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Compare Auto Loan Rates
Compare which options fit your budget, credit score, and term length below.
- All
- 48 to 84 months
- 36 to 72 months
- 24 to 84 months
- All
- 500
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Refinance Loan
Cred Score
Rate Term
APR*
- Average monthly savings of $150
- Work with personal loan concierge to compare options
- A+ BBB Rating
Used Car Loan
Cred Score
Rate Term
APR*
- Great for customers with limited/no credit
- Offers special military rates
- A+ BBB rating
New Car Loan
Cred Score
Rate Term
APR*
- Below-average credit scores
- Great interest rates
- Smooth and easy online experience
Refinance Loan
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Rate Term
APR*
- No application fee
- Lending platform that partners with banks
- Approval and loan terms based on many variables, including education and employment
If you’re planning to purchase a vehicle or refinance your current auto loan, you may be considering financial services from a company called LightStream. But is a LightStream auto loan the best option for you?
LightStream offers products and services that meet a variety of consumer needs, including purchase loans and refinancing for cars, homes, medical bills, and even weddings. In this review, we take a closer look at LightStream’s auto loans, explaining the application process, loan details, and LightStream’s customer reputation.
Our Take On LightStream: 4.3 Stars
LightStream loans are offered through an established and reputable bank. This allows the company to offer high loan amounts at relatively low APRs. LightStream is a direct provider of auto loans, so customers can have their loan applications processed quickly and even receive money the same day they apply (conditions apply).
Overall, here’s how we rate LightStream:
| Automoblog Rating | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| Loan Details | 5.0 |
| Loan Availability | 3.9 |
| Reputation | 4.5 |
| Customer Service | 3.4 |
Lightstream Auto Loan Pros and Cons
| LightStream Pros | LightStream Cons |
|---|---|
| Offered through a bank with an established reputation | May not offer loans to those with bad or no credit |
| High loan amount limits | Doesn’t have a shining customer service reputation |
| No fees | |
| Broad range of loans available |
The most concerning factor for LightStream is its parent company’s poor customer review profile. There are not many positive reviews online, and many customers seem to have difficulty receiving the service they want. However, given the size of Truist, the volume of complaints is relatively low.
About LightStream
LightStream is a subsidiary of Truist bank, which has operated for over 120 years. Recently, SunTrust merged with BB&T to become Truist Financial Corporation. Truist is currently the sixth-largest bank holding company in the United States, and through LightStream, borrowers can get loans for auto purchases, home improvement, debt consolidation, swimming pools, medical bills, weddings, timeshares, and boats.
LightStream is headquartered in San Diego. However, you can’t get service in person at a branch. LightStream auto loans are only available online.
LightStream Auto Loan Details
You can use a LightStream auto loan to refinance your existing auto loan or to purchase a new, used, or classic car. LightStream funds your account directly, which means you can negotiate at the dealership as if you were paying with cash. Details about loan amounts, interest rates, and term lengths are outlined in the chart below.
| LightStream Auto Loan Details | |
|---|---|
| Loan Amount Range | $5,000 to $100,000 |
| Loan Term Length | 24 to 84 months* |
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | 5.99 to 12.49** percent (with AutoPay) |
| Origination Fee | None |
| Prepayment Penalty | None |
Rate range as of 11/21/2022.
Your loan’s APR will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Your credit profile
- Your loan purpose
- The loan amount you choose
- The payment term you choose
- The payment method that you choose
With LightStream’s autopay discount, you can save 0.5 percentage points off your APR if you choose to use autopay instead of making manual monthly payments.
LightStream Loan Experience Guarantee
The LightStream Loan Experience Guarantee*** promises to send $100 dollars to any customer that is unsatisfied with their loan experience. To collect this money, customers need to notify LightStream of their dissatisfaction within 30 days of receiving their loan and complete a questionnaire by email.
LightStream Auto Loan Application Process
Anyone can apply for a LightStream auto loan online and expect to receive a quick response. Simply be ready to provide your social security number and work history information. After a loan is offered, you can electronically sign your loan agreement and complete the paperwork entirely online. Borrowers can apply for a loan and receive funds on the same business day.
There is no application fee, nor are there restrictions for vehicle age and mileage. While LightStream does not list a minimum credit score requirement for applicants, it does look for customers that have:
- Several years of credit history
- A demonstrated ability to save by having assets such as cash for a down payment, retirement savings, or a home
- Stable and sufficient income
- A good debt-payment history
Drivers with excellent credit or even good credit will most likely be approved, but those with extremely low or no credit may have to look elsewhere. As with other lenders, drivers with the best credit records will find the lowest rates.
LightStream Customer Reviews And Reputation
LightStream is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. However, the company only has a 1.25 out of 5.0-star customer review score. That said, the company’s BBB page only has a handful of customer reviews at this time.
LightStream has replied to all complaints on its BBB profile. Many complaints and negative reviews are from customers who were denied a loan. One customer seems to have encountered a scam impersonating LightStream, which offered them a fake loan and required various payments upfront. LightStream doesn’t charge payment processing fees or payment insurance fees.
Below are examples of positive and negative LightStream reviews:
“[It was] basically the easiest loan with the best rate I have ever applied for. It took 23 hours from online application to cash in my bank.”
– Karen. via BBB
“I have submitted loan applications maybe two times to LightStream […] My recent one was on ****** where I was denied again, and this is unfair as I have all of the requirements for the loan.”
– Anonymous via BBB
There weren’t too many positive reviews posted to the BBB website, though some customers who had loans approved seemed pleased with the application process.
LightStream Car Loan Review: Conclusion
Our review team rated lightstream car loan a 4.3 out of 5.0 stars for their good rates and high loan amounts. LightStream has shaky reviews, but they do not reflect their entire customer base. We recommend searching around and comparing options before making a decision on an auto loan provider.
Compare Auto Loan Rates
Compare which options fit your budget, credit score, and term length below.
- All
- 48 to 84 months
- 36 to 72 months
- 24 to 84 months
- All
- 500
- 510
- 550
- 575
Refinance Loan
Cred Score
Rate Term
APR*
- Average monthly savings of $150
- Work with personal loan concierge to compare options
- A+ BBB Rating
Used Car Loan
Cred Score
Rate Term
APR*
- Great for customers with limited/no credit
- Offers special military rates
- A+ BBB rating
New Car Loan
Cred Score
Rate Term
APR*
- Below-average credit scores
- Great interest rates
- Smooth and easy online experience
Refinance Loan
Cred Score
Rate Term
APR*
- No application fee
- Lending platform that partners with banks
- Approval and loan terms based on many variables, including education and employment
Lightstream Auto Loans Reviews: FAQ
In the section below are some frequently asked questions about Lightstream auto loans:
Are LightStream loans fixed-rate?
Yes, LightStream loans are fixed-rate installment loans. This means market fluctuations won’t influence your auto loan rate. You’ll pay the same interest rate for the life of the loan.
What credit score do you need for a LightStream auto loan?
LightStream does not explicitly list a minimum credit score. Borrowers with good to excellent credit can qualify. The best rates are available for borrowers with excellent credit.
Is it hard to get approved by LightStream?
LightStream’s approval guidelines are a bit more strict than other lenders. LightStream prefers that you have built a good credit history over time and have a good score. LightStream also doesn’t offer a preapproval process for a preliminary check.
How does a LightStream car loan work?
Instead of paying the dealer, LightStream pays you directly when you secure an auto loan. You can then take that balance to a dealer and negotiate as if you had cash, which can help you find a better purchase price.
Is LightStream.com legit?
Yes, LightStream is a reputable online lender and part of Truist bank. LightStream offers auto loans to buyers with good credit through an easy online process.
*Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 5.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $304.17.
**Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length and your credit profile. Excellent credit is required to qualify for lowest rates. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay are 0.50% points higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice.
***Loan Experience Guarantee: After receiving a loan from LightStream, if not completely satisfied with the experience, the customer can contact LightStream. LightStream will email a questionnaire to the customer so LightStream can improve our services. When LightStream receives the completed questionnaire, they will send the customer $100. LightStream’s guarantee expires 30 days after the customer receives their loan. LightStream reserves the right to change or discontinue the guarantee at any time. Limited to one $100 payment per funded loan. Truist teammates do not qualify for the Loan Experience Guarantee.
