Huntington Auto Finance: Your Guide to Car Loans
Huntington Auto Finance, a division of Huntington National Bank, provides indirect auto loans to consumers through a network of franchised and independent dealerships. They are not a direct lender; meaning you cannot apply for a loan directly with Huntington Auto Finance. Instead, dealerships work with them to offer financing options to customers purchasing vehicles.
How Huntington Auto Finance Works
When you’re at a dealership, and the sales associate presents you with financing options, Huntington Auto Finance may be one of the lenders they contact on your behalf. The dealership submits your loan application to Huntington, along with other potential lenders, for review. Huntington then assesses your creditworthiness based on factors like your credit score, income, employment history, and the vehicle you intend to purchase.
If approved, Huntington Auto Finance provides the dealership with loan terms, including the interest rate, loan amount, and repayment schedule. The dealership then presents these terms to you. You can then compare Huntington’s offer with offers from other lenders, such as your local credit union or other banks, to choose the best loan for your needs.
Key Considerations
Several factors are worth considering if Huntington Auto Finance is presented as a loan option:
- Interest Rates: Interest rates are crucial to compare. Huntington’s interest rate will depend on your credit profile and market conditions. Always compare the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which includes the interest rate plus any fees, to get a complete picture of the loan’s cost.
- Loan Terms: The loan term (the length of time you have to repay the loan) significantly impacts your monthly payments and the total interest you pay. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less interest paid over the life of the loan. Longer terms result in lower monthly payments but significantly more interest paid.
- Fees: Inquire about any fees associated with the loan, such as origination fees or prepayment penalties. While Huntington doesn’t typically charge prepayment penalties, it’s best to confirm with the dealership and review your loan agreement carefully.
- Credit Score Impact: Applying for multiple auto loans within a short period can slightly lower your credit score due to hard inquiries. However, the credit bureaus usually treat multiple auto loan inquiries within a 14- to 45-day window as a single inquiry, minimizing the impact.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Convenience: Applying through the dealership is convenient, as they handle the loan application process on your behalf.
- Potential for Competitive Rates: Huntington may offer competitive interest rates, particularly for borrowers with good to excellent credit.
Cons:
- Indirect Lending: You cannot apply directly with Huntington; you must go through a dealership.
- Limited Control: You have less control over the application process compared to applying directly with a lender. The dealership acts as the intermediary.
Conclusion
Huntington Auto Finance can be a viable option for financing your vehicle purchase, particularly if you’re already working with a dealership in their network. Remember to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders to ensure you’re getting the best possible terms. Pay close attention to the APR, loan term, and any associated fees before making a decision. Thoroughly review your loan agreement before signing to understand all the terms and conditions.