Auto Loans

Your auto loan will be calculated using several factors, including:

• Your credit score and history
• Your chosen loan term length
• The MSRP price of your vehicle
• Current interest rates

These are subject to change with time and circumstance, making perfect calculations for your auto payments nearly impossible. However, you can get pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score and recieve a tailored estimate on your monthly payment and rate.

Pre-qualification is a qualifying offer based on a soft credit pull. While pre-qualification shows you what rates you may qualify for with no impact to your credit score, these offers may change based on a full credit check.

Pre-approval requires a review of your credit report and personal information to determine what loan amount and rate you can receive; these rates are good for up to 30 days and require a hard credit pull which impacts your credit score.

Getting pre-approved for an auto loan begins with a secure online application that guides you through the initial stages of the acceptance process. Important details that may be asked on your submitted application include your credit history, previous vehicle loan amount (for refinancing), and vehicle price range.

All pre-approval rates and terms are valid for 30 days, allowing members to carefully choose their next vehicle and prepare for the future.

Gulf Winds also offers pre-qualification. Pre-qualification requires submission of personal information via an easy online application in just a few clicks. You'll quickly see which one of our low rates you qualify for with no credit impact. These rates are good for up to 30 days so when you're ready, you can move forward with the final application and apply for financing. 

• If you're unable to keep up with your current monthly payments:
  Refinancing can reduce your monthly payments, either by reducing your interest rate or extending the length of your loan.
• Your current financial situation is better than it was when took out your original loan:
  If you're financially better off now than you were when you first took out your loan, you could be eligible for more favorable loan terms and conditions.
• Better interest rates are available:
  If banks and credit unions can offer lower interest rates now than they were when you got your original loan, refinancing could save you money in the long term.
• You want to weigh your options:
  It's possible that when you first applied for your loan, you didn't get the best terms available. If you think you could be eligible for better loan terms and conditions now, shopping around is never a bad idea.

Applying for a refinancing loan could lower your credit score, but only temporarily. When you apply for any type of credit, a hard inquiry is made on your credit history. However, after six months, these "dings" to your score typically disappear.

When applying to refinance your auto loan, check your credit score so you know where you currently stand. Then, avoid any major credit inquiries—such as applying for a new credit card or applying for other types of loans—for the next six months to minimize the impact on your score. 

Different lenders have different standards for credit scores. However, even if your credit is poor, you might still be eligible for better loan terms than you were originally.

Call 1.800.650.6328 to see if your credit score could allow for better terms.

Yes, just complete our online application to check if you are eligible for any pre-qualification offers in minutes with no impact to your credit score.

Get Pre-Qualified