Best Motorcycle Loans in 2026

Joe ChappiusWritten by Joe Chappius

- Jul 13, 2026

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Helping millions make smarter financial decisions since 2014
Sam OneliaEdited by Sam Onelia
  • Compare motorcycle loan rates from banks, credit unions, and online lenders.
  • Check rates without affecting your credit score.
  • Get approved and funded in as little as one business day.

Best motorcycle loans - Comparison

38 Options listed74/100 Avg. Financer Score2,043 User reviews1% Lowest interest rate
Recommended for bad credit

Personal Loans

Lending For Bad Credit

3,322 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$100 - $40,000
Loan period2 months - 15 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutYes
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from Lending For Bad Credit. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 5 users
Pricing100
Customer Support90
Terms and Flexibility100
Customer Experience36

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$100 - $40,000
Loan period
2 months - 15 years
Origination fee
Varies by lender
Monthly fees
Varies by lender

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$1,000
Minimum credit score
300-579
National bank account
Yes
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
Yes
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
Yes
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
Yes
Loan extensions
Yes
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
Yes
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company
Popular choice in 2026

Personal Loans

PersonalLoans.com

35,546 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$250 - $35,000
Loan period3 months - 6 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from PersonalLoans.com. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 37 users
Pricing80
Customer Support70
Terms and Flexibility70
Customer Experience94

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$250 - $35,000
Loan period
3 months - 6 years
Origination fee
Varies by lender
Monthly fees
Varies by lender

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$0
Minimum credit score
300-579
National bank account
Yes
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
Yes
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
Yes
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
Yes
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
Yes
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
24/7 online applications
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company

Personal Loans

Fast5KLoans

10,053 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$500 - $35,000
Loan period2 months - 6 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursNo
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from Fast5KLoans. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 18 users
Pricing100
Customer Support80
Terms and Flexibility90
Customer Experience77

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$500 - $35,000
Loan period
2 months - 6 years
Origination fee
Varies by lender (3-10%)
Monthly fees
$0

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$1,000
Minimum credit score
Disabled
National bank account
No
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
No
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
No
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
Yes
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
No
Loan broker
No
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company
Best for urgent cash

Personal Loans

Your Premier Lending

1,049 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$100 - $20,000
Loan period2 weeks - 6 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryNo
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from Your Premier Lending. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 21 users
Pricing100
Customer Support70
Terms and Flexibility80
Customer Experience85

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$100 - $20,000
Loan period
2 weeks - 6 years
Origination fee
Varies between lenders
Monthly fees
$0

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$0
National bank account
Yes
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
Yes
Electronic identification
No

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
No
Accepts Bad Credit History
No
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
No
Early payback
No
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
Yes
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company
Loans for very low credit scores

Personal Loans

Low Credit Finance

1,309 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$100 - $50,000
Loan period2 months - 7 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from Low Credit Finance. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 11 users
Pricing70
Customer Support60
Terms and Flexibility80
Customer Experience95

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$100 - $50,000
Loan period
2 months - 7 years
Origination fee
Varies by lender (usually between 1% and 6%)
Monthly fees
Varies by lender

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$800
Minimum credit score
300-579
National bank account
Yes
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
No
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
Yes
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
Yes
Early payback
No
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
Yes
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company
Popular choice in October

Personal Loans

ACE Cash Express

16,523 customers chose this

Annual interest rate91.52% - 630.13%
Loan amount$100 - $2,000
Loan period2 weeks - 3 months
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from ACE Cash Express. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
91.52%630.13%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 96 users
Pricing40
Customer Support70
Terms and Flexibility60
Customer Experience94

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
91.52% - 630.13%
Loan amount
$100 - $2,000
Loan period
2 weeks - 3 months
Origination fee
Varies by state and loan type
Monthly fees
Varies by state and loan type

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$0
National bank account
Yes
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
No
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
Yes
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
No
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
No
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company

Personal Loans

BadCreditLoans.com

96,472 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$500 - $10,000
Loan period3 months - 6 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from BadCreditLoans.com. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 64 users
Pricing80
Customer Support60
Terms and Flexibility70
Customer Experience72

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$500 - $10,000
Loan period
3 months - 6 years
Origination fee
Varies by lender
Monthly fees
Varies by lender

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$0
Minimum credit score
300-579
National bank account
Yes
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
Yes
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
No
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
No
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
Yes
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always open
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company

Personal Loans

Honest Loans

10,407 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$200 - $50,000
Loan period6 months - 6 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from Honest Loans. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 6 users
Pricing40
Customer Support40
Terms and Flexibility60
Customer Experience100

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$200 - $50,000
Loan period
6 months - 6 years
Origination fee
Varies by lender
Monthly fees
$0

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$800
Minimum credit score
Disabled
National bank account
Yes
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
No
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
Yes
Revocation period
Yes
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
Yes
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
Yes
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
Approval rate
80%
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
No
More about this company
Popular choice for good interest rates

Personal Loans

Consumers Credit Union

513 customers chose this

Annual interest rate8.99% - 24.79%
Loan amount$500 - $25,000
Loan period12 months - 5 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutNo
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from Consumers Credit Union. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
8.99%24.79%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 26 users
Pricing80
Customer Support70
Terms and Flexibility80
Customer Experience82

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
8.99% - 24.79%
Loan amount
$500 - $25,000
Loan period
12 months - 5 years
Origination fee
$0
Monthly fees
$0

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$0
Minimum credit score
Disabled
National bank account
No
National phone number
No
Citizenship
Yes
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
No
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
No
Loan extensions
No
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
No
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
Yes
More about this company
Best choice in October

Personal Loans

GetCash.com

1,878 customers chose this

Annual interest rate5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount$250 - $10,000
Loan period3 months - 3 years
Accepts Bad Credit HistoryYes
Weekend PayoutYes
Payout within 24 hoursYes
This is a calculation done by Financer and does not reflect the real cost from GetCash.com. An individual credit assessment will be performed by the company.
Loan amount
Loan period
Setup Fee
Other fees
Monthly Payment
Total payment
Total costs
APR
5.99%35.99%
Financer Score™Reviewed by 1 user
Pricing80
Customer Support60
Terms and Flexibility80

Rates & amounts

Annual interest rate
5.99% - 35.99%
Loan amount
$250 - $10,000
Loan period
3 months - 3 years
Origination fee
Varies by lender
Monthly fees
$0

Eligibility

Minimum age
18
Minimum income
$1,000
Minimum credit score
Disabled
National bank account
No
National phone number
Yes
Citizenship
Yes
Electronic identification
Yes

Features

Cosigner possible
No
Revocation period
Yes
Accepts Bad Credit History
Yes
Weekend Payout
Yes
Loan extensions
Yes
Early payback
Yes
Payout within 24 hours
Yes
Loan broker
Yes
Interest-free first loan
No

Additional fields

Payment hours
Always Open
Approval rate
85%
High approval rate
No
Recommended company
No
More about this company

we can't guarantee the complete accuracy on a day-to-day

Filters

Loan amount

Loan purpose

Product Statistics

A complete breakdown of all data points across the products in this comparison to help you make the right decision.

Loan amount
$0 - $50,000 ($7,445.33)
Loan period
1 day - 183 months (25 months)
Annual interest rate
0% - 1,564% (155.16%)
Minimum age
18 - 18 (18)
Minimum income
$0 - $2,000 ($336.84)
National bank account
31 (81.6%)
National phone number
31 (81.6%)
Citizenship
24 (63.2%)
Electronic identification
29 (76.3%)
Accepts Bad Credit History
35 (92.1%)
Payout within 24 hours
33 (86.8%)
Weekend Payout
7 (18.4%)
Loan extensions
18 (47.4%)
Early payback
31 (81.6%)
Loan broker
13 (34.2%)
Interest-free first loan
0 (0%)
Cosigner possible
2 (5.3%)
Approval rate
80% - 85% (81.67%)
Revocation period
15 (39.5%)
High approval rate
0 (0%)

Statistics based on 38 Loans products in our database.

CompanyLowestHighest
Lending For Bad Credit5.99%35.99%
PersonalLoans.com5.99%35.99%
Fast5KLoans5.99%35.99%
Your Premier Lending5.99%35.99%
Low Credit Finance5.99%35.99%
ACE Cash Express91.52%630.13%
BadCreditLoans.com5.99%35.99%
Honest Loans5.99%35.99%
Consumers Credit Union8.99%24.79%
GetCash.com5.99%35.99%
MoneyKey249%295%
Jora Credit75%349%
Cash App1%5%
5KFunds5.99%35.99%
Credit Clock5.99%35.99%
Explore Credit5.99%35.99%
CashNetUSA229%579%
Cash Store390%780%
Cash Advance15%1,564%
CreditFresh143%600%
Advance America143.29%688.28%
MoneyLion5.99%29.99%
MoneyLion0%0%
MaxLend471.78%841.45%
Viva Payday Loans5.99%35.99%
CashUSA5.99%35.99%
LoansUnder365.99%35.99%
SecureSpeedyLoans5.99%35.99%
Loan in Personal5.99%35.99%
Wizzay.com5.9%35.99%
Speedy Cash199.99%729%
Spotloan99%490%
Fast Loan Advance5.99%35.99%
EarnIn0%0%
BMG Money19.99%35.99%
OppLoans99%195%
Plain Green Loans210%438%

Interest Rates

See how rates compare across all providers. The bars show the range between lowest and highest rates offered by each company.

Historical Best motorcycle loans Interest Rates

Average rates tracked monthly across 46 providers

Average rates tracked monthly across 46 providers
AverageLowestHighest
Aug 2025152.51%1.26%1,646.58%
Sep 2025154.93%1.33%1,667.75%
Oct 2025156.62%1.38%1,682.54%
Nov 2025157.02%1.39%1,685.99%
Dec 2025155.84%1.36%1,675.65%
Jan 2026153.15%1.28%1,652.17%
Feb 2026149.37%1.18%1,619.09%
Mar 2026145.14%1.06%1,582.11%
Apr 2026141.21%0.95%1,547.77%
May 2026138.27%0.87%1,522.06%
Jun 2026136.78%0.82%1,509.02%
Jul 2026136.88%0.83%1,509.89%
Aug 2026143.07%1%1,564%
Current Average143.07%↑ 6.19pp
Lowest Available1%
Highest Available1,564%
Providers Tracked46

Financer's Choice

Top Rated
PersonalLoans.com

PersonalLoans.com

  • APR ranges 5.99%-35.89% with potential origination fees from lenders. As a marketplace, rates vary widely by credit score and chosen lender - competitive for bad credit borrowers.
  • Phone and email support Monday-Friday, 6am-7pm PST. Quick response times (few hours) but limited availability and marketplace model restricts loan-specific help.
  • Loan amounts from $250 to $35,000 with repayment terms from 61 days to 96 months. Transparent about marketplace model and lender requirements. Straightforward documentation process.
  • Users appreciate loan matching for bad credit access. Major complaints include aggressive post-application marketing and multiple credit inquiries from referral model.
Financer Score™89Reviewed by 37 users
Pricing80
Customer Support70
Terms and Flexibility70
Customer Experience94
Read the full review

Best Personal Loan Providers in 2026

Wondering why Lending For Bad Credit outperformed 38 other loan companies in our 2026 tests? Discover their exclusive benefits with a free rate check!

See full comparison

Best Motorcycle Loans in 2026

Buying a motorcycle is exciting, but choosing the wrong loan can turn that dream ride into a financial headache. Interest rates on motorcycle loans range from around 6.49% to over 35% APR depending on your credit, the lender, and whether the loan is secured or unsecured.

This guide breaks down the best motorcycle loan options available right now, what to look for when comparing offers, and how to get the lowest rate possible for your credit profile.

Motorcycle Loan Rates and Terms at a Glance

Before diving into individual lenders, here is a quick snapshot of what you can expect from motorcycle financing in 2026. Rates vary significantly based on your credit score, the type of lender, and whether the loan is secured by the motorcycle itself.

Borrowers with excellent credit (740+) can find rates as low as 6.49% APR through online lenders and credit unions. If your score falls in the fair range (580 to 669), expect rates between 15% and 25% APR. Those with scores below 580 may still qualify, but rates could reach 30% or higher.

Credit Score RangeExpected APR RangeTypical Loan Term

740+ (Excellent)

6.49% - 12%

24 - 84 months

670 - 739 (Good)

10% - 18%

24 - 72 months

580 - 669 (Fair)

15% - 25%

24 - 60 months

Below 580 (Poor)

20% - 36%

24 - 48 months

Upstart: Best Motorcycle Loans for Bad Credit

Upstart uses AI-powered underwriting that goes beyond your credit score. The platform factors in your employment history, education, and income patterns when evaluating your application. This makes it a strong option for borrowers who have thin credit files or scores that do not reflect their actual ability to repay.

Loans range from $1,000 to $50,000 with repayment terms of 3 or 5 years. APRs start at 7.80% and can go up to 35.99%. Upstart charges origination fees between 0% and 12%, which get deducted from your loan proceeds. Funding typically arrives within one business day after approval.

The minimum credit score requirement is just 300, making Upstart one of the most accessible options.

  • AI-based approval considers more than just your credit score.
  • Loans up to $50,000 for larger motorcycle purchases.
  • Funding within one business day after approval.
  • Check your rate without affecting your credit score.
  • Minimum credit score of 300.
  • APR can reach 35.99% for high-risk borrowers.
  • Origination fees up to 12%.
  • Only 3-year and 5-year terms available.
  • Not available in Iowa or West Virginia.

Upgrade: Best Motorcycle Loans With a Co-Applicant

Upgrade offers personal loans from $1,000 to $50,000 that work well for motorcycle purchases. What sets Upgrade apart is the option to add a co-applicant to your loan, which can improve your chances of approval and potentially lower your rate.

APRs range from 9.99% to 35.99%, with repayment terms of 24 to 84 months. Credit scores starting around 580 are accepted, though borrowers on the lower end of that range should expect higher rates. Upgrade charges origination fees between 1.85% and 9.99%.

The application process lets you see your estimated rate and terms without a hard credit pull. If approved, funds are typically deposited within one business day.

  • Co-applicant option to strengthen your application.
  • Credit scores starting around 580 accepted.
  • Loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000.
  • Check your rate without a hard credit inquiry.
  • Repayment terms up to 84 months.
  • Origination fees between 1.85% and 9.99%.
  • Higher APR rates for lower credit scores.
  • Not available in all states.
  • Co-signers not allowed (only co-applicants).

Universal Credit: Best Small Motorcycle Loans for Fair Credit

Universal Credit, operated by Upgrade, focuses specifically on borrowers with credit scores of 560 and above. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000 with terms of 36 or 60 months.

APRs run from 11.69% to 35.99%. The platform includes credit-building tools and a mobile app to track your loan progress. You can get a discount by setting up autopay, and if you are using the loan for debt consolidation, direct payment to creditors earns an additional rate reduction.

Origination fees range from 5.25% to 9.99%. Funding usually happens within one to two business days after approval.

  • Designed for borrowers with credit scores of 560+.
  • Built-in credit monitoring and building tools.
  • Fast funding within one to two business days.
  • Autopay discount available.
  • APR starts at 11.69% and can reach 35.99%.
  • Origination fees from 5.25% to 9.99%.
  • No joint, co-signed, or secured loan options.

Types of Motorcycle Loans

Understanding the different financing options helps you pick the one that best fits your budget and credit situation.

  • Secured motorcycle loans use the bike itself as collateral. If you stop making payments, the lender can repossess the motorcycle. The upside is lower interest rates because the lender has less risk. Most dealership financing falls into this category.
  • Unsecured personal loans do not require collateral. You borrow a lump sum and use it to buy the motorcycle outright. Rates tend to be higher, but you will not lose your bike if you fall behind on payments. Lenders like Upstart and Upgrade offer unsecured options.
  • Manufacturer financing comes directly from brands like Harley-Davidson and Honda. These programs occasionally offer promotional rates as low as 3.75% APR on new models, but typically require excellent credit.
  • Credit union motorcycle loans often provide the most competitive rates for members. Credit unions are not-for-profit, so they pass savings along through lower APRs and fewer fees.
  • Online lenders like LightStream offer a fast application process and competitive rates for qualified borrowers, with motorcycle loan rates from 6.99% to 13.89% APR with autopay.

How to Compare Motorcycle Loans

Choosing the cheapest motorcycle loan is not just about finding the lowest advertised rate. You need to compare the total cost of borrowing, including fees and loan terms.

  • APR, not just interest rate. The APR includes both the interest rate and fees like origination fees. A loan with a 10% rate and a 6% origination fee costs more than a loan with a 12% rate and no fees.
  • Loan term length. Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but significantly less interest paid overall. A 36-month loan at 8% costs far less in total interest than a 72-month loan at the same rate.
  • Total cost of borrowing. Multiply your monthly payment by the number of months, then subtract the loan amount. That is your true cost. Compare this number across lenders, not just the monthly payment.
  • Pre-approval options. Many lenders offer rate checks with a soft credit pull. Get pre-approved with two or three lenders before you shop so you know exactly what you can afford.
  • Down payment impact. Putting 10% to 20% down reduces your loan amount and often qualifies you for a better rate. It also protects you from being upside-down on the loan if the motorcycle depreciates quickly.
  • Insurance requirements. Secured motorcycle loans typically require full coverage insurance, which adds to your monthly costs. Factor this in when calculating what you can actually afford.
  • Prepayment penalties. Some lenders charge a fee for paying off your loan early. Look for loans with no prepayment penalties so you can save on interest by making extra payments.

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Motorcycle Loan?

There is no single minimum credit score for a motorcycle loan, but your score heavily influences both approval odds and the rate you will get.

Most online lenders set minimum requirements between 560 and 660. Credit unions may be more flexible for members with established relationships. Dealership financing varies widely, with some offering approval for scores as low as 500 if you make a larger down payment.

If your score is below 670, consider these steps before applying:

  • Check your credit report for errors at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute any inaccuracies.
  • Pay down existing credit card balances to lower your utilization ratio below 30%.
  • Avoid opening new credit accounts in the months before applying.
  • Consider adding a co-applicant with stronger credit to your application.

Every hard credit inquiry stays on your report for two years. To minimize the impact, submit all your motorcycle loan applications within a 14-day window. Credit scoring models treat multiple inquiries for the same type of loan as a single inquiry when they happen close together.

Steps to Apply for a Motorcycle Loan

Getting approved for the best motorcycle loan rate takes some preparation. Follow these steps to set yourself up for the strongest possible application.

Check Your Credit Score and Report

Pull your credit report from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review it for errors, outdated accounts, or fraudulent activity. Your FICO score determines which lenders and rates you qualify for. Scores above 670 open up the best options.

Set Your Budget

Figure out how much you can afford in monthly payments, including insurance, maintenance, and gear. A common guideline is keeping your motorcycle payment below 10% of your monthly take-home pay. Factor in a down payment of 10% to 20% to reduce your loan amount and qualify for better rates.

Gather Your Documents

Lenders typically require proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), government-issued ID, proof of residence (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. Having these ready speeds up the application process.

Get Pre-Approved With Multiple Lenders

Apply for pre-approval from at least two or three lenders. Most online lenders and credit unions let you check your rate with a soft credit pull that will not affect your score. Compare the APR, loan term, fees, and monthly payment across all offers.

Choose Your Motorcycle

Once you know your budget and pre-approved amount, shop for the right bike. New motorcycles qualify for manufacturer promotions and typically get lower rates. Used bikes cost less upfront but may come with slightly higher interest rates and shorter loan terms.

Finalize Your Loan and Close the Deal

Select the lender with the best overall terms. Review the final loan agreement carefully, paying attention to the APR, total interest charges, any fees, and whether there are prepayment penalties. Sign, get funded, and enjoy the ride.

New vs. Used Motorcycle Financing

The motorcycle you choose affects your financing options and costs. Here is how new and used bikes compare for financing purposes.

FactorNew MotorcycleUsed Motorcycle

Interest Rates

Lowest available, promotional rates as low as 3.75%

1% to 3% higher than new bike rates

Warranty

Full manufacturer warranty included

May have limited or no warranty

Price Range

$5,000 - $35,000+ for premium models

$3,000 - $20,000 depending on age and condition

Depreciation

Steepest in first 1-2 years

Already depreciated, slower value loss

Age Restrictions

None

Some lenders cap at 7-10 years old

Best For

Riders who want the latest features and lowest rates

Budget-conscious buyers comfortable with higher rates

Bank vs. Dealership Financing

One of the most common questions motorcycle buyers face is whether to finance through the dealership or arrange their own loan. Here is how the two options compare.

FactorBank / Credit UnionDealership Financing

Rates

Often lower, especially at credit unions

May include dealer markup on lender rate

Negotiating Power

Walk in as a cash buyer with pre-approval

Less leverage on price and rate

Convenience

Requires separate application before shopping

Handle everything in one place

Approval Speed

Pre-approval in minutes to days

Often instant at the dealership

Transparency

Clear terms upfront, no middleman

Dealer may profit from rate markup

Best Strategy

Get pre-approved first, then let dealer try to beat it

Use as backup if dealer offers a better rate

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need for a motorcycle loan?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score between 560 and 660. However, you can find options with scores as low as 300 through lenders like Upstart. Borrowers with scores above 670 qualify for the best rates, while those above 740 can access rates starting around 6.49% APR.

What is the average interest rate for a motorcycle loan?

Motorcycle loan rates typically range from 6.49% to 35.99% APR depending on your credit score, the lender, and loan term. Borrowers with excellent credit can find rates below 10%, while those with fair credit should expect rates between 15% and 25%. Credit unions and online lenders tend to offer the most competitive rates.

Is a down payment necessary for a motorcycle loan?

A down payment is not always required, but putting 10% to 20% down is strongly recommended. It reduces your loan amount, lowers your monthly payment, and often qualifies you for a better interest rate. A down payment also protects you from owing more than the motorcycle is worth if it depreciates quickly.

Can I finance a used motorcycle?

Yes. Many lenders offer financing for used motorcycles, though rates are typically 1% to 3% higher than new motorcycle loans. Some lenders limit the age of used bikes they will finance to 7 to 10 years old. Personal loans from online lenders can be used for any motorcycle regardless of age.

Is it better to finance a motorcycle through a bank or a dealership?

Getting pre-approved through a bank or credit union first is usually the smarter move. It gives you a guaranteed rate and puts you in a stronger negotiating position at the dealership. Then let the dealer try to beat your pre-approved rate. Credit unions often offer the lowest rates because they are not-for-profit institutions.

Can I get a motorcycle loan with bad credit?

Yes, several lenders specialize in loans for borrowers with poor credit. Upstart accepts scores as low as 300, and Universal Credit works with scores starting at 560. Expect higher APRs (20% to 36%) and consider adding a co-applicant or making a larger down payment to improve your terms.

How long should my motorcycle loan term be?

Most motorcycle loans run 24 to 84 months. A 36 to 48 month term is ideal for most buyers because it balances affordable monthly payments with reasonable total interest costs. Longer terms lower your payment but increase the total interest you pay and raise the risk of owing more than the bike is worth.

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