Buy or sell your EV worry-free

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Buying an EV? Get the first auto loan built for EVs with rates as low as 5.49%.

Check your rate

Buying a collector car? JJ Best is the Collector Car Financier.

Apply now

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