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2026 PNC Auto Loan Review

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Best for existing PNC Bank customers: If you have a PNC checking account and use it to autopay your auto loan bill, you may be eligible for an APR discount.

PNC

PNC Bank auto loan rates and terms

Starting annual percentage rate (APR)Loan termsLoan amountsFees Minimum credit score
New auto loans5.14% (with autopay from a PNC checking account)12 to 84 months$5,000 to $100,000Late fees and returned payment fees may applyNot specified
Used auto loans5.14% (with autopay from a PNC checking account)12 to 84 months$5,000 to $100,000Late fees and returned payment fees may applyNot specified
Refinance auto loans5.59% (with autopay from a PNC checking account)12 to 84 months$5,000 to $100,000Late fees and returned payment fees may applyNot specified
Note that rates vary by model year, loan amount, loan term and loan type. Please see PNC’s website for more information.

PNC pros and cons

Pros

  • Offers traditional auto loans you can use to refinance, buy out a lease or purchase a car from a dealership or private seller
  • Can complete an application entirely online
  •  Has a car-buying program (PNC Total Auto)
  •  Customer service available via live chat

Cons

  •  Not available nationwide
  •  Requires a hard credit pull to check rates
  •  Need to go to a branch to finalize private-party loans
  •  Autopay discount requires a PNC checking account

What you need to get a car loan with PNC

Here are some key things to consider when applying for a PNC auto loan:

  • PNC loans aren’t available nationwide: To get a PNC auto loan, you’ll need to live in an eligible state.
  • PNC doesn’t disclose its minimum credit score requirement: The credit score you need to buy a car can vary from one lender to the next. A credit score of 660 or less could make it hard to qualify for an auto loan with favorable rates and terms.
  • You can’t get prequalified: That means you’ll need to agree to a hard credit pull to check your eligibility. This will temporarily decrease your credit score by a few points.
  • Car limitations apply: The car must be a 2018 model or newer and have no more than 80,000 miles (or 100,000 based on credit qualifications). If going through a dealer, you’ll need to buy the car from a PNC eligible dealer like CarMax.

How PNC Bank’s starting rates compare to LendingTree’s lowest offers

PNC’s starting APR for new or used auto loans is 5.14%, which is below LendingTree’s lowest offers for borrowers with excellent credit. However, PNC’s rates could be as high as 20.44%, depending on your credit. 

For refinance auto loans, PNC’s starting rate is 5.59%, which is slightly higher than LendingTree’s lowest offers for those with excellent and very good credit. That rate could go as high as 23.54%, based on your credit.

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 PNC auto loans

PNC offers traditional auto loans for new and used cars, as well as auto loan refinancing, private-party loans, lease buyout options and Check Ready loans. A Check Ready loan is similar to getting preapproved in that both can clarify your buying power before you head to a dealer.

  • If approved, you’ll receive a check that allows you to shop like a cash buyer. 
  • Once you finalize the sale, you’ll fill out the check for the final amount, up to the amount you were approved to borrow.

A Check Ready loan can help you stick to your car-buying budget. Plus, you can use it as leverage during car negotiations since the dealer will know how much you’re approved to spend.

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 PNC auto loan right for you?

A PNC loan may be a good fit if you’re looking to finance a private-party purchase or want a preapproved check in hand when car shopping. Existing PNC members can also benefit from the bank’s 0.25% autopay discount.

However, PNC doesn’t let you check rates with a soft credit pull. You’ll have to go through the entire application process to see the exact rates and terms you will receive. PNC also requires in-person visits for private-party loans.

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 PNC auto loans compare

No matter the type of auto loan you need, PNC can likely accommodate. Still, you may be able to find a lower rate or longer loan term with other auto loan lenders. Please note that the information below applies to new car loans only.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
PNC BankNavy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)Bank of America
Starting APR5.14% (with autopay from a PNC checking account)3.89%5.29%
Loan terms12 to 84 months12 to 96 months48 to 72 months
Loan amounts$5,000 to $100,000Starting at $250Starting at $7,500 ($8,000 in Minnesota)
Fees Not specifiedNot specifiedNo doc fee
Minimum credit scoreNot specifiedNoneNot specified

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) and Bank of America are potential alternatives to PNC auto loans. For qualified borrowers, that could open the door to a lower rate, but borrowing limits and minimum credit requirements vary. 

Frequently asked questions

PNC Bank doesn’t disclose its credit score requirements for an auto loan. Generally speaking, the best rates and terms go to borrowers with strong credit. Most approved auto loan borrowers have a minimum credit score of 661, but that isn’t set in stone.

Yes, you can pay off a PNC car loan early without a prepayment penalty.

PNC Bank can provide a loan decision within minutes of submitting an application. If you’re applying with a co-borrower or have a complex application, approval decisions may take longer.

Get auto loan offers from up to 5 lenders in minutes