How to Get an Auto Loan with ITIN Number

Are you looking to buy a car without a Social Security Number? Are you wondering if it’s even possible? We might have the answers you need.

You can possibly get an auto loan with ITIN number. Here you can find out the most important things you need to know.

ITIN Numbers and Auto Loans

Life in the U.S. is great. You get to be a part of one of the largest economies in the world. But without a Social Security Number (SSN) you might struggle to get access to certain financial services. What can you do? Consider buying a car with an auto loan with ITIN number.

What is an ITIN Number?

Anyone who earns an income in the U.S. has to declare that money to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). People usually use their SSN to file taxes, but foreigners working in the U.S. must use a different form of identification. The IRS gives them a special number that identifies them for tax purposes. This is called an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a unique number that consists of 9 digits.

You apply for an ITIN when you first need to file your taxes. That number remains your ITIN as long as it remains active. An ITIN without a tax return for three consecutive years will expire.

Are there Auto Loans with ITIN Numbers?

Now let’s say you want to buy a car with an auto loan, but you don’t have an SSN. What can you do? Have you heard of an auto loan with ITIN number?

Yes, you could still get the loan you need to purchase your vehicle by supplying your ITIN to serve as identification.

Traditional lenders and banks usually require an SSN before they serve you with credit. But some lenders would like to help you even if you only have an ITIN. Find the lenders who will help you. Apply with them for an auto loan with ITIN number. Just remember, an ITIN won’t be enough on its own to be approved for a loan. You must still convince a lender about your ability to repay a loan.

How to Get a Car with an ITIN Number

The easiest and best way to buy a car is to pay for it in cash in full. But if you are looking at auto loans you probably don’t have enough cash. Why don’t you apply for an auto loan with ITIN number?

Here are the steps you need to follow to get a car loan with an ITIN number.

1. Apply for a Consular Identification Card

A U.S. Consular Identification Card (CID) is not always required, but it could help verify your identity when you want to purchase a car. Visit the nearest U.S. consulate and ask how you can get your CID.

2. Get Your ITIN

If you haven’t filed a tax return yet you’ll need to apply for your ITIN. The IRS explains on their website how to apply for one. Follow their instructions and apply. You will need an ITIN number anyway if you live and work in the U.S. to file your taxes.

3. Build Your Credit Score

Hopefully, by now, you have built a credit score that helps you get access to the car loan you need. Lenders don’t like to lend to people without credit scores. Lenders check the credit scores of their customers to determine whether they can repay the loans they apply for.

A stronger credit score will also help you to get cheaper loan offers. Better credit scores are offered lower interest rates. A lower interest rate leads to cheaper monthly payments.

4. Search for Lenders

You have a unique situation. You are an immigrant living in the U.S. on a visa. You don’t have an SSN but you have an ITIN. You need to find the car dealership and/or lender who is willing to help you. Traditional banks and lenders may not be so helpful to someone in your situation.

Keep in mind there are non-traditional lenders like online lenders who can also help you. Even if you don’t have a credit score yet. They often use different ways to determine your creditworthiness. Some lenders consider other factors like your income and bank statements to verify your ability to repay the loan you apply for.

5. Apply for an Auto Loan with ITIN Number

If you have the above in order you now just need to choose a car you would like to buy and apply for an auto loan you need. Use your ITIN as a means of identification together with all the usual details required in the application.

Use a Personal Loan to Buy a Car with an ITIN Number

Car loans are wonderful financial tools. But did you know you can just as well use a personal loan to buy a car? You can use a personal loan for whatever you want to. Personal loans are unsecured, meaning the car itself you buy doesn’t have to serve as collateral in the loan agreement. So the lender can’t take your car if you default on the loan. If you’re lucky, you might even find a personal loan offer that is as cheap as an auto loan.

Personal Loans for Immigrants with Stilt

Stilt offers personal loans of up to $25,000 to immigrants. You don’t need a credit score and you don’t need a cosigner. You only need to comply with our simple eligibility criteria. Stilt offers an APR that starts at 7.99% and changes based on your application.

This is how it works.

Apply

Apply online for the loan you need. Submit your best possible application. Stronger applications get better loan offers.

Get Approved

You will receive feedback within 24 hours. Supply any additional information if required. Soon you’ll get your loan offer and a promissory note. Sign and return the promissory note if you want to accept the loan.

Start Repayment

The loan amount will be disbursed into your U.S. bank account within 2-3 business days. Go set up your repayment method online. An autopay option will help you to pay on time every month.

It’s that easy! Now you can go and buy the car you need.

4 Tips for Buying a Car with an ITIN Number

It’s a great feeling to own your first car. It’s also an exciting time in your life. But don’t let the euphoria of the moment confuse you about the responsibilities of owning a car.

Here are some tips on how to buy a car.

Dealing with Lack of Credit History

You’ll certainly have fewer loan offers to choose from if you don’t have a credit history in the U.S. But it is possible to find a lender who’ll help. Your loan offers are also going to be more expensive when compared to someone who has a credit history similar to your current lifestyle.

Therefore, try to make a down payment of at least 20% on your car to lower the interest rate and also cheapen the monthly loan repayments. In fact, any down payment will help. Also, try to repay your auto loan within 48 months (4 years). This will cause fewer years for interest to rack up. Choosing a long repayment period will cheapen your monthly repayment. But you’ll actually end up paying more interest on the same principal amount.

How to Choose a Car

This is the tricky part. You need to find a car that works for you. But there are so many factors that affect the decision. Here is a list of factors you need to consider:

• Reliability – You don’t want a car that’s prone to breaking down. You might end up spending more on repairs and services than the actual price of the car.
• Functionality – Whether you want something that gets you from point A to B or you need something that can do some heavy lifting. You must get the vehicle that serves the purpose for which you buy it.
• Value for money – Price is what you pay and value is what you get. You need to make sure you get what you pay for. Buying an overpriced vehicle with an auto loan will lead to expensive debt settlement. It might even tarnish your financial wealth. Be wise and buy the car that serves your needs and also fits your budget.

You’ll know what you need to buy. Remember there is sometimes a big difference between what you want and what you need. Buy smart and don’t become over-indebted because of a car loan.

New or Used?

The car industry is interesting. There are countless options available and then you can even decide between a new or used vehicle. Your situation determines which you opt for. Make sure you buy the right one when you use an auto loan with ITIN number.

New vehicles are more expensive. But they may fit your lifestyle much better. If you buy a new car from a dealership it may include a service plan and warranty. This means the car is under guarantee for a specific number of years (or miles) and also includes the allocated services for free (well you actually paid for it from the start).

Used vehicles are less expensive, but they pose certain risks. The vehicles are usually not under a service plan, which means you’ll have to pay for it yourself. It’s also not covered by a warranty which means you need to pay for any repairs required because of wear and tear. You can get some great used vehicles from reliable brands and actually score in the process. Read up on local car forums and search for great second-hand buys.

Car Insurance?

You need car insurance. Paying your monthly loan settlement is good. But you also need to budget for car insurance. Insurance will help to cover the costs if you get into an accident. Depending on who’s fault it is, insurance can cover both your own and the other party’s damages.

Read More

• Guide to ITIN Home Loans
• How to Get a Personal Loan with ITIN Number
• Can I Get a Loan With an ITIN Number?

Conclusion

You don’t have to struggle without owning a car. You don’t even need an SSN to buy a car. You can get an auto loan with ITIN number. Use the tips provided above and go buy the car you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an ITIN Number?

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. It is used for tax reporting purposes by individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN), such as non-U.S. residents, foreign nationals, and individuals with certain visa types.

Can You Get an Auto Loan with an ITIN Number?

Yes, it is possible to obtain an auto loan with an ITIN number. Many lenders, including banks and credit unions, offer auto loans to individuals with ITINs. However, the eligibility criteria, interest rates, and terms may vary among lenders, so it’s important to shop around and compare offers to find the best option.

What Documents Are Needed to Apply for an Auto Loan with an ITIN?

To apply for an auto loan with an ITIN, you may need to provide the following documents:

• Valid ITIN
• Proof of identity (passport, foreign driver’s license, or other government-issued ID)
• Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns)
• Proof of residence (utility bills or lease agreement)
• Down payment, if required by the lender

Lenders may have specific requirements, so it’s advisable to check with the lender for their documentation requirements.

Do Auto Loan Terms Differ for ITIN Holders?

Auto loan terms, including interest rates and repayment terms, may vary for ITIN holders compared to individuals with Social Security Numbers (SSNs). ITIN holders may encounter slightly higher interest rates or different loan terms. The exact terms will depend on the lender’s policies and the applicant’s creditworthiness.

Can ITIN Holders Build Credit Through Auto Loans?

Yes, ITIN holders can build credit through auto loans. Timely payments on an auto loan can positively impact an individual’s credit history and contribute to establishing a credit profile in the United States. Building good credit can open up opportunities for future financial transactions and better loan terms.

Are There Specialized Lenders for Auto Loans with ITINs?

Yes, some lenders specialize in providing auto loans to individuals with ITINs. These lenders understand the unique needs of ITIN holders and may offer tailored financing options. It’s a good idea to explore both traditional lenders and specialized ITIN lenders to find the most suitable auto loan for your situation.

Alyssa Francisco

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