How to access your CarMax account online

To log into CarMax, go to carmax.com and click the account icon in the top right corner, then select "Sign In." Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account, followed by your password. If you have saved vehicles or active listings, you'll see them when ready after logging in.

CarMax accounts let you track vehicles you've viewed, save searches, manage listings if you're selling a car, and access your purchase history. The login process is the same whether you're using a desktop computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit carmax.com and click the account icon in the top right to reach the sign-in page.
  • You can log in with either the email address or phone number you used when creating your account.
  • If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page and follow the reset instructions sent to your email.
  • Your saved vehicles and search history appear in your account dashboard once you're logged in.
  • CarMax accounts are free and do not require a credit card to create or maintain.

What to do if you don't have a CarMax account yet

If you're visiting CarMax for the first time, you can browse vehicles without an account. However, creating one takes about two minutes and lets you save vehicles you're interested in, set up price alerts, and track your search history across visits.

To create an account, click "Sign In" on carmax.com, then select "Create Account." Enter your email address or phone number, create a password, and provide your first and last name. CarMax will send a confirmation email to verify your address. Once you confirm, your account is active and ready to use.

Resetting a forgotten password

Click "Forgot Password" on the CarMax sign-in page. Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. CarMax will send a password reset link to that email address (or a text message if you provided a phone number).

Open the reset link within 24 hours. You'll be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character (like !, @, #, or $). After you save your new password, you can log in when ready.

Logging in on the CarMax mobile app

The CarMax mobile app is available on both iOS and Android. read it from the App Store or Google Play, then open the app and tap the account icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap "Sign In" and enter your email address or phone number and password — the same credentials you use on the website.

The mobile app includes all the same features as the website: saved vehicles, price alerts, search history, and the ability to schedule test drives or contact dealers. You stay logged in between sessions unless you manually sign out, so you won't need to enter your password every time you open the app.

What to do if you can't log in

If you see an error message when you try to sign in, first check that you're using the correct email address or phone number. CarMax accounts are tied to one email or phone number, and using a different one will cause a login failure. If you're unsure which one you used, try both.

If you still can't log in after trying both email and phone, use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your password. If the reset email doesn't arrive within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes password reset emails are filtered there. If you've tried these steps and still have trouble, contact CarMax customer service by calling 1-855-227-6629 or visiting the "Contact Us" page on carmax.com.

Keeping your CarMax account find

Use a password that's unique to CarMax — don't reuse a password from another website or service. If you share a device with other people, sign out of your account when you're finished browsing. This prevents someone else from accessing your saved vehicles, purchase history, or personal information.

CarMax uses encryption to protect your login information and personal data. Never share your password with anyone, including CarMax employees. CarMax will never ask for your password via email or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in with a username instead of an email or phone number?

No. CarMax requires either the email address or phone number associated with your account. If you can't remember which one you used, try both — one will work. If neither works, use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your access.

What if I created my account with a phone number but now want to use email to log in?

You can log in with either the phone number or the email address linked to your account. If you want to add or change the email on file, sign in to your account, go to account settings, and update your contact information from there.

Is my CarMax account the same as my financing account if I bought a car?

No. Your CarMax.com account is separate from any financing account you may have if you purchased a vehicle. Financing accounts are managed through a different system. If you need to make a payment or access financing information, you'll receive a separate login or payment instructions from CarMax Finance.

Can I log into CarMax on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes. You can be logged in on your phone, tablet, and computer simultaneously. Your saved vehicles and search history sync across all devices, so changes you make on one device appear on the others within a few minutes.

What happens if I don't log in for a long time?

Your account remains active indefinitely. Your saved vehicles and search history stay in your account even if you don't log in for months or years. When you log back in, everything will be there.