Experiencing a financial emergency can be devastating, causing you to make rash decisions when satisfying the financial need. However, as a last resort for bad credit loans, a car title loan may be an option you consider.
Finding the best car title loan lender can save a lot of money as car title loans can be costly.
When choosing the best lender in 2024, consider these factors:
- Funding time: How quickly can you receive the cash you need?
- Loan amount: How much money can you borrow to satisfy your need?
- Interest rate: How much will you pay in interest to borrow the funds?
- Customer service: What do others say about their customer service?
Everyone has different needs and qualifying factors, but we’ve listed some trusted car title loan companies for you to consider.
- 6 Trusted Title Loan Providers for 2024
- How Did We Choose Our Trusted Title Loan Providers?
- What Is a Car Title Loan?
- Pros and Cons of Car Title Loans
- What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Car Title Loan?
- Tips for Choosing Car Title Loan
- Alternatives to Car Title Loans
- FAQs
- Conclusion: Before Choosing a Car Title Loan
6 Trusted Title Loan Providers for 2024
When searching for the best car title loans, consider more than the interest rate. Consider factors including the loan amount and repayment terms, too. Since you’re using your car as collateral, selecting the right loan is crucial.
1. Montana Capital Car Title Loans®
Rating: 5/5
Montana Capital has helped consumers secure title loans since 2007. We may help with many types of title loans, including RV, motorcycle, boat, truck, and car title loans. Montana Capital helps consumers in over 30 states and 480 metropolitan areas.
- Offers an online loan request form for easy applying
- May fund loans in 24 hours or less in some cases
- Accepts phone, cash, or money order payments
- Offers up to 70% of the vehicle’s value, starting at $500
- You may be approved with other types of income verification
2. LoanMart
Rating: 4/5
LoanMart is located in California and serves over 30 states, focusing on customer service and education so all applicants understand their options before borrowing money.
- Offers a fast online application process for fast processing
- May approve unemployed applicants who have different types of income
- Can make cash payments at over 40,000 retail locations for convenient payments
- Offers loans worth 25% to 50% of your car’s value, depending on your state laws
4. TitleMax
Rating: 3/5
TitleMax is one of the country’s largest title loan lenders. They’ve been in business since 1998, when they opened their first store in Georgia, and today they have over 900 locations in 14 states.
- Offers an online application process for faster processing
- May fund loans in as little as 30 minutes from loan approval
- Offers title loan refinances if you find better rates or terms
- Accepts many vehicle makes and models for title loans
5. Speedy Cash
Rating: 3.5/5
Speedy Cash has offered financing solutions since 1997, helping over 10 million people satisfy emergency funding needs.
Unlike other lenders with the best car title loans on our list, they don’t offer an online option. You must bring your vehicle’s title and the vehicle to your closest Speed Cash store for appraisal.
- They conduct an in-person vehicle inspection to determine eligibility
- May offer other loans, such as payday or installment loans in some states
- Offers boat, RV, truck, and motorcycle title loans to give more options
6. Check Into Cash
Rating: 4/5
Check Into Cash offers short-term loans online and in person. They’ve been in business for the last 30 years and have recently partnered with Community Choice Financial to broaden their reach and help more people with their financing needs.
- Must bring your car and car’s title to a local Check Into Cash store
- Offers car, truck, and motorcycle title loans for more options
- Offers loans of $100 to $25,000 to help with many emergencies
6. Ace Cash Express
Rating: 4/5
Ace Cash Express began in 1968, helping people with low credit scores get the financing they need; however, their title loans are limited to Arizona, Louisiana, Oregon, and Texas, and they don’t have an online application option.
- Accepts many types of income for qualifying purposes
- Must apply for a title loan in person; no online applications
- May require an active bank account open for at least one month
How Did We Choose Our Trusted Title Loan Providers?
To choose a trusted title loan provider, we consider the following parameters:
- Loan amounts offered
- Repayment terms
- Application process (online vs. in-person)
- Decision speed
- Acceptance rate
- Customer support
- States licensed
What Is a Car Title Loan?
A title loan is a loan against a vehicle you own without any liens on it. They are usually for small loan amounts and are due in a short amount of time. In exchange for the title loan, you give up your vehicle title. If you don’t make your payments on time, the lender can repossess the car.
Every lender has different guidelines, but on average, here’s what you might expect:
- Loan amount: Borrow 20% – 50% of the vehicle’s value
- Term: Have 30 days to 36 months to pay back the loan
- Interest: The cost to borrow ranges from 60% – 175% or more
How Do Car Title Loans Work?
When you borrow a car title loan, you give up your vehicle title in exchange for the money. You sign a loan agreement that states the loan amount, interest rate, and term you have to repay the loan.
You make monthly payments on the loan, as agreed in the loan agreement. But the good news is you get to keep your car, and drive it like normal. However, you cannot sell it until you pay your title loan in full.
After repaying the loan, you receive your title back. You are then free to do what you want with the car, including selling it.
Can I Get a Car Title Loan With Bad Credit?
Yes, it’s possible to obtain a car title loan even if you have bad credit. Many title loan lenders prioritize factors other than your credit score, such as the value of your vehicle and your ability to repay the loan. In auto title loans, the main consideration is often your car’s value, which serves as collateral for the lender.
How Much Money Can I Get With a Title Loan?
On average, car title loan lenders allow loans of $300 to $10,000, but you may find some lenders that lend as much as $50,000, if you qualify. The amount you can borrow depends on your state laws and what the title loan lender approves.
Pros and Cons of Car Title Loans
Title loans have advantages and disadvantages. Here’s what to consider.
Pros
- Access to fast cash
- Good credit scores are not always necessary
- Get to keep and drive your vehicle
Cons
- High-interest rates and fees
- Risk of losing your vehicle
- May increases your debt load
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Car Title Loan?
Every title loan lender has different eligibility requirements for a car title loan. In general, you can expect the following:
- Proof of vehicle ownership with a vehicle title
- Proof of adequate income to cover the loan
- Proof of residency in the state you’re borrowing
- Proof of adequate equity in the vehicle for the loan
Tips for Choosing Car Title Loan
With many options for the best car title loans, here are some tips to help you choose the right lender:
- Look at the big picture: Don’t get caught up in the APR or fees. Consider how much you can borrow and how fast you must repay it
- Consider online lenders: Make the title loan process as easy as possible by working with a lender offering online applications
- Consider payment options: Look for a lender that accepts all payment methods including cash, check, and credit card
Alternatives to Car Title Loans
It’s important to understand that the alternatives to car title loans listed here are specifically tailored for borrowers with bad credit.
A bad credit score limits your loan options as lenders often view applicants with low credit scores as high-risk borrowers. This may result in:
- Higher interest rates
- Less flexible loan terms
- Lower loan amounts
- More loan denials
The options listed here are made for borrowers with bad credit, giving you a greater chance of approval.
Payday Loans
If you don’t need to borrow a large amount of money, a payday loan may be an option. They have a bad reputation because of their higher interest rates, but if you have a job with steady income, you may qualify for a small payday loan.
Many payday loan lenders require payment on the next payday, so you pay the loan off fast, and can often secure funds in as little as one day. To qualify, many lenders require you to prove you have a job, an active checking account, and the ability to repay the loan.
Unsecured Loans
Unsecured loans are often a good alternative to title loans because they don’t require collateral. They offer similar loan amounts of $1,000 – $5,000, and have repayment terms of 12 – 36 months with many lenders. However, because they don’t require collateral, they often have higher interest rates.
Credit Union Loans
Credit unions often have more relaxed guidelines than traditional banks, making getting the financing you need easier. Some credit unions offer a secured loan option, which means you must have valuable collateral to use in exchange for the loan.
Because of the relaxed guidelines, you may find it easier to obtain a loan approval with better rates and terms than other options. Credit union loans work the same as traditional bank loans, charging you interest, and requiring you to repay the loan within a specified term.
Peer-To-Peer Lending
Peer-to-peer loans are loans from other consumers who want to invest in people like you. They are typically unsecured loans, but since they are risky, they usually have high-interest rates and fees, like title loans.
Some peer-to-peer lending platforms cater to borrowers with bad credit. However, like any loan, the higher your credit score, the better the interest rate a lender can offer. Peer-to-peer platforms rate each applicant based on their credit scores and ratio of debt-to-income to determine the interest rate they’ll charge.
Peer-to-peer lenders may lend more than a title loan lender, but it depends on your qualifying factors. Some platforms allow loans up to $40,000 if you qualify.
Pro tip:
If you have a lot of debt, consider financial counseling or non-profit assistance programs that help you structure a debt repayment plan. Adding additional loans to your debt load could be risky, and should only happen after careful consideration or consultation.
If you decide a car title loan is in your best interest, after exploring your options, it’s important to compare your offers. Choose the title loan that’s best suited to your needs by evaluating the repayment terms, interest rate, fees, and credit score requirements.
FAQs
How Can I Find Car Title Loans Near Me?
To find car title loans, start with a quick online search. This will reveal various lenders offering title loans in your area.
It’s important to verify that any company you consider is licensed to operate in your state and has a solid reputation.
Can I Get a Car Title Loan if I’m Not The Only Person Listed On The Title?
You may be able to get a title loan if you own the car with another person. It depends on how your names are listed on the title: .
In some cases, the car title may have both your name and another person’s name. If the word ‘OR’ appears between both names on the title, then either person can apply for a title loan on their own. However, if the word ‘AND’ (or “/”) appears between both names, then both parties must sign the title loan agreement. This means if the other person doesn’t agree to the title loan, you won’t be eligible.
What Is the Highest Title Loan You Can Get?
Each state has different laws regarding how much you can borrow, but most lenders allow 25% to 50% of the car’s value up to the state maximum.
How Long Is the Typical Term for a Car Title Loan?
Car title loans are short-term loans, usually with a repayment period of 15 to 30 days. However, you may find lenders that offer longer terms. The longer you borrow money, though, the more interest you pay.
Do Auto Title Loans Affect My Credit Score?
Auto title loans will affect your credit scores if your lender reports to the credit bureaus. This could be a good thing if you make your payment on time and pay the loan in full, but if you don’t make your payments it will negatively affect your credit score. Your loan’s debt may even go to a collection agency. Most collection agencies report to the credit bureaus in an effort to get you to repay your debt.
What Happens if I Can’t Repay a Car Title Loan With Bad Credit?
When you sign a loan agreement, you state you will repay the debt on time. If you cannot repay it, you risk losing the car in a repossession.
How Can I Avoid Scams When Dealing With Car Title Loan Lenders?
Do your research before dealing with a title loan lender. Check reputable sites like the Better Business Bureau and read reviews.
Ensure the company is licensed to operate in your state and that the repayment terms, interest rates, and fees align with what other lenders charge.
Conclusion: Before Choosing a Car Title Loan
In an emergency, a car title loan may feel like the best answer, but that’s not always the case. Before choosing a car title loan, look at your other options, determine the necessity for the funds, and do your research to ensure you’re getting the best loan.
Consider Other Options
Before taking on a high-interest, short-term loan, consider options, such as:
- Financial assistance or loans from friends or family
- Consider applying with local charities or nonprofits
- Look into credit union loans for any credit unions you can join
- Ask your employer for a payday advance, if possible
- Consider selling other personal belongings to a pawn shop
- Look for ways to make fast income, such as a side hustle
Evaluate the Loan Necessity
Compare your options including the financial consequences of not accessing the funds versus the interest and fees a car title loan incurs. Determine which option is best for your situation and creates the least financial stress.
Utilize a Title Loan Calculator
To determine the overall cost of a car title loan, consider using a title loan calculator. This will help you see the total cost of the loan and to determine if it’s the best choice.
Remember, if you choose a car title loan, budget to pay the loan off as quickly as possible. This reduces the risk of losing your car in a repossession and keeps the expenses to a minimum. We’re here to prioritize your financial needs and assist you in finding suitable solutions within your state. Contact us today, and let us assist you in your financial journey.
Written by
Samantha Hawrylack
Samantha Hawrylack writes for our company and is an expert in personal finance. Sam received her Bachelors of Science in Finance and her Masters in Business Administration from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She began her career in the financial services industry and shifted to an entrepreneurial role where she could directly impact clients. Sam has an impressive background in personal finance and business management.