Is your car payment consistently throwing off your budget? Do you long for an interest rate that doesn’t feel like you’re throwing away money each month? If so, refinancing your auto loan may be the perfect solution. It’s a quick and easy process that could instantly put more money back in your pocket.
Let’s review what auto refinancing is and how to decide if it’s right for you.
What is Auto Loan Refinancing?
Refinancing your auto loan may sound complex, but it’s actually quite the opposite. When you originally purchased your vehicle, you probably financed it with a loan from the dealership or a financial institution. By refinancing your loan, you are simply switching it from your current lender to a new one.
Typically auto loan refinancing is done to save money, but there are actually several reasons you might consider switching your auto loan to the credit union.
Why Would You Choose to Refinance?
The most common reason to refinance your auto loan is to take advantage of better loan rates. If loan rates have decreased since you originally purchased your vehicle, refinancing gives you the option to take advantage of the lower rates and pay less interest on your loan. Or, perhaps your credit score improved, and you qualify for better rates. Both these options can help you save money each month and over the life of your loan.
For example, imagine your auto loan balance is $25,000, and your current rate is 6% APR. With a term of 60 months, lowering your interest rate by just 2% could save you a significant amount of money.
Current Auto Loan
Rate = 6% APR
Monthly Payment = $483.32
Total Interest Paid = $3,999.20
Refinanced Auto Loan
Rate = 4% APR
Monthly Payment = $460.41
Total Interest Paid = $2,624.78
By refinancing, you could save $22.91 per month and $1,374.42 in interest over the life of the loan.
Other reasons to consider refinancing your auto loan include:
- Paying off the loan quicker
- Gaining more immediate financial relief
Both these options focus on the term or length of your loan. By shortening the loan term, you will pay off the loan quicker. Your monthly payments will be higher, but you will be able to significantly cut down on the total interest paid over the life of your loan.
In order to gain more immediate financial relief, you may consider extending the term of your loan. This option helps lower your monthly payments even more, but should only be considered if you’re having financial challenges.
When you extend the length of the loan, you risk the loan amount being more than what the vehicle is worth. This results in negative equity or being “upside-down” on your loan. Most lenders will not allow this situation to happen. However, additional temporary options may be available if you’re experiencing financial hardships.
How Refinancing Works
Auto loan refinancing is a simple process. Bring your current auto loan paperwork, including the payoff amount, to Freedom First. Once reviewed and approved for the auto loan refinance, Freedom First will pay off the loan with your current lender.
A new loan will be created at Freedom First, which will include your new payment and payment schedule. The entire process takes very little time and could help you save money each month going forward.
We’re Here to Help!
Refinance your auto loan with Freedom First and don't make a payment for 90 days*! You could go the whole summer without making a car payment and use that extra money for:
- Summer vacation at the beach
- A quick house project
- Or pay down some debt
Get a rate as low as 1.49% APR**, enjoy flexible terms with no hidden fees and no penalty for early repayment. You can also save with additional rate discounts*** for using autopay from a Freedom First checking account, using direct deposit for at least the amount of your payment (if depositing $500 per month or more), and more!
We're ready to help you get pre-approved, answer all your questions, and lock in a great low rate.
*Payments cannot be deferred more than 90 days from the day of loan closing. Offer valid on auto loans not currently financed with Freedom First Credit Union. Limited time offer.
**APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are valid as of May 1, 2021, and may vary depending upon credit qualifications, selected terms and applicable discounts. All rates are fixed unless otherwise indicated. An estimated monthly payment of $327 would result for a loan amount of $20,000 at 5.49% for 72 months. Rates are subject to change without notice. No prepayment penalties. Certain restrictions apply. Loans are subject to credit approval. Repayment terms may vary depending upon rate.
***Certain restrictions apply. Call 540-389-0244 (local) or 866-389-0244 (toll-free) for more information on our loan products and terms.
