Access to auto credit increased again in March, and auto loan credit was the most accessible since April 2020, according to the Dealertrack Auto Credit Availability Index for all types of auto loans. The All Loans Index increased 2.5% to 98.1 in March, reflecting that auto credit was easier to get in the month compared to February. Access remains tighter by 0.7% year over year. 

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All loan types saw loosening in March. Certified pre-owned (CPO) loosened the most, while financing provided through independent used dealers loosened the least. On a year-over-year basis, independent used financing and new vehicle financing are now looser. Other channels remain tighter year over year, with CPO having tightened the most. 

Credit trends were more mixed by lender types. Credit loosened the most in March at credit unions by 6.4%, while credit tightened at auto-focused finance companies by 0.4%. On a year-over-year basis, auto-focused finance companies have loosened credit access, while all other lender types have tightened. Banks have tightened the most.

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The Dealertrack Credit Availability Index is a new monthly index based on Dealertrack credit application data and will indicate whether access to auto loan credit is improving or worsening. The index will be published around the 10th of each month.