# My auto loan is asking for references? Why/what kind?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-auto-loan-is-asking-for-references-why-what-kind/315185
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [August 1, 2005, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-auto-loan-is-asking-for-references-why-what-kind/315185 "2005-08-01T18:52:59Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2005, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-auto-loan-is-asking-for-references-why-what-kind/315185/1 "2005-08-01T18:52:59Z")
I’m applying for a car loan, for which I am approved, but they are requiring a pay stub and 2 references. Now, the pay stub I understand, but 2 references? Do they mean 2 professional references (yes she works here) or 2 personal references? And why are they asking for references? Especially now, after being approved – are they planning to call these people? Should I have phone numbers only or addresses too?
Any help much appreciated!
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### Author:  [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2005, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-auto-loan-is-asking-for-references-why-what-kind/315185/2 "2005-08-01T18:56:09Z")
> [@fluiddruid](#):
>
> Do they mean 2 professional references (yes she works here) or 2 personal references?
You’re best off calling the person who is handling your loan and asking them this question.
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### Author:  [@missbunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missbunny)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2005, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-auto-loan-is-asking-for-references-why-what-kind/315185/3 "2005-08-01T19:01:32Z")
Could they mean credit references? Such as, other loans or revolving accounts you have. (Best to ask them to make sure, though.)
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### Author:  [@aktep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aktep)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2005, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-auto-loan-is-asking-for-references-why-what-kind/315185/4 "2005-08-01T19:33:57Z")
Generally, when a lender is asking for references they mean “Give us the name of two people who will know where you are living so that if you move and don’t tell us and skip out on your bill, we can bug them to tell us where you are.”
Call the loan officer ot be sure that’s what they want, but that’s SOP with many loans (especially student loans).
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### Author:  [@fluiddruid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fluiddruid)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2005, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-auto-loan-is-asking-for-references-why-what-kind/315185/5 "2005-08-01T22:26:42Z")
Well, I signed the papers and completed the deal and they never asked me for the references after all, just the pay stub, so I guess this will be a mystery for the ages.