Can I get a car with limited or bad credit?
Often, yes, but a lower credit score makes buying cost more: lenders charge higher rates, and many insurers do too. Flexing is another way to have your own car: applying starts with a soft credit check that won't affect your score, and insurance, maintenance, roadside, and registration are included.
Buying with a lower score
Lenders set car loan rates by credit score. In the second quarter of 2026, the average used-car loan rate was 8.81% with prime credit, 13.93% with near-prime credit, 19.10% with subprime, and 21.62% with deep subprime.
Most auto insurers also use credit-based insurance scores to set prices in states that allow it, so a lower score can raise the cost of coverage too.
Sources: Experian, Average Car Loan Interest Rates by Credit Score (Q2 2026 data); NAIC, Credit-Based Insurance Scores (updated March 2026)
Buying versus flexing, by credit
Flexcar's savings calculator prices both sides at each credit band: buying's loan rate and insurance, and Flexcar's own price.
| Credit | Buying's loan rate | Buying a month | Flexing a month | Difference over 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (under 580) | 20.00% | $1,270 | $893 | $18,140 |
| Average (580–669) | 13.72% | $1,030 | $839 | $9,917 |
| Good (670–739) | 9.04% | $947 | $809 | $7,123 |
| Excellent (740+) | 6.80% | $891 | $804 | $4,762 |
With low credit, buying's monthly cost includes about $725 for the loan and $453 for insurance, against $568 and $286 with good credit. The loan rates are the calculator's, close to Experian's averages for the matching credit tiers.
Buying's monthly cost counts the loan, insurance, maintenance less what an extended warranty pays, registration, and roadside; flexing's counts the car, insurance, protection, the membership, and Flexcar's taxes and fees, at each band's price and with any OnTrack discount. Try your own car and credit in the savings calculator.
Flexing with a lower score
There's no dealership markup or down payment, and because we insure and maintain thousands of cars, we pay less per car than one driver would.
Your credit can change your Flexcar price, and whether your approval includes a refundable deposit. It doesn't change what's included.
Paying on time can lower your price
Flexcar's OnTrack discount takes a fixed amount off the vehicle price, before tax, from the seventh payment once you've made six months of on-time payments with a passing driving score (a late payment or a low score restarts the count). By credit: good, $15, $25, and $35 a month on the 850-, 1,200-, and 2,000-mile plans; average, $25, $45, and $65 ($50, $75, and $100 at ages 21–24); low, $50, $75, and $100.
Questions
Do you check my credit? Who’s eligible?
If you’re 21 or older with a valid US driver’s license, you can apply in minutes. We use a soft credit check plus other financial details, so applying won’t affect your credit score. That review sets your approval, price, and any deposit. When you place your order, we also check your driving record. You’ll need your physical license card (a paper license can’t be used for a new order) and a bank-issued credit or debit card in your name.
Is there a down payment?
No. At checkout you pay your first month and tax, plus a refundable deposit if your approval includes one. If the car you choose is in another market, a one-time fee to ship it to your local market is added too. You’ll see every amount before you pay. The $249 annual membership is billed separately, 14 days after pickup.
Can I apply with no credit history?
Yes. You can apply with no credit history, and we may ask you for more information. We use a soft credit check plus other financial details, so applying won't affect your credit score. That review sets your approval, price, and any deposit.
Which cards can I pay with?
A bank-issued credit or debit card in your name. Apple Pay and Google Pay work too. Prepaid, virtual, and Cash App cards can't be used, and neither can buy now, pay later. After checkout, your monthly payments can also come straight from your bank account.
More guides
Savings are estimates for a 25–34 driver in each credit band shown, driving about 15,000 miles a year, averaged across Flexcar’s 8 markets, using model-average prices as of October 2026. Flexing includes Essential protection, the annual membership, and Flexcar’s taxes and fees, with modeled price step-downs; buying includes financing, ownership costs, a dealer warranty and GAP, and the car’s resale value. Actual savings vary and aren’t guaranteed. Maintenance, covered repairs, and roadside come with the $249 annual membership. Estimates include each side’s taxes but not mileage beyond the driving assumed, swaps, damage, fuel, or tolls, and buying includes its cost of capital. Insurance limits, deductibles, and exclusions apply. Availability varies. Month-to-month returns have no early-termination penalty; usage and damage charges still apply. Terms vary by plan and state; see the Membership Agreement.