RateGenius
RateGenius is a nationwide, online auto loan refinance marketplace founded in 1999 in Austin, Texas, connecting individual borrowers with 150+ lending partners through a proprietary origination platform, having funded over 400,000 loans totaling more than $8.5 billion since inception. It operates as a subsidiary of The Savings Group, Inc.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What RateGenius does
RateGenius is a nationwide, online auto loan refinance marketplace founded in 1999 and headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company operates a proprietary loan origination platform that connects individual borrowers with a network of more than 150 banks, credit unions, and finance companies, shopping and matching refinance offers based on borrower profile and lender criteria. RateGenius handles the full refinance workflow from application through title transfer, including dedicated state-level title processing and DMV coordination across all 50 states. Beyond the core brokerage, the platform offers add-on products including Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) waivers up to $50,000 and Vehicle Service Contracts up to 8 years or 125,000 miles, which can be financed within the refinance loan.
The company monetizes through three primary streams: origination fees (up to $595 per funded loan, assessed by the lending partner), lender pay-for-performance fees for filtered refinance volume delivered within each lender's field of membership, and referral commissions to affiliate partners. Ancillary revenue comes from the bundled protection products. Customer acquisition operates through a digital-first go-to-market: direct online application at apply.rategenius.com, phone-based loan specialists, organic SEO and content marketing (blog, learning center, educational tools and calculators), direct mail pre-qualified offers, a $100-to-each-side referral program, and an affiliate program with custom API access for high-volume partners. The platform currently receives more than 50,000 applications per month and reports average savings of $131.63 per month per customer.
Since its founding, RateGenius has facilitated over 400,000 loans totaling more than $8.5 billion in funded refinance volume. In May 2021, RateGenius merged with AUTOPAY through an all-stock transaction to form The Savings Group, Inc., with RateGenius Loan Services, Inc., AUTOPAY, and Tresl operating as subsidiaries under the new holding company. The company is privately held, with growth equity backing from Tritium Partners (2018 Series 4 investment). It maintains SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliance, multi-state NMLS lending licenses via RateGenius Loan Services, Inc. (NMLS #2238152) and RGLS Lending, Inc. (NMLS #2285557), and a BBB A+ rating supported by 13,546+ certified customer reviews averaging 4.9 stars.
RateGenius firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RateGenius
- Legal name
- RateGenius Loan Services, Inc.
- Website
- https://rategenius.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- RateGenius is a nationwide, online auto loan refinance marketplace founded in 1999 in Austin, Texas, connecting individual borrowers with 150+ lending partners through a proprietary origination platform, having funded over 400,000 loans totaling more than $8.5 billion since inception. It operates as a subsidiary of The Savings Group, Inc.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RateGenius industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Auto Loan Refinancing
- NAICS
- Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers (522310), Mortgage and Nonmortgage Loan Brokers (52231)
- SIC
- Personal Credit Institutions (6141), Loan Brokers (6163)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Auto Loan Refinance (Rate/Term) (FSAKAIAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mortgage Refinance & Rate/Term Intermediation (FSAEAEAC)
Keywords
Where RateGenius is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
RateGenius business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Pay-for-Performance Lender Fees: RateGenius generates revenue through a pay-for-performance model where lenders pay for filtered auto refinance volume within their field of membership and preferred guidelines
- Origination Fees: Borrowers may pay an origination fee of up to $595 when refinancing. This fee is assessed by the lender for processing the new loan application and handling paperwork
- Affiliate Referral Commissions: Affiliate partners earn set commissions for each referred, funded application. High-volume affiliates receive custom payouts and API access
- GAP Waivers: Guaranteed Asset Protection waivers offered as add-on product, providing coverage up to $50,000 for total loss situations
- Vehicle Service Contracts: Vehicle service contracts offered as optional add-on that can be included in the refinance loan, covering unexpected repairs for up to 8 years or 125,000 miles
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Excellent Credit (750-850) - 36 Month Term at 4.67% APR |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Excellent Credit (750-850) - 72 Month Term at 6.15% APR |
| Unit Pricing | Monthly | Poor Credit (639 or less) - 36 Month Term at 11.84% APR |
| Transaction based/ take rate | One time/ perpetual license | Origination Fee |
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Pay-as-you-go | Referral Bonus |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
RateGenius product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RateGenius is a nationwide online auto loan refinance marketplace that connects consumers with more than 150 lending institutions to shop competitive refinance rates and terms. The platform supports online and phone applications, performs soft-pull pre-qualification, and handles full title processing with state DMVs and lenders to complete refinance transactions nationwide.
Product overview
RateGenius is a nationwide auto refinance platform that operates the largest online marketplace connecting vehicle owners with 150+ lending institutions. The core product is the Auto Refinance Platform, which matches borrowers with optimal loan options through a proprietary loan origination system. The platform is complemented by financial tools (Loan Calculators), title services, and ancillary products including GAP Waivers and Vehicle Service Contracts. Under The Savings Group parent company, RateGenius also encompasses sub-brands Tresl (digital loan finder) and AUTOPAY (direct lending subsidiary). The platform facilitates over 50,000 applications monthly, has funded over 400,000 loans totaling more than $8.5 billion, and delivers average monthly savings of $131.63.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Auto Refinance Marketplace Platform Nationwide online auto loan refinance marketplace that connects vehicle owners with 150+ lending institutions, processing applications online or by phone, handling soft-pull pre-qualification, lender matching, and closing with same-day funding options available. Designed for U.S. consumers aged 18+ with an existing auto loan on a personal-use vehicle under 10 years old and under 120,000 miles.
- Title Processing Services Full-service title processing and transfer handled by RateGenius title experts working with every state DMV and every lender in the network to ensure each refinance is officially and legally complete, including management of title-holding state requirements across all 50 states. Provided as part of the refinance transaction.
- GAP Waivers Optional Guaranteed Asset Protection waiver covering the difference between a totaled vehicle's value and the outstanding loan balance, up to $50,000, with a Protection Plus option paying $1,000 toward the insurance deductible. Available to refinance customers.
- Vehicle Service Contracts Optional vehicle service contracts covering unexpected repairs, available in multiple coverage tiers up to 8 years or 125,000 miles, with low deductibles and nationwide validity. Can be bundled into the refinance loan.
Quantifiable outcome
- Average monthly savings of $131.63/month
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use RateGenius
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
RateGenius technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
RateGenius partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- AUTOPAYcoreRateGenius and AUTOPAY merged in 2021 through an all-stock transaction to create The Savings Group. Both companies operate as main operating subsidiaries under the new parent company. The merger created a diversified fintech marketplace for auto finance combining RateGenius's lender network with AUTOPAY's capabilities.
- 150+ Lending Institutions (Banks, Credit Unions)coreRateGenius partners with over 150 banks, credit unions, and finance companies nationwide. Lenders pay for filtered auto refinance volume within their field of membership and preferred guidelines. RateGenius provides SOC 1 and SOC 2 compliant integration, perfected titles on funded loans, and streamlined loan fulfillment.
- Affiliate PartnersminorLike-minded companies and individuals generating leads through the RateGenius affiliate program. No additional investment required. Affiliates receive set commissions for each referred funded application, proprietary tracking and reporting systems, custom-tailored programs, and API access for high-volume affiliates.
- Seeman Holtz Property & CasualtyminorStrategic partnership where Seeman Holtz acquired RateGenius Insurance Agency assets. This partnership expanded vehicle protection product offerings.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
RateGenius competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- LendingTree: LendingTree operates a multi-lender comparison marketplace that matches consumers with loan products across personal, auto, mortgage, and other categories. Both companies operate as digital brokers connecting borrowers with lender networks using similar pay-for-performance and origination fee models.
- Credit Karma: Credit Karma is a personal finance platform that aggregates multiple lender offers for products including auto loans and auto refinance. Both platforms use free credit tools and SEO/content marketing to attract consumers and monetize by selling filtered leads to lenders.
- Bankrate: Bankrate is a financial comparison marketplace that matches consumers with auto refinance, mortgage, and personal loan offers from partner lenders. Its content-and-comparison-led acquisition model is highly analogous to RateGenius's content-and-SEO approach, and Bankrate has been featured alongside RateGenius in industry coverage.
- MyAutoLoan.com: MyAutoLoan.com operates an online auto loan marketplace connecting borrowers with a network of lenders for new, used, refinance, and lease buyout loans. Direct overlap with RateGenius in auto refinance comparison shopping.
- CarFinance.com: CarFinance.com is an online auto loan marketplace that works with a network of lenders to fund auto refinance and purchase loans for subprime and credit-challenged borrowers. Comparable marketplace model, narrower focus on credit-challenged segment.
- RoadLoans: RoadLoans provides online auto financing and refinancing through a lender network, including direct and dealer-arranged loans. Comparable online auto refinance platform with multi-lender distribution.
- NerdWallet: NerdWallet is a personal finance comparison marketplace providing educational content and lender matching across credit cards, mortgages, personal loans, and auto loans. Strong content/SEO-driven acquisition model analogous to RateGenius's blog and calculator strategy.
- RefiJet: RefiJet is a specialized auto loan refinance broker that works with borrowers to lower monthly payments by shopping multiple lenders. Closest pure-play comparable focused exclusively on the auto refinance use case RateGenius serves.
Emerging players
- AUTOPAY (The Savings Group sibling): AUTOPAY is a direct auto refinance lender that merged with RateGenius to form The Savings Group. It represents the captive lending arm underneath the same marketplace funnel, providing a useful internal comp on unit economics between broker and direct-lending models.
Broad incumbents
- LendingClub: LendingClub is a fintech lender and bank holding company offering consumer loans, auto refinance, and banking products. Broader incumbent with overlap specifically on the auto refinance product line, with more diversified funding sources and balance sheet.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
RateGenius social profiles
Digital presenceRateGenius compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
RateGenius financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RateGenius leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
RateGenius funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RateGenius M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RateGenius
What does RateGenius do?
RateGenius is a nationwide online auto loan refinance marketplace that connects consumers with more than 150 lending institutions to shop competitive refinance rates and terms. The platform supports online and phone applications, performs soft-pull pre-qualification, and handles full title processing with state DMVs and lenders to complete refinance transactions nationwide.
Is RateGenius a public or private company?
RateGenius is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was RateGenius founded?
RateGenius was founded in 1999. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is RateGenius based?
RateGenius is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does RateGenius make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Pay-for-Performance Lender Fees are the primary driver. The others are origination Fees, affiliate Referral Commissions, GAP Waivers and vehicle Service Contracts.
Who are RateGenius's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are LendingTree, Credit Karma, Bankrate, MyAutoLoan.com, CarFinance.com, RoadLoans, NerdWallet and RefiJet. AUTOPAY (The Savings Group sibling) is listed as an emerging player. LendingClub is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does RateGenius have an API?
Yes. RateGenius operates a technology-driven loan matching system that connects consumers with multiple lenders for vehicle financing and refinancing. The platform enables loan applications, credit matching, document handling, and lien perfection. API access is available for high-volume affiliates with custom payouts, real-time application status updates, and custom tracking and reporting. The platform integrates with lender loan origination systems.
What industry is RateGenius in?
RateGenius's product category is Auto Loan Refinancing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAKAIAG, Auto Loan Refinance (Rate/Term), with a secondary code of FSAEAEAC, Mortgage Refinance & Rate/Term Intermediation. Its NAICS code is 522310 and its SIC code is 6141.