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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.
| 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:
Car Value: Your car is worth $15,000.
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: The lender allows you to borrow up to 75% of your car’s value.
Calculation: $15,000 × 0.75 = $11,250 (amount you can borrow).
Current Loan Balance: You owe $4,000 on your current car loan.
- 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.
"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 Union, don’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.

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 approved, you’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.