How does KeySavvy work?

Buyers and sellers each pay a fee of $99. If the vehicle has a loan, KeySavvy charges the seller an additional $99 to pay off the loan as part of the sale.

Buyers and sellers can split fees equally, or have one party pay all fees. Our fee is paid when the transaction completes -- we never charge a cancellation fee.

KeySavvy processes transactions as a dealer by buying the vehicle from the seller and selling it to the buyer. This process enables us to verify titles, issue temporary permits and access DMV data that would otherwise be inaccessible.

To process the transaction as a dealer, we need to receive the title from the seller or their lienholder. If the seller has their title, we'll provide detailed instructions for signing and mailing it to KeySavvy. Upon receipt, we'll reassign it to the buyer and ship it with tracking to the buyer's mailing address.

If the seller has a loan and doesn't have their title, we'll mail the seller a power of attorney form and a return envelope. This allows us to sign the title on their behalf when we receive it from the lienholder.

Unlike payment apps like PayPal and Cash App, KeySavvy verifies the buyer's identity and the seller's ownership of the vehicle. We guarantee buyers receive a clear title and sellers get paid. In contrast, PayPal explicitly excludes vehicles from purchase protection.

Other peer-to-peer payment services are primarily intended for smaller transactions between friends and family. They have limits that are much lower than a typical vehicle sale price. KeySavvy has no transaction limit and guides buyers and sellers through the process, including help with all the necessary paperwork and title transfer. As a licensed dealer, we have access to data that enables more thorough verification and helpful services like temporary operating permits.

Similar to escrow services like Escrow.com, KeySavvy collects payment from the buyer and pays the seller when the buyer picks up the vehicle. However, KeySavvy is specifically designed for vehicle sales. Since we're a licensed dealer, we can verify the seller's ownership to protect buyers from title fraud, work with banks to pay off the seller's loan, and issue temporary permits so it's legal to drive the vehicle immediately.

KeySavvy is also able to verify most ACH payments immediately, even on nights and weekends, whereas Escrow.com only supports wire transfers for vehicle purchases.

KeySavvy uses third-party identity verification technology to confirm the seller's identity. We then use a combination of public records, seller-provided information, and DMV records to verify that the seller is the legal owner of a vehicle.

We do not share the seller's personal information with the buyer, and we do not share the buyer's personal information with the seller. However, when a sale is completed, the buyer will receive the current title containing the seller's name and address.

After the seller adds their vehicle to KeySavvy and a buyer accepts their price, verification generally takes 15-30 minutes during business hours. If the seller has a loan, we'll contact their lender which can delay a transaction depending on the lender.

Most payments are verified immediately, even on weekends, but can take up to one business day depending on the buyer's bank. Link a bank account on your account page to see how long payment verification will take. If the sale price is greater than $50k, the buyer will be required to pay using a wire transfer. After payment is verified and both parties have e-signed the bill of sale, most transactions are approved immediately.

Some sellers prefer to wait until we receive their title before giving the vehicle to the buyer, but it's not required.

If the vehicle is being shipped, we'll pay the seller when the shipper picks it up, as long as we've already received their title. If the seller has a loan and doesn't have their title, we'll pay the lienholder and any positive equity to the seller when the vehicle is picked up.

We require sellers to upload a picture or PDF of the signed bill of lading to confirm the vehicle was picked up. A bill of lading is a fairly standard document that all vehicle transporters should provide and have signed by the seller when picking up the vehicle.

KeySavvy does not make any guarantees regarding the condition of the vehicle. Third-party inspections are highly recommended. KeySavvy users can get 10% off an inspection with Lemon Squad.

KeySavvy verifies the identity of the buyer and seller, checks for loans and liens that would prevent the buyer from registering the vehicle, and provides a NMVTIS report. If any title brands are present, we'll disclose them to the buyer before they submit payment.

Buyers can purchase additional vehicle history reports directly from CARFAX or AutoCheck.

To use KeySavvy, the vehicle must have a US title and the buyer must have a US address to receive the title. We do not accept international wire transfers (SWIFT), but most Canadian banks can send wires to our US bank.

If the vehicle is being exported outside of the US, the buyer is responsible for complying with any import regulations, paying customs duties, and any other requirements.

Yes! Qualified buyers can apply the full EV tax credit toward the purchase of eligible electric vehicles. When you accept your seller's price on KeySavvy, you can indicate that you plan to apply for the federal used EV tax credit.

How does this work? If the sale price is $25,000 and qualifies for the maximum $4,000 credit, the buyer pays $21,000 to KeySavvy, and the seller receives the full $25,000 (minus our fee). After the buyer picks up the vehicle, the IRS pays us the remaining $4,000 directly.

Yes, KeySavvy supports cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, RVs, snowmobiles, and ATVs! As long as the vehicle is titled or registered in the United States, we can verify the seller's identity, check for loans and liens, and allow buyers to pay online. When buyers pay with KeySavvy, we guarantee buyers will receive a clear title and sellers will get paid.

We don't support buying or selling boats at this time.

Yes, KeySavvy enables you to purchase a vehicle when the seller still has a loan or lien.

In a typical private party sale, the seller can't transfer ownership to you without first paying off their loan. Paying a seller with cash or a cashier's check and not receiving the title right away is risky for buyers. Because KeySavvy is a licensed dealer, we can handle the loan payoff and sale as part of the purchase process, and issue a temporary permit that allows you to legally drive the car right away.

Yes, in order to register your vehicle, you will need to pay taxes and registration fees to your state. KeySavvy doesn't collect taxes and fees when you pay for your vehicle, except for Minnesota residents. For all other states, you'll pay taxes and fees when registering the vehicle at your local DMV. Some states exempt certain private party sales from tax and we'll notify you if we see you'll pay more in taxes as a result of us processing your transaction as a dealer.

If you're a Minnesota resident, KeySavvy will register the vehicle for you. We'll reach out to collect additional information, such as a picture of your insurance card and your preference for license plates.

You can pay for your vehicle with your bank account (ACH), wire transfer, credit card, or Zelle. You can also finance your purchase through your local bank or credit union. An additional fee applies for credit card payments.

Most payments are verified immediately, even on nights and weekends, but can take up to one business day depending on your bank. Link a bank account on your account page to see how long payment verification will take. Wire transfers are received by 6pm ET when sent before 4pm ET.

You can pay up to $50k by ACH, $10k by credit card, and most banks limit Zelle to $5k. There is no limit for wire transfers. If you're planning to pay with a wire transfer, you don't need to link a bank account and we'll provide a unique account number for you to give to your bank.

Yes, KeySavvy works with most banks and credit unions. Because KeySavvy is a licensed dealer, we're able to work with lenders that don't normally finance private party sales.

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Before you shop for your car, we recommend you get pre-approval from your bank or credit union so you know how much you can borrow. Let your bank know that you're buying from an independent car dealer, since some banks don't offer loans on regular private party sales. Note that if your seller has a loan, most lenders won't allow you to finance your purchase.

When you and the seller agree on a price, you'll download a Purchase Order that you take to your bank. If approved, your bank will issue a check made out to KeySavvy, Inc. or send us a wire transfer for the amount financed. We do not accept "pre-approval" checks from lenders. After KeySavvy verifies the check and your down payment, you pick up your car, and we pay the seller and take care of the paperwork.

Learn more about financing with KeySavvy

You can use any transporter to ship your vehicle. A few popular options include RunBuggy, Montway, Preowned Auto Logistics, and Reliable Carriers (enclosed trailer).

Regardless of which shipper you choose, make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. It's best to select a well-rated, reputable company instead of simply going for the cheapest quote. Keep in mind that once your vehicle is picked up, the sale becomes final, so you want your vehicle to be in good hands.

Yes! You don't need to pay off your loan before you sell your car -- KeySavvy will pay it off as part of the sale process. We charge sellers a $99 fee when there is a loan or lien on a vehicle.

After we verify and approve a sale, we'll send the seller an email letting them know it's OK to give the vehicle to the buyer.

If the seller has a loan and doesn't have their title, we'll initiate their payment and a payment to their lienholder when the buyer or their shipper pick up the vehicle.

If the seller has their title, we'll provide a state-specific guide for signing and mailing it to KeySavvy. We'll initiate their payout when we receive the title and the buyer or their shipper pick up the vehicle.

We need to receive the title to verify it doesn't have any errors or omissions that would prevent the buyer from registering the vehicle. If we find any issues, we work with sellers to help resolve them. We guarantee sellers get paid, but we also guarantee buyers get a clear title and this is an important part of our process. Some sellers choose to mail their title in advance, before handing over the keys, but it isn't required. The sale is final when the buyer or their shipper pick up the vehicle, whether or not we've received the title.

Yes, you control the sale price of your vehicle. KeySavvy is not involved in the price negotiation between you and your buyer.

Since we process transactions as a dealer, vehicles with a sale price significantly below fair market value may not be approved.

Yes. If your loan is more than the sale price of the vehicle (called "negative equity", "upside-down", or "underwater"), you can still sell with KeySavvy. In fact, we make it easier because you don't have to pay off your entire loan before selling your car.

When you agree on a price with a buyer, we'll get a 10-day payoff quote from your lender. We'll collect the difference between the sale price and the payoff amount from you before your buyer picks up the vehicle.