You can generally refinance your car loan as soon as the car title has transferred to your original lender, which often takes about 60 to 90 days from the purchase. Some lenders require that you have had the loan for at least six months before they will consider a refinance, so the typical recommended waiting period is around six months. However, if your credit score has improved significantly or interest rates have dropped, you might refinance sooner if your lender allows it. It's also advised to wait at least six months between loan applications to avoid a negative impact on your credit score and to maximize your refinancing options. In some cases, waiting around one year is considered ideal, especially if you want to have at least two years left on the loan to gain the most financial benefit from refinancing. In summary:

• Possible as early as 60-90 days after purchase (after title transfer)
• Many lenders prefer 6 months or more before refinancing
• Waiting about 1 year is often ideal for credit recovery and savings
• Ensure refinancing leads to meaningful savings or better loan terms before proceeding