What is the overall auto refinance process?
What are the basic loan and vehicle requirements?
Basic requirements to qualify for our refinancing program include the following:
Vehicles must be 10 years old or newer.
Capital One Auto Refinance offers a minimum loan amount of $7,500 and maximum loan amount up to $75,000. Your maximum loan amount may be based on key factors including your income, credit characteristics and the vehicle you are refinancing.
Your current loan must not be with Capital One Auto Finance.
Your current lender must be 1) currently reporting your loan to a major credit bureau, 2) FDIC or NCUA insured, or 3) both Better Business Bureau Accredited and a state registered lender or state registered auto dealer. Most banks, credit unions, and larger auto finance companies meet these requirements.
At least one applicant/co-applicant must be listed as a registered owner on the vehicle title.
You must be up to date on payments for both your existing loan and if applicable, your mortgage loan.
Capital One finances new and used cars, light trucks, minivans, and SUVs that will be used for personal use.
Capital One does not refinance vehicle makes no longer in production (such as Suzuki or Isuzu), commercial vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles (RVs), ATVs, boats, camper vans, motor homes, vehicles with a history of chronic malfunctions and/or manufacturer or dealer buyback (alternatively referred to as a lemon) vehicles, salvage title vehicles, branded title vehicles, lease buyouts or vehicles without a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or title issued. We may determine a vehicle to be commercial or otherwise ineligible based on the model and/or information provided to us.
What is pre-qualification?
We review the application to refinance your auto loan to determine whether you pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score. If you pre-qualify, you will be able to see your estimated monthly payments, term and APRs.
Does pre-qualification affect my credit score?
No, there is no impact to your credit score to see if you pre-qualify.
Will I need to put cash down?
When you submit your pre-qualification request, we will ask you to verify the payoff amount for your auto loan. Later in the process, we’ll contact your current lender to verify this payoff amount. If your payoff amount is verified to be higher than our limits, you may be required to pay down the balance of your current auto loan before Capital One will complete your refinance.
Are there any fees?
Capital One does not charge an application fee. However, each state imposes a title transfer fee that can vary depending on the state in which you reside. This fee is charged by your state, not Capital One. We will pay this fee on your behalf and add it to your final loan amount.
Are there any pre-payment penalties for paying off my loan?
Capital One does not charge any prepayment fees. You may pay off either a portion of your loan or the entire amount at any time without incurring any fees or penalties.
When will I hear back a decision for pre-qualification and my credit application?
You will typically receive a decision within 24 hours.
Can I refinance my existing Capital One auto loan?
No, Capital One only refinances auto loans that you have with other lenders, not including Capital One or its subsidiaries.
Will my GAP policy remain in effect if I refinance with Capital One?
We will only pay off your existing auto loan and will not finance new GAP coverage to cover any cancelled coverage due to refinancing. To determine if your GAP policy terminates upon refinancing, consult your GAP agreement or contact your GAP provider.
Will refinancing automatically change the names listed on my title and who owns the car?
No, refinancing your auto loan does not automatically change any of the registered owners listed on your title. Please note, in order to complete a refinance with Capital One, at least one applicant/co-applicant must be listed as a registered owner on the vehicle title. If you need to add or remove a registered owner, the state may require additional documentation from all parties currently listed. After your Refinance, Capital One can work with you to help facilitate changing the owners listed on the title.
What are the insurance requirements on the vehicle?
We require you to agree to maintain comprehensive insurance and collision insurance, protecting against loss and physical damage, and not to exceed maximum deductibles or $1,000 on your vehicle during the entire time the loan is outstanding.
I still can't find my answer. Can I call someone?
Our team is ready to answer any questions you have about Auto Refinance. Call 1.833.292.8332, MON-FRI 9 AM – 9 PM ET, to speak with one of our customer support specialists over the phone.
Ready to get started?
It won't hurt your credit to check for savings.
Pre-qualify with no impact to your credit score to see if an auto refinance could help your budget go further.