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Can you refinance a car loan after six months?

I paid my car loan on time for the past eight months after I got bonus cash from the dealer for financing. Now I want to refinance, as I found a better rate. Can I refinance a car loan after six months?

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Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
No time restrictions or legal precedents dictate when you can refinance your loan. That said, you can certainly
refinance a car loan
after six months. However, you may need to wait longer in order to get positive equity in the vehicle.
Most lenders suggest waiting six months after opening a loan because it gives an applicant time to rebuild their credit and stabilize their financial situation. In addition, the borrower can also enjoy a six-month history of paying their monthly loan on time. This, in turn, can increase the applicant’s chances of getting approved for a new loan.
Keep in mind that you need positive equity to refinance a car loan, as most lenders consider even highly qualified applicants a high risk if they have negative equity. Use your amortization schedule to find your break-even point or make a lump-sum payment to get to your break-even point.
If you want to find savings on top of your refinancing,
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