumb:

-A good credit score gives you more choices and lower interest rates.

-A lower score may mean fewer options or higher interest rates.

-Approval often depends more on affordability than the score alone.

So if you’ve been asking, ‘What credit score do I need to finance a car?’ The honest answer is - it depends on the lender and your overall financial situation.

Credit Score Ranges and How They Affect Car Finance

Although there’s no fixed minimum credit score for car finance, lenders usually group scores into ranges. These ranges can influence approval chances, interest rates, and the types of car finance available.

 

Your Credit Score Isn’t the Only Deciding Factor

One of the biggest myths about car finance is that your credit score is the only deciding factor for lenders. In reality, many lenders look closely at affordability too.

Some things lenders will consider are:

-Your income.

-Your regular outgoings.

-Existing credit commitments.

-Whether the monthly payments fit your budget.

If you can comfortably afford the repayments, some lenders will still consider your application, even if you have a low credit score.

Should You Check Your Credit Score Before Applying?

Before applying for car finance, it’s always a good idea to check your credit score so you know where you stand. This gives you a clearer idea of how lenders may view your application and whether there are any issues on your credit file that could affect your chances.

Checking your credit score won’t harm it, and many services allow you to do this for free. It can also help you spot errors or outdated information, which you may be able to correct before applying for finance.

Do Lenders Check Your Credit Score?

Most lenders will carry out a soft credit check at the early stage of your car finance application, which shows your credit score. This allows them to review your credit profile without leaving a permanent mark or affecting your score. A hard credit search will only happen if you move forward with a specific lender, which shows a deeper insight into your financial situation.

Learn more about what happens during a soft credit check.

What Credit Score Do You Need for Car Finance?

There isn’t a single credit score that guarantees approval for car finance. Different lenders use different scoring systems, and each has its own criteria. This means two people with the same score could receive very different outcomes.

What matters most is whether the monthly repayments are affordable for you. Even if your credit score is low, having a stable income and manageable outgoings can potentially improve your chances.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, there’s no fixed credit score needed to buy a car on finance. While a higher score can give you more choices and lower interest rates, many people with lower scores are still approved by focusing on affordability and choosing the right lender.

At Autodosh, we work with a wide panel of lenders, including those who consider people with poor credit or those in the process of improving their credit. If you want to see what options may be available to you, start with a free, no-pressure quote.

Get a Quote

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Autodosh is a credit broker, not a lender.

Editorial Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these organisations. NB: The information on this page does not constitute financial advice, please do your own research to ensure that the product/service is right for your individual circumstances.