Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Loans in Canada.

Auto Approvals by Northland Kia is the most-trusted and recommended way for Canadians to purchase a new or used vehicle with financing using local fulfillment partners. But, understanding how car loans work and the details behind the paperwork can be confusing.


Scroll down and find the answers to the questions you're eager to ask us. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, contact us and we'll be happy to help.

  • How much can I borrow for a car loan?

    The amount you can borrow for a car loan in Canada depends on several factors, including your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and the lender's policies. On average, you can borrow up to 80% of the car's value, with loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. However, some lenders may offer higher loan amounts for those with good credit. It's recommended you get pre-approved for a car loan to get an idea of how much you can borrow.

  • Can I pay the loan off early?

    Yes, you can pay off a car loan early in Canada. This is known as "prepayment" and can be done at any time without penalty in most cases. Prepaying your car loan can save you money on interest charges and reduce the overall cost of the loan. However, it's important to check the terms and conditions of your loan agreement to see if there are any early repayment fees or penalties. If there are no fees, prepaying your car loan can be a smart financial decision.

  • Can you get a car loan if you're self-employed?

    Yes, self-employed individuals can get a car loan in Canada. However, the requirements and process may be different compared to those who are employed by a company. Self-employed individuals may need to provide additional documentation, such as their tax returns, to prove their income and financial stability. Some lenders may also require a larger down payment or may charge a higher interest rate due to the higher perceived risk. It's recommended to compare car loan options from multiple lenders and to get pre-approved to find the best car loan for your situation.

  • How are auto finance decisions made in Canada?

    Auto finance decisions in Canada are made based on several factors, including the borrower's credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and the lender's policies.


    The lender will use the credit score and financial information provided by the borrower to determine their creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan. This information is obtained from credit bureaus, such as Equifax or TransUnion. A higher credit score and stable income typically indicate a lower risk for the lender and can result in more favorable loan terms, such as a lower interest rate.


    The lender will also consider the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the amount of the loan compared to the value of the car. Lenders typically set a maximum LTV ratio, which may vary depending on the lender and the type of loan.


    The lender's policies and underwriting guidelines will also play a role in the decision-making process. Some lenders may have stricter requirements for borrowers with a low credit score or may offer more flexible options for those with a high credit score.


    Overall, auto finance decisions in Canada are based on a combination of the borrower's creditworthiness and the lender's policies and underwriting guidelines.

  • Can I get approved for a car loan with bad credit?

    Yes, you can get a car loan with bad credit in Canada, although the terms and conditions may not be as favourable as for someone with good credit. Lenders view borrowers with bad credit as higher risk and may require a larger down payment, charge a higher interest rate, or impose stricter loan terms.


    If you have bad credit, it's recommended to compare car loan options from multiple lenders, get pre-approved, and work to improve your credit score before applying for a car loan. You may also consider working with a co-signer or putting down a larger down payment to improve your chances of being approved for a loan.

  • What is the interest rate on car loans in Canada?

    The interest rate on car loans in Canada varies and depends on several factors, including the borrower's credit score, loan amount, loan term, and the lender's policies.


    On average, the interest rate for a car loan in Canada ranges from 2% to 12%. Borrowers with good credit may be eligible for a lower interest rate, while those with bad credit may face a higher interest rate.


    It's important to compare car loan options from multiple lenders to find the best interest rate for your situation. Keep in mind that a lower interest rate may result in lower monthly payments, but a higher interest rate may mean paying more in interest charges over the life of the loan.


    It's also important to consider the total cost of the loan, not just the interest rate. Other factors, such as loan fees, loan term, and the loan amount, can also affect the overall cost of the loan.

  • What is APR?

    The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a standardized way of expressing the cost of credit as a yearly rate. It is the interest rate plus any additional fees and charges, such as loan origination fees, expressed as an annual rate.


    The APR on a car loan in Canada takes into account the interest rate, loan fees, and any other charges associated with the loan, and expresses it as an annual percentage. This allows borrowers to easily compare the cost of loans from different lenders and make informed decisions about which loan to choose.


    It's important to note that the APR is not the same as the interest rate and may be higher than the interest rate. This is because it takes into account the total cost of the loan, including fees and charges, not just the interest rate.


    When comparing car loan options, it's important to consider both the interest rate and the APR to get an accurate picture of the total cost of the loan.

  • How do I know what I can afford?

    The amount you can afford for a car loan depends on several factors, including your income, debts, and expenses. To determine how much you can afford, you can use the following formula:


    Car loan affordability = (Monthly net income - monthly debt payments) x loan affordability ratio


    The loan affordability ratio is a percentage that takes into account your other expenses and savings goals. A common rule of thumb is to keep your car loan payments to no more than 20% of your monthly net income.


    It's also important to consider your overall debt-to-income ratio, which is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Lenders typically prefer borrowers with a debt-to-income ratio of less than 40%.


    It's recommended to create a budget to get a clear picture of your income, debts, and expenses and to compare car loan options from multiple lenders to find the best loan for your situation. Keep in mind that a longer loan term may result in lower monthly payments but a higher overall cost of the loan.

  • Can I cancel a car loan?

    Yes, you can cancel a car loan in Canada, but there may be consequences and costs associated with doing so.


    If you cancel a car loan early, you may be subject to early repayment fees or penalties. These fees can be substantial and can vary depending on the lender and the terms of the loan.


    In addition, if you have used the car as collateral for the loan, the lender may have the right to seize the vehicle if you fail to repay the loan as agreed.


    If you're considering cancelling a car loan, it's important to review the terms of the loan agreement and speak with your lender to understand the potential consequences and costs. You may also want to consider alternative options, such as refinancing the loan or negotiating a new payment plan with the lender, before making a final decision.

  • What is the best bank for a car loan?

    There is no single "best" bank for a car loan in Canada, as the best option depends on your individual financial situation and needs. Some of the top banks for car loans in Canada include:


    TD Bank

    RBC Royal Bank

    Scotiabank

    BMO Bank of Montreal

    CIBC

    When choosing a bank for a car loan, it's important to compare loan options from multiple lenders to find the best interest rate, loan terms, and overall cost for your situation. You should also consider the convenience of the bank's branch and online banking services, as well as any additional benefits and services offered, such as loan protection plans and flexible repayment options.


    It's also important to consider your credit score and overall financial situation, as this can impact the interest rate and loan terms you are offered. A good credit score and a strong financial situation may make you eligible for a better loan offer, while a lower credit score may result in higher interest rates or stricter loan terms.


    It's recommended to get pre-approved for a car loan and to compare loan options from multiple lenders before making a final decision.

  • Can I refinance a car loan?

    Yes, you can refinance a car loan in Canada. Refinancing a car loan means taking out a new loan to pay off the existing loan, and can be a good option if you're looking to lower your monthly payments, change the loan terms, or lower the overall cost of the loan.


    To refinance a car loan, you'll need to apply for a new loan from a different lender and provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. The new lender will pay off the existing loan and provide you with a new loan for the remaining balance.


    When refinancing a car loan, it's important to consider the potential consequences and costs, such as early repayment fees or penalties. You should also compare loan options from multiple lenders and consider the interest rate, loan terms, and overall cost of the new loan.


    It's recommended to speak with a financial advisor or loan specialist before refinancing a car loan, to understand the potential benefits and risks and to make an informed decision that best fits your financial situation.

  • How can I find out more about my credit history?

    You can find out more about your credit history in Canada by obtaining a copy of your credit report. There are two major credit reporting agencies in Canada: Equifax and TransUnion. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report once a year by visiting their websites or by mail.


    In addition to obtaining a credit report, you can also monitor your credit score. Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness and is based on the information in your credit report. Your credit score can range from 300 to 900, with a higher score indicating a better credit history.


    To maintain a good credit history, it's important to pay bills on time, keep balances low on credit cards, and avoid applying for too much credit too quickly.


    It's recommended to regularly review your credit report and credit score to ensure accuracy and to identify and address any potential errors or fraudulent activity.

  • What does your credit score mean?

    Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, based on information in your credit report. It provides lenders with a quick and easy way to assess the risk of lending you money.


    In Canada, credit scores typically range from 300 to 900, with higher scores indicating better creditworthiness. A high credit score can help you obtain better interest rates and loan terms, while a lower score may result in higher interest rates or difficulty obtaining credit.


    Your credit score is calculated based on factors such as your payment history, outstanding debt, length of credit history, and types of credit used. Late or missed payments, high levels of debt, and a history of applying for too much credit too quickly can all negatively impact your credit score.


    It's important to regularly check your credit score and credit report to ensure accuracy and to identify and address any potential errors or fraudulent activity. Maintaining a good credit score requires paying bills on time, keeping balances low on credit cards, and avoiding applying for too much credit too quickly.

  • Can I get my first car loan with no credit?

    Yes, you can get a car loan if you've never had one before. However, having no credit history or a limited credit history may make it more challenging to obtain a car loan and may result in higher interest rates or stricter loan terms.


    Lenders often consider your credit score and credit history when deciding whether to approve your loan application and determine the loan terms and interest rate. If you have no credit history, lenders may view you as a higher risk and may require a co-signer, a larger down payment, or may offer a higher interest rate.


    To build a credit history and improve your chances of obtaining a car loan, you can start by applying for a secured credit card, making regular payments on time, and keeping balances low on your credit cards. You can also consider getting a co-signer with a strong credit history to increase your chances of obtaining a loan.


    It's recommended to compare loan options from multiple lenders and to get pre-approved for a car loan to understand your loan options and to make an informed decision that best fits your financial situation.

About Auto Approvals

Car-buying starts online in Alberta with Auto Approvals. Get approved to purchase a used vehicle without ever leaving home.


*Disclaimer: Payment terms and interest rates can vary. The lowest being 0% interest and up to 29.99% interest. We abide by all privacy laws and you are under no obligation to use our site. By using our site you understand all terms and conditions, and that payment, interest rates, and lease/finance terms will be determined at a later date when formal paperwork is signed. *Free Door-to-Door Delivery is not guaranteed. A partner may not be able to offer this option due to staffing, lack of delivery tools, and other variables that are not in our control. Some partners will not deliver outside a specific radius of their location. Please see the dealer for details.

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