This feature provides a physical check for dealership purchases.
Rate reductions are available for qualifying PNC banking customers.
A streamlined digital portal is available for loan applications.
Financing covers new/used purchases, refinancing, and lease buyouts.
-
The PNC Check Ready Loan+
The “Check Ready” loan is a key market differentiator for PNC Bank. Qualified U.S. applicants who are approved for this loan are mailed a physical check, which is made out to them for up to their approved loan limit. This system allows the consumer to shop at an eligible U.S. dealership with the negotiating power of a cash buyer. The check can be filled out by the buyer for any amount up to the specified limit, providing significant flexibility at the point of sale. This feature is designed to separate the vehicle price negotiation from the financing process, simplifying the transaction for the customer.
-
The Relationship Rate Discount+
PNC offers a 0.25% interest rate discount on its auto loans to incentivize a broader banking relationship. To qualify for this discount, a borrower must set up and maintain automatic monthly payments for their auto loan from an eligible PNC personal checking account. This feature directly rewards existing PNC customers for their loyalty and encourages new loan recipients to consolidate their banking services with PNC to receive the benefit.
-
Private Party Auto Loans+
Unlike many large national banks, PNC provides a specific loan product for private party vehicle purchases. This allows a U.S. consumer to secure financing to buy a used vehicle directly from another individual, rather than only from a commercial dealership. The application and closing process for this loan type typically requires an in-person visit to a PNC branch. This is necessary to finalize the transaction and to properly manage the transfer of the vehicle’s title and the placement of PNC’s lien.
-
Refinancing and Lease Buyout Loans+
The bank’s product suite also includes targeted solutions for consumers with existing vehicles. The auto loan refinancing option allows a consumer to apply to replace a loan from another U.S. lender, with the goal of securing a lower Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Separately, the lease buyout loan provides the necessary capital for a lessee to purchase their vehicle at the end of the lease term, thereby converting the vehicle into a personally owned asset.
Top Auto Loan Options in the U.S.
- PNC Auto Loan & Check Ready – Offers traditional auto loans plus the “Check Ready” pre‑approval option, giving you an instant financing tool you can bring to the dealership, with a 0.25 % APR discount for setting up auto-pay from a PNC account.
- Capital One Auto Navigator – Pre-qualify online with a soft credit pull and view real-time finance options at partner dealerships.
- Bank of America Auto Loans – Delivers fixed-rate financing with exclusive rewards and digital management tools.
- PenFed Credit Union – Known for offering among the lowest APRs for qualified members.
- LightStream (Truist Bank) – Specialists in unsecured auto loans without vehicle limitations.
- Carvana Financing – Provides a fully digital buying experience, including at-home delivery.
Traditional Bank Financing
Like other major banks, PNC offers reliable auto loans, but stands out with its Check Ready digital pre-approval tool—allowing you to walk into the dealer with confidence and avoid slow post-approval waits. Their loans also reward customers through convenient online access and a modest 0.25% auto-pay discount.
PNC Auto Loan & Check Ready
With PNC’s Check Ready, you can receive instant pre-approval online—then print or receive a “check” via email to use at the dealership within 30 days. You can also opt for traditional financing, pledging rate savings through auto-pay setup. Fully funded loans support vehicles up to 80,000 miles (or 100,000 for newer models).
Digital Convenience & Dealer Access
PNC’s online loan tool allows rate and payment estimates, side-by-side comparisons between new and used vehicles, and application submission—all from your device. When shopping in-person, they connect directly with dealer systems so you walk in informed and ready.
Refinancing Auto Loans
Already in a loan and looking to lower your payments? With PNC you can apply online to refinance your vehicle, adjust your term, and reflect the potential auto-pay discount—then release PNC’s payoff check to your previous lender.
Unsecured Personal Loans vs. Auto Loans
PNC offers unsecured personal loans too, but these often come with higher rates and shorter repayment terms. Their auto loans, designed specifically for vehicle purchases up to 125k miles, typically provide better APRs and terms aligned with your planned car usage.
How Auto Loans Affect Your Finances and Credit Score in the U.S.
PNC pre-approval uses a soft credit pull, so there’s no impact on your FICO score. Once you finalize the loan, they issue a hard pull—though any other loan inquiries made in a short timeframe are grouped by FICO into a single event. On-time payments help build your credit and keep yourDebt-to-Income (DTI)** healthy, while missed payments may damage your credit and reduce future options. Using auto-pay and paying early can also reduce interest costs over time.
You will stay on our website.
