Should You Use Car Equity Instead Of A Line Of Credit?

22 Oct 2025
Updated on 27 Oct 2025
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woman needs cash and considers a car equity loan

When you think of borrowing money, you have many potential options, including loans and borrowing from a line of credit. While getting approved for a collateral loan, such as a title loan, may seem intimidating, it can actually offer advantages over a line of credit, which often comes with high interest rates, credit checks, and potential credit score drops.

In this guide from Nevada Title and Payday Loans, Inc., we cover everything you need to know about car equity vs a line of credit for emergency costs. We will also review all the essential details of title loans, which enable you to utilize your car's equity to access up to $15,000 today.

Car Equity And Lines Of Credit Explained

Using car equity involves getting a car title loan. This is a secured loan that uses your vehicle’s title as collateral. You can only get approved for this loan if you have fully paid off your car, truck, or van. You must have a lien-free vehicle title to get approved, as we will have to place a lien on it.

You might be searching for Las Vegas, NV, loan alternatives if you feel you may not qualify for approval. A line of credit lets you borrow money up to a certain limit. Once approved, you can keep borrowing against this line as long as you repay what you borrow with interest. It differs from a credit card because it doesn’t come with a physical card and is only available for a specific period.

Reno, NV Equity Vs Credit Use: Which Is Best For You?

Now that you understand both of these emergency financing options, which is the best choice for you? There are many details that contrast between car equity loans and lines of credit that make them diverse options for those who need access to cash. Learn more about these differences below to help inform your decision.

Here are five differences between title loans and a line of credit:

person with no money needs car equity loan

1. Collateral Requirements

When getting a car equity loan in Nevada, you will be required to provide your lien-free vehicle title as collateral. As we mentioned above, this loan option is only available to those who have fully paid off their vehicle. Putting up your car title as collateral can open you up to the risk of losing your car if you fail to make your payments and default on your loan.

Not all lines of credit require collateral. While some financial institutions offer secured lines of credit, you can borrow from others without needing collateral. Just remember that unsecured credit lines ordinarily have higher interest rates to account for the risk the bank takes on.

2. Credit Checks

When getting approved for a line of credit, you will have to get your credit checked. You won’t necessarily need an excellent credit score to get approved for a secured line of credit, but you will for an unsecured line ofc credit. This hard credit inquiry can also result in a slight decrease in your credit score.

With title loans, there is no credit check required. Your loan approval is based on the equity in your vehicle. As long as you own your car outright and it has some value, you can get approved for a car equity loan without needing to verify your credit score.

3. Credit Score Impact

As mentioned above, the hard credit inquiries required for a line of credit can negatively impact your credit score. Your credit score can also be affected by your repayment strategy. If you continually repay what you borrow on time and don’t over-borrow, you can actually see an increase in your score. However, borrowers who miss payments can dramatically lower their score.

You won’t have to worry about that with car title loans. At loan lenders like Nevada Title and Payday Loans, Inc., they will not report your loan to the major credit bureaus. You can borrow money and repay the loan without affecting your credit score.

4. How Much You Can Borrow

The amount you can receive with a line of credit depends on your credit score and whether you use collateral to secure the loan. It’s possible that you may not get approved for that much, depending on your life circumstances.

For a title loan, you can borrow up to $15,000. However, that is the maximum value, and not everyone will get approved for that much. Your title loan value depends on the equity you have in your car. We will inspect your vehicle for its value to determine how much you can borrow.

The following are the factors that can influence your car equity loan value:

  • Age (the year it was manufactured)
  • Make and model (Ex, Toyota Corolla)
  • Interior and exterior condition
  • Odometer reading
  • Maintenance history
  • Modifications

5. How Long It Takes To Get Approved

With a line of credit, it can take weeks to get approved. The banking institution you work with will require many documents and will have to check your credit score before you can get approved. Your credit will also affect how long approval takes, as a lower credit score can delay the process.

If you need faster approval, using car equity for emergency financing is a better option. You can receive your title loan within one business day. Approval can happen on the same day you apply, and borrowers who start earlier in the day (before 12 PM) can even receive their cash on the same day.

Requirements For Title Loans In Nevada

If you’ve decided to get a title loan for your emergency financing, Nevada Title and Payday Loans, Inc. can help. We have straightforward requirements that facilitate quick approval. You will only need a few items to verify your identity, age, full vehicle ownership, and car equity.

Here are the required items for title loans:

  • A state-issued photo ID that displays your full name and age
  • A lien-free vehicle title in your name
  • Your vehicle for a fast inspection

It’s essential to note that you must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a personal loan in Nevada. As long as you are a legal adult, you can gather the required items and begin the process with our online form.

A Step-By-Step Guide For Nevada Title Loan Approval

Once you have all the necessary items, you can initiate the approval process on this website. You can fill out the form in minutes before visiting us in person to get approved in less than 30 minutes. You can then access your emergency funds in under 24 hours.

Here is the approval process for title loans in Nevada:

  • Submit your basic information through our online form
  • Answer a phone call from a loan representative to discuss title loan terms
  • Visit the nearest Nevada store location with your required items for verification
  • Have your vehicle inspected for its value
  • Sign the loan documents to complete the process
  • Receive your car equity loan cash later that day or by the next business day

woman holding cash from car equity loan

Get A Title Loan From Nevada Title and Payday Loans, Inc. Now!

If a lien of credit takes too long or has too much of a credit impact, car equity loans from Nevada Title and Payday Loans, Inc. can help. Get approved today for up to $15,000 regardless of your credit score. You even get to keep your car.

Ready to get fast emergency cash? Fill out our online title loan form before visiting us in person to get approved for same-day title loans! 

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.

Mason Roberts

Mason Roberts is a seasoned economics writer and blogger with a knack for breaking down and simply communicating the ever-changing world of finance. He is philosophically committed to the premise that financial knowledge equals financial freedom.

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