Does Shopping For a Car Loan Hurt Your Credit Score?
If you're getting ready to buy a car in Muscle Shoals or Florence, you've probably heard mixed advice about shopping for the best interest rate. Some folks say it'll tank your credit score, while others insist you should compare rates from every lender in town. So what's the real deal? Here's the straight answer: Shopping for car loan interest rates won't hurt your credit score – as long as you do it the right way. In fact, not shopping around could end up costing you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. The Smart Way to Rate Shop The key to protecting your credit while finding the best deal is timing. Credit scoring companies like FICO and VantageScore understand that when you're buying a car, you're going to apply with multiple lenders to find the best rate. They're not trying to punish you for being a smart shopper. That's why they created what's called a "rate-shopping window." When you apply for multiple car l...