If I already have financing, can a car dealer force me to sign a credit application?

If I already have financing, can a car dealer force me to sign a credit application?

James Bell (Publisher, Auto Reviewer) gives expert video advice on: What are the typical "one-liners" car salesmen will use?; What should I do if a salesman tells me the price I was quoted online is incorrect?; What is the new car buyers biggest mistake? and more...

If you are bringing your own financing in to buy the vehicle, there's no need for you to run a credit application through the dealership. If anything, they're asking you about your credit so they can tell you they have a more competitive rate and somehow switch you out of your own financing. Also important is that every time an institution or an agency runs your credit, you're putting your credit score at risk. The number of hits that it takes can negatively impact your final credit score. You want to minimize how many times people access your credit. Unless you are going to take financing from a car dealership, never fill out an application.