
Is it better to finance a car through a bank or dealership?
Should you get a car loan through a bank or a dealer? It depends on several factors.
About the author
Rebecca Betterton, a Certified Financial Education Instructor℠, is a writer for Bankrate who has been reporting on auto loans since 2021. Through her writing, Rebecca aims to provide clarity and accessibility to the automotive loans industry as the cost of financing new and used vehicles continues to climb due to steep inflation.
She specializes in assisting readers in navigating the ins and outs of securely borrowing money to purchase a car, but recently widened her scope to cover personal loans and other debt topics. Prior to her time at Bankrate, she was a social media reporter and copywriter.
When Rebecca isn’t researching recent trends in personal finance, she is an avid runner and a lover of interior design.
Should you get a car loan through a bank or a dealer? It depends on several factors.
Find the right auto loan for your life with our list of the best. Secure your loan online, refinance your existing loan, and more with Bankrate's top picks.
A lease stipulates that you’ll make payments on the car until the lease is over.
Education Loan Finance loans have strict eligibility requirements but low rates.
Equity will determine whether you can easily trade in a car that’s not paid off.
With about 1,500 branches across the U.S., Regions Bank offers auto loans to drivers who prefer the convenience of in-person communication while still having the option to access their loan online.
Finding the right refinancing loan requires you to weigh your current loan terms and rates against new ones. Auto Approve streamlines this process by handling the heavy lifting.
Bank of America has nationwide coverage, but a high minimum loan amount and restrictions on dealerships.