What Huntington Bank offers for auto loans

Huntington Bank is a regional bank operating primarily in the Midwest and parts of the South that offers auto loans for new and used vehicles. You can borrow through Huntington if you have an account with them, or sometimes without one, depending on your location and the specific loan product. The bank handles the loan directly — you work with a Huntington loan officer, not a third-party lender — and the process typically takes a few business days from process to funding.

Huntington auto loans come in two main paths: you can explore online or in person at a branch. The in-person route is often faster if you have questions or need to move quickly, because a loan officer can walk through your situation and sometimes give you a decision the same day. Online applications go through their website and usually take one to three business days for a decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Huntington Bank auto loans are available to customers in their service area (primarily Midwest and South), and you may need an existing account to borrow.
  • You can explore online or at a branch, with in-person applications often producing faster decisions.
  • Huntington will check your credit and income, and the interest rate you receive depends on your credit score and the age and value of the vehicle.
  • The bank funds loans directly, meaning the money goes to the dealer or seller, not to you as cash.
  • Loan terms typically range from 24 to 84 months, and you can often pay off early without penalty.

What you need to bring or provide

Before you explore, gather your driver's license, Social Security number, and proof of income (a recent pay stub or tax return). Huntington will also ask for details about the vehicle — the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN). If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer can provide the VIN. If you are buying from a private seller, you can find it on the title or registration.

You will also need to show proof of insurance. Huntington requires full coverage (collision and comprehensive) on financed vehicles, so you cannot close the loan without an insurance quote or policy in hand. If you do not have insurance yet, you can get a quote from your insurer before you explore, or some dealers can help you arrange it.

If you are trading in a vehicle, bring the title and registration for the trade-in. Huntington will use the trade-in value to reduce the amount you need to borrow.

How Huntington decides your interest rate

Huntington uses your credit score as the primary factor in setting your rate. A higher credit score (typically 740 and above) usually qualifies you for their best rates. Scores in the 650–739 range will receive higher rates, and scores below 650 may be declined or offered rates significantly higher than their prime offerings. The bank also looks at your debt-to-income ratio — how much you already owe compared to what you earn — and the age and value of the vehicle itself.

Newer vehicles and vehicles with higher resale value typically receive lower rates because they hold their value better as collateral. A 2020 Honda Civic, for example, will usually get a better rate than a 2010 model, all else equal. Huntington also considers the loan term: a 36-month loan will typically have a lower rate than a 72-month loan for the same borrower.

You can ask Huntington for a rate quote before you commit. Some branches will give you an estimate based on your credit and the vehicle details without a hard credit pull, which does not affect your credit score. A hard pull happens when you formally explore, and it will show on your credit report.

The process and approval timeline

Online applications through Huntington's website usually produce a decision within one to three business days. You will upload your documents (driver's license, proof of income, insurance quote) and Huntington will review them. If they need more information, they will contact you by phone or email.

In-person applications at a branch can move faster. A loan officer can review your documents on the spot, run your credit, and sometimes give you a conditional approval the same day. Conditional approval means Huntington has agreed to lend, but the final approval depends on the vehicle inspection or insurance verification going through without issues.

Once you have approval, Huntington will fund the loan. If you are buying from a dealer, the bank sends the money directly to the dealership, and you sign the final paperwork there. If you are buying from a private seller, Huntington typically sends the check to you or the seller, depending on your state's rules. The whole process from process to funding usually takes three to seven business days.

Loan terms and what you will owe each month

Huntington offers loan terms from 24 months up to 84 months. A shorter term (24–36 months) means higher monthly payments but less interest paid overall. A longer term (60–84 months) spreads the payments out, lowering your monthly bill but increasing the total interest you pay. For example, a $25,000 loan at 6% interest costs roughly $460 per month over 60 months, or about $350 per month over 84 months — but you pay significantly more interest in the longer term.

Your monthly payment includes principal (the amount you borrowed), interest, and sometimes a small amount for taxes and fees, depending on your state. Huntington will give you an amortization schedule showing exactly what you owe each month. You can pay by automatic bank transfer, check, or in person at a branch.

Most Huntington auto loans allow you to pay off the loan early without penalty. If you receive a bonus or inheritance and want to pay the loan in full, you can do so without extra fees. Call your loan servicer to confirm the payoff amount, because it may be slightly less than your remaining balance due to interest calculations.

What happens if you miss a payment

If you miss a payment, Huntington will typically contact you within a few days. A single missed payment will not when ready damage your credit, but it will be reported to the credit bureaus if it stays unpaid for 30 days. After 60 days unpaid, the delinquency becomes more serious and can significantly lower your credit score.

If you are struggling to make a payment, contact Huntington as soon as possible. Some borrowers can arrange a deferment (skipping a payment) or a loan modification (changing the term or rate). The bank is more likely to work with you if you reach out before you miss a payment than after.

If payments remain unpaid for 120 days or more, Huntington can repossess the vehicle. Once repossessed, the bank sells the car and applies the proceeds to your loan balance. If the sale price is less than what you owe, you are responsible for the difference (called a deficiency). Repossession also severely damages your credit for seven years.

Comparing Huntington to other lenders

Huntington is one option among many for auto loans. Credit unions often offer lower rates than banks, especially if you are a member. Online lenders like LightStream or Upstart may approve borrowers with lower credit scores. Traditional banks like Wells Fargo or Bank of America offer similar products to Huntington.

The main advantage of Huntington is convenience if you already bank there — you can explore in person and get a decision quickly. The main disadvantage is that Huntington operates only in certain states, so if you live outside their service area, you cannot borrow from them. If you do have access to Huntington, it is worth getting a rate quote from them and comparing it to at least one credit union and one online lender before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Huntington customer to get an auto loan?

Requirements vary by location and loan product. Some Huntington branches will lend to non-customers, while others require an existing account. Call your local branch or check Huntington's website to confirm the requirement in your area before you explore.

Can I get a Huntington auto loan with bad credit?

Huntington typically works with borrowers who have credit scores of 600 and above, though rates will be higher for lower scores. If your score is below 600, you may be declined, or you might have better luck with a credit union or online lender that specializes in lower-credit borrowers.

What if the vehicle I want to buy is from a private seller, not a dealer?

Huntington will finance private-party sales. You will need the seller's information, the vehicle's VIN and title, and a pre-purchase inspection (some lenders require this). The process is the same as buying from a dealer, except the money goes to the seller instead of the dealership.

Can I refinance my Huntington auto loan later?

Yes. If your credit score improves or interest rates drop, you can refinance with Huntington or another lender. Refinancing means taking out a new loan to pay off the old one, ideally at a lower rate. There is no penalty for paying off a Huntington auto loan early, so refinancing is always an option.

What is the difference between a pre-approval and final approval?

Pre-approval (or conditional approval) means Huntington has agreed to lend based on your credit and income, but the final approval depends on the vehicle inspection and insurance verification. Final approval means everything has cleared and the loan is ready to fund. Most auto loans move from conditional to final within a few business days.