Nonprofit car loan programs
- Ways to Work — low-interest car loans and repair loans for working parents with challenging credit, through local offices.
- On the Road Lending — a Texas-based nonprofit that helps buyers choose a reliable car, get a fair loan and build credit.
- 0% loan programs — community action agencies in states like Wisconsin offer zero-interest car loans for households at or below 150% of the poverty level.
- Matched savings — programs in Minnesota, New Jersey and Ohio match what you save toward a car.
How to buy a car with no credit
- Check with a local credit union about first-time buyer or credit-builder auto loans.
- Ask a nonprofit program to help you choose a reliable, affordable vehicle.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection before you sign anything.
- Compare the total cost of the loan, not just the monthly payment.
Already behind on payments? See car payment assistance. Need a cheaper option? Look at low-cost cars.
Where to find low-interest car loans programs
These are the low-interest car loans programs we found, by state. Programs change often, so contact each one to confirm eligibility. TANF supportive services in every state can also help with transportation costs.
| State | Program | Area served |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | On the Road Lending | Statewide (reported) |
| Arizona | Wheels to Work – NACOG & Arizona Central Credit Union | Northern Arizona |
| Arkansas | Community Resource Group | Regional |
| California | Driving Clean Assistance Program | Statewide (government) |
| District of Columbia | Ways to Work – Family Matters of Greater Washington | DC metro |
| District of Columbia | Vehicles for Change | DC (by referral) |
| Florida | Ways to Work | Jacksonville & St. Petersburg |
| Kentucky | Goodwill Cars to Work | Most of Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Ways to Work | Louisiana |
| Maryland | Vehicles for Change | Halethorpe (statewide) |
| Michigan | Vehicles for Change – Detroit | Detroit |
| Michigan | Ways to Work | Michigan counties |
| Minnesota | Family Assets for Independence in Minnesota | Elbow Lake |
| Minnesota | Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties | St. Paul |
| Mississippi | On the Road Lending | Statewide (reported) |
| Nebraska | Ways to Work | Omaha |
| New Jersey | NORWESCAP | Phillipsburg |
| New York | Wheels for Work | New York City, Monticello & Rochester |
| North Carolina | Working Wheels | Asheville |
| North Carolina | Ways to Work | Winston-Salem |
| Ohio | United Way of Greater Stark County | Canton area |
| Ohio | Lorain County Community Action – By Car | Lorain County |
| Pennsylvania | Community Auto – The Lighthouse Foundation | Valencia (Butler & N. Allegheny) |
| Pennsylvania | Ways to Work | Allentown, Langhorne & Stroudsburg |
| Pennsylvania | Women’s Opportunities Resource Center | Philadelphia |
| Pennsylvania | Work ’n Wheels-type programs | Statewide (government) |
| Tennessee | First Wheels (TN DHS) | Statewide (government) |
| Texas | On the Road Lending | Irving / Dallas |
| Texas | Metro Auto Ministry | North Texas |
| Vermont | Capstone Community Action | Barre |
| Virginia | Vehicles for Change | Northern Virginia |
| Virginia | Ways to Work | Lynchburg |
| Virginia | ECDC Enterprise Development Group | Arlington |
| Virginia | TANF-linked car loans | Statewide (government) |
| Washington | Working Wheels – Port Jobs | Seattle |
| Wisconsin | Wheels-2-Work – Central Wisconsin Community Action | Wisconsin Dells |
| Wisconsin | Work-n-Wheels | Eau Claire / Dodgeville (about 40 counties) |
| Wisconsin | JumpStart – West CAP | Glenwood City |
| Wisconsin | Couleecap | Westby |
| Wisconsin | Community Action Inc. | Beloit |
| Wisconsin | Ways to Work | Green Bay |
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a car loan with bad credit through a nonprofit?
Yes. Programs such as Ways to Work and many credit unions are designed for people with poor or limited credit, as long as you have steady income.
Are government car loans available for low-income families?
There is no federal car loan program, but some states use TANF funds for car loans, such as Tennessee’s First Wheels program for Families First participants.