How to Get a Car and Build Your Credit with a Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno

Concept art of a woman cheering in front of an SUV as an arrow depicts her credit improving with the words get a car & build credit buy here pay here program in fresno

Is bad credit making your life an endless nightmare in Fresno? Have you stood at a dealership in our blazing summer days hoping to get a reliable car only to be told “You need a co-signer,” or “You don’t qualify,”? 

You’re not alone. 


Boost Your Credit Score with Our Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno


A poor credit score can feel like a flat tire on your financial journey. Trust us, we know that all too well. And because we can relate and feel your pain, we’ve structured our Buy Here Pay Here program in Fresno to offer a jack that you can use to lift you up and get you moving on the best road.


Build Credit With Our Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno – Table of Contents



Key Takeaway
Building your credit score begins with being able to assess your overall financial situation and face the reality that there is a mismanagement of funds. By taking responsibility you can also take action and change it.

To improve your credit score you need to have a strong foundation reflected by having a clear budget. Then, learning about credit and how to improve it gets easier. 

Our buy here pay here program in Fresno is molded to provide you with what you need to keep you on the path toward your goals. We report your payment history to credit to help boost your credit in the process. 

Ultimately, our buy here pay here in Fresno, CA can provide you the tools to make the journey toward good credit easy, but it’s up to you to use the tools we give you.

Understanding Credit Scores


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What is a Credit Score and Why It Matters in Fresno

A credit score in Fresno is like your reputation at a local farmers market; it can open doors to sweet deals or leave you stuck with rotten fruit. It’s a snapshot of your financial stability.

Lenders use it to quickly decide the risk of them not getting the money they lend to you.

The higher the score, the less risk. This means more doors open because lenders view you as a safe bet. The lower your score drops, the less willing they are to consider you. This applies to many other areas of life too.

Beyond Just Loans

Most people think that credit scores only affect your odds of getting approved for a car loan or other types of loans. This is wrong.

Your credit score determines many other things like employment and rent. Here are some big ones it impacts:

  • Ability to rent a home or apartment.
  • Interest rates.
  • Job opportunities.
  • Utilities.
  • Insurance.

What Hurts Your Credit Score?

As you can see, it’s pretty important to keep your credit score healthy. Here are the potholes that can dent your credit score so you can swerve away from them:

ActionSimilar ToTime it Stays on ReportImpact on Score
Maxing out credit cardsOverloading your trunk on a road trip2 years15% of credit score
High debt-to-credit ratioHaving more passengers than seats.2 years15% of credit score
Closing credit card accountsErasing your track record.Removal of card historyAll positive from it lost
Not using creditA car sitting idle; doesn’t help.2 yearsSubtle drop over time
Applying for too much creditA reckless driver; appears very risky.2 yearsIncreased risk of bankruptcy
Hard inquiriesSmall dents in your bumper.2 years5 points per inquiry
Credit report errorsUnnoticed scratches.Indefinite until correctedWill raise red flags for lenders
Repossessions, Charge Offs, Short-Sales, ForeclosuresMajor accidents.7 yearsUp to 150 points
BankruptciesQuitting in the middle of a game.10 yearsUp to 200 points
Late or missed paymentsIgnoring red lights.7 years35% of credit score

Actions that Help Your Credit Score

The following are the best long-term actions we recommend to each of our new Members that will have a lasting impact on their credit score.

ActionWhy?
Making all payments on timeMost important thing you can do. 35% of your credit score depends on this.
Keep credit usage low (below 30%)Shows that you are able to borrow responsibly.
Keep accounts open for a reasonable amount of timeThe more credit history you have allows lenders to see you are stable.
Avoid applying for credit oftenThe less you depend on lenders, the safer you appear to them.
Keep lines of credit openProvides longer credit history.

How Our Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno Helps


Concept art of a woman with her hands extended accepting the help being extended by a buy here pay here program in fresno

Our Buy Here Pay Here program in Fresno doesn’t just easily approve you for bad credit car loans and slap a quick fix on your car troubles. We don’t believe it’s ethical of us to ignore the real problem or do anything half-ass.

Our goal is to help you solve your immediate problem so we can guide you to the real one that has led to this and fix it so you never have to struggle like this again.

We want to put a stop to you needing no credit check car loans for good!

Credit Reporting

Like a well-oiled engine humming smoothly, our program helps rev up your credit score.

How? By reporting your timely payments to credit. 

This allows them to see that you’re taking the proper actions toward fixing your finances and being responsible. Doing this can help boost your score over time.

On-Time Payments

Consistency in payments is like nailing every green light on Blackstone Avenue during rush hour. It’s a clear sign of your financial savviness. 

These regular payments, especially on a significant loan like a car, demonstrate a level of stability that’s music to the ears of credit bureaus and the lenders you’re requesting a loan from.

Each on-time payment is a signal to the credit world that you’re as reliable as a sunrise in Fresno. And because we’re reporting these payments, it’s like we’re cheering you on, lap after lap, helping build a credit score that stands tall and proud.

Guidance and Counseling

We know change isn’t easy. That’s why we’re your trusty mechanic in all areas, always there with guidance and a helping hand. Our team is the pit crew to your financial race car. 

Your dedicated Accounts Success Specialist provides firm external accountability, kinda like a gym buddy who nudges you to do that extra rep. Their goal is to keep you on the path and help you build the habits that you can carry well beyond our program. 

And we don’t stop there – we give you a full course and step-by-step guide on building credit, completely free!

Our in house financing dealerships have tested this approach for nearly 20 years. This has given us enough data to know exactly what we need to do to help you achieve your goals.


Extra Tips for Successful Credit Building Beyond Our Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno


Our Buy Here Pay Here program in Fresno will lay out the road signs to guide you to the best destination, but it’s up to you to drive the vehicle.

Will you follow these signs and go where you need to?

The Road Signs to Follow

  • Tracking Your Credit Score
    • Keeping an eye on your credit score will give you real-time feedback on your progress and keep you focused.
  • Steer Clear of Debt
    • Do not take out new loans until you pay off the ones you have.
  • Pay Off, Don’t Refinance
    • Paying off debts in full will reflect greatly on your credit score and increase your available cash flow. 
  • Credit is Not Extra Cash
    • Only use loans for what you can handle.
  • Your Budget is Everything
    • Since your credit score reflects your financial health, getting your money in order means your credit score will follow too. Create and stick to a solid budget.
  • Pay Extra On Your Accounts
    • This does not increase your score, it does something much better. It creates a safeguard against emergencies that pop up and reduces the amount you pay in interest!
  • Build an Emergency Fund
    • Nearly 60% of Americans don’t have $1,000 saved. Be the 40%. Save $1,500 so you’re always prepared for when emergencies pop up.
  • Set Money Aside for Repairs
    • Your car will need maintenance and repairs, there’s just no way to know when. Set money aside for them so you’re always ready.

Building credit with our Buy Here Pay Here program in Fresno isn’t a sprint; it’s like a scenic drive up to Shaver.

“Bad credit is not the problem, it’s the indicator that there’s one.”

Our Drive & Thrive second chance car loan program wants to help you see it, understand it, and show you how to fix the real problem.


Managing Your Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno


Concept art of a woman standing proud and tall on top of challenges she has overcome because of a buy here pay here program in fresno

By planning ahead and taking charge of your account with our Buy Here Pay Here program in Fresno, you’ll guarantee that you reduce the chances of anything blindsiding you and taking you off course.

Staying On Top of Payments

Your payments make up 35% of your credit score, so staying on top of them is the most crucial thing you can do. Here’s how you can do that:

  • Set Up Payment Reminders: We regularly remind you of each payment but ultimately it’s up to you to follow through. Help yourself build the habit of making payments on time by using your phone to set reminders
  • Budget for Monthly Payments: Your vehicle needs to be paid first, alongside your rent, basic groceries, and savings. The regular Tri-Tip sandwich or Tacos at Tacos Tijuana and Dog House are still possible, but only after you’ve taken care of the priorities. If you can have the money automatically set aside the moment you get paid, even better!
  • Automatic Payments: Auto-pay is a savior. 0 stress, 0 worry, low effort, and just needs the occasional spotcheck to make sure there are no glitches. Auto-pay…love it!

Our Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno Helps You Deal with Financial Challenges

Nearly 20 years, remember? We know life will come at us hard when we least expect it. And guess what? We’re prepared to help you.

  • Communicate Early & Ask for Help: The sooner you talk to us, the sooner we can start looking for solutions with you. This can help you solve things well before they become a real problem or derail you from your goal of building your credit. We’ve seen it all, plus more. We understand.
  • Review Your Budget With You: Sometimes, you need to reroute your spending. Temporarily cut back on those extra trips to River Park or Fulton 55 and funnel those toward payments to ensure you’re not in this situation again. We’ll help you find the culprit. 
  • Emergency Fund: If you’ve followed our advice and set aside an emergency fund, now’s the time to use it.
  • Ask for Help: Remember, we’re here to support you. We just need you to ask.

“We’ll be firm, respectful, and kind. This means always doing what’s best for you long-term. There will be moments that you may not understand the solution we provide you, but trust that we do it because we know it’s what will help you most in the future.”

Managing your buy here pay here account effectively means those “unexpected” life emergencies become non-existent. After all, if you plan for them ahead of time, they’re no longer emergencies. Only a pothole that you already knew how to avoid.


FAQs about Building Credit With Our Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno


Navigating the credit-building process through our Buy Here Pay Here program in Fresno can be as smooth as a Sunday drive through Woodward Park. Let’s clear up some common queries you might have:

Can I Improve My Credit Score with Your Program?Absolutely! With every payment, you’re building your credit score. Think of us as your personal credit trainers. We give you the best practices, accountability, and step-by-step plan based on your situation. 
What If I Have Past Repossessions?We’ve seen it all and are ready to help you past them. We focus on where you’re going, not where you’ve been.
Is the Approval Process Complex?Not at all! Our approval process is as straightforward as our streets. We keep things clear and simple, ensuring you know exactly what’s happening at every step.
How Quickly Can I See Credit Improvement?If you take our Drive & Thrive program seriously, within 1-3 months you’ll see results. However, long-lasting results will come from solidifying these good habits.
Can Making Larger Payments Help My Credit Score?Yes and no. Paying extra does not directly improve your score, however, it gives you a cushion if you hit a snag. Plus, you’ll save tons of money in interest!
What Happens If I Face Financial Challenges During the Program?Just like Fresno’s summer heat, financial challenges are expected and can be intense. Our buy here pay here program in Fresno is set up to help our Members prepare for challenges proactively. If you’re feeling the heat, come talk to us and we’ll work together to find you the right shade.

Building credit in Fresno with our Buy Here Pay Here program doesn’t have to be a puzzle. Hopefully, these answers can show you that!


graphic of a man cheering as he hits his goals

Succeeding Through Our Buy Here Pay Here Program in Fresno


Our Buy Here Pay Here program in Fresno isn’t just about getting you into a car. It’s about transforming your credit score and overall financial situation so you never need guaranteed car loans again.

If you follow our guidance, you will see the results, just like thousands of our Fresno Members already have.

Alex Torres – 3+ Cars

Alex was like a guy with a flat tire on the side of the 41 – stuck and going nowhere fast. His friend had referred him to us and he came ashamed of the mistakes he had made that had left his credit wrecked in the mid 400’s. He accepted our help and followed every part of our best practices. Less than 2 years later, he was proud to say that he had done everything to get his score in the 700’s. He traded in his vehicle with us and bought another, but this time was able to secure his car loans with great terms through EECU!

Katoua Moua – 3+ Cars

Imagine trying to find your way through a Fresno fog with no headlights. That was Katoua – lost in a haze of credit chaos. He was struggling with a score in the low 500’s and completely lost with what he should do. The Honda Civic he got with us was the vehicle that allowed him to get on a better path. Through our program, Katoua cleared the fog, switching on his financial high beams and following every part of the path we laid out for him. Within a year and a half, he was able to buy a brand-new Honda Civic with amazing terms. To this day, Katoua continues to stay on the path and frequently helps us find others to help them the way that we did him. 

Julia Otto – 1 Car

Julia’s story was like trying to drive up a steep hill in a car that just couldn’t make the climb. Bogged down by an immense amount of student loans, credit card debt, and a sputtering credit score, she and her husband felt stuck. She came to us through a personal recommendation from a family member who had also experienced the benefits of our program. The Nissan Altima she got with us allowed her to get onto the right road and take every turn she needed to reach her destination. In a matter of 3 years, Julia wiped all of her credit card and student loan debt, improved her credit into the high 700’s, and paid off her vehicle. She is completely debt-free, other than the house she and her husband worked hard to get this year! 

Carlos Garcia – 2+ Cars

Carlos’ financial journey was like trying to navigate Blackstone Avenue during rush hour congested and frustrating. He had undergone a tough divorce that had left his credit score worse than Rocky after a few rounds with Apollo. Endless denials had left him ready to give up until one of the dealerships that could not help him told him to visit us. All he needed was an opportunity to prove himself and our Drive & Thrive program was his green light. Following our guidance, Carlos managed to refinance his vehicle within a year and a half. His score is now considered Prime and he no longer needs our buy here pay here program in Fresno, or anyone’s! To this day, Carlos continues to help us find others who could use our help. 

If you notice, every single one of these Members shares the same trait. They asked for and accepted our help, but they did what was necessary to see the results. Our guidance can only show you the way, it’s up to you to drive toward it.

These Members are just a few examples of how focusing on attacking the real problem with our help can revamp your credit score and set your financial house in order.

“The car is an illusion that fogs your vision to the real problem. If you focus on the destination, the vehicle you get with us will serve to get you there. And we’ll be in the passenger seat, helping you navigate there.”


graphic of a man cheering as he hits his goals

Inspired to Write Your Own Success Story?


It’s time you put yourself in the driver’s seat and set up your Free Consultation.

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Buy Here Pay Here Program FAQ

1. Can you approve someone with SSI or Fixed Income?
A. Yes, however, because it tends to be limited and our goal is to get you a comfortable payment, it will likely mean you will need a higher down payment.

2. Can you approve someone with self-employment?
A. Yes, as long as we can verify your earnings. Note: we do not provide auto loans for rideshare self-employment (uber, door-dash, etc.) or anyone intending to use the vehicle for business use.

3. What if I am currently unemployed?
A. Without employment or steady income, we would be unable to get you approved for a vehicle.

4. Do you work with anyone outside of the Fresno, CA area?
A. No. At this moment, we only serve residents local to the Fresno, CA area (Fresno +20 miles).

5. How much down payment do you need from me?
A. Average Members get approved with an upfront down payment of $972. Your down payment will vary based on many factors. We always recommend you put the most possible down payment. This helps discount your payment amount and provides long-term savings.


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Drive & Thrive – Buy Here Pay Here at Westland Auto


Westland Auto – Drive & Thrive Buy Here Pay Here in Fresno CA

3910 E Belmont Ave Fresno CA 93702

Phone: (559) 444-0123

Email: westlandautosales@gmail.com

Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 6 PM & Sundays 10 AM – 5 PM

Dealership Information:


Westland Auto Sales – Fresno's Buy Here Pay Here Car Dealer

Service Department
Accounts Success Department

Business Hours:


Mon - Sat
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sun
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Our Vision

Empower those in need with the freedom of transportation and the tools to obtain financial stability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial professional for personalized guidance.