What Can be Used as Proof of Income When Buying a Car? (2024)

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By

Megan Foukes

Megan Foukes

Megan Foukes is a recent graduate from Indiana University who graduated with a bachelor’s in journalism. Megan works as a content writer for Auto Credit Express and contributes to several automotive and finance blogs.


, - November 15, 2018

When you have bad credit and are working with a subprime lender, you can expect to be required to show proof of income. This can be done by bringing in a copy of your most recent pay stub. But, depending on the type of work you do and if you’re an independent contractor or self-employed, you could be asked to bring in other documents to help verify your income, as well.

How Can You Prove Your Income for a Car Loan?

If you have good credit, lenders aren’t going to ask for proof of income most of the time. But when your credit isn’t great, subprime lenders use you your income to help determine what you qualify for. Although the minimum income requirement varies by lender, they typically want to see you make anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000 a month before taxes. As for the documents you need to bring in, it depends on the type of work you do.

If you’re a W-2 employee and work full time, you need to bring in a computer-generated copy of a pay stub from the past 30 days that lists your year-to-date earnings. If you’re an independent contractor or 1099 employee, you need to bring in copies of your recent tax returns typically from the past two to three years. No matter your employment type, lenders prefer that you have the same job for at least six months, and may ask for a three-year work history.

Many car buyers ask if a bank statement is a valid way to provide proof of income. While bank statements show a summary of all your financial transactions over a set amount of time, you can’t use a bank statement on its own as proof of income for a subprime auto loan.

What is Verification of Income?

Another common question car buyers ask is how lenders verify your income and employment status. The verification process is actually done by the lender and doesn’t take long to complete. Lenders use an e-verify system to make sure that you’re actually an employee of the place you listed as your employer on the application. As for independent contractors and people who are self-employed, they may ask to see multiple years of tax returns to verify your employment and income status and, in some cases, you need to bring in copies of your bank statements to verify that you receive this 1099 income.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not you need to provide proof of income depends on the type of lender you’re working with. Subprime lenders always ask for proof of income, so get the documentation ready if you plan on applying for an auto loan.

At CarsDirect, we understand how difficult it is to find financing when your credit is less than perfect, and we want to help you. We work with a network of special finance dealers that stretches from coast to coast, and we want to connect you to a local dealership. Simply fill out our free and easy car loan request form and we'll get to work matching you with a dealership in your area!

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Megan Foukes

Megan Foukes is a recent graduate from Indiana University who graduated with a bachelor’s in journalism. Megan works as a content writer for Auto Credit Express and contributes to several automotive and finance blogs.


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What Can be Used as Proof of Income When Buying a Car? (2024)

FAQs

What Can be Used as Proof of Income When Buying a Car? ›

Income verification is a common part of the auto loan application process and, as previously mentioned, can include bank statements, W-2 forms, 1099 statements and pay stubs.

Can you use bank statements as proof of income to buy a car? ›

Income: Current pay stubs often provide proof of income for car loans. But do you need pay stubs for an auto loan? No — other options may be acceptable, including current bank statements, W-2s, and 1099s.

Can you use an offer letter as proof of income for a car loan? ›

While job offer letters provide proof of employment and basic salary information, you probably won't be able to get a car loan with only a job offer letter. Most lenders require pay stubs with year-to-date income since your monthly take-home pay plays a major role in determining whether you qualify.

How many months of paystubs for car loan? ›

How Many Pay Stubs Do I Need for a Car Loan? Based on our first-hand experience with check stub requirements for a personal loan and auto loans, lenders may ask for at least one to two months' worth of pay stubs as proof of earnings to secure a car loan.

Do you need a source of income for a car loan? ›

During the application process, most auto loan lenders will ask you to disclose your sources of income. Even if you aren't working, you may have money coming in each month. Here are a few examples of other sources of income some people have: Social Security.

Are bank statements enough for proof of income? ›

Why Use Bank Statement for Proof of Income Verification? Bank statements are really useful because they show the most current details about a person's or business income. If you have money coming in from different places, a bank statement puts it all together in one clear view.

What does Carvana require for proof of income? ›

Please provide one of the following: Three consecutive months of bank statements showing deposits. Two most recent pay stubs. Three consecutive months of canceled checks.

How do I prove my income for a loan? ›

Mortgage lenders usually verify income and employment by contacting a borrower's employer directly and reviewing recent employment and income documentation. These documents can include an employment verification letter, recent pay stubs, W-2s, or anything else to prove an employment history and confirm income.

Does Capital One auto finance require proof of income? ›

Pay stubs or bank statements to verify your income and/or employment. Insurance, lease agreement or mortgage statement to verify your residence. Vehicle title. Power of attorney or title authorization to allow us to file the lien in favor of Capital One Auto Finance.

Is an offer letter enough for proof of income? ›

A signed job offer can provide proof of income, but your mortgage application will also depend on your credit score, debt load, and down payment size.

Why do dealerships need bank statements? ›

While not always required, your recent bank statements can help the dealership both verify your current residency and income. You might use them to show newer or less common income sources that aren't reported on pay stubs or your last tax documents.

When buying a car, how many check stubs do you need? ›

Last two recent pay stubs (if you have more than one job, bring the stubs from those as well) Proof of residency (any current utility bill should do, such as water or electric) List of references (not including anyone living in your household)

Why does a car dealership need my paystub? ›

Car dealerships often request pay stubs to verify your income and assess your ability to make monthly payments on a car loan. This helps them determine the level of financing you qualify for and whether you can afford the vehicle you're interested in.

What credit score is needed to buy a car? ›

The credit score required and other eligibility factors for buying a car vary by lender and loan terms. Still, you typically need a good credit score of 661 or higher to qualify for an auto loan. About 69% of retail vehicle financing is for borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, according to Experian.

Do you need a source of income for a loan? ›

Most personal loan lenders will require proof of income, even if they don't disclose their minimum income requirements. Only a few lenders, like Upgrade and Universal Credit, offer unsecured loans for a single borrower with no income verification.

How many months of bank statements for car loan? ›

Proof of income

Print out a paycheck from within the past 45 days (some lenders prefer the last month), and make sure it includes year-to-date pay. If you're self-employed, dig up your past three months of personal bank statements.

Can you use bank statements for car loan? ›

Income verification is a common part of the auto loan application process and, as previously mentioned, can include bank statements, W-2 forms, 1099 statements and pay stubs.

Can you use a bank statement as proof of purchase? ›

find your proof of purchase, which will usually be your paper receipt, e-receipt or gift receipt, or your copy of the contract, but it can also include your bank / credit card statement.

Can I use bank statements as proof of income for a loan? ›

Flexibility: If you have non-traditional income streams, you can use your bank statements in lieu of traditional income documents to qualify for a loan.

Can you use bank statements as proof of purchase for taxes? ›

What other tax return documentation can you use if you don't have a receipt? If you don't have receipts, keep as much alternative documentation as possible to support your tax deductions. Some examples include: Canceled checks or bank statements.

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