RateGenius Review 2021: Auto Loan Refinancing and Lease Buyout Loans
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
Auto loan reviews
Auto loan refinancing
Auto lease buyout loan
The bottom line:
Best for applicants wanting the assistance of auto loan refinancing experts, from comparing loan offers to handling a title transfer. Bad- or fair-credit borrowers may qualify.
Auto loan refinancing review
on RateGenius's website
on RateGenius's website
Min. Credit Score
500
Est. APR
1.75-21.00%
Loan Amount
$12,000-$100,000
Pros
- Offers pre-qualification with a soft credit check.
- Provides average daily rates by credit score on website.
- Customer service available on Saturday.
- Some network lenders offer rate discount with automatic payment.
Cons
- May charge an origination fee up to $395.
- Minimum loan amount is higher than other lenders.
Best for applicants looking for auto loan refinancing tools, an easy-to-use online application and multiple refinancing offers. Bad- or fair-credit borrowers may qualify.
Full Review
Established in 1999, RateGenius offers auto loan refinancing, car lease buyout loans and cash-out refinancing. They do not offer purchase loans. RateGenius is an aggregator that works with 180-plus lending partners to match applicants to the best loan and rate for which they may qualify.
The RateGenius website and loan application stand out for being user-friendly. Their Loan Finder tool lets applicants compare auto refinance offers and estimated rates after inputting only their current monthly auto loan payment, loan balance, months remaining on the loan, credit score tier and zip code. This requires no credit check or personal information.
After previewing Loan Finder’s estimated offers, applicants can proceed with getting prequalified offers, which requires a soft credit check but does not affect their credit scores. Or, they can choose to select an offer and apply, which will require a hard credit check.
RateGenius also offers cash-out refinancing through some lenders, meaning borrowers with vehicle equity may be able to receive cash with their new refinance loan. Cash-out refi limits vary by lender. Borrowers should weigh the pros and cons of cash-out refinancing.
RateGenius may be a good fit for those who:
Want to compare rates: Pre-qualification with a soft credit check will not affect applicant's credit score.
Prefer assistance with loan process: Applicants work with a loan specialist, from application to title transfer.
Want more accessibility: RateGenius customer service is available on Saturday. Online chat is offered during business hours.
RateGenius at a Glance
Note that aggregators like RateGenius work with many different lenders, so the information provided is general and can reflect the high or low end available among their lending partners.
How does this loan compare?
|  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Min. Credit Score500 | Min. Credit Score560 | Min. Credit Score520 |
Est. APR1.75-21.00% | Est. APR2.15-17.99% | Est. APR3.74-16.49% |
Loan Amount$12,000-$100,000 | Loan Amount$7,500-$100,000 | Loan Amount$10,000-$80,000 |
Auto lease buyout loan review
on RateGenius's website
on RateGenius's website
Min. Credit Score
500
Est. APR
1.99-16.00%
Loan Amount
$12,000-$100,000
Pros
- Offers pre-qualification with a soft credit check.
- Customer service available on Saturdays.
- Some network lenders offer rate discount with automatic payment.
- RateGenius handles title transfer.
Cons
- May charge origination fee up to $395.
- Minimum loan amount is higher than other lenders.
- Mileage restrictions are lower than other lenders.
Best for applicants who want guidance through the lease buyout process, including the title transfer, and Saturday access to customer service. Bad- or fair-credit borrowers may qualify.
More from RateGenius
RateGenius also offers GAP insurance and vehicle service contracts, which can be rolled into the borrower’s loan.
Borrowers can also take advantage of RateGenius’ many educational website resources, including a learning center, glossary of refinance terms and answers to frequently asked questions.
RateGenius auto loan rates
Lenders set their own requirements, but the lowest rates are typically available only to borrowers with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of 690 and above). With fair or bad credit you won’t get the lowest interest rates, which means your monthly payment and total interest paid will be more.
You can check your credit score before applying for a car loan. RateGenius provides average daily loan rates on their site.
Loan example: For a subprime borrower (FICO score between 501 to 600), a $10,000 car loan, with a repayment term of 36 months, an interest rate of 12% and $0 down payment would carry monthly payments of $332, according to NerdWallet's auto loan calculator.
To review RateGenius, NerdWallet sent a survey requesting more than 60 data points and followed up with company representatives. The information was compared with other lenders that seek the same customer or offer a similar product.
Frequently asked questions
RateGenius was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. Their privacy policy states that they are “licensed as a registered lender with the Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner and a proud member of the Better Business Bureau. All lenders in the RateGenius network are well-established FDIC-insured banks, thrifts or licensed lenders.” RateGenius has received Better Business Bureau A+ rating.
The Savings Group is the parent company of RateGenius and AUTOPAY. In July 2021, the two companies completed a merger and became operating units of The Savings Group.
RateGenius website FAQs state: Any information collected by RateGenius is only distributed to authorized agents or lenders within the RateGenius network, or as may be required by federal or state law or by court order. Otherwise, RateGenius will not sell or share any personal information in regards to yourself or with any person or organization without your authorization.
Customers can opt out of any non-application related marketing during the loan application process. More information can be found in the RateGenius privacy policy.
