Automotive Finance Corporation (AFC) is a financial services company that helps independent vehicle dealers finance inventory and manage cash flow. Unlike a traditional auto lender that primarily finances a consumer’s purchase of a car, AFC focuses on dealer floorplan financing—a type of credit that helps eligible dealerships acquire vehicles for resale.
Through its financing programs and AFCDealer online portal, the company supports independent used-car dealers, powersports businesses, RV dealers, salvage operators, and rental fleet operators. Dealers can use the platform to manage eligible inventory, review available credit, make payments, and access account information.
This guide explains how Automotive Finance Corporation works, its main services, how to access AFCDealer, and what dealerships should understand before applying for financing.
What Is Automotive Finance Corporation?
Automotive Finance Corporation, commonly known as AFC, provides inventory financing and related financial services to automotive businesses. Its primary offering is floorplan financing, which allows qualified dealers to purchase vehicles for their inventory without paying the full purchase price entirely from their own working capital.
AFC began operating in 1987 and has developed financing programs for independent dealerships and other vehicle-related businesses. It is part of the OPENLANE organization, which provides services across the vehicle remarketing industry.
AFC’s services are designed for businesses that buy and sell vehicles rather than for individual consumers shopping for a personal car loan.
Who Can Use Automotive Finance Corporation?
AFC serves eligible businesses in several areas of the vehicle industry, including:
- Independent used-car dealerships.
- Wholesale and retail vehicle dealers.
- Recreational vehicle (RV) dealers.
- Powersports businesses selling motorcycles and other eligible vehicles.
- Salvage and specialty vehicle operators.
- Rental fleet operators.
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s business, the financing program, and AFC’s underwriting requirements.
What Is AFC Floorplan Financing?
Floorplan financing is a form of business credit used to purchase inventory for resale. Instead of paying the full cost of each eligible vehicle upfront, an approved dealer uses a financing facility to fund the purchase.
The vehicle generally serves as collateral for the financing. When the dealer sells the financed vehicle, the corresponding balance must be repaid according to the agreement.
For example, an independent dealership may want to purchase several used vehicles at an auction. Using an approved floorplan facility can help the dealer acquire that inventory while preserving some cash for payroll, rent, repairs, advertising, and other operating expenses.
How Floorplan Financing Works
- Apply for financing: The dealership submits its business information and supporting documents.
- Receive a credit decision: AFC reviews the application and determines whether financing is available.
- Purchase eligible inventory: The dealer uses approved financing for qualifying vehicle purchases.
- Manage financed units: The dealer tracks vehicle status, balances, and payment obligations through the available account tools.
- Repay the financing: When a vehicle sells or another repayment obligation becomes due, the dealer pays according to the agreement.
The exact process, available credit, fees, and repayment requirements depend on the written financing agreement.
Main Services Offered by Automotive Finance Corporation
AFC provides more than a credit facility. Its services are intended to help dealers manage inventory transactions and related administrative work.
| Service | Purpose | Potential benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Floorplan financing | Funds eligible inventory purchases | Preserves working capital |
| Inventory management tools | Tracks financed vehicles and related information | Improves account visibility |
| Payment management | Supports eligible payments and curtailments | Helps dealers manage obligations |
| Lienholder payoff services | Assists with eligible payoff transactions | Can simplify certain vehicle purchases |
| Title-related services | Provides access to title information and related processes | Helps dealers manage documentation |
| Dealer support | Connects businesses with AFC representatives | Offers assistance with financing questions |
Availability depends on the program and the dealer’s account. Confirm specific services and fees directly with AFC before relying on them for a transaction.
How to Access the AFCDealer Login Portal
AFCDealer is the online platform used by participating dealers to manage their Automotive Finance Corporation accounts.
To begin, visit the official AFC website and select the dealer login option.
Steps to Log In
- Open the official AFC website.
- Select the AFCDealer login option.
- Enter the credentials associated with your dealer account.
- Complete any required security verification.
- Open the relevant account, inventory, payment, or reporting section.
After signing in, available features may include viewing inventory, checking credit availability, reviewing balances, making payments, accessing payment receipts, and viewing title information. AFC describes the platform as providing account access around the clock.
What If You Cannot Log In?
If you have trouble accessing your AFCDealer account:
- Check your username and password carefully.
- Make sure you are using the official AFC website.
- Follow the portal’s available account-recovery instructions.
- Check whether your browser needs updating.
- Contact AFC if your account is locked or your access details are no longer valid.
Do not share your password or verification codes with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
How to Apply for Automotive Finance Corporation Financing
Dealerships interested in AFC financing can begin through the company’s official website.
AFC provides an online application process for eligible dealers. Its published application guide says many applicants can complete the digital application in approximately 15 minutes, although the time required and final decision depend on the individual application.
Information to Prepare
Before applying, gather the documents and information that may be requested, such as:
- Business name and contact information.
- Dealership address and ownership details.
- Business registration or licensing information.
- Information about the dealership’s operations and inventory.
- Financial records or other documents requested during underwriting.
This is a general preparation list, not a guarantee of AFC’s exact documentation requirements.
What Happens After Applying?
AFC reviews the submitted information and determines whether the dealership qualifies for financing. If approved, the business receives details about its available financing facility and the terms it must follow.
Approval is not guaranteed, and the financing limit, fees, and conditions may differ among dealerships.
How AFCDealer Helps Manage Inventory and Payments
Managing financed inventory requires accurate records and timely payments. AFCDealer provides digital tools that help participating dealerships keep track of these activities.
View Inventory and Outstanding Balances
Dealers can use the portal to review vehicle inventory associated with their financing account. Depending on their access, they may be able to distinguish vehicles currently financed from units that have been paid off.
This information helps dealership staff monitor inventory status and prepare for upcoming obligations.
Make Payments and Curtailments
AFCDealer supports payments and curtailments. A curtailment is a payment made toward a financed vehicle balance under the terms of a floorplan agreement.
Dealers should review the amount due, payment deadline, and any applicable fees before submitting a transaction. Keeping payment confirmations can help resolve discrepancies later.
Review Reports and Title Information
The platform also provides access to operational reports and title-related information for eligible accounts. These tools can help dealers organize their records and coordinate the paperwork associated with buying and selling vehicles.
For step-by-step help, AFC publishes AFCDealer portal tutorials.
Benefits of Automotive Finance Corporation for Dealerships
Floorplan financing can be useful for businesses that need to purchase inventory while managing day-to-day expenses.
Preserves working capital: Dealers may avoid tying up all their cash in vehicles, leaving funds available for operating costs.
Supports inventory purchasing: An approved financing facility can help dealerships acquire eligible vehicles from auctions and other accepted sources.
Provides digital account access: AFCDealer helps dealers review account information and manage eligible transactions online.
Offers industry-specific support: AFC focuses on vehicle inventory financing and related dealer services, rather than serving only general consumer borrowers.
Can support business growth: With appropriate credit and cash-flow management, financing may help a dealership maintain inventory levels as demand changes.
These benefits depend on the dealership’s financial position and the costs and restrictions of its financing agreement. Borrowing more than a business can comfortably manage can create additional financial pressure.
Important Costs and Risks to Understand
Before accepting a floorplan financing agreement, dealers should understand how the facility works and what it costs.
Interest and Program Fees
AFC’s financing programs may include interest and fees associated with origination, floorplan use, curtailments, or other services. The exact charges depend on the agreement and program.
Ask for a written explanation of the applicable charges and how they are calculated. Promotional offers may have eligibility requirements, time limits, or other conditions.
Repayment Obligations
Financed inventory must be managed according to the agreement. When a vehicle sells, the dealer must follow the required repayment process. Delays can create additional costs or account issues.
Inventory and Market Risk
Used-vehicle prices can fluctuate. If inventory sells more slowly than expected, the dealership may face financing costs while vehicles remain unsold.
Dealers should forecast inventory turnover, monitor expenses, and avoid relying on optimistic sales projections when deciding how much credit to use.
Contract Terms
Before signing, review the credit limit, collateral requirements, payment obligations, fees, default provisions, and any personal guarantees or other obligations included in the agreement.
Consult a qualified financial or legal adviser if you need help understanding complex contract terms.
Automotive Finance Corporation Customer Service
Dealerships that need help with an application, account access, payments, or financing programs can contact AFC directly.
| Contact method | Details |
|---|---|
| Official website | autofinance.com |
| Phone | 1-888-335-6675 |
| Contact page | AFC Contact Us |
| Online support | Submit the inquiry form on the official contact page |
AFC publishes the phone number above on its official contact page. Have your dealership details and a clear description of your question ready when contacting support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does Automotive Finance Corporation do?
Automotive Finance Corporation provides floorplan financing and related services to eligible independent vehicle dealers and other vehicle-related businesses. Its financing helps qualified businesses purchase inventory for resale.
2. Is AFC a regular car loan company for consumers?
AFC primarily focuses on dealer inventory financing rather than conventional consumer auto loans for personal vehicle purchases. Individual consumers should confirm that they are contacting the correct lender for their specific financing agreement.
3. How do I log in to AFCDealer?
Visit the official AFC website and select the dealer login option. Enter your registered credentials and complete any required verification. Contact AFC if you cannot access your account.
4. What can I do through AFCDealer?
Depending on your account and permissions, you can review inventory and account information, access available credit details, make or schedule payments and curtailments, review payment receipts, and view title information.
5. How can a dealership apply for AFC financing?
Start at AFC’s official website and select the application option. Provide the requested business information and follow the company’s underwriting process. Approval and financing terms depend on the application and AFC’s requirements.
