[themitigating]

If you finance a car through a bank the bank owns the car, they have the title (US).

[falcolas]

No (or rather, I have never seen this where I live in the US), they have a lien on the title. You still have the title.

Source: Trying to get a bank to remove the lien after it’s fully paid off can be a real source of frustration.

[kube-system]

You will be listed as the owner on the title but it is not uncommon for the bank to physically hold the title.

The way all of this works varies by state though. Some states issue a title electronically when the lien is released.

[zdragnar]

That varies by state. Where I live, the financing institution with the lien keeps the title until it is paid off.

Kinda nice when you trade in a car you still owe a bit of money on, as you don't really need to bring anything with you other than the key and your drivers license; the dealer does all the work getting it cleared and transferred.

[FireBeyond]

In nine states, this is not the case. The buyer has possession of the title (or electronic), and the bank has a lien on the vehicle.

[maxerickson]

My credit union has a lien on my car. The title is in my name.

I guess it's different mostly in name though, they still have strong rights to the vehicle.

[jsjohnst]

Only if it’s a lease, if you have a standard loan YOU are the titled owner and the bank is a lien holder on the title.