For many car enthusiasts, owning a car is a substantial investment that offers both convenience for local commutes and off-road trips. That said, this can be an expensive purchase requiring a hefty down payment. So, it may cause a major financial crunch if one does not take the right steps. That’s why it’s important to strategize beforehand and look for a car loan or other financing options that come with zero down payment requirements.

1. Look for zero-down-payment loans
The first step is to look for reliable lenders offering zero-down-payment loans. While these lending institutions may have branches in different cities, it’s better to look for local vendors offering financing options. It also helps to look for credit unions offering such loans. Since credit unions are nonprofit organizations, they approve loan requests more easily than regular banks. The terms of such loans are also flexible.

But one should also consider certain other aspects, such as tenure flexibility, financial plans, and brands covered, before selecting a lender offering this loan option. It’s also important to calculate the total amount one would be spending on the car before looking for a zero-down-payment lender.

2. Pay using credit card
Many car dealers accept credit cards as a mode of down payment because the amount is credited to the vendor’s account immediately, but it is not debited instantly from the buyer. So, it is a win-win situation for both parties. Credit cards also allow one to pay at a later date ( before the deadline passes) and pay the car amount flexibly in instalments. There is usually an additional fee charged for credit card payments, but it’s still better than paying a hefty amount as a down payment when buying a car.

3. Buy a less expensive car
Buying a budget-friendly car can help avoid making hefty down payments. So, one should consider the features they absolutely need in their cars and the ones that are mere add-ons that won’t be used frequently. This is because such add-on features only increase the total cost of the car. Another way to reduce the price of a car is to buy a used one. If a pre-owned car is in good condition, it can help one save a considerable amount while not compromising the quality. While there is no guarantee that buying a less expensive car can help one avoid a  down payment, it can reduce the upfront cost  considerably .

4. Look for different financing options
Different institutions may have unique standard criteria for offering financing options without down payments. Although it may be tempting to shortlist a reputed lending institution directly, comparing financing options helps one choose a lender who offers maximum benefits along with the lowest interest rates. Also, the right lender might be more flexible with their requirements, such as age and  citizenship requirements and conditions for self-employed persons. One should also check and compare processing charges and then shortlist vendors charging the least processing fees. At the same time, one should not compromise on factors like lender ratings, auto brands covered in the loan terms, online reviews, and  other borrowers’ feedback and reviews.

5. Opt for loans with higher EMI amounts
To buy a car without a down payment, one might have to go for higher equated monthly instalments (EMI). With a higher EMI, one might be able to get a car loan approved more easily, but have to pay higher interest rates. So, prospective buyers should be prepared to spend this additional amount in the form of interest if they opt for higher EMIs. It helps to compare the interest rates of different institutions and opt for loans with higher monthly instalments yet low interest rates.

6. Boost credit score
A credit score is an essential criterion that lenders consider for auto loan approval. So, one way to get no-down-payment auto loans and increase the chances of loan approval is to boost one’s credit score. Higher credit scores assure lenders that the borrower is likely to pay the dues on time. So, those with good credit scores have better chances of loan approvals than borrowers with bad credit reports. In such cases, it’s best to wait for a few months and boost one’s credit score by paying bills on time, having a low credit utilization score, or paying off outstanding card bills (including interest) before one opts for a zero-down-payment loan.

7. Get a co-signer
A co-signer is someone who legally promises the lender to repay the loan amount in case the borrower is unable to do so within a given time. Having a co-signer is a good idea if one has a poor credit score but needs a zero-down-payment car loan immediately. But here, one should ensure that the co-signer has a good credit history.

8. Get a co-borrower
Co-borrowers can also help increase one’s chances of approval for a zero-down-payment car loan. This option also requires  the co-borrower to have a good credit history. Unlike a co-signer, a co-borrower has access to the loan amount. That said, the co-borrower’s credit score will take a hit if the primary borrower is  unable to repay the loan on time. So, when getting a co-borrower for an auto loan, one should create a systematic repayment plan.

Buying a car without a down payment can be easy if one plans ahead, boosts their credit score, and finds financial institutions offering such car loans in the country. With the right financing option, one can buy a reliable, feature-rich car with no or minimal down payment.