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News & Tips

How to Refinance a Car: A Simple Guide to Saving Money

Refinancing a car can be thought of as hitting the reset button on your auto loan. You simply replace your current loan with a new one that has better terms. You can do this with your current lender or a new one.   

To help you navigate the process, let’s look at the benefits, the steps to take, and when it makes sense to do so.   

Why Should You Refinance Your Auto Loan?   

Most people refinance a vehicle to save money. If your credit score has improved or interest rates have dropped since you bought your car, you might be in a great position to get a better deal. 

When you secure that lower rate, you generally have two choices for your monthly payment:   

  • Lengthen your term and reduce how much you pay each month. This helps your monthly budget feel more comfortable.

  • Shorten your term and get a lower rate. Your monthly payment might go up slightly, but you’ll pay off the car faster and save a lot on interest.   

Auto Loan Refinance Interest Rates

Effective Date: January 13, 2026
Apply Now
Payment Period Refinance APR* "As Low As" Minimum Loan Amount Payment per $1,000
Up to 48 Months 5.49% No minimum loan amount $23.26
Up to 66 Months 5.99% $10,000 $17.83
Up to 75 Months 6.49% $12,000 $16.26
Up to 84 Months 6.74% $20,000 $14.97

Rates shown are fixed Annual Percentage Rates for vehicle model years 2024 and newer. Rates are subject to change. Your actual rate and terms are affected by your creditworthiness, term selected, vehicle type, and model year. Rates only apply to refinances of non-SCCU auto loans. You may be asked to furnish a down payment. Florida loans are subject to Documentary Stamp Tax. The tax amount is not included in the quoted APR. Certain restrictions apply.

Actual APR may vary; member eligibility approval conditions are subject to credit approval. 

Your car is an asset with value that you can use as a means to get extra funds. This is called a cash-out refinance.  

Here’s how it works:  

  1. Car Value: Your car is worth $15,000.

  2. Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: The lender allows you to borrow up to 75% of your car’s value.

  3. Calculation: $15,000 × 0.75 = $11,250 (amount you can borrow). 

  4. Current Loan Balance: You owe $4,000 on your current car loan. 

  5. Subtract the loan balance: $11,250 - $4,000 = $7,250 (cash you keep). 

Result: You get $7,250 in cash, which you can use to pay off high-interest credit cards, cover tuition, or fund a vacation. All at a much lower rate than a personal loan. 

Estimate Your Vehicle Payment¹

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"I purchased a vehicle very recently and SCCU had the BEST interest rate of all other financial institutions."

Mike V.

Payment examples are estimates and do not include taxes, insurance, or fees.  

Important Things to Watch Out For   

Before you jump in, there are a few details to check.   

  • APR vs. Interest Rate: When shopping around, look at the Annual Percentage Rate (APR).  
  • The interest rate is just the cost of borrowing, but the APR includes fees and other costs. It gives you a better apples-to-apples comparison.   
  • Fees: Some lenders charge application or origination fees. The fewer fees, the better. (Some institutions, like Space Coast Credit Uniondon’t charge application fees to refinance).   
  • Prepayment Penalties: Check your current loan. Does it have a penalty for paying it off early? If the penalty is high, refinancing might not save you money right now.   
  • Vehicle Equity: Lenders look at your car’s value versus what you owe. If you owe more than the car is worth, or if the car is older with high mileage (over 100,000 miles), it can be harder to find a loan, but it’s not impossible.   

5 Steps to Refinance Your Car   

Ready to get started? We’ve broken the process down into five manageable steps.   

1. Weigh the Pros and Cons   

Ask yourself: Will this save me money? Will it free up cash? If the answer is yes, don’t wait too long. Interest rates change often, and locking in a good rate now is a smart move.   

Read more about whether refinancing now is the right time for you with our How Soon Can You Refinance a Car Loan article. 

2. Check Your Credit Score   

Your credit score helps lenders decide your rate. Scores generally range from 300 to 850   

You can check your credit report for free once a year. If your score has gone up since you bought your car, you’re a prime candidate for a better rate.   


Credit Rating Graphic

3. Gather Your Documents   

You’ll need to share some personal info like your address, Social Security Number (SSN), and details about your income (like pay stubs). You’ll also need your vehicle info:   

  • Make, model, and year   

  • Mileage   

  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)   

  • Proof of insurance   

  • Current loan details (balance and lender info)   

4. Compare Lenders   

Just like any other important transaction, you can ask your friends and family for lender recommendations. Explore your options for interest rates, APRs, and loan terms. Also check for any available discounts like rate drops for using Autopay.   

At SCCU, we offer Hero Auto Loans with special rate discounts for first responders, medical professionals, law enforcement, educators, military personnel, and Department of Defense and government contractors. 

If you’re not sure about a lender, check the Better Business Bureau to help you find one that you trust.   

5. Apply for the Loan   

Fill out the application online or in person. If approvedyou’ll sign paperwork and your old auto loan will be paid off from proceeds, allowing you to begin paying on your new loan.   

You might be approved for multiple options from the lender, such as one with a shorter term and a lower interest rate or one with a longer repayment term and a higher interest rate. If presented with this type of choice, consider your goals for refinancing a car along with what you can comfortably afford. 

The Credit Union Difference   

Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members. This often means lower interest rates on loans and higher interest rates on savings compared to banks. Plus, you get personalized service from people who want to see you succeed financially.   

At Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU), we make refinancing efficient and as effortless as possible. We offer competitive rates, flexible terms up to 84 months, and fast approval decisions. 

If you’re ready to lower your payments, apply now or learn more about the specifics of refinancing a vehicle. 

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How to Get a Conventional Mortgage: A Guide Through the Loan Process
February 7, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
This post will guide you through the process of getting a conventional home loan, from its options to its requirements. 
A Beginner’s Guide to Free Checking (What It Is & Why You Need It)
January 28, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
Checking accounts are like a Grand Central Station for your money—flowing in and out with deposits and withdrawals. Many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts, but what exactly is a free checking account and why should you get one?
The Full List of Florida FHA Loan Requirements: Important FHA Guidelines for Borrowers
January 24, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
FHA loans offer a more accessible avenue to homeownership for many people thanks to its low down payment and credit score requirements. Not sure if you meet the qualifications, or if it’s a good fit for you?
60-month vs 72-month Auto Loan Comparison (+ the Pros and Cons of Each)
January 14, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
If you feel like you’ve come to a fork in the road while deciding between a 60- or 72-month auto loan, you’ve come to the right place. We're covering the pros and cons of both in this post to help you make a final decision.
The Beginner's Guide to a Good Credit Score (& How to Get One)
January 7, 2022 By Space Coast Credit Union
When you want to borrow money—perhaps for a mortgage or a car loan—or to get approved for a credit card, lenders typically require a decent credit score. But, what is a good credit score, and how can you make sure you have one?
The 11 Most Popular Fraud Scams
December 31, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
There are many types of fraud out there, but there are also measures you can take to protect yourself against them.
No Closing Costs Mortgages vs. Other Home Loan Options
December 29, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
If you’ve been thinking about applying for a home loan or refinancing, but you’re unsure you can afford closing costs and a down payment, a no closing costs mortgage may be right for you.
10 Creative Ways to Save Money
December 10, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Saving money can be challenging. But after the holiday season, it’s often a top New Year’s resolution. From joining special savings accounts to making some daily item switches, we’ve rounded up 10 ways that could save you thousands of dollars a year! 
We ReMember—70 Years of Member Service
December 7, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
This past year, we commemorated our 70th anniversary with a focus on kindness, giving away over $30,000 to our members and communities throughout our service area along Florida's east coast.
Is it Hard to Get a Construction Loan? Your Questions Answered
December 1, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
You may have lots of questions when it comes to getting a construction loan, and we’d like to help lessen your stress. With some knowledge under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to breaking ground.
Is it a Good Idea to Refinance Your Car Loan?
November 18, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
In many cases, people save more money in the long run after refinancing and end up with a better monthly auto loan payment. However, many other factors play a part in determining if it’s a good idea to refinance your car loan.
Holiday Shopping with Credit Cards Do’s and Don’ts
November 12, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Here are our top do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while holiday shopping with credit cards. 
30-year Fixed-rate vs. 15-year Fixed-rate (+ How to Decide Between the Two)
November 4, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Today in the ring: 30-year fixed-rate mortgage vs. 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. In this article, we’re going to cover the pros and cons of each mortgage term to help you make a more informed decision. And along the way, we’ll provide some helpful tips to keep in mind.
Tips for Applying for a Used Car Loan
October 26, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Once you’ve decided to purchase a used car, here are seven steps you can take to streamline the process and help you get the best deal.
How to Protect Your Digital Home
October 19, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
It’s a haunting notion to think about the chilling consequences of identity theft, yet with the holidays around the corner, it’s important to protect your digital home. With the spikes in online shopping and email activity this time of year, scammers make more attempts to capture financial information. But with a dash of caution and a sprinkle of reviewing settings, you can fortify your defenses against cybersecurity threats.
HELOC Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinancing: Everything You Need to Know
October 12, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Whether you’re looking to transform your home renovation dreams into reality, plant seeds for investments, or cover unforeseen expenses, you have a variety of options when it comes to how you can tap into your wellspring of home equity. But which option is best for you? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of HELOC loans vs cash-out refinancing.
The Florida Financing Guide to New and Used Boat Loans
October 5, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
If you dream of enjoying the Florida waterways in a sailboat, powerboat, motorboat, cabin cruiser, or other boat type of choice, here’s what you should know about financing and the boat loan process. Fortunately, the purchase process is easier than you might think. We’ll take you through the entire process to help you find the best boat loan for you. 
What are Secured Credit Cards?
September 28, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Maybe you’ve run into the following paradox: How do I get a credit card with less-than-perfect credit (or no credit) if I need a credit card to build my credit? You’re in luck because secured credit cards break this cycle!
The Ultimate Guide to FHA Loans
August 27, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Home loans are the key to turning a house you love into a home that belongs to you. As you’re exploring your options, you may stumble across FHA loans and wonder what they entail and if one’s right for you. FHA loans have many different benefits and are targeted at helping both new home buyers achieve the dream of home ownership and those looking to refinance. 
Hummingbird Pantry’s $5,000 Win: Supporting Families and Fighting Hunger
August 20, 2021 By Watchdog
Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU) is pleased to announce the winner of its “Small Business. Big Love. Contest" and the grand prize of $5,000. Hummingbird Pantry, a non-profit organization and SCCU member since 2017, won the contest with more than 11% of the votes cast.
How Mortgage Refinancing Works (+The Best Time to Do It)
August 12, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Refinancing your mortgage can help you save money with a lower interest rate and get you to the home ownership finish line faster than your current one. Or, it could be a good way for you to cash out on some of your home’s equity for other projects. To determine if it’s the right path for your goals, it’s best to understand how mortgage refinancing works more in depth.
What are Common Car Loan Terms?
August 5, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Do you feel like your brain’s dissolving into Jell-O as you’re exploring car loan repayment periods? It can feel overwhelming as you’re weighing the pros and cons between short-term and long-term loans. Common car loan terms usually range between 24 and 84 months—but which one is right for you?
5 Top Tips to Getting the Best HELOC Rates
July 29, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Whether you’re getting your feet wet or diving in the world of loans, a HELOC is often a prime choice for borrowers. And the crown molding on top? You can often get a lower interest rate with a HELOC than with other types of loans and credit cards! See our 5 top tips to getting the best HELOC rates...
Choosing the Best Credit Card to Fit Your Needs (+ Where to Get It)
July 23, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Credit cards can be an excellent tool for building credit when you’re financing purchases both big and small. Most credit cards today deliver some form of benefit with membership—accumulating points, cash back, airline miles, or other deals, consumers have a wealth of choices.
How to Prevent Identity Theft While Traveling
July 15, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Traveling involves a lot of planning to have a memorable time with loved ones. The last thing you want is a fraudster ruining your vacation. These tips will help you prevent identity theft before, during, and after your vacation.
How Does a Home Equity Line of Credit Work? A Guide to HELOC Loans
July 9, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Most people have heard of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), but you may not be as familiar with how they work. In today’s deep dive, we’re going to explore all the ins and outs of this fantastic loan vehicle for homeowners to get the cash they need to do repairs, renovations, and more—all based on the equity they already have in their home.
FHA Loans: What to Know Before You Apply
July 7, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
It’s not always easy to save up for the large down payments that some types of mortgages require. The good news? There are other loan options that can help you reach your homeownership goals.
Five Tips to Building Your Dream Home
April 1, 2021 By Space Coast Credit Union
Here are 5 tips to building your dream home, from creating a prioritized list of wants and needs to choosing the best lender for your home construction loan.
6 Things to Consider when Starting a New Business
August 26, 2020 By SCCU's Business Services
At SCCU, our Business Advisors meet with small business owners daily, as a free service offered to our business members. We’ve found that these six steps help business owners think through some of the important considerations when starting a new business- allay their fear of the unknown and growing their confidence.
7 Steps to Hire Employees while Reducing Risk
August 26, 2020 By SCCU's Business Services
These practices will not only reduce your risks and stress but save you time and money in the future. Here are seven steps to hiring, while reducing your business’s risk.
5 Tips for Buying a House During the Pandemic
June 30, 2020 By Space Coast Credit Union
Although you should move forward carefully in the homebuying journey, you do not have to put your dream home on hold.
SCCU’s Five-Minute Guide to Buying a Boat
March 12, 2020 By Gary Prager
Summer is here and there’s no better time to enjoy Florida’s great outdoors.
A Message from the President
January 29, 2020 By Timothy M. Antonition
As we enter a new year, I want to say thank you to our loyal membership and wish you all a prosperous year ahead.
A Message From the President
January 3, 2019 By Timothy M. Antonition
As we start another year, I wanted to share with you my insights on what we accomplished as a team in 2018.
How to Manage and Protect Your Passwords
May 2, 2018 By Space Coast Credit Union
Consumers are more aware than ever about the risk of data breaches, but weak passwords are still prevalent. World Password Day, celebrated the first Thursday in May, was established to promote good password habits.
Roaming Mantis Malware Making Attacks on Android Devices
May 2, 2018 By Nicole Williams
Never install applications outside of the Google Play store.
How to Prevent Wire Fraud
April 5, 2018 By Space Coast Credit Union
Wire frauds are similar to mail frauds except that they occur strictly through communications transmitted by wire.
How Interest Rates Affect Your Mortgage
May 13, 2016 By Space Coast Credit Union
The interest rate on your mortgage can affect your monthly payment by thousands of dollars each month.
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