Overview of RateGenius
Founded in 2015, RateGenius is an online auto loan marketplace connecting borrowers to lenders offering refinancing and lease buyouts. With over 150 lender partners, drivers can compare multiple personalized loan offers in minutes.
RateGenius offers a streamlined way to refinance existing auto loans potentially at lower interest rates. By leveraging partnerships across an extensive network, borrowers enjoy a simple loan process with less paperwork.
Below we’ll review RateGenius auto refinancing loans heading into 2024 including pros, cons, rates, and requirements.
Types of Auto Loans Offered
RateGenius focuses exclusively on auto loan refinancing, not new purchase loans. The two main products are:
Auto Loan Refinancing
- For existing car loans from other lenders
- Loan amounts $10,250 up to $55,000
Lease Buyout Financing
- Turn existing leases into long-term loans
- Purchase prices $10,250 up to $55,000
Refinancing involves paying off current loans for improved rates or terms, while lease buyouts let you keep your leased car long-term by financing the remaining balance.
RateGenius Loan Requirements
While requirements vary across RateGenius lender partners, common baseline criteria for their refinancing loans include:
For Your Vehicle
- Maximum 10 years old
- Under 120k miles
- Valid registration
For Your Existing Loan
- Originated at least 1 year ago
- Balance above $10,250
- Minimum 24 months left
For You
- 18+ years old
- Income meeting lender thresholds
- Co-borrowers OK
So those with fairly new condition vehicles still owing over $10k on current loans can likely qualify for savings.
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Interest Rates & Fees from RateGenius
Since RateGenius is a lending marketplace, interest rates and fee structures differ across their network of partners.
Interest Rates
While RateGenius doesn’t disclose specific rate ranges, they provide sample average APRs borrowers with different credit classifications may expect:
| Credit Tier | Avg. APR |
| Excellent | 4.5% |
| Good | 7.5% |
| Average | 13% |
| Poor | 22%+ |
Actual interest rates depend on the lender chosen from their network along with your credit scores, income, loan amount, location, and other risk factors.
Origination & Processing Fees
Unlike some lending marketplaces, RateGenius does not charge any origination or processing fees themselves.
However, some lenders in their network do assess charges such as:
- Prepaid finance fees
- Title transfer fees
Carefully review all rates and fee disclosures from each lender before accepting a loan offer. Select loan providers with the lowest overall costs best matching your savings goals.
How to Apply for RateGenius Refinancing
Applying for a RateGenius auto refinance loan only takes 24-48 hours and can be initiated online or over the phone.
Pre-Qualify
First, answer a few questions so RateGenius can provide pre-qualified rate offers from partners. Pre-qualifying checks don’t impact credit scores.
Submit Application
If happy with pre-approval rates, continue to the full application submitting all required personal, employment, and financial details. This triggers a hard credit inquiry.
Get Funds & Refinanced
Once approved, accept loan terms from your chosen lender. RateGenius pays off your old auto loan balance directly and transfers the title.
Then just begin making new loan payments at your improved rate!
Should You Refinance with RateGenius?
Below are some key pros and cons of leveraging RateGenius for auto loan refinancing:
Pros
- Quick 24-48 hour loan decisions
- Pre-qualification with no credit impact
- Multiple loan offer comparisons
- Works with all credit score tiers
- Online applications
Cons
- No purchase financing available
- Maximum $55K loan amount
- Individual lender fees possible
- Must have at least $10k auto loan balance
- Title transfer delays possible
Drivers frustrated with high interest payments from existing car loans can easily evaluate multiple refinancing offers with minimal paperwork using RateGenius.
Just ensure you review all terms and account for title transfer timing when assessing options. And recognize maximum loan amounts prohibit luxury auto refinancing.
READ ALSO: Overview of Carvana Auto Loans
To Recap: Who is RateGenius Best For?
In summary, RateGenius auto loan refinancing delivers the most value to three primary driver groups:
1. Borrowers Wanting Loan Comparison
The lending marketplace model allows effortless rate and term comparisons unreachable through individual lenders.
2. Those Needing Quick Refinancing
The entire pre-qualification, application, and servicing process happens in under 48 hours – lightning fast.
3. Drivers WithLess Than Perfect Credit
With over 150 partners spanning all credit tiers, approvals remain possible even for past credit challenges.
While maximum loan amounts remain restricted, RateGenius makes refinancing existing autos convenient and fast thanks to easy online tools connecting customized loan offers. Drivers of all backgrounds stand to save money regardless of current credit or income status.
Before turning in car keys, be sure to take RateGenius for a quick spin to find your best match!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are answers to some common questions regarding RateGenius auto loan refinancing:
Does getting pre-qualified hurt your credit?
No. RateGenius uses a soft credit check when pre-qualifying to show real rates borrowers qualify for without impacting credit scores. However, final loan approval requires a hard inquiry.
What credit score is needed for RateGenius approval?
RateGenius doesn’t disclose specific minimum scores but advertises working with borrowers across the credit spectrum – not just prime borrowers. Even scores in the 500s stand potential approval chances.
Can I get a new car loan through RateGenius?
Unfortunately, no. RateGenius only offers refinancing of existing auto loans along with lease buyout financing – not new vehicle purchase loans.
Does the refinancing process cost money?
RateGenius doesn’t charge application or processing fees. But depending on the lender chosen from their network, borrowers may incur title transfer or other fees around $100-$500 in some cases.
How long does the loan process take?
RateGenius touts one of the fastest approval timelines in the industry, often as little as 24-48 hours from completed application to funded loan. So the entire refinancing process rarely exceeds 3-5 business days.
Hopefully this overview gives more clarity into the RateGenius auto loan refinancing experience. Drivers can save money by putting their service to the test!
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