The full-spectrum lending is designed for a wide range of credit histories.
Offer financing through dealers, online via RoadLoans, and through Chrysler Capital.
The refinancing option is a chance to get a better deal on a current auto loan.
The RoadLoans platform allows for a no-pressure, private application from home.
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Financing for Diverse Credit Situations+
The primary mission at Santander Consumer USA is to provide access to financing for a wide range of U.S. consumers. Their business has been built around understanding complex financial situations and working to find potential approvals. While a strong credit history always provides more options, their specialty is evaluating the whole picture. They aim to create opportunities for those who are actively building or rebuilding their credit profile.
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The Dealership Pathway+
For many U.S. car buyers, the simplest path forward is through one of the thousands of auto dealerships in our national network. These professional partners understand their financing programs and how they work. When a person applies for a loan at the dealership, their finance team works with us to structure a deal that fits the approval. It’s a supportive, in-person way to get the vehicle and financing handled all at once.
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The Online Pathway: Taking the First Step with RoadLoans+
We understand that applying for a loan can be a source of stress. That’s why Santander’s online platform, RoadLoans, is such a great, low-pressure first step. It allows U.S. consumers to apply for a new, used, or refinance loan from the privacy and comfort of their own home. It’s a less intimidating way to see what might be possible, and receiving an approval can provide the confidence needed to start shopping for a vehicle.
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The Chrysler Capital Pathway: A Special Opportunity+
Through our partnership as the administrator for the Chrysler Capital program, Santander can offer another pathway for those interested in purchasing a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, or Ram. This route, available at authorized U.S. Stellantis dealerships, often comes with its own unique manufacturer incentives and lease programs. This provides another potential solution for U.S. buyers interested in those specific brands.
Top Auto Loan Options in the U.S.
- Santander Consumer USA (Drive) – Get soft-pull prequalification in about two minutes, shop with real-time dealer offers, and access a powerful self-serve portal for managing payments and planning ahead.
- PenFed Credit Union – Known for some of the lowest member APRs via Car Buying Service.
- Bank of America Auto Loans – Fixed-rate financing with online prequal and 30-day rate lock.
- Capital One Auto Navigator – Personalized prequal offers and dealer-integrated browsing.
- LightStream (Truist Bank) – Fast, unsecured auto loans with no mileage or year restrictions.
- Carvana Financing – Complete online purchase and financing experience with delivery included.
Dealer-Backed Lending with Santander
Santander works directly with more than 15,000 dealerships, offering financing for new and used vehicles across all credit scores. You can begin online with Drive® to check options and estimated payments. After selecting a car, your dealer finalizes the loan—bank-style support and dealer convenience combined.
Privacy-Focused Prequalification & Digital Servicing
Start fast and anonymously: the Drive® tool lets you prequalify in about two minutes using a soft pull, showing personalized offers without affecting your FICO score. Once approved, get instant email access to the MyAccount portal—where you can make payments, enroll in AutoPay (without fees), change due dates, and track payoff.
New vs. Used Vehicle Loans
Santander supports both new-car financing and used-vehicle lending for a range of credit situations. Their Dealer Locator helps you connect with partner dealerships, where loan terms and rates may vary based on vehicle type and your credit profile—making it flexible whether you’re buying fresh off the line or certified pre-owned.
Unsecured Personal Loans vs. Santander Auto Loans
Although Santander offers personal loans, auto loans tied to your vehicle as collateral often have better APRs and longer terms. These secured loans make car purchases more affordable and are optimized for vehicle-specific financing—with perks like online calculators, customizable terms, and easier payoff planning.
Buy Here, Pay Here vs. Santander Consumer
Buy Here, Pay Here dealers offer on-the-spot loans, but they usually come with high interest, hidden fees, and limited transparency. Santander combines professional terms, credit bureau reporting, and an easy-to-use digital account—all through recognized retailers—so you don’t sacrifice clarity or protection.
How Auto Loans Impact Your Finances and Credit Score in the U.S.
Santander’s soft prequalification leaves your credit untouched, and a single hard inquiry takes place at final approval—often bundled with dealer pulls to minimize FICO impact. Timely payments improve your debt-to-income ratio and credit score, vital for future loans like mortgages. If you fall behind, Santander’s CARE team offers hardship support including waivers or deferred payments. AutoPay and digital notifications help keep you on track, protecting both your car and your credit health.
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