For buying a car in 2026, a credit score of is generally considered "bad" or "poor" by most lenders. While there is no universal minimum required to purchase a vehicle, falling into this range significantly limits your options and increases the cost of ownership. Credit Score Tiers for Auto Loans
Lenders categorize borrowers into tiers to determine risk and interest rates. Based on recent 2026 industry data, here is how scores are typically grouped: Average Auto Loan Interest Rates By Credit Score - Bankrate what is a bad credit score for buying a car