Carvana Auto Loans — How to Apply & Prepare

See how to secure Carvana financing step by step.

Carvana delivers a 100% online path to auto financing built for speed and convenience. Car buying has evolved—and Carvana is at the forefront. Famous for its fully digital showroom, Carvana also provides financing that’s just as straightforward and transparent. From shopping inventory to approval to home delivery, everything happens online—no dealership pressure, no piles of paperwork, no surprises.

With Carvana Auto Loans, you can prequalify in minutes, view real rates instantly, and pick from thousands of certified used vehicles nationwide. It’s financing tailored to modern shoppers who want control, convenience, and a fully digital experience—backed by a company reshaping how Americans buy cars.

What to Know Before You Apply

Check your credit profile.
Review your score and report in advance. Carvana’s prequalification uses a soft inquiry, so confirming your own data first helps you anticipate offers and correct any errors.

Determine your budget.
Set a realistic monthly target that includes total ownership costs—insurance, maintenance, and taxes. Clear limits keep your vehicle search aligned with your finances.

Prepare your documentation.
Have ID, proof of income, and proof of residency ready. Carvana may request these during verification, especially when you finalize a purchase or confirm terms.

Plan your down payment.
A larger upfront amount lowers the loan principal and can improve your rate. Carvana lets you adjust down payment levels at checkout to fit your preferences.

Use Carvana’s financing calculator.
Estimate monthly payments by plugging in price, term, and down payment. Compare scenarios to understand affordability across different vehicles.

Get prequalified online.
Prequalification takes only a few minutes and doesn’t impact your credit score. You’ll see estimated APR, term length, and monthly payments before choosing a car.

Understand loan terms.
Typical repayment options range from 36 to 72 months. Shorter terms reduce total interest; longer terms lower the monthly cost for added flexibility.

Compare financing options.
If you have an outside pre-approval, you can stack it against Carvana’s in-house offer and pick the better fit before you complete the purchase.

How to Apply for a Loan with Carvana

  1. Visit carvana.com
  2. Select Get Prequalified
  3. Enter your personal and financial details
  4. View your personalized loan terms instantly
  5. Choose your vehicle
  6. Customize your down payment and term
  7. Submit the final application and upload verification documents
  8. Review and eSign your financing agreement

Digital Loan Management

Once your loan is active, Carvana gives you full online control via the secure Account Dashboard—so you can check payments, track details, and update settings anytime.

Borrowers can:

  • Set automatic or one-time payments directly in the dashboard
  • View payoff amounts and payment history in real time
  • Enable reminders and due-date confirmations
  • Update contact details and bank information securely
  • Access support for refinancing or payoff questions

The interface is intuitive and mobile-friendly, giving you complete control from any device. You can also link your account in the Carvana app for easy tracking and instant updates on both your vehicle and financing.

Security is built into the ecosystem. Advanced encryption and two-factor authentication protect payment and account data, so you can make payments, check balances, and change settings with confidence.

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Written By

Jason holds an MBA in Finance and specializes in personal finance and financial planning. With over 10 years of experience as a consultant in the field, he excels at making complex financial topics understandable, helping readers make informed decisions about investments and household budgets.