Banks usually consider credit, co-signers and the history of your account with their bank (if any) with your auto loan application. Depending on these factors, you could get approved or denied in a matter of minutes or a few days.
CarBuyingTips.com says, "Your credit score has more of an effect on your life than you think." Bad credit like numerous repossessions or foreclosures could mean an automatic denial, while minor credit problems like unpaid hospital bills could give you a little leeway.
If you cannot keep the account you already have with the bank in the clear, you're more of a high-risk candidate for an auto loan approval and will more than likely be denied immediately.
The right co-signer can definitely speed the approval process up. Loan.com says that, "With a good co-signer almost anyone can qualify," when it comes to applying for an auto loan.
If you walk in or call the bank, sometimes they will tell you right away whether you've been denied or approved. However, applying online or by mail could take a minimum of days or as long as weeks. (Online/mail-in applications usually include processing time information.)
