DriveTime Auto Financing: Real Options for Every Credit Situation

DriveTime auto financing made simple. See approval tips, credit requirements, and real buyer stories to help you qualify faster and save more.

Drive Away with Confidence

Buying a car can be stressful—especially if you’ve been turned down by banks or credit unions. That’s why DriveTime, one of the largest used car retailers and auto finance companies in the United States, focuses on helping drivers with low or bad credit get back on the road. With more than 145 dealerships across 26 states and a fully digital car-buying experience, DriveTime has financed over 4 million customers nationwide (drivetime.com).

DriveTime offers in-house financing through Bridgecrest, its dedicated auto loan division, allowing for flexible approvals and transparent terms. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or rebuilding after bankruptcy, the company’s process is designed for speed, simplicity, and second chances.

Why Choose DriveTime Auto Financing?

• Instant online prequalification with no impact on your credit score
• Approval regardless of credit history (even scores below 500 may qualify)
• Down payments starting around $995, depending on credit and vehicle price (autocreditexpress.com)
• Loan terms up to 72 months
• Monthly payments as low as $250–$400 on typical used car loans
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you rebuild credit

Types of Financing Available

Loan Type	Ideal For	Typical Term	Key Feature
Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH)	Borrowers with bad or limited credit	36–72 months	In-house approval via Bridgecrest
Standard Used Auto Loan	Buyers with moderate to good credit	36–72 months	Lower APR and higher vehicle limit
Refinance Option	Customers improving credit	24–60 months	Reduce APR or shorten loan term

Real Example

A buyer in Georgia purchased a 2019 Nissan Altima priced at $19,200 with a $1,000 down payment and a 60-month term. The APR offered was 16.9%, resulting in monthly payments of about $450. While higher than traditional bank loans, the buyer’s on-time payments raised their credit score by 75 points in 12 months, making them eligible for refinancing at a lower rate the following year.

DriveTime Auto vs. Traditional Lenders

Feature	DriveTime	Bank/Credit Union	Online Lender
Approval Speed	Same day	2–5 business days	1–3 days
Credit Flexibility	Accepts all scores	600+ usually required	580+ typical
Down Payment	Starts around $995	10–20% of car value	5–15%
Reports to Bureaus	Yes	Yes	Varies

Transparency You Can Trust

DriveTime Auto provides full loan breakdowns, including APR, total interest, and payment schedule before signing. All contracts are serviced by Bridgecrest, which allows online payment tracking, automatic reminders, and payment history reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Want to know how to get approved faster and qualify for better DriveTime terms? Continue to Page 2 for insider approval tips, score requirements, and strategies to lower your interest rate.

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