Always Ask for the Buy Rate (and Compare It!)

“Skipping the buy rate is like accepting mystery meat for lunch — you just hope it’s not marked up too much. 🥩💸” - Chase Jordan

Here’s the truth: dealers make a lot of money by marking up your interest rate.

It’s one of the most common — and profitable — tricks in the finance office.

That’s why the final tip in our Deal Guard negotiation series is this week is: Always ask for the buy rate.

I know it's not comfortable to do it but it could cost you thousands if you don't! You need to know this stuff!

At Deal Guard, your expert car buying concierge service and negotiation consultant, we make sure clients know what the real interest rate is — not just the one the dealership offers.

Let’s break it down and save you some serious cash. 💰

💡 What’s the Buy Rate?

The buy rate is the interest rate the bank or lender actually offers the dealer.

For example:

• The bank approves you at 5.9% APR

• The dealership tells you the rate is 7.9%

That 2% difference?

The dealer pockets it.

Every month.

Over the life of the loan unless you pay it off way early.

The dealer is legally allowed to mark up the interest rate — but only if you don’t know to ask.

💩 Why They Don’t Want You to Ask

Dealers know most buyers focus on monthly payments. It's somehow logical in so many people's mind. Mt budget is $500 smackers a month so that's all people focus on. They like keeping things the same car after car.

But people need to know that steering away from that mindset is their leverage.

If they can stretch your term or bump your rate, they keep the payment looking reasonable and similar — while quietly inflating the total cost.

If you ask:

"What’s the buy rate on this deal?"

They either:

• Ignore and deflect

• Get flustered

• Dodge the question all together

• Admit they marked it up

It’s your clue to renegotiate — or walk.

🛡 What Deal Guard Does

As your trusted car buying consultant, Deal Guard:

• Requests the buy rate directly from the lender or dealer

• Verifies you’re getting the lowest rate you qualify for

• Compares rates from multiple sources

• Highlights any unnecessary markups

• Saves you thousands in interest over time

We also calculate the true cost of financing — so you know what that rate really means in dollars.

🎯 How to Ask for the Buy Rate Like a Pro

Use any of these phrases during financing:

“Can you show me the actual buy rate from the lender?”

“Is this interest rate what I qualify for, or is there markup?”

“What’s the rate the bank approved me for?”

Don’t be afraid to sound smart — you’re about to sign a deal worth thousands and in most cases the 2nd biggest purchase after a home.

💸 Real Example of Markup Costs

Let’s say:

• You finance $30,000 over 72 months

• Buy rate = 5.5%

• Dealer rate = 7.5%

Monthly payment difference: ~$21

Total extra paid: $1,500+ over the life of the loan

All profit to the dealership — for doing absolutely nothing.

🔧 How to Protect Yourself

• Get pre-approved by a credit union or bank before going in

• Use that rate to compare against the dealer’s offer

• Ask for a copy of the lender approval if they won’t show you

• Call Deal Guard — we’ll handle the negotiation for you 😉

😎 Final Word from Chase

If you don’t ask for the buy rate, you’re likely overpaying.

Period.

At GetDealGuard.com, we fight for your bottom line. Our car buying concierge service exposes interest rate markups, gets you the best financing terms, and makes sure you own the negotiation.

🎯 Want to keep more of your money?

Ask for the buy rate — or let Deal Guard get it for you.

Love ya!

Chase