Is it really zero percent?

Dealerships and manufacturers love to offer zero-percent financing as a way to attract customers. This sounds like a tempting offer, but less than 10% of applicants actually qualify for this special financing. Not only do most people not qualify for this type of loan, but they are also packed with hidden fees and charges. If you are considering a loan option like this, read the fine print very carefully before proceeding with the loan. The last thing you want to do is get stuck with an expensive loan.

Hidden Fees

If a business were offering a truly zero percent financing loan, they would quickly go out of business. Many manufactures and dealerships who provide zero percent financing have hidden fees in the fine print that they might not tell you outright. Typical fees include annual membership fees that range from a few dollars to several hundred and can often make the cheap loan rate very expensive in the long run. Another common term is that the borrower will receive penalties for early repayment, which can include retroactive interest or additional charges.

Credit Trick

A common trick with zero-percent financing deals is to give you a credit limit that is barely above the loan amount. If you exceed that credit limit in the slightest, the creditor may be able to increase your interest rates. These rate increases many times can exceed 20% or more. If you do receive 0% APR and this is contingent on a specific credit limit, be sure you NEVER exceed that limit.

Time Limits

Many loans promising 0% financing require you to pay the loan back in full by a particular time. If this deadline isn't met, large interest amounts may be added based on the original loan amount, not just the remainder. If applied, these rates typically exceed 20% and can turn what seems like a great deal into a complete nightmare. When applying for a loan like this, make sure you're realistic about what you can afford and how fast you can repay the loan amount. If there is any question on whether you'll make the payments on time, find a different loan option.

Built-in Costs

If you're getting a zero percent financing car deal, you might have difficulty haggling to get the car price lowered or any other incentives. This allows the automaker to pocket a nice profit on the car's sale despite offering the 0% financing. These inflated prices can make the 0% financing deal a complete waste of money when. You need to compare the difference in cost to a zero percent financing deal and a low-interest rate with the ability to negotiate on the price. More often than not, 0% financing is not what it's made out to be. There are many hidden fees, time limits, and credit restrictions. When making a large purchase such as a car, it's essential not to get tricked into thinking you're genuinely getting 0% financing. With BrightStar's FREE Auto Advisors, they will negotiate the lowest price possible, and you will receive a 0.25% rate reduction on your BrightStar auto loan.