These days, you probably hear a great deal about automotive lenders offering "0% Financing" and "No Money Down." Creditors that proclaim deals like these are all over the internet, television, and radio.
But are 0% Financing and No Money Down offers too good to be true? Our team at Fred Beans Auto Loans wrote this article to answer that question.
We intend to explain the differences between these types of offers and their potential benefits, among other things.
0% Financing and No Money Down: Differences
While lenders often trumpet incentives like these side by side, they're very different.
If a loan is categorized as 0% Financing, it means you won't have to pay any interest on it. Why in the world would a company offer such a sweet deal? Often, automotive manufacturers advertise 0% Financing loans to sell more of an individual vehicle, and car dealerships offer them to encourage you to make a larger down payment.
No Money Down loans, on the other hand, still require you to pay interest. However, you won't need to make an inconvenient and expensive down payment up front.
Advantages of 0% Financing and No Money Down Offers
Whether you choose a 0% Financing or No Money Down offer, you can greatly improve your financial situation. You can save all the money you'd normally put toward interest fees or a lump-sum down payment and use it for something more productive-savings, investments, mortgage payments, an emergency fund, family vacation, etc.
But remember, there's a tradeoff. 0% Financing loans often require slightly larger down payments, while No Money Down offers mean higher monthly installments. Make sure to do your research thoroughly and talk with your automotive loan provider to ensure you're getting the best value possible.
Who Qualifies for these Exciting Incentives?
0% Financing and No Money Down are typically reserved for drivers with excellent credit. A good rule of thumb is that you need a FICO score of 700 or above (also known as tier-one credit) to qualify for one of these opportunities.
With that in mind, make sure to pay off your outstanding credit balance and avoid any unnecessary credit inquiries to boost your score so you can reap the benefits of 0% Financing and No Money Down as soon as possible.
Pitfalls to Avoid
There are several common mistakes to avoid regarding this type of financing. You need to be certain you truly want the car you're about to finance. Don't just get it because the deal sounds enticing.
If you go down the 0% Financing road, don't skimp on your down payment. If you go with the No Money Down route, don't sign up for a super long period, because you'll end up paying higher cumulative interest fees.
Contact Us at Fred Beans Auto Loans
Are 0% Financing and No Money Down offers too good to be true? Absolutely not! With the right research and a qualifying credit score, they're great options when it's time to finance your next car.
If you're interested in taking advantage of 0% Financing or No Money Down, contact us at Fred Beans Auto Loans. Call us today and a representative will assist you right away!