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2026 Navy Federal Credit Union Auto Loan Review

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Best for military borrowers: Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) auto loans are best for eligible military members and their families seeking low rates and flexible repayment terms.

Navy federal_logo
Starting annual percentage rate (APR)Loan termsLoan amountsFees Minimum credit score
New auto loans3.89%12 to 96 monthsStarting at $250NoneNone
Used auto loans4.79%12 to 72 monthsStarting at $250NoneNone
Refinance auto loans3.89%Up to 96 monthsStarting at $250NoneNone

Pros

  • Offers TrueCar online car-buying service
  • Competitive auto loan rates for the purchase of new vehicles 
  • APR discounts for active-duty and retired servicemembers
  • Options to apply online or through the mobile app
  • No origination or doc fees

Cons

  • Maximum loan amounts not disclosed
  • Auto loans only available to military members and their families
  • Loan funds only available via check

What you need to get a car loan with Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)

Securing a loan through Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) first requires a membership. To become a member, you must be:

  • An active-duty servicemember
  • A retiree or veteran
  • Department of Defense personnel
  • An immediate family member (spouses, siblings, parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren)

Additional requirements include: 

  • Minimum credit score: None
  • Minimum income: Not specified
  • Trade-in information: Vehicle title, registration, loan details, etc.
  • New vehicles: Must be 2025 or newer with fewer than 30,000 miles
  • Used vehicles: Can be from 2024 or older with over 30,000 miles 
  • Repayment terms: Terms longer than 72 months are available for vehicles with fewer than 7,500 miles
  • Borrowing amounts: Minimum loan amount of $30,000 for loan terms between 85 to 96 months.

How Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)’s starting rates compare to LendingTree’s lowest offers

Navy Federal auto loan rates start at 3.89% for new cars, 4.79% for used cars and 3.89% for car refinancing. See how Navy Federal’s starting rates compare to the average lowest offers on LendingTree’s lending marketplace.

Credit rangeAverage lowest APR for new auto loan offersAverage lowest APR for used auto loan offersAverage lowest APR for auto refi loan offers
Excellent (800+)7.16%9.34%5.06%
Very good (740 – 799)8.07%8.47%5.29%
Good (670 – 739)11.34%13.30%6.13%
Fair (580 – 669)20.51%22.36%9.02%
Poor (under 580)22.85%24.35%13.70%
Source: Figures represent the average lowest offered APRs received on the LendingTree platform in Q3 2025. Borrowers may receive multiple offers from up to five lenders. Refinance offers apply only to used vehicles.

Estimate your monthly payment

About 5% of people with an auto loan are behind on payments, according to a LendingTree study. Using an auto loan calculator before signing on the dotted line can help you avoid taking on more than you can handle.

Types of Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) auto loans

Navy Federal has a few different auto loan options with competitive rates and flexible terms, including the following:

  • New auto loans: Financing for new vehicles with rates starting at 3.89% and terms ranging from 12 to 96 months.
  • Used auto loans: Financing for used vehicles with rates starting at 4.79% and terms ranging from 12 to 72 months.
  • Refinance auto loans: Refinance options with rates starting at 3.89% for new vehicles (up to 96 months) and 4.79% for used vehicles (up to 72 months).

When banks compete, you win

Customers who used LendingTree to shop for car loans in July 2025 saved an average of $2,346 by choosing the offer with the lowest APR. Here’s how it works.

Tell us what you need

Take two minutes to tell us who you are and how much money you need for your vehicle — we’ll take care of the rest. It’s free, simple and secure.

Shop your offers

We’ll send you offers from up to five trusted lenders. Compare your offers side by side to see which one will save you the most money.

Get your money

It’s smooth sailing once you finalize your loan with your lender — you could see money in your account in as soon as 24 hours.

Is a Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) auto loan right for you?

If you’re an eligible military-affiliated member of Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), you have access to a variety of loan options that may suit your needs. The lender offers competitive rates, flexible terms, and discounts. 

Additionally, the straightforward loan process provides same-day funding for new and used car financing, making Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) a good option for those who want to purchase a vehicle quickly.

Don’t forget to budget for car insurance

Shop around for car insurance on the LendingTree marketplace to find affordable rates. Among consumers who switched providers, 92% said they saved money and nearly two-thirds saved at least $100 on their annual car insurance rate, according to a LendingTree survey.

How Navy Federal auto loans compare

Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) is a solid choice for those eligible for membership. With its low starting APR, discounts and wide range of loan terms, it offers buyers affordable options.

Below, we compared Navy Federal to new auto loan options from two other credit unions.

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Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU)Alliant Credit UnionPenFed Credit Union
Starting APR3.89%5.09% (with autopay)4.19%
Loan terms12 to 96 months12 to 84 months 36 to 84 months
Loan amountsStarting at $250Starting at $4,000Up to $150,000
Fees NoneNot specifiedNone
Minimum credit scoreNoneNot specifiedNot specified

Alliant Credit Union and PenFed Credit Union are alternative options for auto loans from credit unions, offering rates and flexible terms similar to Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU).

Frequently asked questions

For new cars, Navy Federal offers APRs as low as 3.89% and 4.79% for used cars. Navy Federal auto loan rates are competitive, but they vary based on factors like credit score, loan term and whether the car is new or used.

Navy Federal does not have a minimum credit score for auto loans. Instead, approval depends on various factors, including credit history, income and loan amount. Generally, lenders offer better loan terms and interest rates to those with higher credit scores.

Navy Federal may be a great choice for auto loans, offering low rates, flexible terms and perks like preapproval, longer loan options and discounts on certain cars. Its financial products are specifically geared toward military members and their families.

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