If you’re planning to purchase a vehicle or refinance your current auto loan, you may be considering financial services from a company called LightStream. But is this loan provider the best option for you?
LightStream offers products and services that meet a variety of consumer needs, including purchase loans and refinancing for cars, homes, medical bills, and even weddings. In this review, we take a closer look at LightStream’s auto loans, explaining the application process, loan details, and LightStream’s customer reputation.
To compare options for auto loans from multiple lenders, visit AutoCreditExpress.com.
In this article:
About LightStream
LightStream is a subsidiary of SunTrust bank, which has operated for over 120 years. Recently, SunTrust merged with BB&T to become Truist Financial Corporation. Truist is currently the sixth largest bank holding company in the United States, and through LightStream, borrowers can get loans for auto purchases, kitchen remodeling, debt consolidation, swimming pools, medical bills, weddings, timeshares, and boats.
While Truist is headquartered in San Diego, LightStream loans are available across the U.S.
| LightStream Pros | LightStream Cons |
|---|---|
| Offered through a bank with an established reputation | May not offer loans to those with bad or no credit |
| High loan amount limits | Doesn’t have a shining customer service reputation |
| No fees | |
| Broad range of loans available |
LightStream Auto Loans: Borrowing Limits, Interest Rates, And Fees
You can use a LightStream auto loan to refinance your existing auto loan or to purchase a new, used, or classic car. Details about loan amounts, interest rates, and term lengths are outlined in the chart below.
| LightStream Loan Details | |
|---|---|
| Loan Amount Range | $ 5,000 to $ 100,000 |
| Loan Term Length | 24 to 144 months |
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | 3.49 to 20.49 percent |
| Origination Fee | None |
| Prepayment Penalty | None |
Your loan’s APR will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Where you live
- Your credit history
- The vehicle you drive
- The payment term you choose
- Your annual income
LightStream will lower your APR by 0.5 percentage points if you choose to use autopay instead of making manual monthly payments. LightStream also has a “rate beat” program and loan experience guarantee that helps customers save money. If you provide evidence that another lender has approved you for a loan with similar terms to your LightStream offer, LightStream will counter with a 0.1-percent lower APR.
The LightStream loan experience guarantee promises to send $ 100 dollars to any customer that is unsatisfied with their loan experience. To collect this money, customers need to notify LightStream of their dissatisfaction within 30 days of receiving their loan and complete a questionnaire by email.
LightStream Application Process
Anyone can apply for a LightStream auto loan online and expect to receive a response in a matter of minutes. Simply be ready to provide your social security number and work history information. After a loan is offered, you can electronically sign your loan agreement and complete paperwork entirely online. Borrowers can apply for a loan and receive funds on the same day.
There is no application fee, nor are there restrictions for vehicle age and mileage. While LightStream does not list a minimum credit score requirement for applicants, it does look for customers that have:
- Several years of credit history
- A demonstrated ability to save by having assets such as cash for a down payment, retirement savings, or a home
- Stable and sufficient income
- A good debt-payment history
Drivers with excellent credit or even good credit will most likely be approved, but those with extremely low or no credit may have to look elsewhere.
LightStream Reviews And Reputation
LightStream does not have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) page, but parent company Truist does. Truist is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating. However, the company only has a 1.0 out of 5.0-star customer review score and has fielded over 800 complaints in the last three years.
While this seems like a large number, it is not that big considering Truist serves about 12 million U.S. households. Plus, the company has taken time to address most of its customers’ complaints filed through the BBB. Common complaints include double and over-charging, difficulty getting issues resolved, and failure to have payments reimbursed. One customer wrote:
“I am very sorry I took a loan from this company. I feel they do what they can to make money any way they can, and that includes cheating you out of every dollar…. You get charged for extra payments except if you make them on the day your payment is due that month… This company will do absolutely nothing to help or give you a pleasant experience.”
– John S. via BBB
There weren’t too many positive reviews posted to the BBB website, though some customers who had loans approved seemed pleased with the application process.
Our Take On LightStream: 3.5 Stars
LightStream loans are offered through an established and reputable bank. This allows the company to offer high loan amounts at relatively low APRs. LightStream is a direct provider of auto loans, so customers can have their loan applications processed quickly and even receive money the same day they apply.
Overall, here’s how we rate LightStream:
| Motor1 Rating | 3.5 |
|---|---|
| Loan Details | 4.0 |
| Loan Availability | 3.5 |
| Application Process | 4.0 |
| Customer Service | 3.0 |
The most concerning factor for LightStream is its parent company’s poor customer review profile. There are not many positive reviews online, and many customers seem to have difficulty receiving the service they want. However, given the size of Truist, the volume of complaints is relatively low.
Visit AutoCreditExpress.com to compare options for auto loans from multiple lenders.
