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Some bills can't be changed. For other bills, though, a little legwork can make a big difference in your monthly payment. Your car payment is a great example. Refinancing your vehicle loan can lead to a lower monthly payment, a shorter payment term or both! It depends on various factors, including the value of your vehicle, how much you owe and your credit standing. Here are three common life changes that might mean it's a good time to refinance your vehicle.
1. Your credit rating improves
The biggest factor determining your auto loan status is your credit score. When your lender builds a loan package, they pull a credit report as a central part of that process. That number determines your interest rate, whether you'll pay an insurance premium and what other fees your lender might charge.

If you didn't have much credit history when you purchased, refinancing can do you a world of good. Interest rates as high as 18% are common for new borrowers. Just a few months of solid payments may cut that rate in half.

2. Interest rates are lower than your original loan
Refinancing loans are considered used car loans, and their rates are usually higher than new car loans. But depending on the market, the refi rates could still be more than a couple of points lower than your original loan. Keep in mind even a 2-point difference can make a huge impact over the life of a loan.
 
3. You need to change your monthly payment
Your financial situation may have improved since you bought the car and you can now afford to pay more per month. You'll save money in the long term by doing just that. Shorter-term loans usually have lower interest rates and you'll pay off the overall balance on your car faster.

If money is tight, consider refinancing for a longer term. Although you'll pay more in interest, you'll reduce your monthly payment and save the money you need now. You may also be able to reduce the monthly payment if your credit score has improved, interest rates have dropped or if you're getting a better rate from another lender.

It's a great time to refi your auto loan with GICU!
Get 1% cash back* – up to $400 – to refinance your auto loan with GICU. Get a rate as low as 2.24% APR** with flexible terms, a variety of payment options and local service.

 
Terms & Conditions

*Cash back offer is only valid towards qualifying new money of $10,000 or more. Offer excludes all loans already financed at Greater Iowa Credit Union. Cash back amount is 1% of the refinanced balance, up to a limit of $400.00. In order to receive the incentive payment, the loan must be open for 90 days and the member must be in good standing with Greater Iowa Credit Union. To be in good standing, all loans and account balances must be current with proper insurance coverage in place. Approved applicants must become a GICU member by establishing a share draft account with a minimum $5 deposit.

**APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Quoted rate is the lowest available rate, reflects all possible discounts, and is accurate as of April 1, 2018. Your rate will be based on your credit history and may be higher. All loans are subject to full underwriting procedures and approval. The maximum rate for an auto loan is currently 21% APR. Rates and terms subject to change based on market conditions and borrower eligibility. Estimated monthly payment example = $22 per $1,000 (payment example is based on 2.24% APR and a term of 48 months with 10% down payment).

 
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