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2026 LightStream Auto Loan Review

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Best for fast, flexible auto financing without vehicle restrictions: LightStream offers unsecured auto loans with possible same-day funding, no fees and no limits on where or what you buy — including private-party purchases.

LightStream auto loan rates and terms

Starting annual percentage rate (APR)Loan termsLoan amountsFees Minimum credit score
New auto loans6.49% (with autopay)24 – 84 months $5,000 – $100,000NoneNot specified
Used auto loans6.49% (with autopay)24 – 84 months $5,000 – $100,000NoneNot specified
Refinance auto loans6.74% (with autopay)24 – 84 months $5,000 – $100,000NoneNot specified

LightStream pros and cons

Pros

  • Same-day funding
  • Can buy from a dealer or private party
  • No fees and offers a 0.50% rate discount for autopay
  • No down payments

Cons

  • Rates tend to be on the high side
  • Can’t see what rates you might get without a hard credit pull
  • Won’t qualify if you have fair or bad credit
  • Have to borrow at least $5,000 

What you need to get a car loan with LightStream

LightStream markets its lowest auto rates to borrowers with excellent credit, and your rate (and approval odds) can vary based on your credit profile, loan amount, term and loan purpose.

In practice, applicants who tend to qualify often have:

  • Good to excellent credit (for context, a “good” credit score is commonly 670–739)
  • A strong payment history and manageable existing debt
  • Enough income and/or savings to support the payment

LightStream has no rules about a vehicle’s year, make, model or mileage, whether you’re buying from a dealer, purchasing from a private seller or refinancing.

How LightStream’s starting rates compare to LendingTree’s lowest offers

LightStream’s starting rate of 6.49% (with autopay) APR for new and used auto loans compares favorably with LendingTree’s average lowest offers for borrowers with excellent credit. However, LightStream’s 6.74% (with autopay) APR starting rate for auto refinancing is higher than the lowest average offered to excellent-credit borrowers on the LendingTree marketplace.

If you qualify for LightStream’s lowest advertised rates, its purchase loans may be competitive. However, refinancing shoppers with top-tier credit may still find lower offers by comparing multiple lenders.

Credit rangeAverage lowest APR for new auto loan offersAverage lowest APR for used auto loan offersAverage lowest APR for auto refi loan offers
Excellent (800+)7.16%9.34%5.06%
Very good (740 – 799)8.07%8.47%5.29%
Good (670 – 739)11.34%13.30%6.13%
Fair (580 – 669)20.51%22.36%9.02%
Poor (under 580)22.85%24.35%13.70%
Source: Figures represent the average lowest offered APRs received on the LendingTree platform in Q3 2025. Borrowers may receive multiple offers from up to five lenders. Refinance offers apply only to used vehicles.

Estimate your monthly payment

About 5% of people with an auto loan are behind on payments, according to a LendingTree study. Using an auto loan calculator before signing on the dotted line can help you avoid taking on more than you can handle.

Types of LightStream auto loans

LightStream offers several vehicle financing options, including those shown below. Note, in particular, that it doesn’t matter whether you’re buying from an individual or a dealer — LightStream is fine with either.

  • New auto loans
  • Used auto loans
  • Lease buyout loans
  • Auto refinance loans
  • Motorcycle loans and refinance
  • Boat loans and refinance
  • RV loans and refinance

When banks compete, you win

Customers who used LendingTree to shop for car loans in July 2025 saved an average of $2,346 by choosing the offer with the lowest APR. Here’s how it works.

Tell us what you need

Take two minutes to tell us who you are and how much money you need for your vehicle — we’ll take care of the rest. It’s free, simple and secure.

Shop your offers

We’ll send you offers from up to five trusted lenders. Compare your offers side by side to see which one will save you the most money.

Get your money

It’s smooth sailing once you finalize your loan with your lender — you could see money in your account in as soon as 24 hours.

Is a LightStream auto loan right for you?

LightStream can make sense if you:

  • Have good to excellent credit and want a quick online application
  • Want flexibility to buy a car with no age/mileage restrictions or from a private seller, such as a classic car
  • Prefer a loan with no origination fees and no prepayment penalties

LightStream may not be the best fit if you’re trying to secure the absolute lowest possible APR, since LightStream auto loans are typically unsecured. Many lenders offer lower rates on secured loans that use the vehicle as collateral.

Even if you like LightStream, compare at least a few offers. Rate shopping can save real money, and LendingTree’s auto loan marketplace lets you compare offers from multiple lenders in minutes.

Don’t forget to budget for car insurance

Shop around for car insurance on the LendingTree marketplace to find affordable rates. Among consumers who switched providers, 92% said they saved money and nearly two-thirds saved at least $100 on their annual car insurance rate, according to a LendingTree survey.

How LightStream auto loans compare

LightStream has its strengths, but shopping around is always the best option. No matter the lender, the rates you see advertised won’t necessarily apply to you. Car loan rates depend on factors like your credit score and how much debt you already have.

Still, the table below (which reflects rates for new cars only) can help you get started.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LightStreamCapital OnePenFed Credit Union
Starting APR6.49% (with autopay)5.08% 4.19%
Loan terms24 – 84 months
24 – 84 months36 – 84 months
Loan amounts$5,000 – $100,000Starting at $4,000Up to $150,000
Fees NoneNot specifiedNone
Minimum credit scoreNot specified500Not specified

For more lender comparisons, see LendingTree’s Capital One auto loan review and PenFed Credit Union auto loan review.

Frequently asked questions

LightStream doesn’t publish a minimum credit score, but it advertises its lowest rates to borrowers with excellent credit and notes that terms/APR vary by credit profile. For reference, many lenders consider 670–739 “good” credit. Get your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring if you aren’t sure where you stand.

LightStream also prefers you have at least five years of credit history and ample assets, like a healthy retirement account.

Yes, LightStream is an online loan company owned by Truist, one of the biggest banks in the country. Some of its biggest benefits are same-day funding and in the case of car loans, no vehicle restrictions.

LightStream doesn’t offer instant approvals, but it only takes a short while to review applications. As long as it’s during business hours, this could mean a few minutes or an hour or two. If approved, you might get your money the same day that you apply if you sign your loan documents before 2:30 p.m. ET on a business day.

Get auto loan offers from up to 5 lenders in minutes