Car Title Loans
What a Car Title Loan Really Is
A car title loan is a secured loan that uses your auto title as collateral.
You hand over the title for the length of the loan, but you keep driving the car. Once the loan is paid off, the title returns to you.
Approval is based on your car’s value and your ability to repay, not your credit score, so borrowers may qualify even with bad credit.
Since 2023, we have funded more than 26,000 loans across 13 states. Same-day funding is available before 2 PM local time⁸, with fixed monthly payments and no prepayment penalty.
Title loans can be a real option when you need cash quickly and a bank loan is not available. They cost more, and your car backs the loan. If you stop making payments, you could lose the car.
If you are not sure a title loan is right for you, we encourage you to talk with a financial counselor. You can also read our Is a Title Loan Right for You? guide to get more info before you apply.
5 Star Car Title Loans by the Numbers
$3,718
Average Loan Amount
$1,425 to $8,586
Typical Loan Range
2013
Avg Vehicle Year
26,045
Loans Funded
Based on 26,045 loans funded across all 5 Star Car Title Loans service states from 2023 to 2026. Actual loan amounts vary based on your vehicle’s condition, mileage, your ability to repay the loan, and state regulations. “Typical Loan Range” is a weighted average of the 5th/95th percentile bounds across states.
Real Loan Examples by State
Loan stats across the 13 states we serve, based on 26,045 funded loans from 2023 to 2026.
| State | Avg. Loan | Typical Range | Avg. Vehicle Year | Loans Funded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $5,181 | $2,525 to $10,355 | 2015 | 10,857 |
| Florida | $2,679 | $575 to $7,944 | 2012 | 7,248 |
| Texas | $2,019 | $300 to $6,033 | 2010 | 2,545 |
| Virginia | $3,374 | $1,000 to $7,754 | 2014 | 1,061 |
| Ohio | $3,714 | $1,055 to $7,999 | 2014 | 1,003 |
| Louisiana | $1,426 | $300 to $4,191 | 2010 | 820 |
| Tennessee | $1,429 | $250 to $4,000 | 2009 | 554 |
| Indiana | $3,745 | $1,454 to $8,269 | 2014 | 490 |
| Michigan | $3,779 | $1,890 to $8,632 | 2014 | 441 |
| Washington | $3,620 | $500 to $9,948 | 2012 | 363 |
| Oklahoma | $3,436 | $799 to $8,464 | 2014 | 270 |
| South Carolina | $1,835 | $616 to $5,454 | 2009 | 210 |
| Kentucky | $3,519 | $1,106 to $7,961 | 2014 | 183 |
Click any state for local loan details, recent funded examples, and the most common vehicles financed in that state.
Key Benefits of a 5 Star Car Title Loan
- Fast Approval: Apply online or visit a branch and get a decision in as little as 30 minutes, with same-day funding available⁸.
- Keep Your Vehicle: You keep driving the car while repaying your loan in fixed monthly installments.
- Real Loan Amounts: Loans funded since 2023 have typically ranged from $1,425 to $8,586, with larger amounts possible for higher-value vehicles, subject to state law.
- No Prepayment Penalty: Pay your loan off early and save on interest. There is no fee for paying ahead of schedule.
- Credit-Flexible Approval: No minimum credit score required. Borrowers with thin credit files, recent late payments, or limited credit history may still qualify.
- Licensed Direct Lender: We operate in 13 states under NMLS 1442517. All fees and APR are disclosed in writing before you sign.
How Do Car Title Loans Work?
Applying for a vehicle title loan is simple. Here’s how it works from start to finish:
Step 1: Apply Online or In Person
Complete a short online form or visit one of our convenient locations. Provide your vehicle details, make, model, mileage, and basic contact information. The online application is available 24/7, and you can get pre-approval within 5 minutes⁸.
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
Upload or bring:
- Vehicle title (clear or with significant equity)
- Government-issued ID
- Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements, or benefits)
- Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
Step 3: Get Your Car Inspected
Most vehicle checks are done online. When we can confirm your vehicle’s value from photos or a short video, no in-person inspection is needed.
Step 4: Review and Sign Your Loan Agreement
Before you sign, your loan agreement will state in writing:
- APR and total cost of the loan
- Your payment schedule
- Late-fee policy according to your state’s law
- What happens if you cannot repay
Many states give you 24 hours after signing to cancel if you change your mind.
Step 5: Get Funded
Funds deposit to your bank account, same-day when approved before 2 PM local time on a business day⁸.
You will get your payment schedule by email and SMS, and can check your balance or make payments in our My Account portal.
Once your loan is paid in full, we release your title online.
How Much Can I Borrow with a Car Title Loan?
With a car title loan, you can typically borrow between 25% and 50% of your vehicle’s current market value. In exact figures, loans usually range anywhere from $100 to $10,000 (or up to $50,000 for newer, high-value vehicles) depending on the lender.
What we see in our data: Based on 26,000+ loans funded since 2023, our borrowers received an average of $3,718, with most loans falling between $1,425 and $8,586. The typical borrower got around 50% of their car’s value.
Your exact amount depends on your vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage, your income, and the state where you live.
Use our free title loan calculator to get a quick estimate for your specific vehicle.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a 5 Star car title loan, you need the items below. Having them ready before you start the application speeds up approval and funding.
- A vehicle title in your name, lien-free (or with a small remaining balance)
- A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of income (pay stub, bank statement, benefit letter, 1099, or recent tax return)
- Current vehicle registration and active auto insurance
- Proof of residence (recent utility bill, lease, or other dated mail)
- You must be 18 or older
- Applicant cannot be an active-duty member of the Military, or that person’s spouse or dependent
No minimum credit score is required. Approval is based on your car’s value and your ability to repay.
How to Get Approved Faster
Most title loan applications are not delayed by underwriting. They are delayed by small fixable issues in the documents the borrower submits.
Based on our underwriting team’s experience, the four items below cause the majority of next-day funding instead of same-day.
Make sure the name on your title exactly matches your ID.
Middle initials, maiden names, and hyphenated last names are the most common cause of paperwork being sent back for correction.
Photograph the VIN plate from a straight angle with no glare.
A blurry, dark, or partially obscured VIN is the most common reason vehicle verification gets bounced back.
Submit 30 days of pay stubs or 60 days of bank statements that show your income clearly.
Bank statements that hide deposit sources or show only ending balances slow down ability-to-repay review.
Confirm there are no liens on your title.
If your title shows a previous lender, that lien must be released and reflected on the title before we can fund. This is the single most common reason a loan does not close.
Common Uses for Car Title Loans
Based on 9,666 borrowers across 201 cities in the states we serve, here are the most common reasons people take out a title loan with 5 Star Car Title Loans.
| # | Top Use |
|---|---|
| 1 | Electric and Water Utilities |
| 2 | Emergency Medical Bills |
| 3 | Gas and Transportation Costs |
| 4 | Critical Home Repairs (Roof, Plumbing) |
| 5 | Business Operating Capital (Small / Solo) |
| 6 | Groceries and Household Essentials |
| 7 | Dental Emergencies |
Aggregated from city-level top-3 loan-use reports across the 201 cities we serve.
Alternatives to Car Title Loans
Car Title Loans vs. Payday Loans vs. Personal Loans for Bad Credit
Many borrowers consider one of these three products when they need cash quickly and traditional credit is not an option. Here is how they compare on the points that matter most.
| Feature | Car Title Loan | Payday Loan | Personal Loan for Bad Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan amount | $100 – $10,000 (higher for some vehicles) | $100 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $50,000 |
| Term | Up to 48 months | 2 – 4 weeks | 1 – 7 years |
| APR | Typically 80%–300%+, varies by state | Typically 300%–500%+ | Typically 18%–100%+, depending on credit |
| Collateral | Your vehicle title | None (unsecured) | Usually unsecured |
| Repayment | Fixed monthly installments | One lump-sum payment | Fixed monthly installments |
| Rollovers | No rollovers | Common, often leads to debt cycle | No rollovers |
| Credit reporting | Rarely reported | Rarely reported | Regularly reported to all three major bureaus |
| Builds credit? | No | No | Yes, with on-time payments |
| Credit check required | Soft or hard pull, low score not disqualifying | Often none | Hard pull required |
All ranges shown are industry-typical estimates, not guaranteed offers. Actual terms vary by lender, state, and your individual application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Car Title Loan with Bad Credit?
Yes. Title loans are a common option for borrowers with bad or limited credit. Because the loan is secured by your car’s value, your credit score plays a smaller role in the approval process than it would with a traditional bank loan. As long as you can prove repayment ability, you may qualify.
Do I Need to Own My Car Outright?
Yes. In most cases, you must own your vehicle outright. However, some lenders may allow a title loan if only a small balance remains on the car.
How Fast Can I Get My Money?
If your application is approved before 2 PM on a business day, you may receive same-day funding via direct deposit⁸.
What Happens if I Miss a Payment?
Contact us immediately. We’ll work with you to adjust your payment schedule. Missing payments may result in additional fees or repossession as a last resort.
Can I Get a Car Title Loan Online Without an In-Person Inspection?
Yes, in most cases. The online application walks you through it: in good light, take sharp photos and a short video of the exterior, interior, odometer, and VIN. When the images meet our standards, no in-person visit is needed.
Can I Still Drive My Car During the Loan?
Yes. We hold the title as collateral, not the car. You keep your keys and keep driving like normal. The car can only be repossessed after missed payments, following the repossession process set by your state’s law.
Will a Car Title Loan Affect My Credit Score?
Most loans from 5 Star Car Title Loans are not reported to the major credit bureaus, so on-time payments do not build your credit. If a payment goes to collections, that can be reported and may lower your score.
Can I Pay Off My Loan Early Without a Penalty?
Yes. There is no fee for paying ahead of schedule. We recommend it: any amount above your scheduled payment reduces your principal, which lowers the total interest you pay over the life of the loan.
Get Started Today
Ready to apply? Start your online application or call (888) 309-0994 to speak with our team.
We will walk you through your options before you commit, and there is no obligation to take a loan offer if it does not fit your situation.
