Purchasing a car requires plenty of planning and research. In addition to picking what specific vehicle to buy and where to purchase it, you also need to plan financially to determine your ideal purchase price and how to pay for the car.

Unless you decide to pay for your car with cash in full, you’ll need to take out a loan. There are several ways to secure auto financing for your car purchase.

Banks and credit unions, both national and local, may offer auto financing and loan options. Financing can also be secured through online lenders and vehicle dealers. Get information from multiple lenders to understand the current auto loan rates and terms that are available. Visit the banks' and credit unions’ websites for more information or their local branches to talk with a loan representative.

You may also be able to secure in-house financing at the dealership where you plan to purchase your car. If you decide to finance through a dealer, remember that the financing process will happen on-site and may be quick. In most scenarios, you may be able to secure financing and go home with your vehicle all on the same day. That’s great news, but don’t get caught up in the excitement!

Be sure to carefully review your financing paperwork with your sales representative at the dealer and ensure you are comfortable with the loan rate, loan term, and terms and conditions. A dealer may offer additional coverages like an extended warranty or a maintenance plan. Only agree to what you’re comfortable with and can afford.

Your credit score is an important factor in securing a loan. According to Consumer Reports, whether you’re buying a new or a used car, those with the best credit will get the best interest rates. Check on your credit report often. If you have bad credit, you can still secure financing, but it will come at a cost with a higher interest rate and fees. Read tips from CNBC on how to understand and improve your credit score. If you need credit repair or debt relief services, read tips on who you can trust when searching for those services.

If you don’t have credit, you can have a family member or a friend co-sign your loan. Remember that this co-signer is also held responsible for your loan. Therefore, if payments are not made on time, both your and your co-signer’s credit scores can be impacted.

Getting pre-approved for your loan can help you determine your budget for a car. If you’re considering multiple lenders, getting pre-approvals can give you a snapshot of how much you can borrow, the loan’s interest rate, and your monthly payment. According to NerdWallet, you may decide to borrow less than your approved loan amount if it means a more manageable monthly car payment. When looking at your budget, plan to set aside an additional 10% to cover taxes and fees of your car purchase.

Any large purchase is a major financial decision, so you should look to find a trustworthy auto loan lender. When researching different lenders, remember to look for the BBB Seal – it’s The Sign of a Better Business^SM and means the business has been vetted against BBB’s Standards for Trust. If you’re unsure if a business is BBB Accredited, search on BBB.org.

For more information and resources on all things auto at BBB’s Auto HQ. You can also find helpful articles and tips on finances at BBB’s Financial Wellness HQ.