Buying a car is a major financial milestone, and while most people default to dealership financing, your local credit union might actually be the smartest way to get behind the wheel. Because they are member-owned and not-for-profit, credit unions typically return their "earnings" to members in the form of lower interest rates and better service.
: Some may require you to have an account for a certain period before you can access the best loan rates.
: Dealerships often mark up the interest rates provided by their lenders (a legal practice sometimes called dealer reserve) to make a profit. A credit union loan bypasses this "gotcha". 3. Use Car-Buying Services
Here is how to navigate the car-buying process with a credit union loan. 1. Join a Credit Union
Many credit unions partner with services like TrueCar to offer exclusive discounts. Auto Loan Preapproval Process - Navy Federal Credit Union
Unlike big banks, credit unions require membership. Eligibility is often based on where you live, where you work, or organizations you belong to.
: With a pre-approved rate in your pocket, you can challenge the dealer to beat it. If they can’t, you already have the best deal secured.
