How do I know who my auto loan lender or servicer is?
If you financed your auto loan directly with a bank, credit union, or other lender (not through the dealer), that entity is your lender. If you got your financing through the dealer, or your lender transfers servicing rights to a third party, you can generally expect that you will receive a welcome letter from your lender or servicer giving you information about your loan.
The letter should include contact information and information about how and when you make payments. Make sure you keep and pay attention to your paperwork, as it can tell you:
- Who your lender or servicer is
- Where to send your payments
- What counts as an “on time” payment (usually when the lender receives it, not when you mail it) and whether there is a grace period
- The amount of any late fees
- Whether there is a penalty if you pay off the loan early (prepayment penalty)
- Who to contact if you are having difficulty making payments