Houston-based · 20+ years in dealership finance
Is your Texas car loan rate higher than it should be?
I spent two decades in the finance office. I know how dealer rates get marked up and what lenders look for. Find out in two minutes if refinancing might lower your payment.
- Free to use
- No credit check, no SSN on this site
- English y español
- Plain-English advice
Quick math
$22,000 balance, 54 months left
Going from 11.9% to 7.9% could trim the payment by about $43 a month and total interest by roughly $2,300.
Illustration only. Your rate depends on your credit, vehicle and lender.
How it works
1. Run the numbers
Plug in your balance, rate and months left to see what a lower rate could save.
2. Learn what lenders look for
Grab the free checklist and guides. I explain how rates, terms and dealer markups really work.
3. Check your options with a lender
Go directly to a licensed lender to see what you may qualify for. They handle the application and credit decision.
Car refinance calculator
Compare your current loan with a what-if refinance. Adjust the numbers to match your situation.
Your current loan
What-if refinance
Enter a rate you might realistically qualify for. Your actual rate depends on your credit, vehicle and the lender.
Estimated monthly change
-$43 /mo
- Current payment
- $528
- Estimated new payment
- $485
- Estimated total interest difference
- Save $2,307
We may earn a referral fee if you use the button below. How we get paid.
Get the free refinance checklistEstimate only, not an offer or quote. A lower payment from a longer term can cost more in total interest. The lender sets all rates, terms and approval.
Who should consider refinancing?
- You financed through the dealer and never shopped the rate.
- Your credit score has improved since you bought.
- Your payment is stretching your budget.
- Your loan is at least several months old with on-time payments.
Refinancing is not right for everyone. If you owe far more than the car is worth, or the loan is nearly paid off, it may not help. I will tell you honestly.
Hablamos español
Joshua habla inglés y español. Marca la casilla en el formulario para recibir la guía en español.
Read the guidesGet the free refinance checklist
A plain-English checklist from a former finance director: what to check on your loan, what lenders look at, and what to ask before you sign.
Frequently asked questions
When can I refinance my car loan?
Most lenders want a few months of on-time payments first, and many look for a loan that is at least 6 months old. Lenders also set limits on vehicle age, mileage and loan balance.
Will refinancing hurt my credit?
Applying can cause a small, temporary dip because lenders check your credit. Rate shopping within a short window is usually treated as a single inquiry by scoring models, but check with each lender.
Why might my dealer rate be higher than it needs to be?
Dealers can add a markup to the rate a lender approved. That is legal in many cases, which is why comparing a direct lender offer after the sale can save real money.
Is this service free?
Yes. You pay nothing to use Texas Auto Refi. We may be paid by lenders or partners if you request an introduction. We explain exactly how on our How We Get Paid page. We do not make loans or take applications.
Are you a lender or broker?
No. We are an educational and referral website. All loan offers, rates, disclosures and approvals come from the licensed lenders you choose to work with.