What are current auto refinance rates in California?
Auto refinance rates in California start at 4.48% APR for newer vehicles. Many credit unions offer rates from 4.5% to 5.7% APR. Your rate depends on credit score, car age, and loan term. As of February 2026, expect 4.5% to 7% APR for most vehicles.
Here's what you need to know:
| Vehicle Type | Lowest APR | Max Term | Example Lender |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022+ Newer | 4.48% | 84 months | CA Coast CU |
| 2017-2021 Used | 5.48% | 75 months | CA Coast CU |
| 2016 or Older | 7.18% | 75 months | CA Coast CU |
| General Used | 5.24%-5.69% | 72 months | Pacific Service CU |
These rates come from California credit unions. National lenders like Caribou offer 4.64% starting APR. Good credit (720+) gets the best deals. Fair credit scores around 640 still qualify but pay 1-2% more.
Factors That Affect Your Rate
Your exact rate varies. Credit score matters most. Scores over 720 often see under 5% APR. Vehicle age raises rates: newer cars get lower APRs. Loan terms from 36 to 84 months change payments too.
Monthly payment examples per $1,000 borrowed:
- 36 months at 4.68% APR: $29.83
- 48 months at 4.68% APR: $22.88
- 72 months at 5.44% APR: $16.31
- 84 months at 6.58% APR: $14.89
Longer terms lower monthly costs but add total interest. Shorter terms save money overall.
Tips to Get the Best Rate
Shop around. Compare at least three lenders. Credit unions in California beat big banks on rates. Check your credit score first. Fix errors to drop 0.5-1% off your APR.
Refinance if your current rate tops 7%. You could save $50-100 monthly on a $20,000 loan. Many offer no payments for 90 days. Cash-out options let you pull equity for debt payoff.
Sidekick tracks your ownership costs. It shows refinance savings based on real owner data. Enter your loan details to see if refinancing fits your budget.
Rates shift weekly. Verify with lenders. Strong credit and newer vehicles win lowest rates. Act fast to lock in savings on most vehicles.