You probably use your debit card for everyday errands and online purchases, but you might not know that it can also be used to buy a car. Debit cards are linked to your checking account, but they have a few differences from credit cards.
To avoid any unexpected costs or problems with the dealership, check whether or not you can use these types of payments before finalizing the deal. In most cases, you cannot use a debit card to buy a car because the dealership needs more information than what is on your card.
However, some dealerships accept debit cards as an alternate form of payment. However, you’ll need proof of residence and income to qualify. Alternatively, you can use cash to finance the transaction until you have built up enough equity in your home and qualify for financing. Read on to learn more about if and how you can buy a car with a debit card…
What is a Debit Card?
A debit card, also known as a demand deposit account (DDA), is a payment card linked to your checking or savings account. It allows you to access the funds in your account as though you have withdrawn cash. You can use your debit card at ATMs, grocery stores, restaurants, and online.
Debit cards are similar to credit cards because they allow you to make purchases without carrying large amounts of cash. The main difference between a debit card and a credit card is that a debit card takes the amount of money from the account immediately. This will reduce the amount of money in your account immediately, whereas a credit card usually doesn’t affect the account until the end of the month when your bill is due.
How to Buy a Car with a Debit Card?
Before buying a car with a debit card, you will need to find a dealership that accepts this type of payment. You may need to visit several car dealerships before you find one that accepts cash, especially if you don’t have a credit card or a trade-in to help finance the deal.
Find the Car You Want – If you already have a car in mind, you can skip this step. If not, spend some time online or visiting car lots to find one that meets your needs.
Find Out How Much the Car Costs – You will likely have to pay at least a portion of the car’s cost with cash.
Check if the Dealer Ships to Your Location – If you don’t have access to a car lot nearby, you will have to have the car shipped.
Find Out if the Dealer Accepts Cash – Not all dealers accept payments in cash, so you will need to call to find out if yours does.
How to Buy a Car with Bad Credit or No Credit
If you don’t have a credit card or the cash on hand to pay for a car in full, you might be able to use a credit repair company to help you buy a car with bad credit or no credit. With their assistance, you can repair your credit in a few months and qualify for a low-interest rate on your auto loan.
Credit repair companies are expensive, but they can be well worth the cost if you plan to keep the car for several years. You can also use a co-signer to help you qualify for financing. Another option is to use a car-buying service. These organizations help people with bad credit buy cars, often with low down and monthly payments.
What Are the Requirements to Buy a Car with a Debit Card?
Some car dealerships will accept cash payments, but they will likely have strict requirements that you meet in order to qualify. You will most likely need to prove that you have a steady income. You might also need to prove that you have a source of income that is being reported to the government, like social security.
You will also likely need evidence of residence, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or a piece of correspondence from your landlord. You may also need to show that you have a valid driver’s license and car insurance. Finally, you will need to have a bank account where your funds can be deposited.
How to Finance a Car Using Just a Debit Card?
Most car dealerships will finance your purchase and help you get approved for a loan. However, if you only have a debit card and no additional assets, you may not be able to get approved for financing. If you don’t have enough cash for a down payment, try asking a family member, friend, or colleague to help you out.
You can also use a co-signer to help you finance the car and get a lower interest rate. If you don’t have anyone you can ask to help you, open a home equity line of credit. This is a loan secured by your home’s equity. The amount you can borrow will depend on the value of your home, your current mortgage balance, and your credit score.
Conclusion
Buying a car with a debit card may be possible, but it isn’t the best way to go about financing an auto purchase. Even if you can find a dealer willing to accept a cash payment, it can take longer to close the deal with a debit card than with a loan. Furthermore, you won’t have any monthly car payments to help you build up equity in the vehicle, making it harder to re-sell it down the road. If you want to buy a car without a loan, try looking for a used car under $5000 that you can pay for with cash.
