If you have less-than-ideal credit and want to apply for an auto loan, there are a few ways you can improve your credit score before moving forward. Our team here at Watermark Nissan of Marion put together the following tips to help Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL, area car shoppers improve their credit scores.
As you read our tips down below, feel free to contact us with any further questions!Â
The first step to improving your credit score is checking your free credit report from one of the major credit bureaus, such as Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. If you notice any mistakes on your credit report, dispute each error and have them removed. This can quickly raise your credit score and will ensure you have an accurate number to work with.
Next, you'll want to set up reminders to pay your bills on time. If you've already missed a payment by 30 or more days, contact your creditor to see if you can make the payment before it gets reported.
Even if this is not an option, however, it's best to pay off your current bill and continue by keeping up with all future payments.
After that, whenever possible, make frequent payments throughout the month. This helps to boost your credit utilization ratio, which is a percentage of how much you owe divided by your total credit limit. In addition to your payment history, your credit utilization is a key part of what determines your overall credit score.
Even if you are no longer using certain lines of credit, keeping them open will help you maintain better credit utilization and thus a higher credit score.
By following these helpful tips, you'll be well on your way to improving your credit score. When you're ready to take the next steps in your automotive journey, we have a few virtual financing tools you can use to get started from home.
Apply for Credit
With our credit application, you can get pre-approved for an auto loan. This will give you an idea of how much you can expect to borrow to finance your next car. It will also save you time at our dealership, so you can take the wheel sooner.
Calculate Payments
Our payment calculator lets you compare estimated monthly payments for your favorite models. That way, you can easily narrow in on one within your desired price range.
Value Your Trade
If you want to trade in your current set of wheels at our dealership, you can use our Edmunds MyAppraise tool to check its True Market Value®. Then, you can apply its trade-in value towards the down payment on your next car, reducing the amount you finance with an auto loan.
View Our Auto Financing Offers
In addition to our rotating selection of new and pre-owned auto financing offers, we have a Nissan College Grad Program and a Nissan Military program available for qualified customers.
Contact us at Watermark Nissan of Marion to learn about our auto financing options near Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, Illinois, today. We look forward to helping you take the wheel of a vehicle you'll rely on for years to come!
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Watermark Nissan of Marion
3209 Banterra Drive
Marion, IL 62959
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