Best Car Title Loan Alternatives in California of May 2024

ElitePersonalFinance
Last Update: September 25, 2023 Personal Loans by States and Cities

While taking an auto-title loan is quick and easy, there are better options than this one. Car title loans are expensive, with APRs averaging 300%. They approve of bad credit borrowers and often promote them as the only alternative to bad credit borrowers.

However, auto-title is cheaper than payday loans which average 400%. Nonetheless, borrowers must add their cars as collateral for this’ discount.The loan amount approved is less than the car’s value, usually 25% to 50. Car title loans are risky and can get you into a debt cycle. Between 6% and 11% of car title loan borrowers in California end up losing their cars. The average auto-title loan cycle time is 15 to 30 days.

Auto-title loan laws in California allow a maximum interest rate of 30% on loans under $2,500, with no limit on amounts exceeding $2,500. In addition, auto-title loan lenders shouldn’t compound interest amounts below $5,000. The law also permits lenders to charge 5% of the loan amount for loans under $2,500 or $50, whichever is less. Licensed lenders may charge borrowers $10 late payment fees after ten days and $15 after every negligence. Licensed car title loan lenders can repossess your motor vehicle if you default.

In California, there are alternative options for borrowers looking for short-term loans. ElitePersonalFinance has prepared a list of CA’s best car title alternatives, including bad credit personal loans, buy-now-pay-later services, loan apps, auto loans, and credit unions.

Best Car Title Loan Alternatives and Laws in California May 2024: Key Findings

Unsecured Personal Loans. Many only think they have bad credit and can’t get approved. Many can qualify for unsecured personal loans because they have not-so-bad credit and can post as proof of other things like income, DTI ratio, etc. Check out our marketplace for the best unsecured personal loans 2024.

Secured Personal Loans. You are mistaken if you think that secured personal and auto title loans are the same. Technically, auto title loans are a type of secured loan, but secured personal loans are capped at 35.99%, while auto title loans average at 300%. If you plan to post your car as collateral, do this on a secured loan. When you reserve your loan, you usually pay less than on auto title loans. Check out our marketplace for the best-secured loans 2024.

Buy Now Pay Later. These apps offer 0% APR and no credit check. You can use them to buy electronics, clothing, and furniture. You don’t need a high credit score or any collateral, which is great if you have less-than-perfect credit.

Auto Loans. Auto loans are much cheaper than car title loans because they offer lower interest rates than auto title loan companies. Here, you buy a car and secure it for the money. Check out our marketplace for the best auto loans if this is for you.

Loan Apps. These are excellent auto-title loan alternatives in California. Nonetheless, loan apps vary greatly in terms of fees, interest rates, and loan amounts. So make sure to compare them before committing. However, most loan apps only offer up to $500. If this is for you, check out our marketplace for the best loan apps 2024.

Credit Unions: Credit unions are much cheaper than auto title loan companies. The rates vary from 5.99% to 36%, depending on the credit union you choose, and the loan amount usually ranges from $1,000 to $100,000. If this is for you, check out our marketplace for the best auto loans from credit unions.

Best Car Title Alternatives and Laws in CA of May 2024

Lender:Loan Amount:APR:Terms:Min. Credit Score:Best For:
Supermoney$1,000 – $100,0000% – 36%12 – 84 months600Comparing various lenders
Capital OneFrom $4,0002.99% – 24.99%Up to 7 Years560Borrowers buying through Capital One Auto-Navigator
Wells Fargo$3,000 to $110,0003.99% – 19.99%24 – 75 months650Drivers who prefer an in-house experience
Bank of America$7,500 – $50,0005.19% – 6.19%60 monthsNot disclosedBank of America’s reward members
Truist$5,000 – $100,0004.89% – 13.01%Up to 84 monthsNot disclosedSolid credit score and good income
LendingTree$1,000 – $100,000From 2.96%Up to 96 months500Comparing different lenders
Consumers Credit Union$5,000 – $75,0004.94% – 21.24%Up to 84 months620Borrowers with fair to excellent credit
New Roads Auto Loans$6,000 – $38,00011.00% – 26.00%48 – 72 months0Preapprovals
Star One Credit UnionUp to 100% car financing4.69% – 81.29%Up to 84 monthsNot listedNo-fee car title alternative loans
CarvanaUp to $100,0004.39% -27.90%Up to 84 months450Really bad credit

Our Marketplace


Our marketplace is the largest comparison platform for CA’s personal loan lenders. We’ve reviewed over 300 lenders, including top banks and credit unions. We’ve also included auto loan companies with competitive interest rates.

Our mission is to help you make informed decisions regarding financing. You can use our platform to compare the best auto title alternatives in California to get the most competitive rate and terms for your needs.

Make sure to compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms before signing any agreement.

Why Trust ElitePersonalFinance Guides?

We scrutinize over 100 factors to bring you the best financial products. We research all the lenders before selecting and reviewing them. Our team of experts has over 20 years of experience in finance, so you can be sure that we have your back when it comes to finding the best car title loan alternatives in California in 2022.

In addition, we only work with legitimate lenders who are registered and comply with all local laws and regulations.

SuperMoney

Loan Amount:$1,000 – $100,000
APR:0% – 36%
Min. Credit Score:0
Approval:Same day
Terms:12 – 84 months
Fees:
  • Loan origination fees range between $100 and $500.
  • Late payment fees range between $5 and $50.
  • Most lenders don’t charge prepayment fees.
  • Ongoing maintenance fees vary by each lender.
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • A maximum D-T-I ratio of 50%.
  • An annual income of not less than $24,000.
  • Has less than 5 credit inquiries in the last 6 months.
  • No bankruptcies reported in the last 12 months.
  • Has three open credit lines.
  • Fill out your information through SuperMoney’s online portal.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • SuperMoney connects borrowers with personalized financial product offers from banks and other lenders.
  • Financing options are available if you have bad, fair, good, or excellent credit.
Best For:Comparing various lenders
CHECK RATES

SuperMoney is a great car title loan alternative in CA because it offers an exclusive marketplace for borrowers to compare loan offers. You can find the best rate and terms for your needs as long as you meet SuperMoney’s minimum eligibility criteria.

SuperMoney offers loan financing between $1,000 and $100,000 with APRs ranging from 0% to 36%. Best of all, you can get approved in as little as one business day. So if you’re looking for fast cash and the best rates available, SuperMoney is a great option for car title loan alternatives for good credit in California.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, have a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%, an annual income of not less than $24,000, have no bankruptcies reported in the last 12 months, and have three open credit lines.

However, SuperMoney charges origination fees that range between $100 and $500, late payment fees ranging between $5 and $50, and ongoing maintenance fees depending on the lender.

Overall, SuperMoney is a great option for car title loan alternatives in California because of its competitive APRs and fast approval times. It’s also a great place to compare lenders and different loan products.

Pros:

  • Competitive APRs of up to 36% and terms of up to 84 months.
  • Fast approval times.
  • Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $100,000.

Cons:

  • Late payment fees ranging from$5 to $50.
  • SuperMoney charges ongoing maintenance fees varying by each lender.
  • Origination fees range between $100 and $500.
  • The Impact of Covid-19:

SuperMoney offers various financial assistance programs to help borrowers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. These include deferment and forbearance options, access to free financial counseling services, and loan repayment assistance programs. If you need more specific help, contact SuperMoney directly.

Capital One

Loan Amount:From $4,000
APR:2.99% – 24.99%
Min. Credit Score:0
Approval:1 – 7 days
Terms:Up to 84 months
Fees:
  • Doesn’t charge loan origination fees.
  • A late payment fee of $41.
  • Doesn’t charge any prepayment fees.
  • Don’t charge ongoing maintenance fees.
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • An average monthly income of $1,500.
  • The vehicle should be less than 10 years old.
  • The vehicle should be less than 120,000 miles.
  • Fill out your information through Capital One’s online portal.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Capital One doesn’t disclose the average borrower profile information.
Best For:Borrowers buying through Capital One Auto-Navigator
CHECK RATES

Capital One financing is a great bad credit auto-title loan alternative in CA because of its competitive annual percentage rates (APRs) and low loan origination fees. New auto financing loans start at $4,000 when using the company’s auto-navigator, while used car financing starts at $7,500 up to $75,000. Capital One charges an APR of 2.99% – 24.99%, depending on your creditworthiness, with flexible terms of up to 84 months.

To qualify for Capital One financing, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have an average monthly income of $1,500. Additionally, the vehicle should be less than ten years old and have less than 120,000 miles. Applicants must also fill out their information through Capital One’s online portal to get approved.

Capital One doesn’t charge loan origination fees or ongoing maintenance fees for its car title loans in California but does charge a late payment fee of $41. Best of all, it doesn’t charge prepayment fees, so you can pay off your loan early without incurring additional costs.

Pros:

  • Has competitive APRs that range from 2.99% to 24.99%.
  • Capital One doesn’t charge loan origination fees
  • Flexible terms of up to 84 months.
  • No prepayment fees.

Cons:

  • Late payment fee of $41.

The Impact of Covid-19:

Capital One doesn’t have a specific hardship program to help customers affected by the pandemic. However, the lender urges customers affected to contact them directly to see if they can work something out.

Wells Fargo

Loan Amount:$3,000 – $100,000
APR:3.88% – 19.51%
Min. Credit Score:650
Approval:1 – 7 days
Terms:24 – 75 months
Fees:
  • Late payment fee against the daily interest charge after the grace period is over.
  • Doesn’t charge insufficient funds fees
  • There are no loan origination fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Proof of employment or recurring income.
  • Be a US citizen or a permanent resident.
  • Have a valid SSN.
  • Trade-in information where applicable.
  • Vehicle identification number, the make, and the model.
Average borrower profile:
  • Wells Fargo doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:Drivers who prefer an in-house experience
CHECK RATES

Wells Fargo is another outstanding auto-title loan alternative for good credit and one of the best banks for auto loans. The lender offers competitive rates on car title loans in California, with minimum loan amounts of $3,000 and maximum loan amounts of up to $100,000. Its APRs range from 3.88% – 19.51%, depending on your creditworthiness.

Wells Fargo offers flexible terms between 24 to 75 months and doesn’t charge any loan origination fees. Prepayment of your loan is also allowed without any additional charges. Still, the lender charges a late payment fee against the daily interest that accrues after the grace period.

To qualify for Wells Fargo financing, applicants must be 18 years old and have proof of employment or recurring income. Additionally, they must be US citizens or permanent residents, have a valid social security number, and provide trade-in information (if applicable).
Pros:

  • Low APRs ranging from 3.88% – 19.51%.
  • Flexible terms of up to 75 months.
  • No loan origination fees.
  • No prepayment fees.

Cons:

  • Late payment fee.

The Impact of Covid-19:

Wells Fargo assists customers affected by the pandemic through its Financial Resilience Program, which helps customers facing financial hardship by waiving late fees and offering loan extension options. If you need assistance directly, contact the lender at 1-800-869-3557 or send an encrypted email here.

Bank of America

Loan Amount:$7,500 – $100,000
APR:5.19% – 6.19%
Min. Credit Score:Not disclosed
Approval:1 – 7 days
Terms:60 months
Fees:
  • Late payment fee against the daily interest charge after the grace period is over.
  • Doesn’t charge insufficient funds fees
  • There are no loan origination fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Be able to contract legally in auto financing in CA.
  • A U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Bank of America doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:Bank of America’s reward members
CHECK RATES

Bank of America is yet another awesome car title loan alternative for bad and good credit in CA that is best for Bank of America’s reward members. The bank issues auto financing of up to $100,000 with competitive APRs of as low as 5.19% for a new car dealer, 5.29% for a used car dealer, and 5.99%to buy out your lease. Additionally, the bank’s refinance rate starts at 6.19%.

To qualify for Bank of America financing, applicants must be at least 18 years old, able to contract legally in auto financing in CA, and a U.S. citizen or a resident alien. The bank doesn’t charge any loan origination fees, and prepayment of your loan is also allowed without additional charges. However, the Bank of America issues an interest rate discount of up to 0.5% to preferred reward members.

Pros:

  • Low APRs ranging from 5.19% – 6.19%.
  • Flexible terms of up to 60 months.
  • No loan origination fees.
  • No prepayment fees.
  • Discount for preferred reward members (up to 0.5%).

Cons:

  • Late payment fee.

The Impact of Covid-19:

Bank of America offers assistance to customers affected by the pandemic through its Customer Assistance Program, which helps customers facing financial hardship by waiving late fees and offering loan extension options. If you need assistance directly, contact the lender at 844.892.6002.

Truist

Loan Amount:$5,000 – $100,000
APR:4.89% – 13.01%
Min. Credit Score:Not disclosed
Approval:Same day
Terms:Up to 84 months
Fees:
  • $5  Origination fee per $100 borrowed
  • Doesn’t charge insufficient funds fees
  • There are no late fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Be able to contract legally in auto financing in CA.
  • A U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Truist Bank doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:Solid credit score and good income
CHECK RATES

Truist, formerly Sun Trust bank, is a fantastic good or bad credit auto-title loan alternative in California, which offers loan amounts of up to $100,000 with APRs ranging from 4.89% – 13.01%. Best of all, the lender provides auto financing without charging a late fee or prepayment penalty and only charges a 6-origination fee per $100 borrowed.

To qualify for Truist financing, you must be at least 18 years old, able to contract legally in auto financing in CA, and a U.S. citizen or a resident alien.

Pros:

  • Low APRs ranging from 4.89%-13.01%.
  • Flexible terms of up to 84 months.
  • No loan origination fees.
  • No prepayment fees.

Cons:

  • $5 origination fee per $100 borrowed.

The Impact of Covid-19:

Truist Bank offers assistance to customers affected by the pandemic through its Customer Assistance Program, which helps customers facing financial hardship by waiving late fees and offering loan extension options. In addition, the bank donated $500,000 to Covid-19 response and support. If you need assistance directly, contact the lender at 844-487-8478.

LendingTree

Loan Amount:$1,000 – $100,000
APR:From 2.96%
Min. Credit Score:Not disclosed
Approval:Same day
Terms:Up to 96 months
Fees:
  • Does not charge origination fees.
  • Doesn’t charge insufficient funds fees
  • There are no late fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Employer information.
  • Vehicle identification number, model, make, and year.
  • Have a valid SSN.
  • A U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • LendingTree doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:Comparing different lenders
CHECK RATES

Like SuperMoney, LendingTree is another great bad credit lenders comparison site that makes one of California’s best car title loan alternatives. With over 300 lenders on the platform, you are best sure to find the best loan for you. Best of all, the lender provides auto financing without charging a late fee or prepayment penalty and only charges origination fees when applicable.

To qualify for LendingTree financing, you must be at least 18 years old and provide employer information, vehicle identification number, model, make, year, and your valid SSN and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency in California.

Pros:

  • A comprehensive range of lenders to compare from.
  • Low APRs ranging from 2.96%.
  • Wide range of loan amounts from $1,000-$100,000.
  • LendingTree has flexible terms of up to 96 months.
  • No loan origination fees.
  • No prepayment fees.

Cons:

  • Loan rates vary by each lender.

The impact of Covid-19:

LendingTree is committed to helping customers affected by the pandemic through its payment relief program, which allows customers facing financial hardship with loan term extensions and other forms of assistance. If you need help directly, contact your lender or LendingTree at 800-813-4620.

Consumers Credit Union

Loan Amount:$5,000 – $75,000
APR:4.94% – 21.24%
Min. Credit Score:Not disclosed
Approval:Same day
Terms:Up to 84 months
Fees:
  • Does not charge origination fees.
  • Doesn’t charge insufficient funds fees
  • A late payment fee of $29.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Employer information.
  • Vehicle identification number, model, make, and year.
  • Have a valid SSN.
  • A U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Consumers Credit Union doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:Borrowers with fair to excellent credit
CHECK RATES

Consumers Credit is an excellent alternative to car title loans for bad credit in California, offering used, new, and auto finance options to borrowers. With fair APRs of 4.94%-21.24% and loan amounts of up to $75,000, this is a great option for borrowers with fine to excellent credit.

The lender does not charge any origination fees or prepayment penalties and only charges a late payment fee of $29. To qualify for Consumers Credit Union financing, you must be at least 18 years old and provide employer information, vehicle identification number, model, make, year, and your valid SSN and proof of U.S. citizenship or residency in California.

Pros:

  • Fair APRs ranging from 4.94%-21.24%.
  • Wide range of loan amounts from $5,000-$75,000.
  • Consumers Credit Union has flexible terms of up to 84 months.
  • No loan origination fees.
  • No prepayment fees.
  • Low late payment fee of $29.

Cons:

  • Consumers Credit Union charges a late payment fee of $29.

The impact of Covid-19:

Consumers Credit Union doesn’t have any specific programs to help customers affected by Covid-19, but they provide flexible repayment options during this time. However, if you need assistance directly, contact Consumers Credit Union at 877-275-2228.

New Roads Auto Loans

Loan Amount:$6,000 – $38,000
APR:27.5% – 81.29%
Min. Credit Score:0
Approval:Instant
Terms:Up to 84 months
Fees:
  • Does not charge origination fees.
  • Doesn’t charge insufficient funds fees
  • A late payment fee of $50.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Recent pay stubs.
  • Proof of income.
  • Driver’s license.
  • Have a valid SSN.
  • A U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • New Roads Auto Loans doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:Preapprovals
CHECK RATES

New Roads Auto Loans is one of the best local lenders in California and one of the best bad credit auto-title loan alternatives in CA. The lender offers loans with APRs of 11.00%-26.00% and loan amounts of up to $38,000 that are ideal for borrowers who need preapprovals or have bad credit.

The lender does not charge any origination fees or prepayment penalties and only charges a late payment fee of $50. Even better, New Roads Auto Loans works with your dealership of choice and allows you to shop around for your car. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and provide the following:

  • Recent pay stubs.
  • Proof of income.
  • Driver’s license.
  • Valid SSN.
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship or residency in California.

You can apply online or visit their location at Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92612.

Pros:

  • Fair APRs ranging from 11.00%-26.00%.
  • Wide range of loan amounts from $6,000-$38,000.
  • New Roads offers flexible terms of up to 72 months.
  • No loan origination fees.
  • No prepayment fees.

Cons:

  • New Roads charges a late payment fee of $50.

The impact of Covid-19:

New Roads Auto Loans hasn’t put any specific programs in place to help customers affected by Covid-19, but they provide flexible repayment options. However, if you need assistance directly, contact New Roads Auto Loans at +1 800-924-0364.

Star One Credit Union

Loan Amount:Up to 100% car financing
APR:4.69% – 81.29%
Min. Credit Score:Not disclosed
Approval:Same day
Terms:Up to 84 months
Fees:
  • Does not charge origination fees.
  • Charges insufficient funds fees of between $15 and $45.
  • Doesn’t charge late fees.
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Recent pay stubs.
  • Proof of income.
  • Driver’s license.
  • Have a valid SSN.
  • A U.S. citizen or a resident alien.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Star One Credit Union doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:No-fee car title alternative loans
CHECK RATES

Star One Credit Union is an excellent alternative to car title loans in California that provides both new and used auto financing options for bad credit borrowers. With low APRs of 4.69%-81.29% and loan amounts of up to 100% financing, this is an excellent option for those looking for no-fee car title alternative loans.

The lender does not charge any origination fees, late fees, or prepayment penalties and only charges insufficient funds fees of between $15 and $45. To qualify for Star One Credit Union financing, you must be at least 18 years old and provide recent pay stubs, proof of income, and driver’s license, as well as your valid SSN and proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency in CA.

You can apply for a loan online or via their five branches in California.

Pros:

  • Low APRs starting at 4.69%.
  • Flexible loan amounts up to 100% financing.
  • Star One offers flexible terms of up to 84 months.
  • No origination fees or late fees.
  • No prepayment penalties.

Cons:

  • Charges an insufficient funds fee of between $15 and $45.

The impact of Covid-19:

Star One Credit Union doesn’t have specific programs to help customers affected by Covid-19. However, if you need assistance directly with your payment options, contact Star One Credit Union at (408) 543-5202.

Carvana

Loan Amount:Up to $100,000
APR:4.39% -27.90%
Min. Credit Score:
Approval:Same day
Terms:Up to 84 months
Fees:
  • Does not charge origination fees.
  • Charges insufficient funds fees of $35.
  • Charges late fees .of $15
  • There are no prepayment fees
Qualification Criteria:
  • Be 18 years old and above.
  • Make an average of $4,000 annually.
  • Have no active bankruptcies.
Average Borrower Profile:
  • Carvana doesn’t disclose information about the average borrower profile.
Best For:Really bad credit
CHECK RATES

Carvana is an excellent alternative to car title loans in California that offers both new and used auto financing options to borrowers of all credit. With low APRs of 4.39%-27.90%, they are an excellent option for those with terrible credit.

Best of all, they don’t charge origination fees, prepayment penalties, or late fees. There is an insufficient funds fee of $35, though. Additionally, they offer a 45-day pre-approval period, allowing you to apply and get approved for a loan before visiting the dealership. This is great if you need extra time to find the right car.

To qualify for a loan with Carvana, you must be 18 years old and make an average of $4,000 annually. It would help if you also had no active bankruptcies. You can apply for a loan online or via their locations in California.

Pros:

  • Low APRs starting at 4.39%.
  • Flexible loan amounts up to $100,000.
  • Carvana offers flexible terms of up to 84 months.
  • No origination fees or late fees.
  • 45-day pre-approval period.
  • No prepayment penalties.

Cons:

  • Charges an insufficient funds fee of $35.
  • Limited to Carvana’s inventory.

The impact of Covid-19:

Carvana doesn’t have any specific programs to help customers affected by Covid-19. If you face hardships meeting payments, you can contact Carvana at (844) 732-2556 or through their website to make payment arrangements.

How the Auto Title Loan Business Works in California

The minimum auto-title loan amount determined by California’s State law is $2,500 or higher. In addition, since your auto value defines the loan amount, bad credit does not disqualify you — even if your credit score is low, you may still qualify for a loan.

The minimum income requirement required to qualify for an auto title in CA is $1,2000. The more income you have, the higher loan you can qualify for. However, this is not a requirement — but it is necessary to prove your ability to repay the loan.

Since your vehicle is the collateral, once you are on an amount, the lender places your automobile’s title on liens. If you cannot repay the loan, your vehicle can be repossessed.

Interest rates charged on an auto-title loan are higher than a traditional one because of the higher risk of default, ranging from 25% to 36%.

To apply for a car title loan in CA, borrowers need to present proof of residence, proof of income, photos of their automobile, and provide the car’s title.

If you cannot repay your auto-title loan on time, the lender can repossess your vehicle. California state law requires lenders to provide written notice at least 15 days before taking such action.

Auto Title Loans vs Secured Personal Loans

An auto title loan involves borrowing money using your car as collateral. The interest rates are higher than regular loans because they are riskier. You have to have a minimum income of $1,200 to qualify. The lender can repo your car if you can’t repay the loan.

A secured personal loan is when you borrow money and use something you own as collateral. The interest rates are lower than for an auto title loan, and you don’t need a minimum income to qualify. If you can’t repay the loan, the lender can take the thing you used as collateral.

Auto Title Loan vs Payday Loan

Auto title loans involve borrowing money and using your car as collateral. The interest rates are higher than regular loans because they are riskier. The lender can repo your car if you can’t repay the loan.

A payday loan is when you borrow and pay it back with your next paycheck. The interest rates are higher than for an auto title loan, but you don’t need a minimum income to qualify. The lender can take the borrowed money if you can’t repay the loan.

Payday loans are costly, so it is essential to consider the alternatives before taking out a loan.

Auto Title Loans vs Auto Loans

Most people don’t differentiate between an auto-title loan and an auto loan.

An auto loan is a loan you take to purchase an automobile, while an auto-title loan is a high-interest, short-term loan that uses your automobile as security.

In addition, funds from an auto loan are used to specifically purchase a motor vehicle, while funds from an auto-title loan can be used for any purpose.

Finally, auto loans have lower interest rates than auto-title loans because they are secured by the car you purchase, while the equity in your vehicle secures an auto-title loan.

Auto Title Loans Laws in California

Auto-title loans are legal in the state of California. However, interest rates on consumer loans should not exceed 30% annually for loans under $2,500, but there’s no limit for loans over $2,500.

California’s State law permits lenders to charge up to 5$ of administration or processing fees, or $50, whichever is less, for auto-title loans or below $2,500. The amount for loans between $2,500 and $4,999 is $75. There is no cap for an auto title loan of over $5,000.

If an auto-title loan lender offer loans below $10,000, it’s permitted to do other types of business on its premises, such as check cashing, money transfer services, and debt consolidation loans.

Auto-title loan lenders must also provide borrowers with written notice of at least 15 days before they can repossess the borrower’s vehicle.

The maximum APR for a car title loan in CA is 300%.

What are my Rights in California?

As a borrower, you have several rights to auto-title loans in California.

Firstly, you’re entitled to a written agreement that contains the terms of the loan and its repayment schedule. The lender must also clearly disclose all fees associated with the loan.

Before taking out an auto title loan, understand the total cost, including the interest rate and any additional fees.

Also, if a lender seeks to repossess your vehicle, they must provide written notice at least 15 days before taking such action.

How Getting Auto Title Loan will Affect My Credit Score

An auto-title loan doesn’t impact your credit since most lenders don’t run a credit check. However, if you fail to repay your loan, the lender can repossess your car and may report the delinquency to the credit bureaus, which will negatively impact your credit score.

What are the Car Requirements If You Decide to Get an Auto Title Loan or Secured Your Car with Another Loan?

The requirements for an auto-title loan vary from lender to lender. Generally, lenders require that the vehicle’s year, make, and model must be less than eight years old and have a value of at least $4,000.

Additionally, the vehicle must have fewer than 120,000 miles on it and be free of liens or encumbrances. Lastly, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance and registration for the car you use as security.

How to Find The Best Auto Title Loan Alternative in California?

To find the best car title loan in CA, you must compare unsecured personal loans, secured personal loans, buy now pay later services, auto loans, loan apps, and credit unions.

Unsecured personal loans are often the best option for car title loan alternatives as they don’t require collateral and have lower interest rates than auto-title loans. The only downside of unsecured personal loans is that they usually need a good credit score for approval.

Secured personal loans are a good option if you have bad credit and can’t qualify for an unsecured loan. They require collateral to secure the loan. However, they usually come with higher interest rates than unsecured loans.

Buy now, pay later services to offer an option for people who need quick cash without taking out a loan. You can make purchases and pay for them over time with no interest or fees. The only disadvantage is that you can’t purchase large items with these services.

Loan apps are another option for car title loan alternatives as they provide quick and easy access to cash. The downside is that these apps offer a limited loan amount, unlike other options on the list.

Lastly, many credit unions offer auto-title loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. They may also provide other services, such as debt consolidation and financial counseling. However, many credit unions require you to be a member to access their services.

Finding the best auto title loan alternative for your needs in California is worth researching. Make sure to consider each option’s interest rate, fees, repayment terms, and other features before deciding which one is right for you.

How to Apply for a Loan in California?

Applying for a loan in California is straightforward. Most lenders allow you to use online or by phone; the process typically takes less than 30 minutes. Ensure your financial information is ready, including income, credit score, employment history, and other necessary documents. You can also use online tools such as a loan calculator to compare options.

It’s important to note that lenders may require you to submit additional documents and paperwork before your loan is approved. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of the loan carefully before signing any contract or agreement.

Learn about Car loans in California 2024.

The average loan rate for pre-owned cars in CA is 8.62%, while the loan rate for new automobiles is 4.33%.

The average car loan monthly payment for used cars in CA is $515, and $667 for new automobiles.

The average credit score required to qualify for a car loan in CA is 600. However, you may qualify for a loan with a lower credit score if you can show that you can make timely payments on other loans or debt.

The average term length of a car loan in CA is 72 months (6 years).

Pros and Cons of Auto Loans in California?

Pros:

  • Low-interest rates
  • Flexible repayment options
  • Ability to get a loan with bad credit

Cons:

  • Long-term lengths can be challenging to pay off quickly
  • High fees charged by some lenders
  • Loan amounts are often limited

Laws about Car Loans in California

You should provide a down payment of 20% of the total loan amount before you can be approved for a car loan in CA.

You should also check with your lender to determine their policies regarding late payments, delinquency, and default.

You should sign a 4-year contract when applying for a car loan in CA.

California law also requires lenders to inform you of any fees associated with the loan before signing the contract.

Finally, you should not spend more than 10% of your monthly income on car loan payments.

How to Find the Best Car Loan in California?

To find the best car loan in CA, compare the loan terms, interest rates, fees and other features of different lenders.

Look for lenders who offer low rates, flexible repayment options, and no hidden fees.

You should also check your credit score before applying for a loan to make sure you qualify for the best rate possible.

Finally, read all the terms and conditions associated with the loan carefully before signing any agreements.

How to Qualify for the Best Car Loan in California?

To qualify for the best car loan in CA, you should have a good credit score and be able to provide proof of income, residence, and identification number. You should also make sure you can afford the monthly payments associated with the loan before signing a contract. Knowing your budget and shopping around for different lenders offering competitive rates and terms is essential.

How to Refinance an Auto Loan in California?

If you’re looking to refinance your auto loan in California, there are a few things you need to know. First, you should check with your lender to determine their policies regarding refinancing.

Many lenders require you to have a good credit score and be current on your payments before qualifying for a refinanced loan.

It would help if you also were prepared to provide documentation such as proof of income, residence, and identification number.

Finally, ensure you understand the terms of the refinanced loan before signing any agreements.

How Do We find these Lenders?

To find the best car title loan alternatives in California, we looked at various factors, including the company’s legitimacy, APRs, terms, and loan amounts.

We then cross-referenced this information with consumer reviews and other online sources to find the most reputable lenders in the state.

We also looked at the laws governing car title loans in CA so that we can make sure you are aware of your rights as a borrower when entering into these types of agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Auto Title Loans with Guaranteed Approval in NY?

No. Auto title loans in New York are not guaranteed approval. To qualify for a loan, it would help if you met the lender’s criteria, such as credit score and income level.

Is There Auto Title Loans with No Income Verification in NY?

No. Auto title loans in New York must require income verification, as it is illegal to lend money without proof of ability to repay the loan.

Is There No Credit Check Auto Loans in NY?

No. All lenders in New York must check a borrower’s credit history before approving or denying them for a loan. This ensures the borrower can repay the loan and protect against potential fraud.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with Low Credit Score?

Yes. Some lenders may be willing to provide auto loans to borrowers with low credit scores. Shopping around and comparing rates from different lenders before signing a loan agreement is essential.

Conclusion

Car title loan alternatives and laws in California can often be confusing and difficult to understand. That’s why we provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision when choosing a lender and to apply for a loan.

We also reviewed some of the best auto-title loan alternatives in CA and the laws governing car title loans and answered some of the most commonly asked questions about auto-title loans.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the best car title loan alternative for you. Best of luck!

MEET THE AUTHOR

ElitePersonalFinance

Recommended Articles

AS SEEN ON