Gravity vs. iLending: Which offers better auto loans?

If you’re looking to refinance your auto loan, you may be overwhelmed by the number of lenders out there. Two popular online loan marketplaces, Gravity and iLending, help you narrow your options by matching you with their partner lenders.

Gravity, launched in 2019, specializes in auto refinance loans and lease buyout loans. It offers favorable rates and pairs borrowers with a personal loan officer to help them navigate their options and pick the right loan. The loan aggregator has longer-than-usual wait times for approval and some restrictions on refinancing but is generally a good option.

iLending started in 2006 and works with a network of lenders to help borrowers find loans to refinance their car payments. With prequalification options and loan consultants assigned to help borrowers along, iLending excels at both approval speed and customized user experience. There is a cost, though: iLending requires borrowers to pay a documentation fee. If that expense isn’t an issue, iLending is a great option.

Gravity vs. iLending at a glance

Gravity and iLending are similar in terms of shopping experience and requirements for qualifying loans. However, Gravity stands out for its lack of an origination fee and its ability to offer lease buyout loans. Meanwhile, iLending offers fast approval and clear loan terms, including an annual percentage rate as low as 5.20 percent.

Gravity auto loans

Gravity is a relatively new company offering a variety of auto loan products, though its primary offerings are auto refinancing and lease buyout loans. These are available to borrowers with at least $10,000 left on their existing loan.

While APR starts at 5.99 percent, these rates are typically reserved for those with good or excellent credit. Gravity does accept applicants with lower credit. However, these borrowers are unlikely to get the best available APR for their auto loan.

Gravity operates in all 50 states and works with lenders across the country to find the best possible loan terms for borrowers. The company also assigns a loan officer to each customer for extra hand-holding. This is useful for borrowers who need help determining the best loan option.

Pros

• No fees: Gravity itself doesn’t charge applicants any fees, though its partner lenders may have fees of their own.

• Online application: There’s no need to visit an office or fax documents in.

• Delayed payment schedule available: The lender also allows borrowers to delay payments for up to 90 days.

Cons

• Longer funding timeline: It can take up to 10 days for Gravity to fund its loans — longer than average for an online lender.

• Refinancing restrictions: You’ll need a minimum loan balance of $10,000, higher than most refinance lenders require.

• Max rates not disclosed: It’s unclear how high Gravity’s rates go for borrowers with less-than-great credit.

iLending auto loans

Borrowers can prequalify to receive preliminary loan offers without a hard credit inquiry. Like Gravity, iLending pairs borrowers with a loan consultant who can help navigate the terms of the loans and available offers. This occurs after a borrower is prequalified and can receive preliminary loan offers, and does not require a hard credit inquiry.

If you accept an offer, you’ll have to pay an administration and documentation fee to iLending, though it can be funded through the loan.

iLending approves borrowers in as little as one day and has customer service available on Saturdays and Sundays. It isn’t flexible on payments and does not offer deferment, but some lenders may offer autopay discounts.

Pros

• Personal lending specialist: You’ll have extra guidance as you navigate the refinancing process. While Gravity also offers this perk, it’s rare among lenders in general.

• Low minimum APR: iLending’s minimum APR is slightly lower than what Gravity offers.

• Simple and quick application process: The streamlined, online application should take only a few minutes to complete.

Cons

• Only refinance vehicle loans: You can’t fund a lease buyout or a vehicle purchase through iLending.

• No in-person service: Like Gravity, iLending has no in-person locations. If you need assistance, you’ll have to seek it online or over the phone.

• Vague qualification requirements: iLending’s website shares little information about how you and your vehicle can qualify to refinance. These requirements likely vary significantly among their lenders, but some other loan marketplaces at least share the basic requirements.

How to choose between Gravity and iLending

Both Gravity and iLending provide similar services. Because both let you prequalify for free without impacting your credit score, the easiest way to choose may be to prequalify with both and see which gives you the better offer.

Choose Gravity for a lease buyout loan

If you are looking to either refinance your current auto loan or get a lease buyout loan, Gravity is a great option for finding the best available rate. Gravity’s best rates currently start at 5.99 percent, better than the current average used car rate of 11.70 percent.

Gravity does not charge an origination fee and offers delayed payment schedules — something that most lenders do not offer. For this reason, Gravity is a great option for finding a loan that will best suit your current financial needs and goals. And if you want to buy out your current lease, Gravity’s the better option of the two — because iLending doesn’t offer lease buyout loans.

Choose iLending for personalized guidance

Car loans are typically straightforward, but failing to understand the refinance process may land you with higher rates than you qualify for. By assigning each borrower a personal loan consultant, iLending helps borrowers fully understand their options and loan terms before agreeing.

With clearly defined rates and approvals available even for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, iLending is ideal for anyone who needs help navigating their auto loan options.

Compare more lenders before applying

Comparing lenders like Gravity and iLending is a great way to determine which refinance lender will best suit your needs. It’s worth shopping around to get the best available rates. This is especially true if you have bad credit or little credit history. Consider all your options before committing to a lender.