If you’ve started to think about purchasing your new car, one of the best things you can do to get the best deal is to know your auto credit score before visiting the dealership. By having this information first hand, you’ll know exactly how much you can spend, what kind of down payment you’ll need, and what your monthly payments should look like.

Being armed with your auto credit score also protects you from being taken advantage of by your auto lender or the dealership. It’s no secret that the car salesman wants to get the highest possible commission by selling you a car. If they don’t make their money with negotiating the sale price or selling your extended warranties, they can make it up with the loan they get you approved for.

Most people get caught up in the excitement of buying a new car, which is exactly what they are hoping you will do to. By taking advantage of the emotional charge and eagerness to drive home in your new car they quietly tack on a few percentage points to your auto loan that you sign away on.

But if you go to the dealership or any other car sale location knowing exactly what your auto credit score is and what kind of loan you should expect to get approved for, you have the upper hand. Most people are not that prepared, and they will know immediately that you are someone that can’t be taken advantage of.

You can check your score for free online and and see where you stand. A score around a 720 should allow you to get the best possible rates. If you fall below 680 points, you may want to do a few simple things to increase your rating just a bit before your lender has a chance to see it.

See how your auto credit score stacks up to the average.

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