 TITLE: Bank or Dealership: What’s the Best Way to Finance a Car? CONTENT: Financing Through a Bank\n------------------------\nBank financing involves going directly to a bank or credit union to get a car loan. In general, you'll get preapproved for a loan before you ever set foot in the dealership. The lender will give you a quote and a letter of commitment that you can take to the dealer, saving yourself some time when finalizing the contract. Having a specific approved loan amount on paper could also keep the car salesperson from trying to persuade you to include add-ons that you don't need.\nDepending on the bank or credit union, you can apply for preapproval online or at a local branch. You may need to provide information about the vehicle, which could cause some delays if you're not yet sure what you want.\nThe rate offer from a bank or credit union will be the true interest rate and doesn't include any markup, which can happen when you work with a dealer. In general, though, the rate quote you get isn't a final offer. When you head to the dealership to purchase the car, the lender will run a hard credit check and review your full credit report before approving your application and determining your loan rates.\nOne thing to keep in mind is that your options may vary depending on whether you're buying a new or used car. Some banks and credit unions have limits on the vehicle's age and mileage, and new vehicles may qualify for lower interest rates in general. END