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Frequently Asked Questions - Vehicle Loans

What rates can I expect on a new or used vehicle loan?
CEFCU offers value alongside competitive rates on new and used vehicles.

What terms are available?
Terms vary. The most common new and used vehicle terms are 60 to 84 months. However, the maximum term for cars six years and older is 60 months.

What are the minimum qualifications for a loan approval?
You must be 18 years old, be employed or have a verifiable source of income, the ability to repay the debt, and a stable credit history.

Will CEFCU check my credit?
Yes. Your loan officer will order your credit report when the application is submitted. If you are applying with a co-borrower, a credit report will also be ordered on that individual.

How much can I borrow?
You may borrow up to the retail value or purchase price plus tax, license, and documentation fees. On cars 6 years or older, we may loan up to 80% of the retail value.

How long does it take to get a loan decision?
We take pride in the service we provide and work hard to give you an answer to your loan request within 24-48 hours after all required documents are provided. If you have any questions, you may contact a loan officer.

What documents will I need to provide?
Every loan circumstance varies. Your loan officer will give you detailed information about what additional information you may need to provide to ensure that your loan funds in a timely manner.

You can review the list of standard required documents we will request to begin the loan process.

How do I know if I am approved or not?
Once you submit your loan request, your loan will reflect a pending status. A loan officer will contact you within 24-48 business hours of receipt of the application.

How long does it take to fund the loan?
Depending on the type of loan, funding can generally be completed within 48 hours provided all appropriate documents are received and signed.

How can I repay my loan at CEFCU?
We have several convenient payment options for your loan payments at the Credit Union.

  • You can make your payments in person at any of our locations.
  • You may authorize an automatic transfer from your CEFCU share savings account to your loan.
  • An ACH authorization allows you to electronically transfer money to your loan account at CEFCU from another financial institution.
  • Caltech and JPL employees may use payroll deduction. Your employer forwards the authorized funds to CEFCU directly, and the deducted amount will show on your pay stub.
  • Use eBranch to set up scheduled recurring payments to your loans from your CEFCU accounts.
  • We offer coupon books for your loan payments. They may be used to mail your loan payments.

How are the interest charges calculated?
All loans with CEFCU are simple interest loans. This means that the interest accrues and is calculated on the unpaid principal balance from the date of the last payment.

Is there a prepayment penalty?
No, there isn't a prepayment penalty.

Can I protect my family and myself if I were to become unemployed, ill or pass away?
If a protected life event happens to you (and you're a protected borrower or co-borrower on the loan), MEMBER'S CHOICE™ Borrower Security, a voluntary loan-payment protection product, may cancel or waive your loan payments or loan balance.

To learn more about protecting your loan, visit our MEMBER'S CHOICE™ Borrower Security page or contact your Loan Officer.

Your purchase of MEMBER'S CHOICE™ Borrower Security is optional and will not affect your application for credit or the terms of any credit agreement required to obtain a loan.

Can CEFCU help me find the perfect car?
Yes, we have partnered with Autoland, the premier car buying service. Our Autoland consultant is available to help make your car buying experience hassle-free while saving your both time and money.

How do I know how much I should pay for the car?
Kelley Blue Book is available online with valuable information on car values for new and used vehicles.

How do I know if I can save money by refinancing my car?
Our loan officers can do a comparison for you. All we need is the payoff amount of your current car loan and your current interest rate. We can calculate payments and interest to determine if we can save you money or if you are better off to stay with your current lender.

What do I have to do to refinance?
Simply apply and provide the payoff amount and your current lenders information. We will process your application. At the loan closing, you will be asked to sign all the appropriate paperwork and a payoff check will be mailed to the financial institution where your car was financed. It's as simple as that!

Of course, every loan request varies. We're here to help. Contact a Loan Officer at (800) 592-3328 extension 402, if you have additional questions or need help getting started with the purchase or refinance of your next vehicle.

 
Lower rate or refinancing option does not apply to current CEFCU loans or any vehicles that have been financed by CEFCU in the past 12 months. Rates subject to change without notice. All loans subject to credit approval.