LightStream SunTrust Auto Loan Review
Buying a new car is an exciting thing, but dealing with the financing and paperwork can be overwhelming. If you are looking to finance a vehicle but don’t want the hassle of going to a bank or sitting through the torture of a back-office negotiation, you have other options. LightStream is an online-only lender that can have you approved and funded within a day or two, giving you the ability to shop for a car armed with the funds to purchase it, when you're ready.
About LightStream A.K.A SunTrust
LightStream is a division of SunTrust, a popular regional bank with a physical presence across several states. SunTrust began in 1891, in the Atlanta, Georgia area. The bank will soon be known as Truist. The auto loans section, LightStream, was launched in 2013. The lender offers paperless, online-only loans with the ability to fund a car purchase separately from the loan process.
Why Consider LightStream for an Auto Loan
If you’re a well-qualified buyer with a solid credit score and good income, LightStream can offer competitive rates and one of the easiest application processes in the business. Most LightStream borrowers can apply for a loan, get approved, and receive loan funds within 24 hours.
If approved, the lender sends funds to the buyer and allows them to purchase the car they want without tying the loan directly to the purchase itself. This means that, while you must make loan payments, you’ll be buying a car effectively “in cash,” since you’ll have money-in-hand when you start the buying process.
It must be noted that LightStream is not for every buyer out there. You must have maintained a credit score of 660 or above to qualify for a loan from LightStream. So, if you have poor or fair credit, or have had some troubles in the past, and are rebuilding, LightStream is not the auto loan company for you. There are many options out there for you, if you are in the process of rebuilding your credit. MyAutoLoans, ClearLane and Capital One are good places to start. Find out more about the 7 Best Auto Loans available today here.
Read more here on the subject of Bad Credit Auto Loans.
How To Apply for a LightStream Auto Loan
LightStream makes the application process relatively painless, and most applicants can complete the required forms in fewer than 15 minutes. You’ll need to verify your identity and provide income information, but the overall process is simple and straightforward.
LightStream Auto Loan Details
LightStream deposits loan funds directly into your bank account. Once you’ve received funds, you may proceed with your purchase. Your payments will be made directly to LightStream, either online, or automatically if you opt for the auto-pay function. Loans are fixed-rate, which means that your interest rate will not change with fluctuations in market conditions.
Pros and Cons
- Super easy online application
- Competitive rates for the right buyer
- Allows you to make a cash purchase when buying a car
- Must have a decent credit history
- Cannot pre-qualify
- Minimum loan amount of $5,000 may be more than some buyers need
Should I Get An Auto Loan Through LightStream?
LightStream is a great option if you’re an established buyer with a long credit history. You may find better rates and even better customer service with a local lender, but there’s no replacement for the convenience of applying for a loan online and receiving funds without leaving the house.
There’s also something to be said for receiving cash to purchase a vehicle as you like. Having the ability to show up to a sale with cash or check in hand gives you buying power and makes the seller more comfortable dealing with you.
Read more about average auto loan rates here.
Read more about buying a car here.
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