RateGenius Auto Refinance Loans: 2021 Review
RateGenius works best for auto loan refinance applicants with good credit who want help shopping for loans.
Our Take
The bottom line: Best for fair or good-credit refinance applicants who don’t mind checking rates with a hard credit pull.
Full Review

on RateGenius's website
on RateGenius's website
Min. Credit Score
550
Est. APR
1.99 - 16.00%
Loan Amount
$12,000 - $100,000
Pros & Cons
Pros
Offers marketplace to compare loans from multiple lenders.
Available in all 50 states.
Cons
Hard credit check required.
Vehicle restrictions.
Compare to Other Lenders
Min. Credit Score550 | Min. Credit Score600 | Min. Credit Score580 |
Est. APR1.99 - 16.00% | Est. APR1.99 - 17.99% | Est. APR4.24 - 7.99% |
Loan Amount$12,000 - $100,000 | Loan Amount$2,500 - $100,000 | Loan Amount$10,000 - $80,000 |
Full Review
To review RateGenius, NerdWallet collected and compared more than 15 data points from the lender, interviewed company executives, and compared the lender with others that seek the same customer or offer a similar product.
RateGenius is a vehicle refinance loan broker that helps borrowers shop for auto loans from its network of partners. The company also arranges lease buyout loans.
RateGenius may be a good fit for those who:
Have good credit: RateGenius’ lowest rates are available to borrowers with excellent credit (720 FICO and up.)
Are serious shoppers: The lender requires a hard credit pull to get a rate quote, which slightly lowers your credit score.
Prefer help dealing with lenders: The company helps applicants complete auto loan paperwork.
Founded in 1999, RateGenius specializes in matching borrowers to auto refinance loans among its network of lenders. Unlike other lenders that provide refinance loans directly, such as LightStream and Capital One, RateGenius is a broker that shops for an auto refinance loan for you in its lender network.
The company tries to streamline the approval process as much as possible, but some lenders require more paperwork than others, especially for borrowers “further down the credit tier,” according to a company spokesperson.
The lender RateGenius selects will perform a hard credit pull to provide a preapproved loan offer. If your application is denied, RateGenius will try up to two more lenders. Credit reporting agencies typically group such multiple hard inquiries as one inquiry if they occur within a short time, generally 14, 30 or 45 days.
If RateGenius doesn’t think any lenders will offer you a loan, it won’t perform a hard pull. Even so, it’s best for serious refinance applicants who intend to get a new loan, rather than those casually checking rates.
RateGenius auto loan rates
RateGenius has a low minimum credit score requirement, but its best rates are available to borrowers with excellent credit.
If your credit is less than top-tier, your interest rate will be higher. This means your monthly payment will be more and, over time, you’ll pay more interest. If you know your credit score you can get an idea of the rate you might qualify for.
Applying to RateGenius
You can apply in minutes online or over the phone, and get preapproved in two to three hours in some cases.
No application fee; late payment fees vary by lender.
Borrowers are not obligated to accept an offer.
Allows co-applicants.
RateGenius restrictions
Maximum vehicle age: 7 years.
Maximum vehicle mileage: 100,000 miles.
Maximum loan-to-value ratio: 120%.
Loan terms: Did not answer.
Available in all 50 states.
More from RateGenius
The RateGenius website features information on how rateGenius works, along with general information about auto refinancing and a calculator to help you estimate payments. RateGenius also offers gap insurance and vehicle service contracts.
on RateGenius's website
Frequently asked questions
RateGenius is an auto loan refinance company that was founded in 1999 in Austin, Texas. The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau, where it has received an A- rating.
A hard credit pull is required, which may cause your score to drop. However, your credit score should improve over time if refinancing an auto loan helps you make timely payments, which is good for your payment history.