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REFINANCE

Car Refinance Calculator: See How Much Lower Your Monthly Payment Could Be

Are you paying more than you need to for your auto loan? Our auto loan refinance calculator can show you the difference between what you’re paying now and what you might be able to save if you refinance. It does the math for you, showing you what your new monthly payment might be. Learn how to use our car refinance calculator and what information you need to make a smart decision about auto refinancing.

Key takeaways

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Enter your current interest rate, loan amount, and time remaining on your loan in the auto refinance calculator. 
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The tool will show you what you might save if you replace your current car loan with a new auto refinance loan.
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It might be time to check your refinance options if your credit has improved or your current car payment is too high for your budget.
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When you find a refinance offer that fits your needs, you’ll need to provide your personal information and details about your vehicle and current loan to apply.

Use our auto loan refinance calculator

How to use a car refinance calculator

You’ll need to input your current car loan information into the calculator to show your potential savings. Follow these steps to get the most accurate results.

1. Gather your auto loan details

You’ll need to know the following information: 

  • Your current interest rate
  • Monthly payment
  • Amount remaining on your loan
  • Time remaining on your loan

Some calculators may also ask for your vehicle’s make, model, model year and your credit score to fine-tune your savings estimates.

2. Compare rates and terms

Next, compare your current loan to the rates and terms of a new loan. What would a loan with a lower rate look like? How about a loan with repayment terms of 60, 72 or 84 months? See what your new monthly payment could be and how much you might save.

3. Submit your application

When you find a refinance option that works for you, apply for a quick preapproval. RefiJet lets you check personalized rates without an impact on your credit. Once you find an offer you like, applying for the refinance loan is a matter of providing your personal information and uploading some documents for verification.

When it might make sense to refinance

Auto Refinancing

When you use a car refinance calculator, you’re looking for opportunities to save money. A good time to refinance is when:

  • Your credit score has improved. If your score has gone up since you first took out your auto loan, you might qualify for a lower interest rate now.
  • You got a raise at work. You might qualify for a lower rate with a higher income, plus refinancing to a shorter term can save on interest.
  • You financed through the dealer. Some dealerships add “margin” to your auto loan, meaning you pay a little more for financing and the dealer keeps the difference. Refinancing could be a simple way to lower your interest rate, even if everything else stays the same. 
  • Rates have dropped everywhere. The economy is always changing. If you bought your car when the average car loan interest rates were high, it could be a great time to refinance when they come back down. 
  • Your budget is feeling tight. Sometimes, what was affordable last year just doesn’t work this year. If your situation has changed and you’re struggling with your car payments, refinancing your auto loan could be the key to finding a little wiggle room.

How to apply for an auto loan refinance

The first step in the refinancing process is to do your research so you feel confident in your decision to change up your auto loan. That involves:

  • Gathering details about your current loan
  • Checking your credit report to see where you stand
  • Exploring today’s auto loan interest rates

Next, compare current auto refinance rates to your existing loan. This is a great time to use our auto refinance calculator, because it lets you see how different rates and terms affect your payment. Note which offers could save you the most money.

Gather your documents before you apply — it makes the process much faster and easier. You’ll usually need the following:

  • Driver’s license 
  • Vehicle registration
  • VIN (vehicle identification number)
  • Social Security number
  • Current loan information
  • Financial information, like pay stubs, banking statements or employer verification

When you’ve found an offer that works for you, fill out the application, upload your documents, and wait for approval. Depending on the lender, it could take anywhere from hours to weeks to complete the application process. The lender will verify your information and let you know when you’ve been approved. 

Then all that is left to do is pay off the balance of the old loan and begin making payments on your refinance loan.

Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What information is required for an auto loan refinance calculator?
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The most important info you’ll need to use our auto refinance calculator is your current interest rate, loan amount, monthly payment and time remaining on your car loan. Some calculators will also ask for your credit score and the rate on a new loan for comparison.
How long does the refinancing process take?
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It depends on the lender, but refinancing an auto loan usually takes between 15 and 30 days. Some lenders may need up to 45 days to verify your financial information and approve you for the refinance.
 Are there any additional fees or penalties for refinancing my car loan?
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It’s very important to check whether your current loan has a prepayment penalty, but this is uncommon. Also check whether your new lender has any application or origination fees, which adds to your refinancing costs.

What other factors may impact the estimated savings I am being shown?
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Remember that an auto loan refinance calculator shows you an estimate of your savings — it’s not set in stone. Your credit score, the car’s value, refinance fees and other charges, and even current economic conditions could all affect how much you’ll actually save.

Learn More

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