Best Motorcycle Loans for April 2024
- Best Overall: NASA Federal Credit Union
- Best for Poor Credit: Southeast Financial
- Best Credit Union: Digital Federal Credit Union
- Best for Manufacturer Financing: Harley-Davidson
- Best for Small Used Loans: Consumers Credit Union
- Best for Low Refinance Rates: LendingTree
Some people use unsecured personal loans to finance vehicle purchases, a strategy that has certain advantages and disadvantages. See our picks for the best personal loans to explore your options.
Best Overall : NASA Federal Credit Union
- Used APR Range: Starting at 7.09%
- Used Loan Amounts: $5,000–$125,000
- Used Loan Terms: 3–15 years
- Large loan amounts
- Flexible repayment terms
- Membership eligibility is flexible
- Somewhat high minimum loan amount
- Loans are available to borrowers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- Lender does not disclose minimum income or maximum debt-to-income ratio requirements.
- Open to NASA employees, eligible employees of other organizations, members of the National Space Society (NSS), and relatives of members. Regular membership to NSS (ages 22 through 64) is $52 annually with the option to auto renew for $47.
- Maximum accepted vehicle age: Not disclosed
- Maximum accepted mileage: Not disclosed
- Maximum loan-to-value ratio: Not disclosed
- Allows private-party vehicle purchases: Not disclosed
Best for Poor Credit : Southeast Financial
- Used APR Range: Starting at 8.35%
- Used Loan Amounts: $10,000–$50,000
- Used Loan Terms: Up to 5 years
- Flexible repayment terms
- Low credit score requirement
- Works with multiple lenders
- High minimum loan amount
- Doesn't offer refinance loans for motorcycles
- Doesn't finance certain types of bikes
Southeast Financial works with multiple partner lenders to give you the best terms on new and used motorcycle purchases, and its minimum recommended credit score is only 600.
The minimum loan amount is relatively high, and the starting interest rate isn't quite as competitive as our other picks. The lender also has some other limitations. For example, it doesn't finance bullet bikes, dirt bikes, or sport bikes. In many cases, you can get a decision the same day you apply.- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Minimum recommended credit score is 600.
- Lender does not disclose minimum income or maximum debt-to-income ratio requirements.
- Maximum accepted vehicle age: 10 years
- Maximum accepted mileage: Not disclosed
- Maximum loan-to-value ratio: Varies
- Allows private-party vehicle purchases: Yes
Best Credit Union : Digital Federal Credit Union
- Used APR Range: Starting at 7.25%
- Used Loan Amounts: Not disclosed
- Used Loan Terms: 3–5 years
- High maximum LTV
- Competitive interest rates
- Offers interest rate discounts
- Requires you to become a member
- Repayment terms limited to 3–5 years
Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) offers solid interest rates, plus the chance to get up to 0.50% in interest rate discounts when you have an eligible relationship with the credit union.
While you need to join DCU to get approved, anyone can join by becoming a member of a participating organization and paying a small membership fee to the organization. That said, the lender's repayment term options are less flexible than others on our list, and DCU doesn't disclose loan amounts, so it's hard to gauge whether it'll work for you.- Loans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- Lender does not disclose minimum income or maximum debt-to-income ratio requirements.
- Borrower must join the credit union to get approved, but you can become a member by joining an eligible organization for as little as $10.
- Maximum accepted vehicle age: Not disclosed
- Maximum accepted mileage: Not disclosed
- Maximum loan-to-value ratio: 125%
- Allows private-party vehicle purchases: Yes
Best for Manufacturer Financing : Harley-Davidson
- New APR Range: As low as 6.39%
- New Loan Amounts: Varies
- New Loan Terms: 2–8 years
- Convenient financing process
- Low interest rates on new models
- Flexible repayment terms
- Low transparency about terms and eligibility criteria
- Doesn't offer refinance loans
If you're buying a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, getting financing through the manufacturer can save you some time. Instead of needing to shop around and compare loan terms across multiple lenders, your dealer can arrange financing on your behalf, and you can ride off the lot when you're done.
And if you're buying a new model, you may be able to qualify for rock-bottom interest rates and long repayment terms. That said, the lender only finances its own motorcycles, so you'll need to either buy directly from a Harley-Davidson dealer or buy a used Harley from a private party to obtain financing. What's more, the lender doesn't specify what you can expect in terms of loan requirements—you’ll need to visit a dealership to pre-qualify for other amounts. As a result, it may still be a good idea to compare options from multiple lenders before you move forward.- Loans are available in locations that have a Harley-Davidson dealer.
- Lender does not disclose minimum income or maximum debt-to-income ratio requirements.
- Borrower must buy a motorcycle from a Harley-Davidson location or buy a used Harley from a private seller to obtain financing.
- Maximum accepted vehicle age: Not disclosed
- Maximum accepted mileage: Not disclosed
- Maximum loan-to-value ratio: Not disclosed
- Allows private-party vehicle purchases: Yes (rider-to-rider financing via dealerships)
Best for Small Used Loans : Consumers Credit Union
- Used APR Range: Starting at 8.65%
- Used Loan Amounts: Not disclosed
- Used Loan Terms: Up to 5 years
- Relatively low minimum APR
- Flexible repayment terms
- Requires you to become a member
- Doesn't disclose a maximum loan amount
- Loans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- Lender does not disclose minimum income or maximum debt-to-income ratio requirements.
- Borrower must join the credit union to get approved, but anyone can become a member for a small fee to the credit union's sponsor organization.
- Maximum accepted vehicle age: Not disclosed
- Maximum accepted mileage: Not disclosed
- Maximum loan-to-value ratio: Not disclosed
- Allows private-party vehicle purchases: Not disclosed
Best for Low Refinance Rates : LendingTree
- Refinance APR Range: 7.49% to 35.99%
- Refinance Loan Amounts: $600 to $100,000
- Refinance Loan Terms: 2 to 12 years
- Works with multiple lenders
- Potential for very low rates
- Low loan amounts are available
- Terms vary depending on the partner
- Some lenders offer different repayment terms
LendingTree is a loans and refinance marketplace that can connect you with multiple lenders at once. In addition to motorcycle loans, Lending Tree connects borrowers with mortgage lenders, auto loans, student loans, personal loans, and more. You can start by pre-qualifying with several companies at the same time, and compare rate quotes based on your credit and financial profile.
That said, eligibility requirements, interest rates, repayment term options, fees, and other features will vary depending on which partner you choose. Several of LendingTree's partners offer low loan amounts allowing you to only borrow what you need. Furthermore, a wide range of loan terms are available as well.- Loans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
- Lender does not disclose a minimum income or maximum debt-to-income ratio requirement.
- Maximum accepted vehicle age: Not disclosed
- Maximum accepted mileage: Not disclosed
- Maximum loan-to-value ratio: Not disclosed
- Allows private-party vehicle purchases: Not disclosed
Final Verdict
If you're planning to finance your motorcycle purchase, whether it’s brand new or new to you, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some companies, such as LendingTree and Southeast Financial, work with multiple lenders to help you find the best financing for your situation, while others, like Harley-Davidson, limit your options based on where you buy your bike and what brand it is. Some of the best motorcycle loan rates and terms come from credit unions like NASA Federal Credit Union, Digital Federal Credit Union, and Consumers Credit Union, but make sure you understand the membership eligibility requirements before you get started.Guide to Choosing the Best Motorcycle Loans
Types of Motorcycle Loans
Motorcycle loans differ from car loans in interest rates and repayment terms. When buying a new or used motorcycle there are three financing options:- Manufacturer financing: Manufacturer financing is available from motorcycle companies, such as or BMW. Instead of financing through a third-party bank or lender, you finance directly from the manufacturer. Depending on the company, you may be able to secure financing for new and used bikes. Manufacturer loans are secured by your bike, meaning the lender can take your motorcycle if you fall behind on your payments.
- Motorcycle loans: Motorcycle loans are specialty loans offered by some banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Depending on the lender, they can be secured or unsecured, but unsecured loans tend to have higher interest rates than secured ones. Some motorcycle loans restrict how the money can be used, such as only allowing you to purchase a new motorcycle rather than a used one, or limiting the mileage of used bikes.
- Personal loan: Personal loans are unsecured loans from banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. They can be used for any major purchase, including buying a new or used motorcycle (or refinancing). Personal loans allow you to get money quickly, sometimes within one day, but you’ll pay a higher interest rate than a secured loan. Take a look at our picks for the best personal loans to check your rates.
What Is a Motorcycle Loan?
A motorcycle loan is a specialty loan that functions similarly to an auto loan, using your motorcycle as collateral to secure the loan. Depending on the lender, you may be able to use a motorcycle loan to finance the purchase of typical motorcycles, dirt bikes, sport bikes, and more.Motorcycle loans are installment loans, which means that the lender will cover the cost of your motorcycle purchase, and then you'll repay the debt in monthly installments over a fixed repayment term. They also typically come with fixed interest rates, so you don't have to worry about fluctuating monthly payments.
If you fail to repay the loan, the lender may repossess the motorcycle and sell it to recoup the remaining loan balance. If you pay off the loan in full, however, you'll receive the title to the motorcycle and own it free and clear.What Is a Good Credit Score for a Motorcycle Loan?
When you apply for a loan, lenders evaluate your application based on your income, credit history, and credit score. These factors determine whether you get approved and what interest rate the lender will give you. According to Equifax, good or better credit scores range from 670 to a maximum of 850. However, the lowest-advertised interest rates and most favorable loan terms will usually be reserved for people with very good to excellent credit.- 800 to 850: Excellent credit
- 740 to 799: Very good credit
- 670 to 739: Good credit
- 580 to 669: Fair credit
- 300 to 579: Poor credit
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How Many Years Is a Typical Motorcycle Loan?
Depending on the lender, motorcycle loans can have repayment terms of up to 15 years and potentially more in some cases. In most cases, however, loan terms are seven years or less. The term you qualify for may depend on your creditworthiness and the loan amount.
-
Will a Motorcycle Loan Hurt My Credit?
A motorcycle loan can damage your credit, especially if you miss one or more monthly payments by 30 days or more. Additionally, when you first open the loan account, the hard credit inquiry and new debt can have a temporary (and minor) negative impact on your credit score.
However, if you make your payments on time, a motorcycle loan can help you build your credit over the long run. Adding an installment loan can also boost your score by improving your credit mix. -
What’s a Good Interest Rate for a Motorcycle Loan?
Motorcycle interest rates vary depending on the lender and your credit profile. However, some of the best motorcycle loan companies offer interest rates ranging from 6% to 9% to borrowers with excellent credit. Some manufacturers may go even lower on new motorcycles to generate business.
-
What Kind of Loan Should I Get for a Motorcycle?
When financing the purchase of a motorcycle, you can use a specialty motorcycle loan or a personal loan. While motorcycle loans require you to use your new asset as collateral, they typically offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than personal loans.
Additionally, motorcycle loans don't usually come with upfront origination fees, which can be the case with some personal loans. On the flip side, a motorcycle loan may require a down payment to get approved.That said, if you want to avoid the possibility of having your motorcycle repossessed, an unsecured personal loan could be worth it, even if it costs a bit more. Personal loans can also have less stringent restrictions and credit requirements, which could make it easier to get approved in some cases.