Bank of America Auto Loan Review
Bank of America auto loans at a glance
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New auto loans | Used auto loans | Refinance auto loans | |
---|---|---|---|
Starting annual percentage rate (APR) | 5.79% | 5.99% | 6.99% |
Loan terms | 48 – 72 months | 48 – 72 months | 48 – 72 months |
Loan amounts | Starting at $7,500 ($8,000 in Minnesota) | Starting at $7,500 ($8,000 in Minnesota) | Starting at $7,500 ($8,000 in Minnesota) |
When it comes to financing your next set of wheels, Bank of America (BofA) delivers car loans in a user-friendly package. If you’re already banking big with BofA, you could be prequalified for an auto loan with competitive rates before setting foot in a dealership. Here’s what stands out about Bank of America auto loans:
- Diverse loan options: Finance a new or used car, accessible vehicle or even a hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) and its charger. BofA covers all the bases as long as you use a franchise or approved independent dealer. You can also buy out an auto lease or refinance an auto loan you already have.
- Dealership partnerships: Shop at authorized dealerships, browse vehicles online and prequalify before heading out for a test drive.
- Streamlined application process: Apply online to get a decision in about a minute, you can also apply over the phone or in person. Prequalification is also available to help you gauge your buying power.
- Best for high-balance customers and rate-conscious buyers: If you’re already banking with Bank of America and keep significant savings there, this loan is a solid choice for competitive rates with discounts. Customers who keep at least $20,000 in their BofA accounts can get a rate discount of 0.25%; a minimum balance of $50,000 gets a 0.35% off and at least $100,000 will get 0.5% off.
Bank of America auto loan requirements
While Bank of America’s loan terms are pretty straightforward, there are some key requirements before you hit the gas on your application. To get the green light, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Residency: Reside in any of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia.
- Citizenship: Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or nonpermanent resident.
- Credit score: While no exact minimum is listed, generally the best credit score to buy a car is 661 or higher.
To get approved for a Bank of America auto loan, you must use CarMax®, Enterprise Car Sales, Carvana or an eligible dealer. Not every vehicle qualifies for financing, so here are the terms you need to know:
Vehicle type: No conversion or delivery vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles (450-series trucks or larger), boats, airplanes or motorcycles. RVs are financed, but only through partner dealerships. (For more options, browse our roundups of the best boat loans, motorcycle loans and RV loans.)
Mileage: The car must have fewer than 125,000 miles.
Age: Vehicles must be 10 years old or newer.
Value: Car must be worth at least $6,000.
Car title: No salvaged, branded titles, gray market or lemon law vehicles allowed.
Usage: Strictly for personal use — no business vehicles or commercial trucks.
Bank of America pros and cons
Bank of America auto loans offer attractive perks for buyers in the market for a newer model. However, they’re not ideal for everyone — especially if you’re on a limited income or hoping to shop around with private sellers.
Pros
- Prequalify with no impact to your credit score
- Loans available in all 50 states
- Interest rate discounts available for BofA customers with high balances
- 30-day rate lock guarantee
- Financing available for lease buyouts, refinances and accessible vehicles
- Financing for hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as chargers
Cons
- No financing for older models, high mileage or lower value vehicles
- No financing for purchases from a private seller
- Restricted to vehicles for personal use only
- Discounts limited to BofA customers with high balances who are registered in Preferred Rewards program
With nationwide availability and some of the lowest advertised interest rates among big-name banks, Bank of America is a top choice for mainstream buyers. This is especially the case if you have the budget for a new car or a newer used model from a dealership.
However, if you’re on a limited income, Bank of America might not be your best option. Since BofA only finances vehicles bought from approved dealerships, many budget-conscious buyers are left out of the picture.
Bank of America company overview
Bank of America is a heavyweight in the financial world, ranking as the second-largest bank in the U.S. with 69 million consumer and small business clients. BofA provides a range of banking services designed for individuals, small businesses and large corporations alike.
In the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Consumer Financing Satisfaction Study, Bank of America ranked slightly below average in overall customer satisfaction among premium auto lenders, but above average among mass market auto lenders.
Bank of America auto loan types offered
Bank of America has diverse loan options, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of buyers. Here’s what you can finance:
- New vehicles
- Used vehicles
- Disability-adapted vehicles
- Electric vehicles (EVs) and chargers
- Loan refinances
- Lease buyouts
If you’re considering a lease buyout, Bank of America has options starting at 6.99% APR. However, there’s a key requirement: the lease must already be in your name to qualify. If someone else is leasing the vehicle, Bank of America won’t finance the buyout, so keep that in mind before making your move.
How to get an auto loan with Bank of America
Applying for a Bank of America auto loan is straightforward. The easiest route? Do it online — it takes just a few minutes, and you’ll get a decision in 60 seconds, according to BofA. Not a fan of online forms? You can also apply over the phone or in person at your local Bank of America branch.
Bank of America offers prequalification, so you can explore your approval odds and loan options without diving into a full application and potentially impacting your credit score.
Here’s what you may need to provide when applying:
Personal information:
- Full name
- Email and mailing address
- Citizenship status
- Social Security number
- Employment details
Documents (depending on your situation):
- Proof of sale, such as a purchase agreement or bill of sale
- Car details: VIN, make, model, year, mileage, registration, title or lease contract
- Proof of income: W-2s, pay stubs or tax returns
If approved, you’ll receive an approval letter which you can bring with you to the authorized dealership of your choice.
Bank of America will also finance cars purchased from the rental company Enterprise or online car-buying sites Carvana and CarMax.
Once you’ve found the perfect car and negotiated the price, hand over your approval letter to the dealership’s finance team — they’ll handle the rest and get you on the road.
Is a Bank of America auto loan right for you?
If you’re already a BofA customer, the odds are in your favor — especially if you’re buying a new or used car from an eligible dealership.
For customers who already hold substantial savings at Bank of America, it’s worth considering the rate discounts stacked on already-competitive rates. That said, it’s smart to shop around before committing. A LendingTree study found that car buyers who shopped around and chose their lowest APR offer saved an average of $5,198.
How Bank of America auto loans compare
Here’s how Bank of America stacks up against other major banks for financing on a new car:
Bank of America | Capital One | Chase Bank | |
---|---|---|---|
Starting APR | 5.79% | 5.59% | Not specified |
Loan terms | 48 – 72 months | 24 – 84 months | 12 – 84 months |
Loan amounts | Starting at $7,500 | Starting at $4,000 | Starting at $4,000 |
Minimum credit score | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Capital One and Chase both let you borrow less for a car, but are not as upfront with all the details around their financing. Having to get a quote for comparison purposes could be more time-consuming and even impact your credit score if a hard credit pull is required.
Frequently asked questions
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- Bank of America auto loans at a glance
- Bank of America auto loan requirements
- Bank of America pros and cons
- Bank of America company overview
- Bank of America auto loan types offered
- How to get an auto loan with Bank of America
- Is a Bank of America auto loan right for you?
- How Bank of America auto loans compare
- Frequently asked questions