Who regulates auto loans in Texas?

The Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) licenses consumer auto lenders and regulates auto dealer financing. Visit occc.texas.gov to verify a lender's license or file a consumer complaint.

Does Texas cap auto loan interest rates?

Texas sets rate limits for consumer installment loans by loan amount tier under the Texas Finance Code. Verify current applicable limits with the OCCC at occc.texas.gov.

What credit score do I need for an auto loan in Texas?

Most bank and credit union lenders start at 620 FICO. Texas's large, competitive market means strong offers across most credit tiers. Best APRs go to 720+ borrowers.

Are title loans regulated in Texas?

Texas regulates credit access businesses (including title and payday lenders) through the OCCC. Texas title loans are high-cost products with complex fee structures — compare all options before using a title loan.

How do I avoid dealer finance mark-ups in Texas?

Get pre-approved from a bank or credit union before any Texas dealership visit. Texas's large market means the spread between direct-lending and dealer-arranged financing can be especially significant — your pre-approval is your most important negotiating tool.

Auto Loans in Texas

Texas is the second-largest auto market in the US. Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin each have massive dealership and lending markets. Texas's large geography and limited public transit make vehicle ownership essential for most of the state's nearly 30 million residents.

Current auto loan rate benchmarks

National averages from the Federal Reserve G.19 (live data) — commercial banks, new car loans. Not state-specific rates — not a rate quote. Your actual rate depends on credit score, down payment, vehicle, and lender.

60-Month New Car

7.52%

National avg, commercial banks — February 2026

72-Month New Car

7.55%

National avg, commercial banks — February 2026

Credit Unions

Typically 1–2 pts below banks

NCUA rate comparison →

Illustrative example — not a rate quote or offer

$35,000 loan · 60 months · 7.52% APR (Federal Reserve G.19 (live data) national benchmark)

Est. monthly