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Writer's pictureJeanette Fox

DAY TWO SERIES: FIX YOUR CREDIT! FAST! BOOST YOUR APPROVAL CHANCES

Experience Our Streamlined Vehicle Buying Process; Click, Finance, Cheer!

At My Auto BFF, we make purchasing your next vehicle as effortless as possible, no matter where you are. Our innovative process ensures you can select and finance your vehicle entirely online, with delivery straight to your doorstep.

Extensive Inventory Options: Our diverse inventory includes high-quality ex-rentals, meticulously selected vehicles from dealer partners, and exclusive deals from wholesalers. This wide range ensures we can match you with the perfect vehicle that fits your needs and preferences.

Convenient, Fast, and Transparent: Start with a personal consultation to discuss your needs. From there, we handle all the details: securing financing, preparing your vehicle, and arranging delivery. Our process is designed to be quick, transparent, and without any surprises.

Start Your Consultation Now: Ready to find your next vehicle? Start your consultation today and experience car buying made simple and convenient, right from the comfort of your home. Talk to a finance expert for tailored advice.

How to Boost Your Auto Loan Approval Chances (And Save Thousands!)

💡 “Getting approved for an auto loan isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy. The more you understand what lenders want, the better you can position yourself to WIN. Let’s break it down step by step so you can secure better rates and save BIG.” How Bad Credit Is Caused:

Bad credit doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s often the result of multiple factors:

  • Poor financial choices in the past

  • Overdue and late payments

  • Bankruptcy or consumer proposals

  • Divorce

  • Outstanding student loans

  • Extreme changes in circumstances

  • Repossessions

  • Being new to Canada

  • Closed credit cards/accounts

  • Written-off loans

  • Collections

Negative credit affects lives on a scale from minimal inconvenience to drastic consequences. If you’re afraid to apply for loans due to your credit situation or unsure where to start, Jeanette Fox at My Auto BFF can help you build a path forward.

YOUR CREDIT SCORE EXPLAINED

Your creditworthiness is based on several factors visible on your credit report:

1. Payment History

Do you pay on time? Late payments (30, 60, or 90+ days) or collections negatively impact your score.

💡 Pro Tip: Set reminders or automate payments to ensure bills are paid on time.

2. Utilization of Credit

How much of your credit limit do you use? Keep balances below 30% of your limit—ideally below 10% for the biggest score boost.

💡 Example: If your limit is $1,000, aim to use no more than $300.

3. Length of Credit History

How old are your accounts? Lenders prefer seasoned accounts.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep older accounts active with small purchases, such as a subscription.

4. New Credit

Frequent credit inquiries lower your score and make you appear desperate for credit.

💡 Pro Tip: Group loan inquiries within a 14–30 day period to minimize the impact.

5. Types of Credit

Lenders like to see a mix of credit types:

  • Installment Credit: Fixed monthly payments (e.g., car loans, mortgages).

  • Revolving Credit: Balances and payments fluctuate (e.g., credit cards).

    How to Fix Your Credit Fast

    Step 1: Prioritize On-Time Payments

    Payment history is the most significant factor in your credit score. Late payments can linger on your report for years, so staying current on all accounts is critical.

    Step 2: Lower Your Utilization

    Pay down your balances or request a credit limit increase to lower your utilization ratio. Even a small improvement here can yield significant gains.

    Step 3: Address Collections

    Make arrangements to pay off old collections or negotiate settlements. Removing these blemishes improves your credit profile.

    Step 4: Build Positive Credit

    Use secured credit cards or manageable loans to add positive activity to your report. Auto loans are a great option as they build credit while meeting your transportation needs.

Credit Categories and Tips to Elevate Your Credit Status When Applying For An Auto Loan

Starting Line (300–399 Credit Score)

  • Vehicle Options: Very limited.

  • Interest Rates: 26.5%–31.5%.

  • Tips for Improvement:

    • Consistency is Key: Make all your bill payments on time.

    • Secure Foundations: Use secured credit cards to build credit.

    • Credit Renovation: Focus on timely payments for 8-12 months to upgrade your credit. This initial stage often requires higher interest payments due to perceived lending risks.

A Step Up (400–449 Credit Score)

  • Vehicle Options: Expanded choices.

  • Interest Rates: 17.5%–26.5%.

  • Improvement Strategies:

    • Negotiate Smaller Debts: Address small collections to clear them.

    • Credit Utilization: Keep your credit card balances low, ideally under 40% of your limits.

    • Work Stability: Maintain steady employment to show financial stability.

    • Continuous Payments: 10-16 months of consistent payments can propel you to the next category.

Almost There (450–650 Credit Score)

  • Vehicle Options: Access to 60% of the inventory.

  • Interest Rates: 9.9%–17.5%.

  • Steps to Advance:

    • Debt Consolidation: Consider consolidating your debts for easier management.

    • Avoid New Inquiries: Limit applying for new credit until you've solidified your improvements.

    • Pay Off Collections: Clearing old debts can significantly boost your score.

    • Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your credit report for any discrepancies or opportunities to improve.

Rockstar Credit (651+ Credit Score)

  • Vehicle Options: Access to nearly all vehicles, including the best rates and cash-back offers.

  • Interest Rates: Ranging from 0% to 9.9%.

  • Maintaining Excellence:

    • Low Utilization: Keep your credit utilization below 10%.

    • Clean Slate: Ensure no unpaid collections and a clean credit history.

    • Financial Health Visibility: A visible improvement in financial management can make you almost immune to loan rejections.

💎 Golden Nugget: Every incremental improvement in your credit score not only unlocks more vehicle options but also secures better financial terms. Whether you're just starting out or nearly at the peak, consistent efforts in managing your credit can transform your financial profile. For personalized guidance, consider consulting a inventory and finance specialist like Jeanette Fox at My Auto BFF, Click here to get pre-approved Navigating Bankruptcy and Consumer Proposals For those who have experienced bankruptcy or are undergoing consumer proposals, there's an opportunity to rebuild credit under potentially favorable terms. Here’s how these situations can affect your auto financing options:

  • Refreshed Credit History: After bankruptcy or during a consumer proposal, your credit is partially cleared, allowing for a new start. This means past unsecured debts are settled or reduced, decreasing your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

  • Favorable Financing Terms: Some lenders specialize in financing individuals who have undergone bankruptcy or a consumer proposal, recognizing that such financial decisions are often due to uncontrollable circumstances.

    Build a Credit Mix Lenders Love

Your credit score is only part of the story. Lenders want to see how you manage different types of credit. This is called your credit mix—and a strong mix shows you’re a safe bet for financing. Revolving Credit: Your Day-to-Day Play

Revolving credit includes things like credit cards and lines of credit. These accounts don’t have fixed payments—they revolve based on how much you spend.

What Lenders Want to See:

  • Low Balances: Keep your credit utilization under 30%, ideally below 10% for the biggest score boost.

  • Consistent Payments: Pay on time, every time.

💡 Pro Tip: Pay off your balances by the statement date (not the due date). The statement date is often the reporting date for credit bureaus, and a low balance during this time will improve your score. Installment Loans: The Long Game

Installment loans, like auto loans or student loans, have fixed monthly payments. These are great for building a strong payment history.

What Lenders Want to See:

  • Steady Payments: On-time payments build trust.

  • Progress: Paying down your balance shows reliability.

💡 Pro Tip: An auto loan is one of the fastest ways to boost your credit profile. It’s predictable, manageable, and a big win for your payment history. Mortgages: The Heavyweight Debt

A mortgage shows you can handle long-term, high-value debt.

What Lenders Want to See:

  • Consistency: Never miss a payment.

  • Stability: Prove you can manage major financial commitments.

💡 Pro Tip: No mortgage? Focus on nailing your revolving and installment loans—lenders still view this as responsible credit management.

Leverage Auto Loans to Build Credit

Auto loans are easier to qualify for than mortgages and can significantly strengthen your credit profile.

Here’s the Bonus: On-time payments on your auto loan can help you qualify for other financial products like credit cards, mortgages, or personal loans. ✔️ Lenders see you as a lower-risk borrower. ✔️ You’ll unlock better rates and bigger opportunities down the road.

Know the Difference Between Hard and Soft Checks

Soft Checks (No Pressure):These checks don’t affect your credit score.

  • Examples: Checking your own credit score, pre-qualification, background checks for employment.

💡 Pro Tip: Use soft checks to explore loan options before committing to a hard inquiry.

Hard Checks (Proceed with Caution):These checks can lower your score slightly.

  • Examples: Applying for loans, credit cards, or mortgages.

💡 Why It Matters: Too many hard inquiries in a short time make you look desperate for credit—a red flag for lenders.

💡 Pro Tip: Group all your loan inquiries (e.g., auto loans) within a 14–30 day period. Credit bureaus treat them as a single inquiry, minimizing the impact on your score.

Fix Your Credit Fast to Get Better Rates

Avoid Hard Inquiries Before Applying Every hard inquiry can knock your score down a few points, so save them for when it matters.

💡 Pro Tip:

  • Don’t apply for new credit cards or loans until after your auto loan is secured.

Request a Credit Limit Increase This is an easy way to lower your credit utilization ratio and boost your score without paying anything down.

💡 Pro Tip:

  • Call your credit card issuer and ask for a higher limit.

  • Keep your spending the same to let the lower utilization work in your favor.

Maximize Your Trade-In Value

A well-maintained trade-in can significantly reduce your loan amount. We utilize a group chat connecting your vehicle with interested wholesalers and dealer partners across AB, BC, and SASK. We offer you whoever sends us the highest bid. Simply have these pictures on hand: -One picture of each side, front and back -Odometer with the engine running -Registration

-Any information about upcoming repairs, if your vehicle is in need or repairs -Having this ready will speed up your preapproval process and consultation. Get your trade value now! Book a call

💡 Pro Tip:

  • Clean your car inside and out before the appraisal—it can boost its value.

Why This Strategy Succeeds

Lenders are in search of trustworthy borrowers. Demonstrating financial responsibility through a diversified credit portfolio, punctual payments, and judicious credit inquiries makes you a more appealing candidate. Combining that with a fully digital buying experience will allow you to save time, hassle and take advantage of better financing terms.

The Advantages Are Clear:

  • Fast Credit Building: Auto loans are a powerful tool to enhance your credit score quickly.

  • Risk-Free Rate Shopping: Soft checks allow you to explore financing options without impacting your credit score.

  • Future Financial Opportunities: Maintaining strong financial habits opens doors to better lending terms and opportunities down the road.

  • Informed Borrowing Decisions: Understanding how credit works empowers you to make smarter borrowing choices.

Ready to Secure Better Rates? Get Started Today

  1. Online Form: Start your pre-approval process in minutes.

  2. Book a Call: Talk to a finance expert for tailored advice.

  3. Follow Us: @MyAutoBFF on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for tips.

    Golden Nugget: Access exclusive inventory, cashback offers, and 90 days no payments with us!

Contact Us

📍 Location: Sherwood Park, AB📞 Phone: 780-830-6438🌐 Website: www.myautobff.com

Pro Tip: Take advantage of limited-time offers like $1,500 cashback or 90 days no payments to maximize your value.

Let’s make your car-buying journey simple, rewarding, and stress-free. Book your consultation today!

Stay tuned for Day 3: Flexible Financing Programs That Fit Your Needs—dropping tomorrow!

📲 Follow us now for insider tips to save big and drive smarter. WWW.FB.COM/MYAUTOBFF WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/MYAUTOBFF

Your Auto Finance BFF – Helping you WIN at car buying! 💪




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