Shoppers Use Payment Tools Across Credit Tiers
A FlexPath DXP Research study of verified dealership activity found payment-based shopping tools are widely used regardless of credit profile.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Buying/Selling
Live Poll
When buying a car, do you shop mainly by monthly payment?
FlexPath DXP Research published its Automotive Shopper Credit & Payment Behavior Study, which analyzed verified dealership shopping activity from January through September 2026. Prime and super prime shoppers and subprime shoppers used payment-based shopping tools at similar rates.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that monthly-payment tools are a common starting point for car shoppers across the credit spectrum, not only for those with weaker credit. The study draws on actual dealership activity rather than consumer surveys.
Among 16,680 analyzed payment-shopping sessions, 25.6% began between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. local dealership time. Vehicle-specific prequalification was completed by 44% of prime and super prime shoppers and 30% of subprime shoppers.
The players
FlexPath DXP Research
FlexPath DXP Research is the research organization that published the Automotive Shopper Credit & Payment Behavior Study.
The details
The study examined shopping behavior from January through September 2026 at participating dealerships. Shoppers across credit tiers used payment tools to explore vehicles within monthly budgets, and most who prequalified for a specific vehicle went on to use the Shop-By-Payment tool.
Timeline
January through September 2026: Period of verified dealership activity examined by the study.
November 4, 2026: FlexPath DXP Research published the findings.
Roadmap
The study adds dealership-level behavioral data to the broader car-buying trend toward payment-centered shopping. It shows that payment tools are used across credit tiers rather than being confined to a single shopper segment.
Shoppers exploring vehicles within a monthly budget may find payment-based tools a common first step regardless of credit profile. Prequalification is a step many shoppers take before choosing a specific vehicle.
The takeaway
Shoppers at every credit level are using payment-based tools when comparing vehicles. Checking monthly-payment options early can help clarify what fits a budget before visiting a dealership.
Further reading
Explore more on Buying/Selling for context on how shoppers approach vehicle purchases.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CUToday.
Live Poll
When buying a car, do you shop mainly by monthly payment?
