Facing a major car repair bill with no savings? You’re not alone. Many auto shops now offer payment plans, financing, and even no-credit-check options to help drivers cover unexpected repairs. This guide reveals:
Top national chains & local shops with flexible payment options
How to qualify (even with bad credit)
Red flags to avoid (high-interest traps)
🔧 5 Best Auto Repair Shops with Payment Plans
- Pep Boys
✔ Payment Plans:
Pep Boys Credit Card (6-12 months 0% interest if qualified)
Third-party financing (via Synchrony Bank)
✔ No Credit Check? No (but may approve fair/poor credit)
✔ Best For: Tires, brakes, and general repairs
- Firestone Complete Auto Care
✔ Payment Plans:
Firestone Credit Card (Special financing offers)
Affirm installment loans (Soft credit check)
✔ No Credit Check? Partial (Affirm does a soft pull)
✔ Best For: Full-service repairs & maintenance
- Meineke Car Care Centers
✔ Payment Plans:
Meineke Advantage Credit Card (Deferred interest options)
Partner financing (Through CITI)
✔ No Credit Check? No (but easier approval than some)
✔ Best For: Exhaust systems and diagnostics
- Local Credit Unions & Community Shops
✔ Payment Plans:
In-house installment plans (Ask: “Do you offer pay-over-time?”)
Partner lenders (Some work with lenders like Snap Finance)
✔ No Credit Check? Sometimes (Varies by shop)
✔ Best For: Personalized service
- Tires Plus (Bridgestone)
✔ Payment Plans:
Tires Plus Credit Card (0% intro APR periods)
✔ No Credit Check? No (but may accept lower scores)
✔ Best For: Tire repairs & alignments
💳 Alternative No-Credit-Check Options
Can’t get approved? Try these:
**1. *PayPal Credit*
6 months no interest on $99+ repairs (if paid in full)
No hard credit check (Soft pull only)
**2. *Affirm*
Split payments over 3-12 months
Soft credit check (Doesn’t hurt score)
**3. *Snap Finance*
Lease-to-own option for repairs
No credit check (But high APR if not paid quickly)
🚨 Warning: Avoid These Scams
❌ “Guaranteed approval” shops (Often predatory loans)
❌ Sky-high interest rates (Some charge 30%+)
❌ Demanding full payment upfront (Legit shops take deposits)
✅ How to Get Approved
✔ Ask about in-house financing (Better terms than credit cards)
✔ Bring pay stubs (Some shops accept income verification)
✔ Pre-apply online (Check Affirm/PayPal before visiting)
💡 Pro Tip: Negotiate!
Many shops discount cash payments by 5-10%. If financing, ask:
“Do you offer a cash discount if I pay today?”
“Can you waive fees if I sign up for your credit card?”
Final Verdict
Best for bad credit: Local shops with in-house plans or Affirm.
Best for 0% interest: Pep Boys/Firestone credit cards (if qualified).
Found a great shop? Share your experience below! 🚗💨
(Need cheap repairs? Check: “200+ Free & Low-Cost Car Repair Programs”.)