An online lender or auto dealer may not be too forthcoming about the minimum credit score needed to get in-house financing. But based on what a subprime lender normally requires, we have a pretty good idea of what they’re looking for. FICO credit scores range from 300 to 850. A score of 579 or lower is considered bad credit. A subprime lender may allow borrowers to have a credit score in the 500s, and possibly even as low as the high 400s. Applying through one of the lending networks we recommend allows you to apply to many lenders at once without hurting your credit score. You should get a quick response from a local car dealer that wants to work with you and get you into a vehicle quickly. If your credit score is 400 or lower, you may have difficulty getting approved for a bad credit loan, including receiving financing from a dealership. You may be able to overcome that by making a large down payment, trading in your old car, or getting a cosigner who has better credit than you on the loan. Having a cosigner, who is responsible for the loan if you don’t make payments, may be enough so you don’t need a big down payment or a trade-in.