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Auto Approve vs LightStream

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Pros
  • Online quote and calculator tools
  • Pre-qualification with a soft credit check
  • Added coverage and protection option
  • 12 to 84-month loan terms
  • 45-day payment-free period
Pros
  • Loan Experience Guarantee
  • A wide range of loans offered
  • No extra fees
  • Nationwide services
Cons
  • Not a direct lender
  • No new or used car loan options
  • Lender partner network not disclosed
  • Lack of transparency regarding loan details
Cons
  • Lack of transparency
  • No Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP
Summary

Auto Approve, established in 2016 and based in North Plymouth, Minnesota, offers auto loan refinancing and lease buyout services. They aim to streamline the process for customers looking to reduce monthly payments or purchase their leased vehicles. Serving a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and RVs, Auto Approve partners with a network of lenders to provide refinancing options tailored to individual needs. A key feature of their service is the online application process, which allows for pre-qualification without requiring a Social Security number. They also offer optional GAP insurance to protect against vehicle depreciation. While some customers appreciate the efficiency and flexibility, others have noted concerns with communication during the process. Auto Approve holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), reflecting their commitment to resolving customer issues. If you’re interested in exploring how their services could meet your refinancing needs, take a closer look at the full review for more insights into their offerings and customer experiences.

Summary

LightStream, a division of SunTrust Bank, was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It provides unsecured auto loans, allowing borrowers to finance new and used vehicles, refinance existing loans, or purchase motorcycles and boats, with loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. The company is noted for their competitive interest rates, starting at 7.24% with autopay, and offers flexible loan terms from 24 to 84 months. Unique features include a rapid funding process that can deliver funds on the same day as application approval and a "Loan Experience Guarantee," which promises $100 to dissatisfied customers. Customer feedback highlights an easy online application process and the advantage of negotiating as a cash buyer, although borrowers with average or lower credit may face higher rates. LightStream has received a solid 4.3 out of 5 stars in reviews, reflecting a mix of strong rates and some customer service concerns. The company is also committed to environmental sustainability, planting a tree for every loan funded, which adds an appealing ethical dimension to their services. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, LightStream is a reputable choice in the auto loan market, particularly for those with good credit.

Quick Stats
  • Loan Terms : 12 to 84 months
  • Minimum Accepted Credit Score : Undisclosed
  • APR : Undisclosed
  • BBB Rating : A+
Quick Stats
  • Loan Terms : Up to 84 months
  • Minimum Accepted Credit Score : 660 minimum credit score
  • APR : 3.49%
  • BBB Rating : A
Selling Points
  • Social Security number not required for a quote
  • 90-day payment deferral available
  • Co-signers permitted
  • Auto lease purchasing
Selling Points
  • No restrictions on mileage, car model or make
  • Cash deposit as soon as the same day
  • Online auto loan application process
Multiple Financing Options
  • Lease Buyout
  • Loan Refinancing
  • New Vehicle
  • Undisclosed
    Private Party
  • Used Vehicle
Multiple Financing Options
  • Undisclosed
    Lease Buyout
  • Loan Refinancing
  • New Vehicle
  • Undisclosed
    Private Party
  • Used Vehicle
Additional Services
  • Extended Warranty
  • GAP Insurance
  • Limited Warranty
  • Mobile Application
  • Online Account Management
  • Return Policy
Additional Services
  • Extended Warranty
  • GAP Insurance
  • Undisclosed
    Limited Warranty
  • Undisclosed
    Mobile Application
  • Undisclosed
    Online Account Management
  • Undisclosed
    Return Policy
Eligibility Requirements
  • Undisclosed
    Hard Credit Check
  • Undisclosed
    Income
  • Undisclosed
    Minimum Credit Score
  • Pre-qualification With Soft Check
Eligibility Requirements
  • Undisclosed
    Hard Credit Check
  • Undisclosed
    Income
  • Minimum Credit Score
  • Pre-qualification With Soft Check
Fees & Costs
  • Undisclosed
    Documentation/Processing Fee
  • Undisclosed
    Late Payment Fees
  • Undisclosed
    Origination Fee
  • Prepayment Penalties
  • Title Transfer Fee
  • Upfront or Application Fees
Fees & Costs
  • Undisclosed
    Documentation/Processing Fee
  • Undisclosed
    Late Payment Fees
  • Undisclosed
    Origination Fee
  • Undisclosed
    Prepayment Penalties
  • Undisclosed
    Title Transfer Fee
  • Upfront or Application Fees
Payment Options
  • Undisclosed
    Automatic Payments
  • Undisclosed
    Cash
  • Undisclosed
    Check
  • Debit or Credit Cards
  • Undisclosed
    In-Person Payments
  • Undisclosed
    Mail-In Payments
  • Undisclosed
    Online Payments
  • Phone Payments
Payment Options
  • Automatic Payments
  • Undisclosed
    Cash
  • Undisclosed
    Check
  • Undisclosed
    Debit or Credit Cards
  • Undisclosed
    In-Person Payments
  • Mail-In Payments
  • Online Payments
  • Undisclosed
    Phone Payments
Customer Support
  • Articles and Videos
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone
Customer Support
  • Articles and Videos
  • Email
  • FAQs
  • Help Guides
  • Live Chat
  • Phone