> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ekhodealer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Financing

> Finance your vehicle through Ekho's lending partners

## Overview

Finance your vehicle purchase through Ekho's lending partners with competitive rates and flexible terms. Complete one application, receive offers from multiple lenders, and choose the loan that works best for your budget. The entire financing process happens online, from application to approval to signing documents.

## How It Works

Ekho's financing process is designed to be simple and transparent. Start by choosing to finance and selecting your preferred loan terms. Submit your credit application with your financial information, and it will be sent to multiple lending partners. Lenders review your application and make financing offers, which you can compare side-by-side. Accept your preferred offer, complete any additional requirements the lender needs, sign your financing documents electronically, and make your down payment. Throughout the process, you can track your financing status and see exactly where you are in the journey.

## Choose to Finance

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Your Payment Method">
    During checkout, choose between financing your vehicle or paying in cash.

    <Check>
      Financing option shows benefits like flexible terms and completing from home.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Financing Availability">
    The system determines if financing programs are available for your vehicle based on your location and the specific model.

    <Check>
      If financing isn't available, you'll see a message explaining why and can choose to pay in cash instead.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Some vehicles or situations may not be eligible for financing through Ekho. You'll always know upfront if financing is an option.
</Note>

## Select Your Financing Terms

Before applying, choose your preferred loan structure.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Estimate Your Credit Score">
    Select your credit score range from the dropdown menu. This helps determine your approximate APR and shows you realistic loan options.

    <Check>
      Your selection updates the available loan terms and interest rates shown.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a Loan Option">
    Pick from pre-set loan options:

    * **Pay Off Sooner**: Shorter loan term with higher monthly payments but lower total cost
    * **Pay Less Now**: Longer loan term with lower monthly payments but higher total interest

    Or customize your own terms using the sliders and dropdowns.

    <Check>
      Each option shows monthly payment, total payment, and loan details.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize Your Terms">
    Adjust your loan to match your budget:

    * Move the **monthly payment slider** to set your target payment
    * Adjust the **down payment slider** to change how much you'll pay upfront
    * Select your preferred **loan term** from the dropdown (in months)

    As you adjust, the APR and total cost update in real-time.

    <Check>
      Terms fall within the lender's requirements and your selected preferences are saved.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

The terms you select here are your preferences, actual offers from lenders may vary based on their review of your application.

### Promotional APR offers

If the vehicle has an active financing promotion you qualify for (for example, a manufacturer's *2.9% APR* offer), the estimator shows it as an extra loan option directly under the standard offer. Promotional rows are clearly labeled with the promotion name and reuse the same down payment, term, and loan amount as the standard offer, only the APR (and therefore the monthly and total payment) changes.

You can pick a promotional offer the same way you pick a standard one. Your selection is recorded with the promotion so the same rate carries through to the lender decision step and to your final loan documents.

<Note>
  Promotional APRs only appear when the promotion is tied to one of Ekho's natively supported lenders. In-store-only promotional financing is highlighted on the vehicle detail page but is not selectable online.
</Note>

## Apply for Financing

<Note>
  Submitting a full financing application triggers a **hard credit pull**, which may impact your credit score. This is different from pre-qualification, which uses a **soft credit pull** with no impact to your score. If you haven't already, consider getting pre-qualified first to check your eligibility.
</Note>

Submit your credit application to Ekho's lending partners.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter Your Personal Information">
    Provide your applicant details:

    * Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number
    * Current address and housing status
    * Phone number and email address
    * Your desired down payment amount

    <Check>
      All information is encrypted and secure before submission.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provide Employment Details">
    Enter your employment information:

    * Current employer name
    * Employment address
    * Your income details
    * Employment status and how long you've been employed

    <Check>
      Income and employment info is complete for lender review.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit Your Application">
    Review your information and submit your credit application. Your application will be sent to multiple lending partners who can make you offers.

    By submitting, you're authorizing lenders to pull your credit report to evaluate your application.

    <Check>
      You'll see confirmation that your application has been submitted, and you'll be notified via email when lenders make decisions.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Your application is secure and all personal information is encrypted. The credit check will impact your credit score, but multiple inquiries within a short timeframe count as one inquiry.
</Note>

### Timing Your Application

Your application may be submitted immediately or held until closer to your vehicle's delivery date, depending on timing requirements. If your delivery date is too far out, your application will be created but not yet sent to lenders. You'll receive an email when it's submitted and when you receive offers.

## Wait for Lender Decisions

After submitting your application, lenders review it and make their decisions.

**What to Expect:**

* Lenders typically respond within hours to a few days
* You'll receive an email notification when decisions are made
* Multiple lenders may review your application
* You can see how many lenders have responded vs. how many are still reviewing

**Possible Outcomes:**

* **Approved**: You receive a financing offer with specific terms
* **Conditionally Approved**: You receive an offer but need to provide additional information (stipulations)
* **More Information Needed**: The lender needs clarification before making a decision, you'll be asked to call Ekho
* **Not Approved**: The lender declines your application

You'll be notified of each lender's decision as they come in.

## Review and Accept Financing Offers

Once you receive offers, you can review and compare them.

<Steps>
  <Step title="View Your Offers">
    See all financing offers you've received. Each offer displays:

    * Lender name
    * APR (annual percentage rate)
    * Monthly payment amount
    * Loan term in months
    * Down payment required (beyond any order fee already paid)
    * Total amount financed
    * Total payment over the life of the loan
    * Any stipulations (additional requirements)

    <Check>
      Offers are sorted by APR from lowest to highest for easy comparison.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compare Multiple Offers">
    If you received more than one offer, compare them side-by-side. Consider not just the monthly payment, but also:

    * Total cost over the life of the loan
    * APR and interest charges
    * Loan term length
    * Down payment requirements
    * Any additional lender requirements

    <Check>
      You understand the full terms of each offer before deciding.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Accept Your Preferred Offer">
    Click "Accept this financing offer" on the loan you want. This locks in your choice and starts the next steps with that lender.

    If the lender's underwriting is paired with a promotional APR offer (for example, a manufacturer's *2.9% APR* program), the promotion appears as an additional row directly above that lender's standard offer. Promotional rows are labeled with the promotion name and inherit the lender's approved down payment, term, and loan amount, only the APR changes. Accepting a promotional row locks in both the lender and the promotional rate; the standard row for the same lender becomes unavailable.

    <Check>
      Your selection is confirmed and the accepted offer becomes your active financing.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

**Important Notes:**

* You're guaranteed financing at the accepted terms, provided you complete your purchase within 60 days
* The actual amount financed may change slightly if final fees or taxes differ from estimates
* You can switch to a different offer before completing all requirements, but your progress on the current offer will be paused
* If you decline all offers, you'll return to the payment selection page where you can choose to pay in cash instead

## Fulfill Lender Stipulations

Some financing offers require you to provide additional documentation or information before finalizing. These are called stipulations.

**What Are Stipulations?**

Stipulations are conditions set by the lender to verify information or assess your application more thoroughly. Common examples include proof of income, proof of residence, or proof of insurance.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review Required Stipulations">
    See a list of all stipulations the lender requires. Each shows:

    * What's needed (e.g., "Proof of Income")
    * Description of what to provide
    * Whether it's required or optional

    <Check>
      You understand what documents or information you need to gather.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Documents">
    For document stipulations:

    * Read the stipulation title and description carefully
    * View example images if provided
    * Upload the required files (PDFs or images)
    * Upload additional documents if multiple are needed
    * Confirm your uploads are clear and readable

    <Check>
      All required documents are uploaded successfully.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Provide Written Responses">
    For information stipulations:

    * Read the guidance provided
    * Fill out the form fields (text, dates, selections)
    * Provide complete and accurate information
    * Submit your responses

    <Check>
      All required information is provided.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Validation">
    The lender reviews what you've submitted. They'll either:

    * Approve your evidence and clear the stipulation
    * Request additional or clearer documentation

    You'll receive an email if more information is needed.

    <Check>
      All stipulations are marked as validated and you can proceed.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

You must complete all required stipulations before your financing can be finalized. Optional stipulations can be skipped if you choose.

## Add Protection Options

After accepting your financing offer, you may have the option to add protection packages to your loan. Protection costs are added to your financed amount and included in your monthly payments.

For detailed information about protection plans, coverage options, and how to select the right plan for you, see the [Protection Plans guide](/buyer-docs/protect/protection-plans).

## Sign Your Financing Documents

Once your offer is accepted and stipulations are cleared, sign your financing agreement electronically.

**Financing Documents You'll Sign:**

Your financing document set typically includes:

* **Retail Installment Contract (RIC)**: The primary financing agreement that outlines your loan terms, payment schedule, interest rate, and obligations as the borrower
* **Truth in Lending Disclosure**: Federal disclosure showing the full cost of your loan, including APR and total amount you'll pay
* **Insurance Requirements**: Details about required insurance coverage for the financed vehicle. Learn more about [insuring your vehicle](/buyer-docs/protect/insure-your-vehicle).
* **Other Agreements**: Additional lender-specific documents or state-required disclosures

Each document serves a specific purpose in protecting both you and the lender throughout the loan term.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review Documents Button">
    Click "Review documents" to access your financing paperwork.

    <Check>
      The document signing session opens in your browser.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sign Electronically">
    Read through all financing documents carefully. Use the embedded signing tool to:

    * Review each page and section
    * Sign where indicated
    * Initial required fields
    * Complete all signature requirements

    <Check>
      All required signatures are completed.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit Signed Documents">
    After signing everything, submit your completed documents. The system confirms receipt and processes your signatures.

    <Check>
      Document set is marked as signed and you can proceed.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Take your time reviewing financing documents. These are legally binding agreements that outline your loan terms, payment obligations, and other important details.
</Note>

You can download your signed documents once all parties have completed their signatures.

## Make Your Down Payment

Pay your down payment to finalize your financing.

**Down Payment Amount:**

Your down payment includes any amount required beyond what you've already paid (like an order fee). You'll see:

* Additional down payment amount
* Total amount due

**Payment Method:**

Down payments are always paid via ACH/bank transfer. There are no processing fees, and payment takes 1-3 business days to process.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect Your Bank Account">
    Securely connect your bank account through the verification process to pay your down payment via ACH.

    <Check>
      Your bank information is encrypted and secure.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authorize ACH Payment">
    Review and authorize the down payment transfer amount.

    <Check>
      Payment authorization is confirmed.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for Payment to Process">
    Your ACH payment will process within 1-3 business days. You'll receive confirmation when the payment clears.

    <Check>
      Down payment is successfully processed and recorded.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

You cannot proceed with your vehicle purchase until your down payment is completed. Your financing will be finalized once this payment is received.

## Track Your Financing Status

Throughout the financing process, you can view your progress and status.

**Financing Log:**

Access your financing log from your order status hub to see:

* All lenders who received your application
* Status of each lender's offer (Selected, Declined, Not selected)
* Monthly payment, APR, and loan term for each offer
* Pending stipulations for your selected offer
* Whether your financing is finalized

**Order Progress:**

The financing section in your order shows:

* Current step you're on
* Completed steps (grayed out)
* Next steps to complete
* Overall financing status

You can return to the financing section anytime to check your status or complete outstanding tasks.

## Understand Your Final Terms

Once everything is complete, your financing terms are locked.

**Final Terms Include:**

* Lender name
* Final APR
* Final monthly payment amount
* Total loan amount
* Total down payment made
* Loan term in months

These are your official financing terms that will govern your loan. You cannot modify these terms after they're finalized, they're set by the lender based on your application and the completed verification process.

## Troubleshooting & FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How long does the financing process take?">
    The timeline varies by stage:

    * **Selecting terms**: A few minutes
    * **Completing application**: 10-15 minutes
    * **Lender decisions**: Hours to a few days
    * **Stipulation fulfillment**: Depends on what's needed (hours to days)
    * **Document signing**: 15-30 minutes
    * **Down payment**: 1-3 business days (ACH only)

    Most buyers complete financing within a few days to a week.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will applying affect my credit score?">
    It depends on the stage:

    * **Pre-qualification**: Uses a **soft credit pull**, no impact to your credit score. You can check your eligibility risk-free.
    * **Full financing application**: Triggers a **hard credit pull** when submitted to lenders, which may impact your score.

    For hard pulls, multiple inquiries for the same purchase (within 14-45 days) typically count as one inquiry. The impact is usually small and temporary, and your score often recovers within a few months.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why was my application submitted later than I expected?">
    Your application may be held if your vehicle's delivery date is too far out. Lenders have time windows for when they can approve financing relative to when you'll take delivery. If you're outside that window, your application is saved but not submitted until the appropriate time. You'll receive an email when it's submitted.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if all lenders decline my application?">
    If all lenders decline your application, you'll be connected directly with your dealer to explore next steps. A dealer handoff screen appears with the dealer's contact information so you can call or text them right away.

    **Your options include:**

    * **Contact the dealer**: Speak with a specialist who can help you explore all your options, including alternative financing arrangements
    * **Pay in full**: If you reached the financing page from the payment selection step, you can switch to paying in cash instead
    * **Add a co-signer**: Work with the dealer or contact Ekho support to reapply with a co-signer
    * **Cancel your order**: You may be able to cancel if you haven't paid a non-refundable fee

    The dealer is automatically notified when all lenders decline, so they'll be ready to assist when you reach out.

    If you originally qualified for a promotional APR that was part of a campaign with a paired cash rebate, the rebate is automatically applied to your order when you switch to paying in cash. The promotional APR drops off (because there's no longer a loan to apply it to), and the matching rebate takes its place, you'll see it on your updated receipt as a savings line.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I switch to a different offer after accepting one?">
    Yes, you can switch to a different offer before you've completed all requirements for your current offer. However:

    * Your progress on the current offer (like uploaded stipulation documents) will be paused
    * You'll need to start the process with the new lender
    * You'll see a confirmation message before switching

    Once you've finalized everything (signed documents, paid down payment), you cannot switch offers.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What are stipulations and why do I need them?">
    Stipulations are additional requirements from the lender to verify information in your application. Common stipulations include:

    * Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
    * Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
    * Proof of insurance
    * Additional identification documents

    Lenders use stipulations to confirm the information you provided and reduce risk. Not all offers have stipulations, it depends on your application and the lender's policies.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I can't provide a requested stipulation?">
    If you can't provide what a lender requests:

    * Contact Ekho support at +1 (302) 540 0294 for guidance
    * The lender may accept alternative documentation
    * If you can't fulfill required stipulations, that lender's offer may not be available
    * You can switch to a different offer if you received multiple

    Some stipulations are optional, you can skip those without issue.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How do I know if my stipulation was accepted?">
    After uploading documents or providing information:

    * The lender reviews what you submitted
    * If approved, the stipulation is marked as "validated"
    * If insufficient, you'll receive an email asking for clarification or better documentation
    * You can check the status in your financing log

    The review typically happens within 1-2 business days.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change my down payment amount after applying?">
    Your down payment can be adjusted within the lender's allowed range:

    * During term selection, use the sliders to adjust
    * After accepting an offer, the down payment is generally locked to what the lender approved
    * Some variation may be possible, contact Ekho support if you need to change it

    Remember that changing your down payment affects your monthly payment and loan amount.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if my final terms are different from my accepted offer?">
    Final terms should match your accepted offer. Small differences might occur if:

    * Taxes or fees were updated based on final calculations
    * Your financed amount changed due to adding protection or other products
    * The lender recalculated based on final verification

    If you see unexpected changes, contact Ekho support before proceeding. You're guaranteed the terms you accepted for 60 days.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I add a co-signer to my application?">
    Co-signer policies depend on the lender. If you need a co-signer:

    * Contact Ekho support at +1 (302) 540 0294 before or during the application process
    * The co-signer will need to provide their information and consent to a credit check
    * Having a co-signer can improve your chances of approval and may get you better terms

    Not all lenders accept co-signers, so check when discussing your options.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why can't I finance my vehicle?">
    Financing may not be available because:

    * Financing hasn't been enabled for this specific vehicle
    * Your location or state doesn't have available financing programs
    * The vehicle type or price doesn't qualify for Ekho's financing partners
    * In-person financing arrangements are preferred

    If you can't finance through Ekho, you can pay in cash or contact about financing options using the provided contact information.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="When do I make my first monthly payment?">
    Your first payment is typically due 30-45 days after your financing is finalized and you take delivery of your vehicle. The exact due date will be in your financing documents. Your lender will send you payment information and reminders as your first payment approaches.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change my mind after accepting an offer?">
    Before completing everything:

    * You can decline your accepted offer and switch to another one
    * You can go back and choose to pay in cash instead
    * Some fees may be non-refundable depending on what you've paid

    After signing all documents and making your down payment, your financing is binding. Review offers carefully before accepting.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens to my financing if I cancel my order?">
    If you cancel your order before finalizing your vehicle purchase:

    * Your financing application is voided
    * No loan is created
    * Refunds depend on what payments you've already made and the refund policy

    If you've signed financing documents and taken delivery, you're responsible for the loan even if you no longer want the vehicle.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my personal information secure?">
    Yes. All personal and financial information you provide is:

    * Encrypted before transmission
    * Stored securely
    * Only shared with lenders reviewing your application
    * Protected according to privacy laws

    You'll see security confirmations throughout the application process.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I see my financing documents before taking delivery?">
    Yes. After you sign your financing documents, you can download them from your order status hub. Full documents with all signatures are available once all parties have signed. You can review your financing terms, payment schedule, and all agreement details anytime.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I receive more offers after accepting one?">
    If additional lenders make offers after you've already accepted one:

    * You'll see them in your financing log
    * You can review and compare them to your accepted offer
    * You can switch to a new offer if it's better, but you'll lose progress on your current one
    * Once you've finalized everything with one lender, you can't switch

    Consider waiting for all lenders to respond before accepting if you want to compare all options.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does my financing approval remain valid?">
    Lender approvals are valid for 30 days from the date of approval. If more than 30 days pass before completing your purchase, you'll need to reapply for financing. Plan your purchase timeline accordingly to avoid needing to submit a new application.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>