What factors affect my personal loan interest rate?

Your rate will be determined by several factors including your credit history and credit score, the length of the loan, and the amount borrowed. FFCCU also offers several different types of personal loans depending on your needs.

How can I qualify for the lowest personal loan rates at FFCCU?

A strong credit report, excellent credit history, and sufficient income can help you secure a lower personal loan rate. Also, loans with shorter repayment periods have lower rate ranges.

What is the typical loan term for personal loans at FFCCU?

We offer several different types of personal loans and can match the best loan with your unique situation. Personal loans are typically paid off between six to 60 months. Our emergency and holiday loans offer 12-month terms.

How do personal loan rates at FFCCU compare to traditional banks?

As a financial institution focused on serving members, our personal loan interest rates tend to be better than traditional lenders, ensuring a more affordable way to meet your financial goals.

Are there any fees associated with personal loans at FFCCU?

All loans require a nominal loan processing fee of $75. Additionally, rates are subject to change depending on the economic climate and financial markets.

Can I apply for a personal loan online or do I need to visit a branch?

We want to make it easy for you to apply for a personal loan. The application process can be completed online, over the phone or in one of our convenient branch locations.

How quickly can I get approved for a personal loan?

Once all information is submitted, we can let you know if your loan has been approved within a few days.

What can I use a personal loan for?

While a mortgage uses the home as collateral and an auto loan uses the car, a personal loan is not backed by any collateral – this is called an unsecured loan. This is why rates for personal loans tend to be higher than auto or home loans. Personal loans can be used to pay for college, education expenses, an emergency expense, or even fund a dream wedding.

Personal Loans

Sometimes You Need a Bit of Extra Cash for Something Personal.

That’s why we offer Personal Loans! Maybe you’re trying to pay down debt, or need help with tuition. Maybe you’d like to finance a special purchase like an engagement ring. Well, whatever personal lending need you have, FFCCU can help find the right loan for you.

KUDOS!

The quick response was A-1. The respect was apparent, and the knowledge? –muah!– [chef’s kiss] Thanks to the North Ridgeville Branch team!

-Kim M.

I love FFCCU! All of the convenience of a big bank with more personalized service. Friendly and helpful staff. A great financial partner! And I love how the credit union is member owned.

-Rachel

Once again, great service here! My membership goes back almost 40 years with Firefighters Community Credit Union. Never a disappointment.

-Dave

Anytime I have to call, I always end up speaking with the most friendly folks. They always help me and I feel like I’m truly being taken care of.

-Alexandra

Tiffany Zifcak worked with me on my recent home equity loan and did an amazing job. She made the process quick and easy for me. Will be using FFCCU for more of my financial needs in the future.

-Mike K.

Berto was awesome. I joined up today as a brand new member, and he helped in every possible way to make the process smooth and complete. Thanks, Berto!

-Karen

KUDOS to Laura Z. Thank you for all your time and help. All my issues were resolved. You are greatly appreciated!

-Donna H.

I had the pleasure of working with Tiffany Zifcak as I was selling one of my cars being financed by FFCCU. She stayed on top of all the details and parties involved. Tiffany is terrific: likable, trus...

-John G.

Thanks to Brian Velioniskis, our financial goals are back on track. He explained the options for setting up our home equity loan very clearly and made the process easy.

-Jeff C.

Our Financial Service Rep spoke with the travel agency directly to ensure payment for our dream vacation made the deadline. The process reaffirmed that FFCCU is the best credit union for us!

-The Freeborns

I cannot say enough good things about the individuals I have worked with – especially when my card number was stolen. The service I have had is why I have moved all my accounts to FFCCU. KUDOS!

-David H.

The loan process was quick and easy. One of the FFCCU teammates told me about loan options when I was at the branch – by the time I was home 10 minutes later – they had already checked in.

-John S.

More Kudos!

Estimate Your Loan Payment

Want to estimate your payment for a personal loan? Use this handy calculator:

Personal Loan Rates

As of August 13, 2026

Type	Interest Rate*	APR**
Signature Loan	as low as 11.00%*	11.40% APR**
Share Secured Loan	4.01%*	4.76% APR**
Emergency Loan	as low as 14.50%*	21.59% APR**
Rates based on credit history, number of years the loan is financed and the amount financed. 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 = Annual Percentage Rate. Signature loan APR based on $10,000 financed for 48 months, with qualifying credit, including loan processing fee of $75. Share secured loan APR based on $5,000 financed for 48 months with qualifying credit, including loan processing fee of $75. Emergency loan APR based on $2,000 financed for 12 months with qualifying credit, including loan processing fee of $75. Other terms & conditions may apply.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates based on credit history, number of years the loan is financed and the amount financed. Higher rate may be offered upon approval. Members must be 18 years of age or older. 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.

Bill Deighton

Bill has over 40 years of experience in credit unions and previously served as Chair of the Board of Directors for 30 years. Bill is a retired Captain of the Cleveland Fire Department. Along with his credit union experience, he has served for 16 years on the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund Board. He believes that credit unions are powered by providing the best customer service to members. Bill volunteers at St. Ambrose Parish and the Fire Museum renovation. Bill and his wife live in Brunswick and have two grown children.

Anthony Missig

Tony is honored to have been the current Board Director since 1999. He has been a credit union member of Cleveland Fire Fighter since 1988. Tony graduated with a BA degree in Business from Hiram College and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace College. He is currently an Assistant Chief with the Cleveland Fire Department.

Ben Laurendeau

Ben Laurendeau has been employed in the credit union industry since 1987 in a variety of positions. Ben has held the position of President/CEO with Firefighters Community Credit Union since January of 2005. Ben holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from Terra Community College, A Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Tiffin University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Baldwin Wallace University. Ben serves as a Director on the Ohio Credit Union League Services Corporation Board and serves on the Ohio Credit Union League Audit Committee.

Gary D. Arbeznik

Gary is a lifelong resident of Greater Cleveland and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2018. Many of his family members have served in the Cleveland Fire department and are long-time members of FFCCU. Gary holds a BA from Columbia College and a JD g from Cleveland State University. He has worked for both Cuyahoga County and the US Attorney’s office in Cleveland during his legal career. Now retired, Gary and his wife live in Lakewood.

Alyssa Garcia Evanoff

Alyssa Garcia Evanoff joined Firefighters Community Credit Union as the Chief Marketing Officer in February 2019. Alyssa has nearly two decades of experience in brand management and strategic marketing with a variety of organizations across the Greater Cleveland area. During her career, she has developed successful marketing and creative campaigns that have repositioned brand image and increased brand loyalty through emerging digital trends, content marketing and user experience strategy. Alyssa is a graduate of Miami University and sits on the board of the Cleveland chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

Jessica Bittner

Jessica Bittner joined FFCCU as a teller in 2009. In 2012 she was promoted to branch manager, and has managed multiple branches throughout the credit union. Jessica holds a Bachelors in Human Resource Management & Business Management, with a minor in accounting from Baldwin Wallace University. She was promoted to COO in 2021.

Kathleen Riggs

Kathleen Riggs joined FFCCU as Chief Retail Officer in 2013. Kathy has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years, holding a variety of positions. Kathleen received her bachelors degree in psychology from Kent State University and is a certified trainer of CUNA’s Creating Member Loyalty program.

Paul Humphrey

Paul Humphrey was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He joined FFCCU in 2017 as the Chief Lending Officer. Paul is a graduate of Kent State University. He holds the designation of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) from CUNA. Paul has managed lending programs in both small and large credit unions and brings that unique perspective to serve the members of FFCCU.

John Carrick

John Carrick is the Chief Financial Officer of Firefighters Community Credit Union in Cleveland, Ohio. John was hired by Greater Cleveland Firefighters Credit Union (former name of Firefighters Community Credit Union) as an Accounting Assistant in February 1993, was promoted to acting CFO in 1995, and was awarded the position of CFO in 1996. John has assisted in the acquisition of multiple mergers for Firefighters Community Credit Union and has managed two different Merging Credit Unions during the merger process. John is a former member of the Audit Committee of the Cleveland Chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League. John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University.

Dennis Corrigan

Dennis has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. He is invested in forming bonds between the Credit Union and the community and helping members improve their economic situations. He has a strong desire to have a voice in the decision-making process of an institution that he was raised with and believes in. Dennis has been a part of the Cleveland Fire Department for 25 years and is currently a Captain. Dennis and his wife live in the Cleveland area with their three children.

Damian Borkowski

Damian has served on the Board of Directors for over 10 years. He has been the Citywide Service Manager for the City of Cleveland since 1983 and manages the demolition of houses and buildings. He holds degrees in Law and Engineering and is a member of the Ohio Bar. Damian lives with his wife in the Cleveland area. He has been a credit union member for 30 years.

Rich Bowman

Rich serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors and has been a board member since 2009. He has been a Cleveland Firefighter since 1989 and is presently a Battalion Chief serving the city’s lower west side. Rich is a founding member and Treasurer of the Firefighters Memorial Ride. Since their inception in 2004, they have donated over $250,000 to the families of fallen Fire, Police, and EMS workers. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from Cleveland State University.

James E. Polk

James is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and has served on the Board since 1982. He has also held the position of Secretary. Jim is a retired Cleveland Firefighter after 30 years of service. He is the past treasurer of Fire Fighters Local 93 and served on the Union Executive Board for 18 years. Jim is also a former Worker’s Compensation Representative for Local 93 and the NOFF.

Bryan Gallagher

Bryan has served on the FFCCU Board of Directors since 2006 and looks forward to continuing to help the credit union move forward and provide quality services to members. Born and raised in Cleveland, Bryan and his wife live in Lakewood and have three grown children. He holds a degree in Communications from Cleveland State University and spent 40-years as a cameraman for the MLB and NBA. After 33 years, he retired as a Captain from the Cleveland Fire Department. He is a former Sergeant at Arms for Local 93 IAFF and was Secretary for the Firefighters Memorial.

Robert Schwind

Bob is a lifelong Cleveland resident and has been a member of FFCCU since 1993. He has served on the FFCCU board since 2019. Bob is a graduate of Cleveland State University and has served as a Cleveland firefighter for the past 28 years, becoming a lieutenant in 2002. He and his wife live in Cleveland and have two grown daughters.

James Andrews, Jr.

Jim has been a credit union member for over 40 years and has served on the Board of Directors since 2012. He has been a Cleveland Firefighter for 29 years, currently stationed at Engine Company 13. James has served on the Cleveland Firefighters Relief Fund board and was a former Union Steward and Committee Member for Firefighters Local 93. He and his wife have three children.