Question 1

Why should I use Capital One Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

Auto Navigator, owned by Capital One, is an online auto marketplace where you can shop for new and used cars, receive a trade-in estimate or explore financing options. You can browse dealership inventory of millions of cars nationwide. Experience personalized car shopping when you add your trade-in details and pre-qualify for auto financing, giving you a real rate and monthly payment on each car while you shop. And, you can also track your car’s value over time so you know when to trade-in or sell your car.

Auto Navigator can be accessed from any device and any place, including the Auto Navigator app, available on iOS and Android devices, meaning you can shop on your own time.

Question 2

How does Capital One Auto Navigator work?

Accepted Answer

Using Auto Navigator is a simple, three-step process designed to put you in control.

Find your car: Browse over 3 million new and used cars from over 15,000 dealerships nationwide. You can filter your search to find a vehicle that fits your lifestyle and budget, see estimated payments with no need to get pre-qualified yet, and save your favorites along the way. Start your search.
Add a trade-in: Get a real-time estimated value for your car based on its details and track its value over time. Start your trade-in.
Connect with the dealership: Once you've found the right car for you, you can check the availability and test drive the cars at the dealership.

And if you get pre-qualified, you can shop with real rates and payments and visit the dealership confident in your financing options. Just provide some basic information to get pre-qualified for an auto loan in minutes, with no impact to your credit score.

Question 3

Is the car I’m interested in still available?

Accepted Answer

The vehicle inventory listed on Auto Navigator is provided by each dealership and is updated frequently. While we strive to provide the most current information, a car's availability can change at any time. The best way to confirm that a specific car is still on the lot is to use the contact information on the vehicle's details page to contact the dealership directly before you plan to visit. This saves you time and ensures the car you want is ready for a test drive.

Question 4

Can you help me find a car? I don’t know what I’m looking for.

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Capital One Auto Navigator is designed for shoppers at every stage of their car buying journey. If you're not sure what you want, you can start by:

Exploring cars near you: Browse and filter by general preferences like body style, price, electric and more to see what appeals to you. Start your search.
Setting your budget: You can see estimated payments on cars while you shop, which in turn helps narrow down your search options to cars that fit your payment comfort zone. You can also get pre-qualified to see your real rates or explore our Car Payment Calculator to help you define a budget.
Reading our guides: Our Auto Learning Center features articles and guides on everything from top-rated family SUVs to fuel-efficient cars, giving you the information you need to make an informed decision. Explore articles.

Question 5

What optional products could the dealer offer me?

Accepted Answer

When you purchase a vehicle at the dealership, you may be interested in (or the dealer may offer you) optional products like extended warranties, service contracts and Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage.

These products are not offered by or through Capital One or participating lenders. You should evaluate the products independently and discuss with the dealer to determine whether they make sense for you. Visit our Auto Learning Center for additional information on Warranty, Prepaid Maintenance Plans and GAP coverage.

Question 6

What are my options if the car I want is not on Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

If you've found a car at a dealership that is not part of our financing network, or from a private seller, that car’s details won’t display on Auto Navigator for purchase. Capital One Auto Navigator adds new and used cars daily across thousands of dealerships who offer Capital One auto financing. Here are your options to move forward:

Find a similar vehicle at a participating dealership: Use Capital One Auto Navigator to search for a similar make and model from thousands of cars listed by our in-network dealers in your area. If you plan to pre-qualify with Capital One, you will still benefit from the streamlined process.
Contact the dealership directly: The dealership selling the car you want may offer Capital One auto financing and not have listings on Auto Navigator. They will also have other financing options available, and can help you explore those to purchase the vehicle you want. You can always use Capital One’s estimated or pre-qualified calculators as a reference point to understand the kind of rate you are eligible for, which can be a valuable tool for comparison.

Question 7

I’m looking for my Capital One Pre-Approval or Pre-Selected Offer.

Accepted Answer

If you received an offer via mail or email for Capital One pre-approved/pre-selected financing at a specific dealer, that offer can only be used at the listed dealer. For any questions you may have, please refer to the details contained in your offer or click here.

Question 8

Why should I get pre-qualified for an auto loan with Capital One?

Accepted Answer

Getting pre-qualified for an auto loan with Capital One Auto Navigator is a smart first step that empowers you throughout your entire car buying journey. It's a quick, easy process that gives you a clear financial picture without any commitment or impact to your credit score.

Here’s why pre-qualification with Capital One is beneficial:

See your real rate & monthly payment: In just minutes, you'll see your estimated interest rates and monthly payments on cars while you shop, helping you shop with a realistic budget.
No impact to your credit score: The pre-qualification process uses a "soft" credit inquiry, which means your credit score remains completely unaffected. This allows you to explore your options and compare different scenarios with no obligation.
Save time at the dealership: Walking into a dealership already pre-qualified gives you an advantage, especially if you customize a pre-qualified offer on a car you’re interested in. Being ahead of the curve on financial discussions allows you to focus on test driving and finalizing your deal, making the experience more efficient and transparent.
Empower your negotiation: Knowing your pre-qualified financing terms puts you in control. You can compare the offer from the dealership to your pre-qualification, ensuring you get the right deal for you.

By getting pre-qualified, you turn a potentially stressful negotiation into a confident, more informed decision. Remember, your pre-qualified terms are subject to change and not final until you complete a hard credit application and finalize your financing.

Question 9

How does it work to pre-qualify for an auto loan with Capital One?

Accepted Answer

Start by providing some basic personal information on the Capital One Auto Navigator website or app. This typically includes details like your name, address, date of birth, employment status, income and social security number. We will then pull a soft inquiry of your credit report, which will not impact your credit score. All of this information will help us assess your pre-qualification for auto financing.

If you are approved, search for cars you are interested in to see your pre-qualified rates and payments. Your pre-qualified financing terms are estimates that can change based on the car you select, and include monthly payment, APR (Annual Percentage Rate), down payment and loan term length. Customize your deal online, then head to the dealer to finalize the terms. Your actual terms aren't final until you complete the financing process at the dealer.

Question 10

How do I use my pre-qualification offer?

Accepted Answer

You can use your pre-qualification offer once you choose which car you want at the dealership. Let the dealer know that you are pre-qualified by Capital One–they can also find this information during the financing process–and share your pre-qualified offer summary if you customized your deal on a car. The dealer will still ask you to complete a final credit application, which allows them to find financing options for you. If the dealer offers you financing from another lender, you can compare the terms with the terms in your pre-qualification to find the deal that works best for you.

To complete your auto financing, you will sign a retail installment contract with the dealer as the original creditor. The retail installment contract will include your purchase and financing terms and will be assigned by the dealer to the lender you've chosen. This lender will then service your loan and your payments will be made to the lender.

Question 11

How long does a pre-qualification offer last?

Accepted Answer

Your Capital One pre-qualification expires 30 days from the date Capital One receives your request for pre-qualification. If you don't use the offer within this period, it will expire. You can always submit a new pre-qualification request with no impact to your credit score, but the decision and pre-qualified terms you receive may be different. If you recently funded another loan with Capital One, you may no longer be eligible to get a new loan with your Capital One pre-qualification.

Question 12

How do I edit my submitted pre-qualification request or submit a new one?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about or updates to the information you submitted on your pre-qualification request, or would like to submit a new one, please by chatting with a Customer Service Representative online during our business hours which are Mon-Fri 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET and Sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-689-1789 during our call center business hours which are Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET and Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

To submit a new pre-qualification, we will need to withdraw your current one.

Question 13

How does it work to pre-qualify with Capital One’s lender network?

Accepted Answer

Capital One has partnered with a trusted network of lenders to ensure you have a smooth financing process with more options if you are not approved by Capital One. When you apply for a pre-qualification, your information will be submitted to Capital One and may also be submitted to these participating lenders.

Each lender may have their own eligibility requirements, and pre-qualified terms offered are solely determined and provided by that lender.

Question 14

I don’t want to use a lender I was approved with. What should I do next?

Accepted Answer

Pre-qualification offers from Capital One and our lender network are not a final commitment. Pre-qualification simply provides you with an estimate of your financing terms, allowing you to build a realistic budget and compare financing options.

If you find better financing from another lender—such as your credit union or another bank—you are free to do so. The pre-qualification process includes a "soft" credit inquiry, which does not impact your credit score. The only time a "hard" inquiry is made is when you complete a final credit application at the dealership to finalize your financing. This flexibility allows you to compare different loan offers and choose the one that works best for you.

Question 15

What are the eligible cars that I can finance with Capital One?

Accepted Answer

To finance with Capital One, make sure the vehicle is:

Sold by a dealership in our auto financing network
A new or used car, truck, minivan, or SUV for personal use
A model year within the last 10 years and has fewer than 120,000 miles

In some instances, an older model year or vehicle with more mileage may be eligible. Please keep in mind that the minimum amount financed is $4,000. To learn more about vehicle restrictions, click here.

If you have questions about vehicles eligible for financing with a lender in our network, please contact that lender directly.

Question 16

Are there any vehicles I can't finance?

Accepted Answer

We want you to find a vehicle you really love, but Capital One Auto Finance doesn't offer financing for vehicles including but not limited to:

Daewoo
Saab
Suzuki
Isuzu
Commercial vehicles
Lease buyouts
Motorcycles
Recreational vehicles (RVs)
ATVs
Boats
Camper vans
Motor homes
Vehicles with a history of chronic malfunctions and/or manufacturer or dealer buy back (also referred to as a lemon)
Branded title vehicles
Vehicles without a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or title issued
Vehicles sold from private party sellers

We may determine a vehicle to be commercial or otherwise ineligible based on the model and/or information provided to us. Also, we don't offer financing for vehicles purchased from dealers who don’t provide Capital One auto financing or auto brokers.

Question 17

What are my options if I have a pre-qualification, but the car I want is not on Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

Capital One Auto Navigator pre-qualification offers are specifically designed for use at a dealership within our extensive network of Capital One auto financing. This allows you to lock in a personalized rate and shop with confidence.

However, if you've found a car at a dealer that is not part of our network, or from a private seller, your pre-qualification from Auto Navigator cannot be used for that specific purchase.

Here are your best options to move forward:

Find a similar vehicle at a participating dealer: Use your Capital One Auto Navigator pre-qualification to search for a similar make and model from thousands of cars listed by our in-network dealers in your area. This ensures you can apply your pre-qualified financing and still benefit from the streamlined process.
Contact the dealer directly: The dealer selling the car you want may have other financing options available, and they can help you explore those. You can use your Capital One pre-qualification as a reference point to understand your estimated financing terms, which can be a valuable tool for comparison.
Explore other financing avenues: While your pre-qualification is specific to our network, you can still explore other financing options from different financial institutions.

Our goal is to help you find the right car with the right financing, and using your pre-qualification at one of our approved dealers is the most direct path to a smooth car buying experience.

Question 18

Can I use my Auto Navigator pre-qualification to purchase more than one car?

Accepted Answer

No. Your Auto Navigator pre-qualification may only be used in connection with the financing of one car. Remember, you will still need to complete a hard application and finalize your financing at the dealer.

Question 19

Which dealerships can I use my pre-qualification at?

Accepted Answer

Capital One lists millions of new and used vehicles available from over 15,000 dealers on Auto Navigator. This way, you get transparent, real payment information on every car you explore knowing that each dealership—and pre-qualification—is seamlessly connected to Capital One auto financing.

Some dealers in our auto financing network may not have listings on Auto Navigator; you can check with us or the dealer directly to confirm if they offer Capital One auto financing. Our dealer network is subject to change. Also, we don't offer financing for vehicles purchased from dealers outside our financing network, auto brokers or private party sellers.

Shop cars at dealers near you or find a dealer you’re looking for.

Question 20

I want to use my Auto Navigator pre-qualification offer. What will I need to bring with me to the dealer?

Accepted Answer

In order to maximize the value of your Auto Navigator pre-qualification offer, identify yourself as a pre-qualified Auto Navigator customer and show the dealer your personalized offer, which will list any required documentation you need to provide to complete the purchase of your vehicle. Examples of required items to bring to the dealer to use your pre-qualification offer could include documents to prove your personal identity, residence, and income. Visit our Auto Learning Center for additional information on the Essentials of Auto Financing.

If you have any questions about the vehicle you are considering, please contact the dealer for additional information.

You can access your pre-qualification offer by logging into Auto Navigator here.

Question 21

To complete a purchase, do I need to apply at the dealer? If so, what are the impacts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The pre-qualification process is a "soft" credit inquiry, which does not impact your credit score. The only time a "hard" inquiry is made is when you complete a final credit application at the dealership to finalize your financing, and that can be with the lender of your choice.

When you visit a dealership, you will be required to complete a credit application, which may result in one or more “hard” inquiries posted to your consumer credit report. You will also sign a retail installment contract, which discloses your purchase and financing terms.

Visit our Auto Learning Center for more information about hard inquiries and their impact.

Question 22

What should I do if a dealer has questions about my Auto Navigator pre-qualification offer?

Accepted Answer

Please online during our business hours (Mon-Fri 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. ET and Sat 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET) to speak with a Customer Service Representative, so that we can answer any questions.

You can also call us toll-free at 1-800-689-1789 during our call center business hours (Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET and Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET).

Question 23

What’s the difference between selling and trading my car?

Accepted Answer

The main difference between selling and trading in your car comes down to convenience and how you handle the transaction.

Trading in your car means you're using its value as a credit toward the purchase of a new vehicle at the same dealership. This is a single, quick transaction where the dealership manages all the necessary paperwork, including any loan payoffs. This method is often the simplest and fastest way to get rid of your old car and get into a new one.

Selling your car is a separate transaction from buying a new one. Selling to a dealership is a straightforward process. The dealer will inspect your car, make you an offer and handle the title and loan payoff paperwork for you.

Question 24

Why should I sell or trade my car with Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

We provide a transparent, convenient way to understand your car’s worth upfront, giving you a strong negotiation position once you’re ready to sell or trade at the dealership. You can quickly get an estimate of your car's trade-in value based on current market data and your car’s specific details, then connect directly with recommended dealerships nearby who can make you an offer for your car.

Question 25

How do I sell my car with Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

The process for initiating the sale of your car using Auto Navigator is simple and intuitive. You will be guided through a few key steps that prepare you for a smooth transaction at a dealership.

Provide vehicle information: Start by entering your car's details, such as the year, make, model, mileage and condition. Be as accurate as possible to get a more precise estimate.
Get your trade-in estimate: Auto Navigator will provide an estimated trade-in value for your car. This estimate is a powerful tool to use during your negotiations at the dealership.
Connect with a dealership: Once you have your estimate, we help you connect with nearby dealerships that may be interested in your vehicle. You can share your estimate with them to get the process started. If you’ve begun car shopping, we’ll point you to dealerships where you’re already interested in buying a car.
Finalize the deal: When you visit the dealership, they will perform a physical inspection of your car to confirm its condition and provide any offers or trade-in allowances.

Question 26

How do I trade in my car with Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

Trading in your car with Capital One Auto Navigator is a streamlined process that can be done in tandem with your new car search. It works by integrating your trade-in value directly into your potential car loan.

Find a car you love: Browse the inventory of thousands of dealerships and find a new or used car that fits your budget.
Add your trade-in: Add your vehicle details to see your estimated trade-in value while you shop.
Visit the dealership: Take your trade-in estimate to the dealership. They will verify your trade-in value and help you finalize your new car purchase and financing in one smooth transaction.

And if you get pre-qualified, you can shop for your next car with real rates and payments and visit the dealership confident in financing options. Just provide some basic information to get pre-qualified for an auto loan in minutes, with no impact to your credit score.

By combining your car search and trade-in process, Auto Navigator allows you to make a more informed decision.

Question 27

How does Auto Navigator determine the value of my car?

Accepted Answer

We use details such as total mileage, vehicle condition and your specific vehicle year, make, model, trim and features to provide you a real-time market value from Kelley Blue Book.

This estimated range is not an offer; the range of offers dealers may provide to you at the dealership may vary after an in-person inspection. Our goal is to empower you with a reliable value range so you can negotiate with confidence.

Question 28

Will I get an offer within the estimated range?

Accepted Answer

The estimated valuations we provide on Capital One Auto Navigator are not offers from Capital One or from any dealership. These valuations are intended to provide you with insight into the valuation range of your car based on the information you provide so that you can stay informed and learn more about when may be the right time for you to sell or trade-in your car.

To continue with your trade-in or to sell your car, you can connect directly with dealers and head to the dealership to see what offer they are willing to make on your car.

Question 29

How does tracking my car’s value over time work?

Accepted Answer

After your car is added to your account, the estimated value will be updated monthly so you can track it over time. This periodic update gives you valuable insight into how factors like mileage, market trends and seasonality impact your car’s worth. By consistently tracking its value, you'll be able to identify when might be the best time to sell, hold or trade it in. This gives you the power to monitor your asset and plan for the future with confidence, all in your Auto Navigator profile.

Question 30

How accurate is the monthly estimated value of my car?

Accepted Answer

We use details such as total mileage, vehicle condition and your specific vehicle year, make, model, trim and features to determine the estimated market value of your car. The more precise you are about your car's total mileage and current condition, the more accurate your valuation will be.

We will also refer to the information you provided during your onboarding setup–specifically average miles driven–when providing your periodic estimated valuations. You can always come back and adjust your mileage and vehicle condition so that your estimated car valuation is more accurate on an ongoing basis. Also remember to provide your accurate total mileage and update your vehicle condition before connecting with dealerships to move forward with selling or trading in your car.

Question 31

What if I still owe money on my car loan?

Accepted Answer

Having a car loan when selling or trading your car is a common situation. If your car's value is greater than your loan balance, the dealer will take care of your loan payoff and the positive equity can be used as a down payment towards your new car or may be able to be paid to you. If you have negative equity, meaning your loan is more than the trade-in valuation, you may need to pay the difference in order to fully pay off your existing car's loan or add the negative equity from your old loan to your new car loan.

Question 32

What can I expect at the dealership when I sell or trade my car?

Accepted Answer

First, a team member will appraise your car to determine its value. They’ll inspect its condition, mileage and service history and provide a value. If you’re selling your car, you will receive a firm offer.

If you’re trading in a car, this valuation will be applied toward the car you’re purchasing. You will also start your purchase by completing a formal credit application, which allows the dealership to finalize your loan terms, interest rate (APR) and monthly payment. This "hard" inquiry is a standard part of finalizing a loan. Finally, you’ll review and sign the paperwork, and the dealership will handle paying off your existing car loan if you have one.

Question 33

What documents do I need to sell my car to a dealership?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a smooth trade-in process, you’ll need to bring a few key documents to the dealership. The most critical is the vehicle title, which proves you are the legal owner. If you have a lien on the vehicle (meaning you still owe money), the dealership will need your loan payoff information to handle the transaction. If your vehicle has already been paid off, make sure any prior liens were properly released.

Beyond those essentials, it's also helpful to have your current vehicle registration, a valid government-issued driver's license or photo ID and all keys and fobs. While not strictly required, bringing any maintenance records or service receipts can help demonstrate that your car has been well-cared for, potentially strengthening your negotiating position.

Question 34

Why should I create an account for Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

Creating an account for Capital One Auto Navigator is the best way to get the most out of our online auto marketplace. If you already have a Capital One account, you can sign in on Auto Navigator to gain access to additional features. By signing in or signing up, you can:

Get a trade-in estimate for your current vehicle to factor into your budget
Get pre-qualified to see your real rate and estimated monthly payment, with no impact to your credit score
Track your car's value over time, so you can identify when might be the best time to sell, hold or trade it in

An account helps streamline your car buying and selling journey, making it more transparent and efficient, and helping you feel empowered at the dealership.

Question 35

Do I need to be a Capital One bank customer to sign up for Auto Navigator?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to be a Capital One bank customer to sign up for or use Capital One Auto Navigator. Our online auto marketplace is open to anyone who wants to simplify their car buying and selling experience.

When you create an account, you will be prompted to create a username and password. If you already have a Capital One financial account (such as a credit card or checking account), you can use your existing username and password to sign in. This seamless integration makes it easy for current customers to access Auto Navigator's features, but a pre-existing relationship with Capital One is not required to start your car shopping journey.

Question 36

How do I sign in?

Accepted Answer

You can sign in by clicking here. If you’re already a Capital One customer, you can use your username and password from your existing financial account to sign in.

Question 37

I can't sign into my account.

Accepted Answer

We can help you reset your password by clicking here.

Question 38

Do I need an account to prequalify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You’ll need to create an account to begin your pre-qualification with Capital One. After you pre-qualify, you can sign in using your email and password to access and shop with your pre-qualification letter.

Question 39

How do I connect my pre-qualification to my account?

Accepted Answer

Once your account is created, we’ll give you the option to search for your pre-qualification and connect it to your account. If your pre-qualification has expired—it lasts for 30 days—you’ll need to pre-qualify again.

Question 40

How does Capital One use, protect, and share my personal information?

Accepted Answer

You can explore Capital One's privacy and protection policies and submit a data request by visiting our privacy hub.

Frequently asked questions

Car shopping

Selling and Trading In

Pre-qualification

Account

Car shopping

1. Why should I use Capital One Auto Navigator?

2. How does Capital One Auto Navigator work?

3. Is the car I’m interested in still available?

4. Can you help me find a car? I don’t know what I’m looking for.

5. What optional products could the dealer offer me?

6. What are my options if the car I want is not on Auto Navigator?

Selling and trading in

1. What’s the difference between selling and trading my car?

2. Why should I sell or trade my car with Auto Navigator?

3. How do I sell my car with Auto Navigator?

4. How do I trade in my car with Auto Navigator?

5. How does Auto Navigator determine the value of my car?

6. Will I get an offer within the estimated range?

7. How does tracking my car’s value over time work?

8. How accurate is the monthly estimated value of my car?

9. What if I still owe money on my car loan?

10. What can I expect at the dealership when I sell or trade my car?

11. What documents do I need to sell my car to a dealership?

Pre-qualification

1. I’m looking for my Capital One Pre-Approval or Pre-Selected Offer.

2. Why should I get pre-qualified for an auto loan with Capital One?

3. How does it work to pre-qualify for an auto loan with Capital One?

4. How do I use my pre-qualification offer?

5. How long does a pre-qualification offer last?

6. How do I edit my submitted pre-qualification request or submit a new one?

7. How does it work to pre-qualify with Capital One’s lender network?

8. I don’t want to use a lender I was approved with. What should I do next?

9. What are the eligible cars that I can finance with Capital One?

10. Are there any vehicles I can't finance?

11. What are my options if I have a pre-qualification, but the car I want is not on Auto Navigator?

12. Can I use my Auto Navigator pre-qualification to purchase more than one car?

13. Which dealerships can I use my pre-qualification at?

14. I want to use my Auto Navigator pre-qualification offer. What will I need to bring with me to the dealer?

15. To complete a purchase, do I need to apply at the dealer? If so, what are the impacts?

16. What should I do if a dealer has questions about my Auto Navigator pre-qualification offer?

Account

1. Why should I create an account for Auto Navigator?

2. Do I need to be a Capital One bank customer to sign up for Auto Navigator?

3. How do I sign in?

4. I can't sign into my account.

5. Do I need an account to prequalify?

6. How do I connect my pre-qualification to my account?

7. How does Capital One use, protect, and share my personal information?