Best Time to Buy a Car in the US 2026: Windows Remaining

You already know a new car costs less at some moments than others, the hard part is telling which "sale" is real leverage and which is just a banner on the showroom window. Holiday weekends, end-of-month quotas, and model-year clearance all pull in different directions. Here's how the calendar actually stacks up for a 2026 buyer, and which window fits your situation.

The verdict

For US car buyers in 2026, industry analyses point to the last week of December as the deepest single discount window, when year-end clearance on outgoing model-year inventory, manufacturer holiday cash, dealer annual bonuses, and a quiet showroom all stack. Edmunds reports December carries the year's highest average discount off MSRP (around 6% across the market, with the deepest individual deals in the final days of the month) (Edmunds); exact savings vary by segment, brand, and how aggressively a model is being cleared. Labor Day weekend (the Friday-to-Monday window in early September) is widely cited as the biggest holiday sale event of the year and the second-best window, often pairing outgoing model-year discounts with 0% APR or low-rate financing on captive-brand promotions (Kelley Blue Book).

For tier-2 timing, Memorial Day weekend (late May), July 4 (Independence Day), Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and Presidents Day (mid-February) all tend to carry above-average dealer promotion intensity. At any time of year, the last few days of the month add dealer-side negotiating room because of manufacturer stair-step volume bonuses; the exact discount depends on how short the store is of its target, so treat any single percentage as directional.

For EVs, the federal picture has changed: the federal Clean Vehicle Credit was repealed for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, so the up-to-$7,500 new credit and up-to-$4,000 used credit, and the point-of-sale transfer that went with them, are no longer available in 2026 (IRS). Some state and regional programs may still offer help (often income-restricted), but they vary widely and change frequently, so confirm current eligibility before counting on any EV incentive.

Used car timing is different: industry data generally shows prices firming in the spring (tax-refund season) and softening through the fall, roughly October into early winter, as the holiday new-car push moves trade-ins onto used lots (Edmunds, CarEdge).

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What's happened so far in 2026, and what's next

As of mid-July 2026, four dealer-promotion windows have already fired, and two end-of-quarter dealer-pressure points passed:

• Presidents Day (Monday February 16, 2026): above-average manufacturer cash on sedans and small SUVs; mid-tier holiday window.
• End of Q1 (Tuesday March 31, 2026): dealer stair-step bonus pressure; typically adds a few hundred dollars of extra negotiating room mid-month.
• Memorial Day weekend (May 22 to 25, 2026, federal holiday Monday May 25): widely cited as a tier-1 holiday for trucks and SUVs heading into summer driving season.
• End of Q2 (Tuesday June 30, 2026): quarter close compounded dealer quota pressure.
• Father's Day (Sunday June 21, 2026): modest window; not a category-best.
• July 4 weekend (Friday July 3 to Saturday July 4, 2026): moderate holiday cash and early signals of outgoing-model-year discounting at some brands.

Four major windows still fire in the second half of 2026:

Window	2026 dates	Discount depth (directional)	What's strongest
Model-year changeover	August (rolling)	Moderate to strong on outgoing	First sweet spot for outgoing model years as new inventory arrives on lots
Labor Day weekend	Friday September 4 to Monday September 7, 2026	Strong	Widely cited as the year's biggest single US holiday auto-sale event; strong financing subvention common (Kelley Blue Book)
End of Q3	Wednesday September 30, 2026	Adds dealer-quota room	Compounds on Labor Day if buyer waits a few weeks
Black Friday and Cyber Monday	Friday November 27 to Monday November 30, 2026	Moderate to strong	All segments; strong financing offers; many manufacturers run their own Black Friday events
Year-end push	Roughly December 22 to 31, 2026	Deepest of the year (outgoing)	Edmunds reports December carries the year's highest average discount off MSRP (around 6% market-wide), with the deepest deals in the final days (Edmunds)
End of Q4	Thursday December 31, 2026	Compounds year-end	Dealer annual quota close aligns with year-end clearance

Federal holiday dates from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management confirm Labor Day (September 7) and Thanksgiving (November 26) for 2026.

For buyers targeting the deepest discount, Labor Day weekend is roughly 7 weeks away and delivers the biggest single holiday event; the last week of December is roughly 23 weeks away and delivers the year's deepest window. For outgoing model-year inventory specifically, the cleanest sweet spot is October to December, once new models have been on the lot for a couple of months.

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What actually drives the discount

Dealer pricing is driven by four overlapping cycles, and the best times to buy are when three or four of them line up.

Cycle 1: Dealer monthly quotas. Manufacturers pay dealers volume bonuses (often called stair-step programs) that only activate when the dealership hits a monthly unit count. If a store is a few units short late in the month, the back-end value of moving those last cars can be meaningful for the dealer, which is why the last few days of any month tend to carry extra room. End of quarter compounds the effect (March, June, September). End of year compounds it further. The exact figures are deal-specific rather than a fixed percentage (Edmunds).

Cycle 2: Model-year inventory. US new-car model years typically introduce the next year's models between roughly July and October (some brands earlier). Once the new model year is on the lot, the outgoing model year becomes harder to finance and harder to sell at full sticker. Dealers and manufacturers add cash incentives to clear outgoing inventory. The deepest discounts on outgoing model years generally appear in late summer through December, with the cleanest sweet spot once the new model has been on the lot for a couple of months and the outgoing inventory is genuinely surplus (Edmunds).

Cycle 3: Holiday promotional calendar. Manufacturers fund promotional events tied to US holiday weekends. The biggest, broadly in order of dealer intensity: Labor Day (widely cited as the year's biggest single auto-sale event), Memorial Day, July 4, Presidents Day, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and the year-end push. Holiday weekends combine manufacturer cash with dealer-funded discounts (Kelley Blue Book).

Cycle 4: Financing rate cycles. Captive lenders (Toyota Financial, Ford Credit, GM Financial, Honda Financial, etc.) run promotional 0% APR and low-APR offers tied to inventory pressure. These are usually advertised during major holiday weekends. When manufacturer-subvented rates are well below market bank rates, the implicit savings over the life of a loan can be substantial, often the largest single lever on a new-car deal, though the exact amount depends on loan size, term, and the gap between the subvented and market rate.

The honest takeaway: the best deal isn't always the biggest sticker discount. It's the combination of discount, manufacturer cash, financing subvention, and trade-in value. End of December is often the cleanest single window because all four cycles tend to align.

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The month-by-month breakdown

Discount ranges below are directional estimates drawn from industry guidance, not guaranteed figures. Actual savings vary by segment, brand, region, inventory, and how short the dealer is of its targets. For broad market trends over time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks new- and used-vehicle price levels in its Consumer Price Index (BLS).

Window	Typical discount off MSRP (directional)	What's on sale	Best for new or used	Notes
January (post-holiday)	Low	Slow inventory, last outgoing model year cars	New (outgoing)	Showrooms quiet, but most outgoing inventory already cleared
February (Presidents Day)	Modest	All segments	New	Manufacturer cash often strong on sedans and small SUVs
March (end of Q1)	Modest	All segments	New	End-of-quarter dealer pressure builds toward the 31st
April	Low	Slow window	Used (tax-refund demand peaks)	New car prices firm; used car prices firm
May (Memorial Day)	Moderate	Trucks, SUVs, summer-driving segments	New	Tier-1 holiday weekend; truck and SUV cash incentives
June (end of Q2)	Modest	All segments	New	Quarter close adds extra room beyond list
July (July 4)	Moderate	Outgoing model year starts	New	Some brands roll new models in July
August (model-year changeover)	Moderate to strong (outgoing)	Outgoing model year aggressively cleared	New (outgoing)	First sweet spot for outgoing inventory
September (Labor Day)	Strong	All segments, especially outgoing	New	Widely cited as year's biggest single holiday sale; financing subvention common
October	Moderate to strong (outgoing); modest (current)	Outgoing model year, used	Used (prices soften); new (outgoing)	Used market softens before holiday trade-in flow
November (Black Friday / Cyber Monday)	Moderate to strong	All segments, online tools push	New	Strong financing offers; many manufacturers run their own Black Friday
December (year-end push)	Deepest of the year (outgoing); modest (current)	Outgoing model year; luxury year-end push	New	Last week of December is generally the year's deepest window; Edmunds reports December's highest average discount off MSRP (~6% across the market)

For used cars specifically, the seasonality is closer to inverse, prices generally firm in spring and soften into fall/early winter (Edmunds, CarEdge):

Window	Used car price level	Why
Late January to April	Higher	Tax refunds drive demand, especially in lower-price segments
May to August	Moderate	Demand softens after tax season
September into early winter	Lower	Pre-holiday trade-in flow expands supply; demand weak
Late November to December	Moderate	Year-end trade-ins fresh on lots, but holiday demand returns

For EVs in 2026, the federal incentive layer that previously shaped timing has been removed:

Factor	Detail
Federal Clean Vehicle Credit (new, Section 30D)	Repealed for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025; not available in 2026 (IRS)
Federal Clean Vehicle Credit (used, Section 25E)	Repealed for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025; not available in 2026 (IRS)
Point-of-sale transfer	Ended with the credit; the dealer point-of-sale discount mechanism no longer applies in 2026
State / regional incentives	Vary widely and change frequently; some programs are income-restricted or have closed (for example, California's statewide Clean Vehicle Rebate Project stopped taking new applications in 2023). Confirm current eligibility with your state's program
Manufacturer EV cash	Many automakers still add their own EV cash, especially in Q4, this is separate from any government credit
Eligibility	Always confirm any current federal, state, or local incentive directly with the relevant authority before counting on it

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Match the window to your purchase

Match your buying profile to the right window.

Buyer profile	Best window	Why
New car, any segment, flexible timing	Last week of December	Generally the deepest year-end discount; outgoing model year stacked with manufacturer cash
New car, need it within 6 weeks	Labor Day weekend	Widely cited as the biggest single holiday sale; broad inventory still on lot
New car, need it within 2 weeks any time of year	Last few days of the month	Dealer-side room from quota pressure (amount varies)
Outgoing model year, max discount	October to December	Cleanest combination of model-year discount and end-of-year close
Truck or SUV buyer	Memorial Day or July 4	Truck and SUV manufacturer cash often peaks heading into summer
Luxury car buyer	Last week of December	Luxury brands tend to push year-end clearance hardest (BMW, Mercedes, Audi)
Used car buyer, max value	Fall into early winter	Used prices generally soften; trade-in flow adds inventory
Used car buyer, tax-refund cash in hand	Plan for fall instead	Spring tax-refund demand tends to firm prices; cash buyers often do better later in the year
EV buyer	Treat the deal on its own merits	No federal credit in 2026; check for any current state/regional program and manufacturer EV cash
EV buyer relying on incentives	Confirm before committing	Federal credit is gone; remaining programs vary by state and may be income-restricted
First-time buyer with credit-union financing	End of month, any month	Captive subvention less relevant; focus on dealer quota
Trade-in heavy buyer	Late spring	Trade-in values tend to peak when used demand peaks; offset against new MSRP
Cash buyer, no trade-in	Late December	Pure discount window; financing subvention irrelevant

The biggest mistake US buyers make is buying in a slow month (such as March, April, or June) because they wanted the new car "now," instead of waiting for the next major window. Edmunds notes the difference between buying in a slow stretch versus late December can run into the low thousands of dollars off the sticker, depending on the vehicle (Edmunds).

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What this looks like in practice

In practice, here is roughly how the math plays out for three 2026 US buyers. These are illustrative scenarios, not guaranteed outcomes, every real deal depends on local inventory, dealer staffing, your credit profile, and the manufacturer programs running at the time.

Buyer A: Family of 4 in Ohio, replacing a 2018 minivan with a current-generation midsize SUV (MSRP around $42,000). Buying on December 28 with a Labor Day backup. Late in December, the dealer may be sitting on several outgoing-model-year units, carrying a manufacturer cash incentive, a low captive-financing rate, and pressure to hit a stair-step bonus. The combination of year-end discount, incentive, and subvented financing can add up to several thousand dollars of total economic value versus a slower month, but the exact figures vary by store and program.

Buyer B: Single buyer in Texas, around $32,000 compact pickup. Wants it for an April road trip. Two options: buy at end of Q1 (quota pressure) or wait until Memorial Day. End-of-quarter pressure can shave a few hundred dollars off mid-month sticker; a Memorial Day truck promotion (manufacturer cash plus low-rate captive financing) often saves more, at the cost of a multi-week wait. Whether the wait is worth it depends on the specific offers live at the time.

Buyer C: California buyer interested in a roughly $48,000 EV. In 2026 there is no federal Clean Vehicle Credit to claim, and California's statewide CVRP has closed, so the buyer should not assume an automatic $7,500 federal benefit or a statewide rebate. The realistic levers are manufacturer EV cash (often strongest in Q4), any low-rate subvented financing, and any current regional or income-qualified program the buyer separately confirms. The effective savings come from those dealer- and manufacturer-funded levers, not from the repealed federal credit.

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The 2026 windows, side by side

Directional 2026 numbers for a US car buyer sizing up the remaining calendar windows. Discount ranges are industry-guidance estimates, not guaranteed savings; actual figures depend on segment, brand, region, and inventory.

Window	2026 dates	Typical off-MSRP range (new, directional)	Financing subvention likely?	Best for
Model-year changeover	Rolling August 2026	3 to 8 percent (outgoing)	Sometimes	Outgoing inventory buyers who want early pick
Labor Day weekend	Friday September 4 to Monday September 7, 2026	4 to 8 percent (broad)	Yes (0 to 3.9 percent APR common)	Broad-market buyers wanting biggest single holiday event
End of Q3	Wednesday September 30, 2026	Additive dealer-quota room	Sometimes	Buyers stacking Labor Day plus quarter-end
Black Friday and Cyber Monday	Friday November 27 to Monday November 30, 2026	3 to 6 percent (broad)	Yes on select brands	Financing-driven buyers, luxury shoppers
Year-end push (final week)	Tuesday December 22 to Thursday December 31, 2026	5 to 8 percent market average (Edmunds ~6 percent avg for December); deepest on outgoing model year	Yes (deepest subvention of the year on some models)	Cash and outgoing model-year buyers
End of Q4	Thursday December 31, 2026	Compounds year-end	Yes	Buyers layering annual quota with year-end

Note: Edmunds reports December carries the year's highest average discount off MSRP; the deepest individual deals typically appear in the final days of the month (Edmunds). All figures are directional.

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Worked example: buying a $42,000 midsize SUV in Q4 2026

Take a US buyer who wants a current-generation, mid-trim midsize SUV with MSRP roughly USD 42,000. Two candidate windows in the second half of 2026.

• Labor Day weekend 2026 (September 4 to 7). Advertised holiday incentive of USD 2,000 manufacturer cash plus a subvented 2.9 percent 60-month APR (against a market bank rate of roughly 6.5 percent for prime credit in mid-2026). Dealer-side room on the outgoing model year runs another USD 1,000 to USD 2,000 depending on how short the store is of monthly quota. Net effective savings on a 60-month loan: roughly USD 3,000 to USD 4,000 in discount plus USD 2,500 to USD 3,500 in financing subvention (savings over the life of the loan versus the market rate). Total economic value versus a mid-summer paid-cash purchase: roughly USD 5,500 to USD 7,500.

• Year-end push, final week of December 2026 (December 22 to 31). If the buyer waits, the outgoing model year has been on sale for four to five months and dealer annual bonuses hit their close. Advertised year-end incentive of USD 3,000 to USD 4,000 manufacturer cash, subvented 0 to 1.9 percent APR on select models, and dealer-side room of USD 1,500 to USD 3,000 on outgoing units the store wants off the lot before year-end reporting. Net effective savings on a 60-month loan: roughly USD 4,500 to USD 7,000 in discount plus USD 3,500 to USD 4,500 in financing subvention. Total economic value versus a mid-summer paid-cash purchase: roughly USD 8,000 to USD 11,500.

The gap between Labor Day and year-end on a USD 42,000 vehicle typically runs USD 1,500 to USD 4,000 in the buyer's favor if they can wait, assuming the specific model is still available in outgoing configuration and the buyer's credit qualifies for the deepest subvention. If the buyer cannot wait, Labor Day is the strongest available window.

For a used car buyer targeting the same segment as a 2 to 3 year old certified pre-owned vehicle, the fall-into-winter softening in used prices (Edmunds) typically adds another USD 800 to USD 2,000 of downside if the buyer waits from Labor Day into December.

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When this does NOT apply

• Hot-selling models with no discount. Constrained-supply vehicles (limited-run sports cars, certain trims of popular hybrids, the most in-demand truck configurations) sell at MSRP or above year-round. No calendar window helps; some buyers pay over sticker. Examples in 2026 include the most sought-after hybrid SUVs and several specialty truck trims.
• EV incentive shifts. Federal EV purchase credits ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, and state programs change frequently, some have closed, and others are income-restricted. Always confirm what (if anything) you actually qualify for with the IRS and your state's program on the day of purchase, not the day you start shopping (IRS).
• Used car market spikes. Used car pricing can swing on macro events (chip shortages in 2021 to 2023 broke the seasonal pattern entirely). The seasonal calendar applies in normal markets only; if there is a fresh supply shock, ignore the seasonality.
• Lease-end timing. If you have a current lease ending in March, the financial cost of running it several months to September can exceed the savings from waiting for Labor Day. Calculate lease excess-mileage exposure and per-day extension cost first.
• You need a specific color, trim, or option package. Calendar windows help if you have flexibility on configuration. If you must have a specific build, you may need to order from the factory, in which case dealer quota pressure is less relevant and pricing follows MSRP minus a smaller dealer-side discount.
• Brand-specific calendars. A few brands operate on their own promotional rhythms (some luxury brands run their biggest promotions in summer, not winter). Confirm the brand's actual promotional pattern with 2 to 3 years of historical data before committing to a window.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the single best day to buy a car in the US in 2026?

Industry analyses point to the end of December, especially the last few days of the month. Year-end clearance, outgoing model-year inventory pressure, manufacturer cash incentives, dealer annual quota close, and a slow showroom all converge. Edmunds reports December carries the year's highest average discount off MSRP (roughly 6% across the market), with the deepest individual deals in the final days; exact savings vary by segment and brand (Edmunds). The next best window is widely cited as Labor Day weekend in early September.

Does end-of-month timing still work in 2026?

Generally yes, though often smaller than buyers assume. The last few days of any month tend to carry extra dealer-side negotiating room from manufacturer stair-step bonus pressure. End of quarter (March, June, September) compounds it; end of year is strongest. The exact amount is deal-specific, not a fixed percentage (Edmunds).

Is Labor Day or Memorial Day a better window?

Labor Day is widely cited as the bigger event. It lines up with the start of outgoing model-year clearance, and showroom intensity (and dealer willingness to negotiate) is typically higher than Memorial Day (Kelley Blue Book). Memorial Day is the better window mainly for trucks and SUVs heading into summer driving season.

When are used cars cheapest?

Generally in the fall into early winter in normal markets. Industry data shows used prices tend to firm in spring during tax-refund season and soften as new-car holiday promotions push trade-ins onto used lots (Edmunds, CarEdge).

Is the federal EV tax credit really up to $7,500 in 2026?

No. The Clean Vehicle Credit (up to $7,500 new under Section 30D and up to $4,000 used under Section 25E) was repealed by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act and is not available for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. The IRS confirms the New Clean Vehicle Credit is not available for vehicles acquired after that date, so there is no federal credit and no point-of-sale transfer for 2026 purchases (IRS).

Does the EV credit stack with state incentives?

There is no longer a federal EV purchase credit to stack against. Some states still run their own EV programs, but they vary widely, change frequently, and several are income-restricted or have closed (for example, California's statewide Clean Vehicle Rebate Project stopped taking new applications in 2023). Confirm current eligibility with your state's program at time of purchase.

Should I lease or buy if I'm timing the calendar?

Calendar timing matters for both, but for different reasons. On a purchase, year-end discount and financing subvention dominate. On a lease, residual value forecasts and money factor matter more, and lease deals often peak alongside holiday promotions (Labor Day, year-end). With the federal credit repealed in 2026, prior "lease cash" pass-through of the federal EV credit no longer applies; any EV lease incentive now comes from the manufacturer, not the government.

How much room is there to negotiate beyond advertised discounts?

On most non-hot models, a little additional room beyond the advertised holiday discount is often realistic with end-of-month pressure and a willing-to-walk posture; on hot models, typically none. On luxury at year-end, somewhat more room on outgoing inventory is sometimes available if the dealer is short of the annual bonus. Treat any specific percentage as directional, not guaranteed.

Which US car-sale windows have already happened in 2026?

As of mid-July 2026, four dealer-promotion windows have already fired: Presidents Day (February 16), Memorial Day weekend (ending May 25), Father's Day (June 21), and July 4 weekend. Presidents Day and Memorial Day carried above-average manufacturer cash on sedans and small SUVs. Memorial Day is widely cited as tier-2 for trucks and SUVs heading into summer driving. July 4 combined moderate holiday cash with early outgoing-model-year signals at some brands. End-of-quarter dealer pressure also compounded on March 31 and June 30 within any dealer's monthly quota calendar.

When are the remaining 2026 car-sale windows?

Four major windows remain in 2026: model-year changeover (August, first sweet spot for outgoing inventory as new model years arrive on lots), Labor Day weekend (September 4 to 7, widely cited as the biggest single US holiday auto-sale event of the year), Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November 27 to 30, moderate-to-strong on all segments with strong financing offers), and the year-end push (December 22 to 31, generally the deepest single window when year-end clearance, manufacturer cash, dealer annual quota, and a quiet showroom converge). End-of-quarter dealer pressure also compounds on September 30 and December 31.

How do I earn cashback on car-adjacent purchases through ShopBack?

Activate ShopBack, then click through to the retailer's ShopBack merchant page before starting your order. For tires, batteries, wiper blades, and interior accessories, use Amazon, Walmart, Sam's Club, or Home Depot. For dash cams, GPS units, and in-car electronics, use Best Buy or Amazon. Cashback tracks on eligible order value at the current published rate.

Does the car purchase itself earn ShopBack cashback?

Typically no. New- and used-vehicle purchases at franchise dealers, auction platforms, and direct-from-manufacturer sites are generally not eligible for ShopBack cashback. Cashback usually applies to eligible online product orders at ShopBack retail partners, not to vehicle sales, dealer financing, or lease originations. Check the current terms on any auto-adjacent merchant page before assuming eligibility.

Which US car-adjacent retailers earn cashback through ShopBack?

The main US car-adjacent partners on ShopBack are Amazon, Walmart, Sam's Club, Best Buy, and Home Depot. These cover tires and batteries at Sam's Club and Walmart, in-car electronics at Best Buy and Amazon, and detailing supplies at Home Depot. Selection and rates change through the year; verify the live merchant page before purchasing.

Can I stack ShopBack cashback with a Sam's Club or Walmart tire promotion?

Generally yes. Merchant-side tire and battery promotions are applied at checkout regardless of how you route the online session, and ShopBack cashback tracks separately on the eligible order amount when you click through the merchant link. The two stack on the same purchase. Installation fees may or may not qualify for cashback; verify current terms on the Sam's Club or Walmart merchant page before checkout.

How much cashback should I expect on a $600 set of tires?

Cashback depends on the retailer, the current published rate, and any category-specific caps on tires. On a $600 tire order routed through Sam's Club, Walmart, or Amazon, cashback typically lands in the low-single-digit-percentage range at the published rate, subject to any category cap. ShopBack does not guarantee a flat rate; check the live rate and any category cap on the merchant page before checkout.

Do ShopBack cashback rates change during Black Friday auto-accessory sales?

Sometimes yes. Around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Amazon Prime Day (July and October), and Labor Day, retailers occasionally boost ShopBack cashback on car-adjacent categories and occasionally cap or reduce rates on deeply discounted SKUs. Whether a category is included in the elevated rate is set per merchant per event. Watch the Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy ShopBack pages in the run-up to each event window.

Can I earn cashback on auto insurance or refinance through ShopBack?

Depends on the current ShopBack financial-services offer at the time. Some auto-insurance quote flows and refinance-lead pages have historically earned cashback when routed through ShopBack; availability changes month to month and by state. Check the ShopBack homepage and any auto-adjacent financial-services listings for current live offers. Read the merchant terms carefully before submitting an application; some offers require policy binding or loan funding to trigger cashback.

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Key takeaways

• Industry analyses point to the last week of December as generally the deepest discount window; Edmunds reports December carries the year's highest average discount off MSRP (around 6% across the market), with the deepest deals in the final days
• Labor Day weekend in early September is widely cited as the biggest holiday sale event, often paired with subvented financing
• Memorial Day, July 4, Presidents Day, and Black Friday / Cyber Monday are tier-2 windows with above-average promotion intensity
• The last few days of any month add dealer-quota room; end of quarter and end of year compound it (the exact amount varies)
• Outgoing model-year inventory is generally cheapest from October to December once new models have been on the lot a couple of months
• Used car prices generally firm in spring (tax-refund season) and soften into the fall and early winter
• The federal Clean Vehicle Credit (new and used) was repealed for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, and is not available in 2026, there is no federal point-of-sale transfer to time around
• Any remaining EV help comes from state/regional programs (which vary, change often, and may be income-restricted) or manufacturer EV cash; always confirm current eligibility
• Hot-selling models bypass the calendar entirely and sell at or above MSRP year-round
• Stack ShopBack cashback on auto loans, refinances, and insurance signups to compound calendar timing with rebate flow

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• Best US Credit Cards for Travel Rewards and Cashback in 2026
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• US 2026 Sale Calendar: Memorial Day, July 4, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, What to Buy When

Sources

• Edmunds, When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car? (December as the best month; end-of-month and fall/winter used-car timing)
• Edmunds, Best Car Deals and Incentives (December's highest average discount off MSRP; incentive trends)
• Kelley Blue Book, Labor Day Shapes Up as the Ultimate Shopper's Weekend (Labor Day as the biggest holiday sale event)
• CarEdge, The Best Time To Buy A Used Car (used-car seasonality into fall/winter)
• IRS, Credits for new clean vehicles purchased in 2023 or after (New Clean Vehicle Credit not available for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025)
• IRS, FAQs on the One, Big, Beautiful Bill modifications to sections 25E, 30D, 45W and others (repeal of the new and used clean vehicle credits)
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index (new- and used-vehicle price-level trends over time)

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Disclaimer

The views and recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author.

Federal and state tax credit eligibility, qualifying vehicle lists, income caps, MSRP caps, manufacturer incentives, dealer financing offers, and used car market conditions are subject to change. Notably, the federal Clean Vehicle Credit was repealed for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. Please verify details directly with the IRS, your state's energy or motor vehicle department, the dealer, and the relevant manufacturer or lender before signing.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional tax or financial advice. Calendar timing improves the average transaction, but every individual deal depends on local inventory, dealer staffing, your credit profile, and current manufacturer programs at the time of purchase. Discount percentages cited are directional industry estimates, not guarantees.

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