How to Get Approved for a Zero Down Payment Car Loan

Do you need a down payment for a car?

Zero down payment car loans, or no money down loans, do exist and are available for customers with good and bad credit. For many drivers, needing to buy or upgrade a car comes when they're short on cash. That’s when you’ll start to browse zero down options in your area. It may cost more in the long run, but zero down car loans can be helpful when it comes to getting the vehicle you need today.

If you're thinking about this type of financing, you're in luck because we’ve got some great advice to help you learn more and get approved.

Why do lenders want down payments?

Lenders want to protect themselves if you are unable to pay them back. They don’t want you to owe them more on the car than what it’s worth in case the car gets turned back. A down payment covers the gap between the sale price of the vehicle and its value once it leaves the dealership.

Most often, lenders look for an up-front payment or deposit of between 10% and 20% of the value of the car. If you don’t have that amount of money, you can also trade-in a vehicle you already own.

If those options aren’t available to you, you can find lenders and car dealers who offer no money down car loans. This type of loan lets you drive the car off the lot with little to no payment upfront. However, since they are borrowing a higher sum of money, applicants for these types of loans may face a higher interest rate—especially if they have poor credit.

How can I get approved for a zero down car loan?

A zero down car loan means that the lender is taking on higher financial risk than usual, so a higher rate of interest may apply. A lender will assess the level of risk and base the rate of interest on the answers they can get to these three questions:

• Can you be trusted to make your monthly payments on time?
• Can you afford to pay the loan back?
• Are you getting good value for the car?

How do I qualify for a zero down payment loan?

When you apply for finance, a financial lender will want to know how well you’ve paid off loans in the past. In other words, they'll want to check your credit history. Since no money down car loan lenders are taking on higher risk, they will look for the best possible credit scores, so make sure that your credit history is accurate and that your credit score is as strong as possible before authorizing a credit check.

Check your credit score for free! 

These days, checking your credit report is fast, free, and easy! You can download it without even leaving your couch by visiting a site like Borrowell. Checking your credit with Borrowell won't hurt your credit in any way.

One of many ways to improve your credit score is to widen the gap between your credit card balance and credit limit by either paying off your balance or judiciously increasing your line of credit.

Independent lenders won't approve anything until they are confident that you can consistently make your new monthly payment. 

If you’re unable to secure a zero down option for your first car choice, try selecting a vehicle at a lower price. Remember, new cars lose a lot of value (known as depreciation), the moment they leave the lot, while used cars have less depreciation after their sale, so that can improve your chance of obtaining a zero down loan, as there is less of a gap between the value of the car and the loan amount.

Can I afford a zero down car loan?

The affordability issue is the most crucial consideration of your new car purchase. Most of us decide what we can afford by calculating whether it fits into our monthly budget or not, yet affordability is much more than your monthly payments.

Affordability is the overall cost to you, relative to the value of the vehicle you’ve chosen. Therefore, you’re more likely to get approved with for a loan with no down payment if your vehicle of choice is selling for a fair price and holds its value well over time.

Many car dealers will ask about how much you'll be able to pay per month. If you can only manage smaller monthly payments, they might suggest applying for a car loan with a longer term to fit your budget. You'll have more time to pay off the loan, and instalment amounts will be lower, but you'll generally be paying higher interest for longer.

A knowledgeable lender considers your monthly budget but also analyzes whether the car deal is good value. For instance, you shouldn’t end up owing $25,000 for a car that’s only worth $15,000.

A car deal that makes good financial sense is important to the lender, as that protects them from risk if you can't pay back the loan. And a good value deal protects you too if you ever need to sell your car and pay off your loan. You'll enjoy decent resale value if the vehicle is actually worth close to what you paid for it in the first place.

Can I get a zero down car loan if I have bad credit?

Zero down payment car loans are available to customers with bad credit too. Some lenders appreciate that life has financial twists and turns, and they want to build strong relationships with their clients and help them get the best deal for their new car.

When you’re looking at a car in a dealership, be aware that although car dealers often have affiliated lenders ready to offer you finance options, including zero down payment options, some dealerships can't work with buyers that have bad credit.

Fortunately, Canada Drives can connect you with a multitude of lending partners to get you approved regardless of your credit situation.

How to save on a zero down car loan

A car loan with no money down provides you with a car now and payments later. To save money, try to get your term paid off as soon as you can. If you do get approved for a no money down loan, try to commit to the shortest term you can manage.

Long-term loans may be tempting, but in the long run, they’ll usually cost you more. It’s a good idea to add a few dollars on top of your monthly payments as often as you can. Getting your loan paid off quickly means you can sooner wave goodbye to interest payments.

Explore zero down options today

If you are considering a zero down car loan Canada Drives can help! Get pre-approved online in minutes and get connected with a local dealership in your area who will show you vehicle options you qualify for.