AUTO LOANS

We Make it Easy to Get an Auto Loan

The car-buying process comes with many choices, packages, and upgrades – but your main question is likely: How much can I afford? Auto dealers may ask you what your preferred monthly payment is, but auto financing is about more than just monthly costs. At FFCCU, we consider the whole picture of you as a person, not just your credit score, and work hard to provide you with an auto loan payment that fits your budget at the lowest interest rate possible. We offer competitive rates, flexible lending terms, online banking, and it is easy to apply! Check out our options and learn more about the benefits of working with FFCCU.

KUDOS!

Get Pre-Approved

Take the guesswork out of the car buying process — and save time at the dealership — by getting approval for an auto loan before you go car shopping. Preapprovals allow you to tell dealers upfront how much car you can afford and that you’ve secured financing to make a deal happen quickly. Plus, pre-approvals help set your mind at ease, knowing you’re making a sound financial decision when purchasing a vehicle. Your preapproval from FFCCU will include details on all loan terms, including the length of the loan, type of car (new or used), and expected down payment.

What’s the Best Way to Shop For & Compare Car Loans?

When it comes to shopping for a car loan, not all financing options fit everyone’s budget. Whether you’re looking for a new car, a used car, or want to refinance your current ride, Firefighters Community Credit Union offers great rates, flexible terms, and our signature stellar customer service. What does that mean for you? What you may consider bad credit may not be an issue. We’ll do our best to get you into a reasonable vehicle loan without unfair interest rates. And if you have great credit, our auto loan rates will reward you for staying on top of your finances. Our personalized customer service will help you navigate every step of the process and talk you through all of your options and budget considerations.

What Types of Auto Loans Are Available?

Auto Loans come in all shapes and sizes. Did you know?

  • Your maximum loan repayment terms can be as long as 84 months or as little as 24. This minimum loan term will result in higher monthly payments but can save you on the interest you pay.
  • New car loans and used car loans are two of the different types of auto financing options that are available. New car loans often have lower rates. However, used cars are often less expensive – meaning you’ll finance less.
  • Applicant eligibility often includes several factors, including income and credit score. Your annual income can determine how quickly you’ll qualify, but at FFCCU, we look at the whole person when creating a loan package. Whether you have excellent credit or bad credit history, we can help.

The FFCCU Car Loan Application Process

Did you know that you can start the application process online? In fact, the entire process can be handled remotely – online and over the phone. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Fill out an online application, including how much you want to borrow and what type of car (new or used) you’re hoping to purchase.
  2. We’ll review your credit history and reach out with any questions. It should only take a day or two.
  3. After you’re approved, you can start shopping or finalize your purchase.
  4. You’ll receive information on the repayment process, including how to set up automatic monthly payments through our convenient EasyPay, which may lower your interest rate by 0.25%.

How Credit History Can Determine Your Interest Rate

Whether you’re applying for a new or used car loan, there are a number of things you should and shouldn’t do before you apply.

Do: 

  • Dispute errors reflected on your credit report
  • Make payments on time
  • Try to lower your outstanding balances

Don't:

  • Take out any new debt ahead of your auto loan application
  • While these steps are not guaranteed to make an impact quickly, they could improve your chances of credit approval.

Want a Little Extra Help in the Car-Buying Process?

Our friends at Enterprise Car Sales can help you find a great used car at an affordable price. Enterprise offers a wide variety of gently used cars, and all purchases are haggle-free. The price you see is the price you pay. Plus, their cars come backed with Enterprise Car Sales. They may even be able to help you with the registration process.

Members can also visit one of our dealership partners. Simply visit their store, pick out your vehicle and obtain your financing through FFCCU right there, on site!

Current Auto Loan Rates

As one of your local auto loan lenders, we understand the current car-buying environment and how it can affect car loan rates in Ohio. If you’re looking to refinance, we can also help you maximize your budget and minimize your monthly payments. Just ask!

As of October 15, 2024
TypeInterest RateAPR**
New
Current and previous model year vehicle, never taxed or titled, with less than 1,000 miles
as low as 6.42%*6.52%**
Pre-owned / Used
newer than 7 years.
as low as 6.92%*7.02%**
Pre-owned / Used
7 model years and older
as low as 7.92%*8.02%**
*Approval and rates based on credit worthiness, number of years the loan is financed, amount financed, age of collateral and other qualifying criteria. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older, and elegible for membership. New car definition: Current and previous model year, never titled and has less than 1000 miles on it. FFCCU may consider a car loan refinance as a “new” auto loan if the vehicle being refinanced is within one year of original purchase date and member is the original owner. Rates quoted reflect .25% discount for EasyPAY (to qualify for EasyPAY, enroll in Online Banking with e-Statements, Direct Deposit at least $200 per month, sign up for Auto Pay for loan payments). Higher rate may be offered upon approval. The Ohio laws against discrimination require that all creditors make credit equally available to all creditworthy customers and that credit reporting agencies maintain separate credit histories on each individual upon request. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission administers compliance with this law. Contact FFCCU at 800.621.4644 for details and current rates as they are subject to change at any time and without notice.
**APR based on $40,000 financed for 48 months, with qualifying credit, including loan processing fee of $75. Other terms & conditions may apply.

FAQs about Auto Loans

We’re just a phone call or text away. Reach out to us at 216-621-4644 with any questions you have, including loan status.

Interest rates change monthly. Once you take out a loan, that rate will lock in. To find out our current rates, call us at 216-621-4644 or check out our auto loan rate sheet. Rates are updated on the 15th of each month.

Your auto loan account number will be listed in your online banking account. If you’ve forgotten your online banking login or help registering for online banking, call or text us at 216-621-4644, and we’d be happy to help.

It definitely pays to shop around to look for a loan partner that offers not only competitive rates, but also treats you personally. At FFCCU we pride ourselves in offering low rates and looking at the whole person, not just their credit score. We do our best to provide lending options to who might not be able to get financed elsewhere.

There are several reasons you might want to consider refinancing your current auto loan:

  • 1) The rate on your current loan is significantly higher than the current rates being offered.
  • 2) You’ve improved your credit score and will now qualify for a better rate, or
  • 3) You’re looking to cash out the equity in your car.

Call or text us at 216-621-4644, and we’d be happy to talk through your options to determine if refinancing is right for you.

It depends on your needs. Car loans use your car as collateral, meaning you’ll typically benefit from a lower interest rate. Since personal loans don’t use anything as collateral, the risk is higher to the lender – so the interest rates are typically much higher.

Do you need to update your insurance information with us?

Please update your new and correct information through Allied Insurance.

Need assistance? Call us at 216.621.4644 for help!

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