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Credit Acceptance Review

Credit Acceptance
Credit Acceptance
Jacob Parker
Apr. 30, 2024
3 min read
Jacob Parker
Credit Acceptance Summary
Founded in 1972, Credit Acceptance is an auto financing company with a network of over 15,000 dealerships to help consumers with poor credit purchase vehicles. After you pre-qualify for financing through the company’s website, Credit Acceptance will match you with up to three dealerships in its network to purchase a vehicle. The company finances auto financing indirectly, meaning you will apply for and secure your financing through a dealership.

Pros

  • Network of dealers in all 50 states
  • Those with no or poor credit can qualify for auto financing
  • Quick online prequalification process

Cons

  • No email or live chat support

Credit Acceptance at a glance

8
Editorial score

Online experience

Good online resources, but no access to rates
8.0

Customer services and support

Multiple ways of reaching lender, wide range of hours
8.0

Loan Types

New & used financing only
6.0

Repayment Flexibility

Offers multiple repayment plans
8.0

Eligibility (credit score)

Accepts all credit types
10.0

Suitable For?

Credit Acceptance is a great option if you have bad credit or no credit history, as it will help you to secure financing for a car. And because it works with auto dealers in all 50 states, it’s suitable for customers nationwide.

You can also set up auto payments through the Credit Acceptance website, making it attractive for those looking for a hassle-free way to manage their vehicle financing.

Features

Credit Acceptance offers a quick online prequalification process that matches consumers to suitable dealerships in just a few minutes. There is also a handy auto financing calculator to help you determine your budget and price range.

The company also reports to three national credit reporting agencies, allowing you the opportunity to establish or improve your credit score with consistent on-time payments, and potentially qualify for more traditional auto financing in the future.

Some highlights include:

∙ Financing available for customers with poor or no credit history

∙ Network of dealerships in all 50 states

∙ Can match you with up to three local dealerships during the prequalification process

∙ A streamlined prequalification process

∙ Extensive educational resources

Prequalification Process

Credit Acceptance offers a secure online prequalification process. The first step is to click on the “get pre-qualified” button on the company website. From there, you’ll need to enter some basic information, including your name, phone number, email address, date of birth, income, and employment information. 

You can receive auto financing with Credit Acceptance regardless of your credit score provided you’re at least 18 years of age. Documentation requirements can range from none to proof of income, bank account and residence depending on your individual qualifications.

∙ Requirements for auto financing may include:

∙ Be at least 18 years of age

∙ Proof of residence or citizenship

∙ Pay stubs, bank account info, or other proof of income

Once you fill out the application, you may get pre-qualified and matched with up to three dealers in the Credit Acceptance network (although you are not limited to these three). Then, you’ll complete the financing process with whichever dealership in their network you choose. Once a customer, you can manage your payments via the Credit Acceptance website, through their mobile app (available on Android and iPhone) or through one of several other payment options they provide.

Financing Types and Terms

Credit Acceptance is an indirect lender that works with a network of dealerships nationwide, meaning APRs, financing amounts, and financing terms can vary between dealers.

However, it has some standard terms for all of its financing. These terms include:

∙ APRs beginning at 6.99%

∙ Used car financing terms up to 72 months

∙ New car financing up to 84 months

∙ Financing amounts up to $70,000

∙ No minimum credit score required

Repayment Options

You’ll have up to 72 months for a used car to repay your financing with Credit Acceptance. The company offers several no-fee payment methods. These include:

Optional online auto payments or auto payments set up over the phone using a debit card,  savings account, or checking account

Check or mail order via US Post office

Check or money order payment left in a drop box at Credit Acceptance headquarters

You can also make one-time payments via the website or over the phone. However, one-time payments may incur a fee, which will vary depending on the way you pay.

Help & Support

You can reach Credit Acceptance representatives via phone at 1-800-634-1506 to make a payment or ask questions. Representatives are available Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET and Sat-Sun, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

The website also offers an extensive FAQ page where you can type in a query to find related questions and answers. The company puts a lot of effort into financial education, offering free video tutorials, car-buying resources, and financing calculators.

Additionally, you can set up text alerts with Credit Acceptance to receive payment reminders. However, it doesn’t offer email or live chat support.

How Credit Acceptance Compares

 

Credit Acceptance

Auto Credit Express

My Auto Loan

Minimum credit score

No minimum credit score

400

575

Financing amounts

Up to $70,000

$5,000-$45,000

$8,000-$100,000

Financing term

12-84 months

36-72 months

24-72 months

Best for

Those with any credit type, from no/poor credit up to excellent credit

Those looking for same-day funds

Those with good credit looking for lower APRs

Summary

Credit Acceptance is an excellent solution for those with poor credit seeking auto financing for a new or used vehicle. You can get approved for financing in as few as 48 hours, and due to the company’s wide network of partners, you’ll receive several dealership options for purchasing your vehicle.

Credit Acceptance offers auto-pay set-up and text reminders so you never have to worry about missing a payment.

Physical Address

25505 W 12 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48034

Methodology

This review was compiled using information from the Credit Acceptance website, as well as information from review sites, including Better Business Bureau, TrustPilot and ConsumerAffairs.

Jacob Parker
Written by
Jacob Parker
Jacob Parker is a financial and technology writer. With a background in climate science, he's deeply interested in the intersection of fintech and sustainability and has a passion for impact investing and ESG research. He writes for BestMoney and enjoys helping readers make sense of the options on the market.‎
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