Does American Express Do Auto Loans : Everything You Need to Know About the Amex Auto Purchasing Program

On: April 22, 2025 3:41 PM

Does American Express Do Auto Loans: Wondering if American Express provides auto loans? While Amex does not directly offer auto loans, cardholders can use the Amex Auto Purchasing Program to finance part of a car purchase and access exclusive car-buying benefits. Learn how it works and your options.

Does American Express Offer Auto Loans? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re thinking about buying a car and wondering if American Express (Amex) offers auto loans, here’s a clear, friendly guide to help you understand your options.

American Express Does Not Offer Traditional Auto Loans

American Express does not directly provide traditional auto loans like banks or credit unions do. That means you can’t go to Amex and get a car loan to finance the full purchase price of a vehicle. Instead, Amex offers a few alternative ways to help with your car purchase, but these work differently than standard auto loans.

What Can You Do with American Express When Buying a Car?

Amex Auto Purchasing Program:
Amex has partnered with TrueCar to create the Auto Purchasing Program. This program helps you shop for new and used cars from participating dealers and lets you use your Amex card to pay for part of your car purchase—usually up to $2,000, though some dealers may allow more. You’ll also earn Membership Rewards points for the amount you charge to your card, which can be a nice bonus.
- Buyer’s Bonus: By reporting your purchase, you can get up to $2,000 in reimbursements for car repairs and insurance deductibles through the TrueCar Buyer’s Bonus program (not available in some states).
- Points and Perks: Charging part of your car purchase to your Amex card can earn you a significant number of points, which you can redeem for travel, gift cards, or statement credits.
Personal Loans for Cars:
Amex does offer personal loans to eligible cardholders, but these loans are usually not intended for financing the entire cost of a car. In some cases, you may be able to use an Amex personal loan for a car down payment, but not for the full purchase5. Personal loans typically have higher interest rates than auto loans and may not be the most cost-effective way to finance a car.

Should You Use Amex for Car Purchases?

Pros:
- Earn rewards points on your down payment
- Access special offers and rebates through the TrueCar partnership
- Enjoy some extra perks like repair and deductible reimbursements
Cons:
- You can only charge a portion (usually $2,000) of the car’s price to your Amex card, unless the dealer allows more
- Credit card interest rates are much higher than auto loan rates, so carrying a balance can get expensive
- You must buy from a participating dealer

What’s the Best Way to Finance a Car?

For most people, a traditional auto loan from a bank, credit union, or the dealership will offer lower interest rates and allow you to finance the entire purchase. Using your Amex card can be a great way to earn rewards on your down payment, but it’s usually not a substitute for a full auto loan.

Bottom Line

No, American Express does not offer traditional auto loans.
You can use your Amex card for a portion of your car purchase through the Amex Auto Purchasing Program, and possibly use a personal loan for a down payment, but not for the full amoun.
For full car financing, you’ll need to look to banks, credit unions, or auto lenders.

If you want to maximize rewards and perks, consider using your Amex for the down payment and financing the rest with a regular auto loan. This way, you get the best of both worlds: valuable points and a manageable interest rate!