Does a financed car come with only one key?
3 Answers
Yes, it comes with only one key, as this is typical for financed vehicles. Generally, the vehicle certificate and one of the keys are mortgaged with the bank for financed cars. The other key can be retrieved once the vehicle certificate is obtained. Only the vehicle registration certificate is mortgaged with the bank for financed cars. Below is relevant information: 1. Car payment methods: There are two types—full payment and financing. 2. Meaning of car financing: A financed car is also a loan-financed purchase, where the bank provides a secured RMB loan to customers purchasing vehicles from designated dealers. This means the car buyer pays a portion as a down payment, and the remaining amount is disbursed by the lender (bank) to the borrower in installments.
Last year, I bought a new car through a bank loan. When taking delivery, I didn’t worry at all about the number of keys because the dealer provided a full set of two fully functional keys—one primary smart key and one spare conventional key. At first, I naively thought the loan might only come with one key, but after confirming with the dealer, I learned they follow standard procedures for all accessories, and financial institutions don’t interfere with such details. This taught me a lesson: Always check the number of keys on the delivery checklist when buying a car, and it’s best to bring family members along for the inspection to avoid future hassles. If you ever encounter a situation with only one key, it could indicate a used car or a dealer mistake—contact them immediately to resolve it. Getting an extra key at a 4S store can cost thousands, while local auto repair shops are much cheaper, but don’t wait until you lose a key to act—having a backup can save both stress and big money.
As a regular car changer, I have to say there's no difference between financing and paying in full when it comes to key allocation. New cars usually come with at least two keys, but the exact number depends on the model. For example, base models typically include both a metal key and a smart key, while higher trims might add an extra one. Dealers test all functions, including key pairing, before delivery. The financing bank only cares about loan repayment and won't withhold keys or limit quantities. If you find yourself short of keys upon pickup, don't stay silent—directly complain to the dealer or negotiate for completion. A friend of mine learned this the hard way when they forgot to check and almost got stranded during a trip without a spare key. While key duplication isn't prohibitively expensive, always verify the circuit system compatibility first to avoid wasting money. In short, maintaining your keys is fundamental to daily driving—don't let small issues become big headaches.
