Consumers don't know that they're not going to be able to just go right in and take out a newcarloan just, you know, in 10 minutes or a new department store charge account.
Bank Rate Monitor currently cites a low of 1.49 percent for a 60-month new-car loan from a credit union in Chicago, with a high of 7.50 percent at a major bank.
One caveat: If you plan to get a new home or carloan in the next six months, refrain from opening any new accounts so that your score will be as high as possible.