Financing options are available for consumers across a wide range of credit profiles.
Consumers access financing indirectly via dealers or directly online through RoadLoans.
Financing is available for new cars, used cars, and auto loan refinancing.
SCUSA partners with thousands of automobile dealerships nationwide.
-
Indirect Financing Through Dealerships+
The primary method for obtaining an auto loan from Santander Consumer USA is through its national network of partner dealerships. A U.S. consumer completes a credit application at the dealership when purchasing a vehicle. The dealer then submits the application to its network of lenders, which includes SCUSA, to find a suitable financing offer for the customer.
-
Direct-to-Consumer Platform: RoadLoans.com+
For consumers who prefer to arrange financing online, SCUSA operates RoadLoans.com. This platform allows U.S. consumers to apply directly for financing for a new or used vehicle purchase from a dealer. It also offers options to refinance an existing auto loan. Approved applicants receive a loan offer that they can then take to a participating dealership to complete their purchase.
-
The Chrysler Capital Partnership+
Santander Consumer USA is the administrator for the Chrysler Capital program. This brand provides the official financing and leasing options for Stellantis vehicles, which include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram. This specialized financing is typically arranged directly at an authorized Stellantis dealership in the U.S. as part of the vehicle purchase process.
-
Online Account Management for Customers+
Once a loan is established through any of its channels, customers can manage their account through the https://www.google.com/search?q=MySantanderConsumer.com online portal. This digital tool allows users to view their loan details, schedule payments, and access customer service resources. Similar dedicated portals exist for customers under the Chrysler Capital and RoadLoans brands.
Top Auto Loan Options in the U.S.
- Santander Drive Auto Loan – Quick pre-qualification in minutes, broad dealer network, flexible payment choices, and strong support for all credit types.
- Capital One Auto Navigator – Pre-qualify online with a soft pull, view real rate estimates, and shop at thousands of participating dealerships.
- Bank of America Auto Loans – Fixed-rate loans, user-friendly discounts, and robust online tools.
- PenFed Credit Union – Known for low APRs and member-oriented terms.
- LightStream (Truist Bank) – Unsecured loans with no vehicle restrictions and fast funding.
- Carvana Financing – Fully online car-buying, financing, and home delivery included.
Traditional Bank Financing
Banks like Wells Fargo, Chase, and Bank of America provide stable loan structures and branch-based support. However, they often involve more paperwork and slower processing. Santander Consumer focuses on dealer-assisted financing—letting you handle most of the journey online, and finish at the dealership.
Santander Drive Auto Financing
Santander’s signature Drive pre-qualification tool helps you get loan-ready in under two minutes without hitting your credit score. That gives you a clear budget to take to one of thousands of partner dealerships. Whether you’re buying a new car or a used one, Santander is proud to assist borrowers across all credit levels. Once your loan is approved through a dealer, funds are transferred, and you can manage everything via Santander’s MyAccount portal—track payments, enroll in Auto Pay (free ACH withdrawals, debit/cash options), and use payment calculators.
Online Tools & Alternatives
Other online platforms like Capital One and LightStream let you shop and apply digitally. Santander stands out by pairing its digital pre-approval tool with real-time dealer access—so you’re not just comparing offers, you’re closing deals right from your phone to the lot.
Unsecured Personal Loans vs. Auto Loans
Unsecured personal loans can fund a car purchase, but often come with shorter repayment terms and higher APRs. Santander’s auto-installment loans are structured for vehicles—providing longer terms, secured rates, and APRs tailored to auto purchase, making payments more manageable.
Buy Here, Pay Here Dealerships vs. Santander
BHPH dealerships offer quick financing in-lot but usually come with steep interest rates and limited consumer protections. With Santander, you gain clarity on rates, proper payment reporting to credit bureaus, and options to manage your loan digitally—not just on the dealer’s desk.
How Auto Loans Impact Your Finances and Credit Score in the U.S.
Santander’s Drive® soft inquiry doesn’t affect your credit. When you move forward with a loan, a single hard pull within a short window is grouped together, minimizing impact. Regular on-time payments help build your FICO score and improve your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio—impacting future credit access. Missed payments, on the other hand, can hurt your score and cost you more in interest. Santander’s MyAccount and Auto Pay tools help you stay on track.
You will stay on our website.
