2025 Alliant Credit Union Auto Loan Review
Alliant Credit Union auto loans at a glance
| Starting annual percentage rate (APR) | Loan terms | Loan amounts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New auto loans | 5.34% (with discounts) | 12 to 84 months | $4,000 and up | |
| Used auto loans | 5.84% (with discounts) | 12 to 84 months | $4,000 and up | |
| Refinance auto loans | 5.84% ((with discounts) | 12 to 84 months | $4,000 and up |
Alliant Credit Union’s competitive starting rates and car-buying service make it a convenient one-stop shop if you want to find your loan and your car at the same time.
- Quick approval process: In many cases, Alliant Credit Union can approve your auto loan application the same day you apply.
- Fully online experience: The auto loan application and approvals process with Alliant Credit Union can be completed fully online. ACU doesn’t have any physical branch locations, though it does have more than 80,000 ATMs across the country.
- Car-buying service: You can shop for your car and your loan at the same time and snag a 0.50% discount on your auto loan rate with Alliant’s car-buying service.
- No prepayment penalties: While some auto lenders charge prepayment penalties if you pay your loan off early, Alliant Credit Union doesn’t charge this fee on its car loans.
- Offers debt protection plans: If you’re worried about what the future may hold, you can pay a small monthly fee of up to $1.99 per $1,000 on your loan balance to cover your Alliant Credit Union auto loan in the event of death, disability or involuntary unemployment.
- Unclear credit requirements: Alliant Credit Union doesn’t provide much insight into the credit score or history you’ll need to qualify for a loan. Generally, though, you’ll need an excellent credit score, a solid payment history and a consistent income to qualify for an auto lender’s best rates.
- Best for combining car and loan shopping: Alliant Credit Union sets itself apart not just with competitive rates and terms, but also with its car buying service that lets you shop for your car and auto loan at the same time.
Alliant Credit Union auto loan requirements
Unlike many other auto lenders, Alliant Credit Union doesn’t specify what kind of credit score, income or credit history you’ll need to qualify for a car loan. It’s possible to get a car loan with bad credit or even with no credit history, but it’s unclear whether Alliant accepts low credit scores.
Alliant Credit Union pros and cons
Alliant Credit Union offers its members many benefits, but there are still some downsides to consider.
Pros
- Rate discount available for using Alliant’s car buying service and autopay
- No prepayment penalties
- Offers debt protection plans
Cons
- Unclear credit requirements
- Must become member to get a loan
- Higher rates for cars 10 years or older
Alliant Credit Union offers competitive auto loan rates, but if you want even lower rates, you can use the Alliant Car Buying Service and receive a 0.50% discount on your annual percentage rate (APR). Borrowers also have the option of paying their car loan early without a prepayment penalty, which some lenders charge. In addition, Alliant offers debt protection plans that allow you to cancel your loan balance or monthly payments in the case of death, disability or involuntary unemployment.
On the other hand, Alliant Credit Union isn’t clear about the requirements consumers will need to meet to receive a loan. And if you want to save money by purchasing a used vehicle that’s 10 years old or older, you can expect to receive a higher interest rate from Alliant.
Alliant Credit Union company overview
Alliant Credit Union was established in 1935 by a group of United Airlines employees. Today, it’s one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. with over $19 billion in assets and more than 900,000 members.
Alliant Credit Union auto loan types offered
Alliant Credit Union finances both new and used cars, and also offers refinancing for both Alliant auto loans and loans from other financial institutions. While new vehicle APRs start at 5.34%, used cars and refinancing start at 5.84% APR. If you buy a car that’s 10 years or older, APRs start at 8.84%.
Alliant Credit Union also offers Tesla financing with terms of up to 84months. New Teslas come with starting APRs of 5.24%, while used Teslas have starting APRs of 5.59%. Tesla refinancing rates also start at 5.59% APR.
Unfortunately, Alliant Credit Union doesn’t directly offer lease buyout loans. These are provided by Alliant’s third-party partner, Lease Maturity; Alliant’s rates do not apply to Lease Maturity’s buyout loans.
How to get an auto loan with Alliant Credit Union
To apply for an Alliant Credit Union car loan, you won’t need to become a member right away, but you’ll need to sign up to receive loan funds. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
Get preapproved
Fill out an online application or call Alliant Credit Union to get preapproved for a car loan. Typically, Alliant can review and may approve your application on the same day you apply. If you aren’t yet an Alliant member, you can apply as a guest to see your rates.
Verify your information
If you’re preapproved for a car loan, you’ll need to verify the information you provided in your application. This includes your residence, income, employment and identity. In particular, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number, driver’s license and a lease/mortgage agreement or utility bill.
Become a member
To receive your Alliant Credit Union auto loan, you’ll need to apply for membership. To become a member, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Current or retired employee of one of Alliant Credit Union’s business partners
- Domestic partner or immediate family member of current Alliant member
- Live or work in one of the eligible communities near Alliant’s headquarters in Chicago
- Become a digital inclusion advocate through the Alliant Credit Union Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes digital access to underserved communities
Close on your car loan
The final step in the process is to close on your car loan. You’ll need to sign the documents agreeing to the rates, terms and monthly auto loan payments. Be sure to read the fine print of your agreement so you understand what you’re signing. Once you close on your car loan, the car is now yours and you can begin to pay off your car loan.
Is an Alliant Credit Union auto loan right for you?
Alliant Credit Union is best for consumers who are looking to buy a car that is less than 10 years old; rates for vehicles that are older than 10 years have a much higher starting APR than newer models. And while Alliant Credit Union doesn’t specify its credit requirements, consumers with good credit scores are more likely to qualify for a car loan with any lender.
How Alliant Credit Union auto loans compare
Even if you believe that an Alliant Credit Union car loan aligns with your borrowing needs, it’s always smart to shop around and compare lenders. Here’s how Alliant Credit Union stacks up against a couple of competitors.
Please note that the APRs in the table below apply to new vehicle auto loans.
| Alliant Credit Union | Digital Federal Credit Union | PenFed Credit Union | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting APR | 5.34% (with discounts) | 5.49% (with discounts) | 4.69% |
| Terms | 12 to 84 months | Up to 84 months | 36 to 84 months |
| Amount | $4,000 and up | Up to 130% of the car’s value | Up to $150,000 |
| Min. credit score | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
While PenFed Credit Union offers slightly lower starting rates than both Alliant and Digital Federal Credit Union, Alliant and DCU are less than a single percentage point behind. Both Alliant and PenFed offer a car-buying service.
Frequently asked questions
Yes — Alliant Credit Union is a legitimate lender for auto loans. It is one of the largest credit unions in the country and has been operating since 1935.
Alliant Credit Union doesn’t specify its required credit score for a car loan.
But while there’s no industry standard, most approved borrowers have a score of 661 or higher. Having a lower score means that you’ll likely get more expensive car loan rates.
Generally, Alliant Credit Union can approve you the same day you apply for an auto loan.
Get auto loan offers from up to 5 lenders in minutes
Read more
What Does Certified Pre-Owned Mean? Updated May 24, 2024 Certified pre-owned means that a late-model, used car has been inspected and reconditioned by the…Read more
Average Car Payment and Auto Loan Statistics: 2025 Updated December 17, 2024 The average car payment for new vehicles was $737 per month in the third quarter…Read more