auto loans
For a limited-time new purchase and refinance rates start as low as 2.99% APY for 36 months.1
finance new and used vehicles
start your engine!
Thinking about buying or refinancing your vehicle? There’s no better time to make your move. Lock in auto loan rates as low as 2.99% APR for 36 months1 when you set up autopay from your United checking account. It’s a simple way to save more while getting behind the wheel of something new (or lowering your current payment). But don’t wait—this limited-time offer is only available through August. If a car is on your summer to-do list, let’s get it checked off.
No matter what kind of car you’ve had your eye on, now is the time to shift your search from look to buy. Get an auto loan from United today and take advantage of these special offers. With no application or processing fees, we help you focus on what’s important - enjoying the ride in your vehicle.
auto loan features & perks
When it comes to auto loan financing, we know you have plenty of options—from national banks and other credit unions to dealership financing. But not all lenders are built the same. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the top reasons Members choose United as their trusted lending partner.
auto loan calculators
Buying a vehicle is a big decision, and our auto loan calculators are here to help. Whether you’re looking at a new or used vehicle, estimating monthly payments, or comparing loan options, these tools give you the confidence to make smart choices.
auto loan FAQs
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all minimum, borrowers are generally considered for an auto loan at United Federal Credit Union with a credit score of 610 or higher. That said, approval isn't guaranteed nor based on your score alone and all loans are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may influence a decision include:
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
- Requested loan amount and term
- Presence of a co-applicant or joint owner
- Income and employment stability
- Membership relationship (new vs. existing member)
Not quite where you want your credit score to be? Connect with a member of Team United—we’re here to help you build a plan and work toward strengthening your credit profile.
No—while lending guidelines vary at different institutions, United Federal Credit Union allows you in some cases to borrow up to 110% of a vehicle’s value¹ (loan-to-value, or LTV). That means, if approved, you may be able to finance your vehicle purchase without putting any money down.
[1] A premium of 0.00%-1.00% applies to loans with 100% Loan to Value (LTV) or higher, varying by credit score and Loan to Value (LTV).
Absolutely! United offers financing for both new and used vehicles. Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private party, we’ve got you covered. Please note that available term lengths and interest rates may vary based on the vehicle’s model year and mileage.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s financial situation is different, but a good rule of thumb is to keep your monthly car payment between 10%–15% of your take‑home (net) income.
- For example, if your take‑home pay is $4,500 per month, a comfortable car payment would typically fall between $450 and $675 per month.
Ready to crunch the numbers? Check out our How Much Car Can I Afford? calculator or other auto-related calculators.
To request a pre‑approval, simply complete an auto loan application—online, over the phone, or at any United branch.
During the application, you don’t need to have a specific vehicle selected. Instead, indicate that you’re still shopping and provide an estimated loan amount and preferred term.
Once submitted, United will review your application within one business day using your personal information, credit profile, income, and other qualifying factors. If approved, you’ll receive a pre‑approval letter outlining your approved loan range and validity period—so you can shop with confidence and take it with you to the dealership.
If United issues you a pre-approval letter, it’s valid for up to 30 days, while your approved application remains active for up to 60 days.
United offers flexible loan terms to fit virtually any budget, ranging from up to 36 to 84 months. Keep in mind that longer terms—those over 60 months—have model year eligibility requirements, but they’re reasonable to meet.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as everyone’s financial situation is different.
Generally speaking, shorter loan terms tend to come with lower interest rates and result in less interest paid over the life of the loan—making them the better option for saving money overall. However, they also come with higher monthly payments.
On the flip side, while longer-term loans typically carry higher interest rates and greater total cost, they offer lower monthly payments, which can provide more flexibility within your budget.
Ultimately, it comes down to a trade-off between overall cost savings and monthly payment flexibility.
We recommend it—yes. Getting pre-approved is a smart move because it:
- Clarifies your budget upfront so you know exactly what you can afford
- Speeds up the buyingand financingprocess
- Overall, a smoother buying process
When you’re pre‑approved, United will provide you with a pre‑approval letter—especially helpful if you’re shopping at one of United’s dealer partners. At the time of pre‑approval, you’ll also receive a list of these partner dealerships in your local area.
While you’re free to purchase from any dealer, choosing a United partner can often help streamline and expedite the car‑buying process.
No—there’s no fee to apply for an auto loan at United, whether you apply online, in-branch, or over the phone.
Not necessarily—approval largely depends on your overall financial profile, including your credit history, income, and length of membership.
If you have limited credit history, a lower credit score, or a higher debt-to-income ratio, adding a co-signer or joint applicant can help strengthen your application, improve your chances of approval, or potentially qualify you for a better interest rate—though it’s not guaranteed.
If you’d like to understand how a co-signer or joint applicant could impact your specific situation, we’re always happy to take a closer look and walk you through your options.
Simply put, loan-to-value (LTV) is a ratio that compares how much you’re borrowing to the value of the vehicle. To calculate an LTV ratio, divide your loan amount by vehicle value. For example, if your vehicle is valued at $25,000 and you borrow $20,000, your LTV would be 80%.
At United, we offer auto loans up to 110% LTV². If approved, this allows you to include taxes, dealer fees, and other eligible costs directly in your loan when needed.
[2] A premium of 0.00%-1.00% applies to loans with 100% Loan to Value (LTV) or higher, varying by credit score and Loan to Value (LTV).
At United, you have several convenient options for making your auto loan payments:
- Digital Banking – The easiest and most convenient method. After logging in, select “Move Money” from the left navigation, then click “Pay Loans.”
- In-Person – Visit any United branch location, and a team member will be happy to assist you with your payment.
- Over the Phone – Call our Member Service Center at (888) 982-1400.
Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET | Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET
- By Mail – Send check payments to:
United Federal Credit Union
PO Box 125
St. Joseph, MI 49085
- QuickPay® – Make a payment using a debit card or a checking/savings account from another financial institution. Please note: a $10 service fee applies to each QuickPay® transaction.
Absolutely not—United does not charge any prepayment penalties for paying ahead or paying off your auto loan early. In fact, if you’re in a position to do so, we encourage it, as it can help you save on interest over the life of the loan.
If you need to request a payoff amount for your loan here at United, it’s quick and convenient with several options to choose from:
- Digital Banking – Log in and select your loan, then navigate to the “Details & Settings” tab to view your Payoff Balance. Please note, this amount is accurate for the current day and updates daily to reflect accrued interest.
- By Phone – Give us a call at (888) 982-1400, and a member of Team United will be happy to provide you with an official auto loan payoff quote. Our Member Service Center is available Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET and Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET.
- Visit a Branch – Stop by any United branch location for in-person assistance. A team member can provide your payoff amount and walk you through next steps and payment options on the spot.
Yes. An extended warranty can be added to any eligible vehicle as long as you own the loan and a warranty is available for purchase, even if the loan has been paid off. The extended warranty can be purchased with cash or be financed through a refinance of the loan. Please be aware that if the vehicle is experiencing any issues prior to the purchase of the extended warranty, those issues may not be covered.
Yes, United Auto Loans can be used for new and used vehicles sold at dealerships, as well as private party purchases.
No. Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP), Depreciation Protection Waiver (DPW), and Mechanical Breakdown Protection (MBP) are typically financed into your loan upfront. As a result, your monthly payment is based on the full loan amount at origination, including the cost of these products.
Removing these coverages after the loan has been established will not lower your scheduled monthly payment. In some cases, any eligible refund may be applied to your loan balance, which could help you pay off the loan sooner, but it does not reduce your monthly payment obligation.
To potentially lower your monthly payment, you would need to refinance the loan—often by reducing the balance, securing a lower interest rate, or extending the loan term.
Because United is a credit union, you must be a Member to have a loan. The Membership Savings account—typically opened with a minimum $5 deposit—represents your ownership share in the credit union and is required to establish that membership, even if your auto loan was completed through a dealership.
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APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit approval. Rates accurate as of 6/1/2026 and are subject to change without notice.
[1] Advertised APR for well-qualified borrowers with 36-month term and all available discounts. Available APR varies by state, as low as 2.99% to as high as 18.00% APR (as high as 17.00% APR in Arkansas and Oklahoma) depending on credit performance, age of vehicle and terms of the loan. See all available rates. Payment Example: $20,000 at 2.99% APR for 36 months equals $581.54 per month. Advertised rates shown include a 0.50% rate discount below the base APR for 80% loan to value and 0.25% rate discount automatic payments from a United checking account. Some conditions apply. **A 0.25% premium will be added to model years 2021-2017. A 0.75% premium will be added to model years 2016 and older.
[2] A premium of 0.00%-1.00% applies to loans with 100% Loan to Value (LTV) or higher, varying by credit score and Loan to Value (LTV).
[3] A 0.25% interest rate discount is available when automatic payments are established from a United Checking account.
[4] Minimum loan amount of $25,000 or more for 84 month loans.
[5] Receive a rate discount of 0.50% on loans with Loan to Value (LTV) 80% or lower and a 0.25% rate discount on loans with Loan to Value (LTV) of 81-90%. Some restrictions apply.
[6] Debt Protection products are available independently of credit, are not a condition of credit, are provided by a third party partner and not insured by NCUA. You will receive additional information before you are required to pay for Debt Protection, which will include a copy of the contract containing the terms and conditions of Debt Protection. There are eligibility requirements, conditions and exclusions that could prevent you from receiving Debt Protection. See the contract for a full explanation of the terms and conditions of the program. First payment must be made within 90 days to be eligible for GAP coverage.