Auto Loans
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Last Updated: 05/11/2026
SuperMoney User Recommendation Score -10
Mostly not recommended21 total votes
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Highlights
Community Rating
Mostly not recommended
Amount Range
$5,000 - $100,000
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APR (Fixed APR)
2.99% - 11.89%(Verified 05/11/2026)
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Credit Score Range
660 - 850
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Loan Term (Months)
24 - 144
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Number of Reviews
LightStream New Car Loans Review
LightStream New Car Loans is offered by SunTrust Bank, a bank founded in 1865 and based in Atlanta, GA. LightStream auto loan are available in 50 states and Washington, DC.
LightStream auto loan FAQ
How much can you borrow via LightStream auto loan?
LightStream auto loan loan amounts start at $5,000 and go up to $100,000.
What APR does LightStream auto loan offer on its car loans?
LightStream auto loan offers a fixed apr car loan product that ranges from 2.99% APR up to 11.89% APR. Rate is quoted with autopay discount*.
Your APR can vary depending on several factors, such as your credit score. Find out what your credit score is and whether there is any false or inaccurate information in your credit history with these credit monitoring tools.
What is the maximum auto loan term you can get with LightStream auto loan?
LightStream auto loan has car loans with terms ranging from 24 to 144 months. Having the option of longer terms -- some lenders offer terms that range up to 144 months -- allows borrowers to take on larger auto loan amounts while keeping monthly payments more affordable. However, the longer the term of your auto loan, the more interest you will pay.
Does LightStream auto loan charge an origination fee?
No, LightStream auto loan does not charge a loan origination fee.
An auto loan origination fee is what some lenders charge for processing an auto loan application and funding an auto loan. Typically fees range from 0.5% to 5% of the loan amount. Whenever possible, go with lenders that don’t charge origination fees.Does LightStream auto loan charge a late fee?
No, LightStream auto loan will not charge you a late fee.
Does LightStream auto loan charge prepayment fees?
No, LightStream auto loan will not charge you a fee for paying your loan early. Whenever possible choose lenders like LightStream auto loan that don't charge a prepayment fee. These fees can reduce or even cancel the interest savings of repaying a loan early.
Can I pay off early my LightStream auto loan loan?
Yes, you can. LightStream auto loan does not charge a prepayment fee, so you can save money by paying your car loan early.
What do you need to qualify for LightStream New Car Loans?
Applicants with a credit score of at least 660 and up to 850 may be eligible for LightStream New Car Loans. The minimum age to be eligible is 18 or the state minimum, whichever is higher. LightStream New Car Loans does not have or does not disclose a minimum annual income eligibility requirement. Note that borrowers can add a cosigner to either meet eligibility requirements or qualify for lower interest rates.
U.S. citizens and permanent resident / green card holders are eligible to apply for the services offered by LightStream New Car Loans.
To qualify, applicants may need to provide the following documentation:
- Applicants must have an active and valid personal checking account
- Recent pay stubs
- Proof of income
- Driver's license or other government photo ID
- Proof of citizenship or residence permit
What is the estimated funding time for a car loan via LightStream auto loan?
LightStream auto loan will typically fund the car loan within 30 business days of approval.Does LightStream New Car Loans report your account activity to credit bureaus?
Yes, LightStream New Car Loans reports to the following credit bureaus:
- Equifax
- Experian
Making regular on-time payments to a creditor that reports to one or more credit bureaus will demonstrate your financial responsibility and may help build your credit.
Does SunTrust Bank perform a hard credit pull?
Yes, LightStream auto loan performs a hard credit pull when you apply for a loan. Additionally, it doesn't provide the option to check your rates using a soft credit pull, a feature that many lenders offer.
Click here to get prequalified rates from multiple leading lenders without a hard credit pull. However, if you accept a loan offer, a hard credit pull will likely be performed.
Is SunTrust Bank a legit company?
SunTrust Bank was founded in 1865, it is a well-established company that has been in business for 161 years. LightStream New Car Loans is mostly not recommended by SuperMoney community users.
LightStream New Car Loans Disclosure: * The APR listed is for an unsecured dealer used auto loan between $10,000 and $24,999 with a term between 24 and 36 months, for applicants with excellent credit. Your loan terms, including APR, may differ based on loan purpose, amount, term length, and your credit profile. Rate is quoted with AutoPay discount. AutoPay discount is only available prior to loan funding. Rates without AutoPay may be higher. Subject to credit approval. Conditions and limitations apply. Advertised rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Extended loan terms (85-144 months) are only available for home improvement purposes, for loan amounts higher than $25K. Payment example: Monthly payments for a $10,000 loan at 4.99% APR with a term of 3 years would result in 36 monthly payments of $299.66.
SuperMoney Disclosure: SuperMoney.com is an independent, advertising-supported service. The owner of this website may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website. Read more...
Editorial Disclaimer: Editorial and user-generated content on this page is not provided or commissioned by the issuer. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone and have not been approved or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution, including those that are advertising partners.
Message from LightStream auto loan
Message from our editor
What We Love About LightStream Auto Loans
LightStream offers a variety of auto loan choices for new and used vehicles. It also provides loan refinancing, lease buyouts, and options for purchasing and refinancing motorcycles. For consumers with excellent credit, it provides a fast online loan process with competitive rates and no fees. These loans require no down payment and fast funding with no restrictions on the type of vehicle being purchased.
What Could LightStream Do Better?
Getting approved for a LightStream auto loan can be difficult since the approval requirements are strict. Only individuals with excellent credit will get the best terms and rates while applying results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. Customers need to have a MasterCard or Visa to receive a loan and the only means of customer service is by sending an email.
LightStream Backstory
As the online consumer lending division of SunTrust Bank, LightStream offers lending options to customers across the United States. This company provides loans for a variety of purposes, such as purchasing automobiles, buying recreational vehicles, and making home improvements. LightStream also provides refinancing options for automobiles and motorcycles.
LightStream focuses on offering a streamlined and simple method for getting loans for people with excellent credit scores. Among those who meet their stringent requirements, the loan rates are often competitive. Both secured and unsecured loans are available for those who meet the application requirements. One of the most unique aspects of LightStream is its commitment to plant a tree for each loan that is funded.
The Verdict
LightStream could be a reasonable choice for some consumers, specifically those with excellent credit who have a Visa or MasterCard credit card. However, those with lower credit scores will likely not meet the requirements for a LightStream auto loan. It’s also worth being aware that the hard inquiry on your credit can also cause issues for some applicants.
The best option for those who may qualify for LightStream auto loans is to look into all your options first. There may be other companies with better rates and less strict
Hours of Operation
Sunday
All Day
Monday
All Day
Tuesday
All Day
Wednesday
All Day
Thursday
All Day
Friday
All Day
Saturday
All Day
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Learn MoreSuperMoney Net Recommendation Score
SuperMoney users mostly don't recommend this product, giving it a user recommendation score of -10, or 2.8 on a 5-point rating scale.
-10
-1000+100
No one recommends
Everyone recommends
LightStream New Car Loans Community Reviews
Would you recommend LightStream New Car Loans to your friends?
BM
Brian M.
Apr 3, 2021
May or may not recommend
Had a seamless experience to get a new car with the power of a cash buyer! Money was deposited for the purchase one day after being approved. I have excellent credit and a strong income, and you’ll need both to qualify at a low rate. It appears that most who give the company a poor review have a lot of debt or only moderate income. You’ll need excellent credit and ...Show More
Christopher B.
May 15, 2019
May or may not recommend
I have a credit score of 700 and an average income. I was denied for a small classic car loan... no reason stated... I didn't see anywhere on the website in which it said perfect or excellent vs. good credit etc. especially at a $150 monthly payment... like wtf???
Gaius G.
Apr 18, 2019
May or may not recommend
It was incredibly easy to get this loan. And extremely fast. We have 830 FICO scores and fairly high incomes and no credit card or auto loan debt. Well, no debt except for the house, and we have over 50% equity in the house. We qualified for their lowest rates. The negative reviews I saw seemed to ...Show More
LG
Linda G.
Jun 18, 2018
May or may not recommend
I have only positive things to say about my loan experience with this company...the approval process was quick, simple, and painless...I would definitely recommend this to anyone seeking financial assistance...the interest rate was also very competitive..and even better than others...
Brad B.
May 11, 2018
May or may not recommend
The BEST experience I have ever had with a bank. I applied for a car loan at 6pm, got an email that my loan was approved by 7pm. Then they told me that my credit was good so they didn't need to hold the car title!!! The money was then deposited in my account the next afternoon! The interest rate was also lower than any other ...Show More
BM
Brian M.
May 9, 2018
May or may not recommend
Easiest loan ever. Applied online, got pre-approved, sent docs, loan approved and funded same day. Even got an excellent rate on a used car. I read some of the bad reviews and these people are ignorant on how credit and lending works. People always give negative reviews when they don't get what they want.
Mark L.
Apr 20, 2018
May or may not recommend
An amazing lender for those with good credit. Approved my auto loan in several hours. The guarantee they lowest rate available anywhere. If you can show them you were offered a lower rate they will reduce their rate. All payments have been applied promptly and accurately. can't say enough good things about them.
Sonja F.
Apr 7, 2018
May or may not recommend
Bad experience during trade of automobile. The new finance company took 32 days to payoff my loan and they still reported it to my credit bureau. No flexibility even thought my loan was paid early and on time throughout the life of my loan and I’ve been a SunTrust customer over 20 years and my mortgage is through SunTrust. I was expecting more loyalty especially when the ...Show More
Daniel E.
Mar 28, 2018
May or may not recommend
With a credit score of 760, $70,000 in credit used 4%, and a gross income of 38k a year, my 12k auto loan was declined, do not apply with this company go somewhere else.
ED
ERSAN D.
Nov 23, 2017
May or may not recommend
I wouldn't recommend. They sound easy to give the auto loan with a decent credit but they absolutely are not easy to get a loan. Don't waste your time. And they do hard inquiry. Not worth it.
U
Anonymous
Oct 31, 2017
May or may not recommend
I have a 710 credit score, 60,000 in liquid assets, 18k equity in my home, and applied for an auto loan for 7000 at a dealership and was declined.
HB
Heather B.
Aug 28, 2017
May or may not recommend
This place sucks. Filled out the form twice, kept telling I was approved, but when I went to check the actual loan, they said my email--which I double checked twice, it's auto fill in--didn't match. I guess I don't match them either, I want a competent lender.
U
Anonymous
Jun 25, 2017
May or may not recommend
I applied for the $5000 loan to buy a used motorcycle from private seller. I have 706+ Credit Score and can save this amount in 2 pay checks. I just wanted to build my credit history, that's why was looking into loan option. But it effected my credit score with hard inquiry. I'll never use their services again.
KC
Krysten C.
May 25, 2017
May or may not recommend
Good financial standing, decent income, satisfactory credit? Don't worry, you'll be denied for a $10,000 loan and not given an opportunity to understand why. They can't even respond to inquiries with their correct phone number. Save your time and take your business somewhere else.
U
Anonymous
May 21, 2017
May or may not recommend
My spouse and I applied for a used auto loan and were denied in less than 10 hours without any questions or calls. We have excellent credit, stable jobs, and savings three times the purchase price of the car. It was an automatic hard inquiry so be very careful before applying. Don't even bother if you have a 750 credit score and a good amount of savings. These people seem ...Show More
Samantha D.
Apr 8, 2017
May or may not recommend
I applied online on a Tuesday, got the money direct deposited Thursday afternoon. I had several calls back and forth that week with customer service and had to fax verification items to them. Their staff is courteous and helpful but the constant calls really cut into my work days. Since then they have called and emailed for more verification docs, I emailed and they asked again a month later for the ...Show More
Jeff H.
Aug 12, 2016
May or may not recommend
WARNING - LIGHTSTREAM IS HORRIBLE!
Don't even bother applying to a company with so many negative reviews from people with outstanding credit! There is no personal experience - no "real person" to speak with, it's automated with very tight standards, even I don't understand!
I have 800+ Credit / 100k income / Zero Credit Card Debt / More Money in the Bank than the auto loan I applied for, and ...Show More
U
Anonymous
Jul 7, 2016
May or may not recommend
Super fast sign up process, particularly if you can easily pull up online accounts as needed for requested info such as mortgage payments/balance, acct holdings, and so on.
Received approval via email in less than 2 hours without any additional paperwork. Completed the finalization process and received the money next day (accepted the loan/finalized late in the day).
Got a 1.99% on a non-secured loan for $17k. That said, I ...Show More
U
Anonymous
Jun 29, 2016
May or may not recommend
The process was extremely easy and professional. I filled out an application at about 2:00pm on a Sunday evening and was approved for the loan at about 5:15pm that same day. Accepted the great interest rate and was eligible for the funds the very next day. I couldn't believe I was actually getting the loan without any hassle until the funds were deposited into my account. Truly amazing ...Show More
U
Anonymous
Apr 17, 2015
May or may not recommend
Light Stream is amazing! I needed to refinance my car when my lifestyle changed and I couldn't make the regular payments. They worked with me to get a lower interest rate when I refinanced. It was SO quick- literally within two days it was done.
Showing 20 of 21 reviews