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Your local credit union should be one of your first stops when you’re looking to borrow money, especially if you have a fair or bad credit score (689 score or lower). Credit union personal loans often have benefits over those of other lenders, including:
Typically lower interest rates.
Smaller starting loan amounts.
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Table of Contents
- What are lithium stocks?
- 6 steps to opening a Roth IRA
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Best banks for multiple savings accounts
- See how to get your business started quickly
- Shopping for Medicare plans? We have you covered.
- Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
- Ready to get started? Here's what to do next
- What is the earned income tax credit?
- » This article is out of date.
- » This offer has expired
- What is a REIT?
- What is a home equity line of credit?
- Mortgage rates today: Thursday, March 28, 2024
- Bonds vs. notes vs. bills overview
- What is Plaid?
- Can you pay the mortgage with a credit card?
- See CD rates by term and type
- What is the federal estate tax?
- Key takeaways
- What is the average stock market return?
- What is an FHA loan?
- What is the qualified business income deduction?
- Bluevine Business Checking
- What is a W-4?
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- 2024 child tax credit news update
- Where they’re based and where they fly
- What are dividend stocks?
- What is the bond market?
- Super Bowl season
- About Kin home insurance
- What is a first-time home buyer grant?
- What is PayPal?
- What are back taxes?
- What is passive income?
- What is Orlando and San Diego SeaWorld all-day dining?
- 4 ways to make money blogging
- About The Andover Companies home insurance
- How much emergency fund should I have?
- What is YouTube Premium?
- How alliances are formed
- 1. Determine if you need to file taxes
- The best pet insurance companies at a glance
- The cheapest car insurance companies by category
- The Equal Credit Opportunity Act
- What is a custodial account?
- 7 best-performing AI stocks
- Best stocks by one-year performance
- Best ETFs as of March 2024
- 7 of the best apps to make money
- S&P 500 index (SPX) today
- 1. Publish content
- What is Schedule C?
- How much does a passport cost?
- Location
- 1. Report lost debit cards ASAP
- Where in Mexico can I visit with Southwest?
- How do you get Southwest travel funds?
- Georgia state income tax rates and tax brackets
- What is a solo 401(k) plan?
- How to get paid on YouTube
- What are brokerage fees?
- What it means to diversify
- How credit score damage stacks up
- What is cryptocurrency?
- Invest based on your goals
- What are nonqualified stock options?
- 1. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Aetna Medicare Advantage
- What is a tax ID number?
- What to bring to an interview
- Preparing to buy tips
- What is a reverse mortgage?
- Key findings
- Capital gains tax on stocks: Do you have to pay?
- First, what type of financial help are you looking for?
- What are FHA closing costs?
- How much are taxes on lottery winnings?
- Why would my credit score drop after paying off debt?
- Scarlet Lady itinerary
- 7 steps to take to open a savings account
- What is a goodwill letter or late payment removal letter?
- Medical insurance
- What is Bidenomics?
- Why is having a low credit utilization important?
- Best lithium stocks
- January
- QuickBooks Online pricing
- How does capital gains tax on real estate work?
- What is a bonus?
- Listing income on your application
- What to expect flying economy with Emirates
- How we found the best travel insurance
- What home insurance is — and isn't
- What is Instacart?
- FuboTV cost per month
- Frugal food tips
- Delta premium economy seats
- Discover it® Cash Back
- Most profitable small businesses
- What is a call option?
- Benefits of hotel loyalty programs
- How to use this calculator
- What is the typical down payment on a house?
- What goes into the credit card interest calculation
- Humana Medicare Advantage
- 40 best startup business ideas
- How balance transfers work
- Free Medicare Advantage plans
- Average car loan interest rates by credit score
- Best day to book a flight
- Tourism in Hawaii is at record highs by some metrics
- Step 1: Check your credit
- 1. Make extra payments toward the principal
- First, some background
- Small-business employment statistics
- What is a cash advance limit?
- 50/30/20 budget calculator
- What are closing costs?
- Does Hawaiian Airlines have Wi-Fi?
- 1. Fairfield Anaheim Resort (Marriott)
- Pros of booking through online travel agencies
- What mortgage lenders look for
- How do LLC taxes work?
- Best-performing REIT stocks: March 2024
- 6 Hawaii alternatives
- 1. Sign up for Google Fi
- Frontier baggage fees: The basics
- How do CDs work?
- Premium gas: required vs. recommended
- Can I get dog bite insurance?
- Vending machine costs
- What is short selling?
- What is an LLLP?
- College grants vs. scholarships
- The best budget apps
- Cheap one-day tickets for Universal Studios
- How does a second mortgage work?
- 1. Ibotta
- What is a life insurance rider?
- What is net worth?
- Auto insurance
- Where they’re based and where they fly
- What types of passport services are available?
- When does checking my credit score lower it?
- What to do if you overcontributed to your 401(k)
- What is a tax credit?
- What’s a premium travel credit card?
- HELOCs and home equity loans compared
- Our picks for the best life insurance companies in March 2024
- How to consolidate your debt
- What the settlement could change
- Options for passing on credit card fees to customers
- How do credit union loans work?
- Buy down the interest rate: Is it worth it?
- 1. Clean up your credit
- Late winter and early spring
- 17 passive income ideas
- The bull call spread
- Emirates' cancellation policy
- 5 Ways to get started in real estate investing
- Average savings by age
- Start with small, manageable charges
- Student loan payoff calculator
- Best ways to consolidate credit card debt
- Quick glance: Pros and cons of debt consolidation
- Who buys and sells life insurance policies?
- The origins and effects of today’s credit card late fees
- What does this value mean?
- What is a technology stock?
- Check-in, security and lounge access
- What’s the value when booking travel through the Capital One portal?
- Daily mortgage rates chart
- Snapshot comparison
- 1. Gather information
- How many credit cards is too many or too few?
- Financial advisor fees
- Estate tax limits and exemptions
- How do I play the lottery?
- For first-timers
- How much is YouTube Premium?
- How to Refer a Friend for a Capital One card
- What nonstop routes does American operate to Hawaii?
- Are WebBank credit cards good?
- Why can’t you open a business bank account with just an EIN?
- Why you'll like the Apple savings account
- Investing in Bitcoin
- How to make money online
- Types of custodial accounts
- The best money-making apps
- Pros to investing in CDs
- What does it mean to invest in the S&P 500?
- Synchrony-branded credit cards
- How much is life insurance?
- What is the 10-year Treasury?
- Cash bonuses on cards with no annual fee
- Breakdown of central air costs
- 1. Accept any 401K match you’re eligible for
- Merchants push for lower fees
- Elite status tiers
- If you've contributed too much to an IRA, fix it before filing taxes
- What medical conditions qualify for Social Security disability?
- What are estimated tax payments?
- How minimum payments are calculated
- What is a business credit score?
- How to use the car affordability calculator
- What is the standard deduction?
- Types of TIN numbers
- 28 ways to save money
- Key takeaways
- Current Treasury rates
- Do you pay taxes on stocks you don't sell?
- Plaid: The basics
- 1. Ongoing rewards are meager
- 50 best small businesses to start
- What to watch out for
- How to start a marijuana business in 6 steps
- Lottery tax calculator
- Choose term life insurance
- What does your travel insurance cover?
- What gets 'imprinted,' exactly?
- Find out how much your car is worth
- Mint vs. NerdWallet at a glance
- Do goodwill letters work?
- In this article
- 11 best investments right now
- Credit cards and their food-delivery reward rules
- How to lower your credit utilization
- What is the child tax credit?
- Are these the best stocks to buy now?
- ASPCA: Best for broad coverage
- ETF advantages and disadvantages
- Bonus tax rate
- Do you need insurance to rent a car?
- 2. Use free SEO tools
- 5 tips for finding and using multiple savings accounts
- Who files a Schedule C tax form?
- 20 high-dividend stocks
- Does Southwest offer nonstop flights to Mexico?
- Why SSI has limits for married couples
- Compare car insurance rates by age
- Types of bonds
- Where Kin stands out
- How to use PayPal
- How to file back taxes
- Other Medicare Advantage costs
- Make your stance clear in job postings
- How does the earned income credit work?
- Top credit cards you can use instantly after approval
- How can you access your cash advance limit?
- What is the 50/30/20 rule?
- How much are closing costs?
- 'An antidote to anxiety'
- What does it mean to be house poor?
- Can you use a reverse mortgage for long-term care?
- Pros of debt consolidation
- Why mortgage rates change every day
- Choose Ally Bank if:
- How to pay your mortgage with a credit card
- What is a life insurance policy?
- Use payment alternatives
- Cheapest term life insurance companies for March 2024
- The average stock market return isn't always average
- Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
- What is the average American net worth?
- Banking
- Who qualifies for the qualified business income deduction?
- How to fill out a W-4
- Strides in the workplace
- How to calculate your home equity
- How the home sale tax exemption works
- How we ranked the top life insurers
- Types of passport applications
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- Best day to fly
- Are we in a recession?
- Many Americans overestimate the value of a point or mile
- What is the all-day dining cost at SeaWorld?
- What comprehensive insurance covers
- Best-performing REIT mutual funds: March 2024
- Welcome bonus
- How the federal estate tax works
- Does Zelle report to the IRS?
- How to short a stock in 5 steps
- Buying Bitcoin with PayPal
- YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting
- What airlines are in Oneworld Connect?
- Best car insurance in Florida overall: Travelers
- Scarlet Lady ship tour
- Guaranteed insurability rider
- Cheap(er) cell phone plans from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T
- How do tax credits work?
- Lithium stock ETFs
- 3. Establish your social media presence
- How life insurance rates are determined
- Design
- Frugal shopping tips
- Delta premium economy menu
- Benefits and risks of investing in bonds
- TV release cycle
- Grace period
- Median savings by age
- Portfolio rebalancing strategies
- 2. Cash management accounts
- 2. Refinance if you have good credit and a steady job
- How extra student loan payments work
- A new credit card application could interfere with the process
- How life settlements work
- Where The Andover Companies stands out
- How to convert American miles to dollars (calculator)
- Today’s HELOC rates
- Choose PNC Bank if:
- 2. Determine your coverage needs
- Mortgage interest
- Financial advisor fees by service
- Strategy 1: CD ladder
- How do lottery taxes work?
- How to start a vending machine business: A step-by-step guide
- How much is the Mega Millions jackpot?
- 2. The Coupons App
- How to write a late payment removal letter
- 2. Take note of tax deadlines and dates
- February
- QuickBooks Self-Employed pricing
- Best credit union personal loans for 2024
- Discovered excess IRA contributions after filing taxes? Do this
- Where Kin falls short
- First-time home buyer grants available across NY
- How to determine whether your condition qualifies
- Holiday weekends
- UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage
- How investment and brokerage fees affect returns
- Are auto loan interest rates rising?
- Why do people invest in cryptocurrencies?
- Avoid late payments
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)
- What is a mega backdoor Roth?
- How LLCs pay income taxes
- Best-performing REIT ETFs: March 2024
- Why the CFPB opted to make changes
- Best-performing tech stocks
- 2. Get free overseas data using T-Mobile and Sprint
- Personalized versus average interest rates
- U.S. Treasury bonds
- Where to stash your emergency fund
- Is there a Zelle tax loophole?
- Why short a stock?
- How to find a federal grant
- Popular credit cards with travel insurance
- Can you open a business bank account without a Social Security number?
- American Express Membership Rewards: The basics
- Pop culture
- How much is the 2023 child tax credit?
- How to find the best stocks to buy now
- Premium credit cards are not for you if…
- CPI vs. PPI
- How are bonuses taxed?
- Debt consolidation calculator
- What is the 10-year treasury yield today?
- The pros and cons of a life insurance trust
- Investing for income: Dividend stocks vs. dividend funds
- How much does it cost to renew a passport?
- 2. Account frozen? Submit documentation
- Neobanks: Their role, disadvantages and benefits
- When are estimated taxes due?
- How are business credit scores calculated?
- What happens during a recession?
- Step 2: Pre-qualify and compare offers
- How much does a cash advance cost?
- How to stream in-flight entertainment from a personal device
- 2. DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Anaheim Resort - Convention Center (Hilton)
- How are stocks taxed?
- How many credit cards should I have?
- Opt to take the medical exam
- FHA vs. conventional loans
- Is leaving an imprint safe?
- Making referrals: Caveats and considerations
- Trading in a car with positive equity
- Waiver of premium rider
- Average net worth by age
- What is "qualified business income"?
- How is the economy doing under Biden?
- Dealing with excess 401(k) contributions after Tax Day
- Should I buy stocks when markets are at all-time highs?
- When your income isn’t enough
- Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
- 4. Manage business review websites
- Start research early
- Where can you work for Instacart?
- What is on a Schedule C form?
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Know the limitations
- Do I have to pay Georgia state income tax?
- Solo 401(k) contribution limits
- How to choose a free Medicare Advantage plan
- How to determine how much car you can afford
- Earned income tax credit 2023
- How the standard deduction works
- Advantages of a reverse mortgage
- Where The Andover Companies falls short
- How do American miles compare to other airlines?
- Different kinds of bags on Frontier
- Ally Bank vs. PNC Bank: Basic checking accounts
- Earn miles on purchases
- 10 questions to ask financial advisors
- How Plaid works
- 2. The small sign-up bonus won’t take you far, either
- Top Tier gas: worth the extra cents
- How to pay off debt and help your credit score
- Send checks safely
- Types of grants for college
- How much is YouTube Music?
- How the reciprocal benefits work
- 5-year, 10-year, 20-year and 30-year S&P 500 returns
- Other alternatives to Mint
- Property and casualty insurance
- Amazon's Prime Visa
- Why checking your credit is smart
- What do financial pros say about Bitcoin?
- Custodial account rules
- What are AI stocks?
- Best life insurance companies: Pros and cons
- Cons to investing in CDs
- What’s the best city in Mexico to visit?
- Buying a call option
- 2. Rebalance your debts and income
- How to use average car interest rates
- What to say in an interview
- How to determine your closing costs
- Budget before you buy
- Eligible restaurants
- How you can use IHG points
- What’s the value when transferring to Capital One partners?
- U.S. Treasury notes
- Issuer pre-qualification pages
- Estate tax rates
- Medical payments coverage for dog bites
- Multi-day park admission deals
- Types of second mortgages
- Learn more
- About home equity loans
- Who qualifies for the home sales tax exclusion?
- CPI vs. PPE
- Travel credit card availability
- 5. Send digital newsletters
- What won’t change
- The cost of passport changes
- 3. Ask your bank for relief
- Common reasons for excess IRA contributions
- Black Friday
- State availability
- 4 investments to consider during a recession
- 3. High-yield money market accounts (MMAs)
- Mega backdoor Roth 2024
- The cost of convenience
- Younger Americans are less likely to know point value
- How much will I get from a life settlement?
- How do REITs work?
- Home equity loan interest
- Factors to consider when paying a mortgage with a credit card
- See CD rates by bank
- 21 most-shorted stocks by short interest
- Buy a policy as soon as you need it
- Best car insurance in Florida for your budget: Geico
- AvantCard Credit Card
- Credit cards
- Goodwill letter template
- How to open the Apple high-yield savings account
- Child tax credit 2024
- Common reasons for excess 401(k) contributions
- An alternative to chasing the best stocks
- March
- QuickBooks Desktop pricing
- Synchrony co-branded credit cards
- When debt consolidation is a smart move
- Consider home insurance costs
- How much do full-service shoppers make?
- How to fill out Schedule C
- Food and beverage
- 2. Make risk your friend
- Types of bonds
- Grant programs in NYC boroughs
- Median down payment by age
- The bear put spread
- Average daily balance
- Are brokerage fees tax-deductible?
- Good balance transfer cards
- Rethink background checks
- Stay out of credit card debt
- How nonqualified stock options work
- How can you change your cash advance limit?
- Mortgage selection tips
- Disadvantages of a reverse mortgage
- State availability
- The pros and cons of investing in tech stocks
- Boarding and seats
- How your credit score affects your rate
- 3. Choose how to shop for car insurance
- Do I have to pay state tax on lottery winnings?
- When is the next Mega Millions drawing?
- For families
- 3. ShopSavvy
- Airline rewards programs
- Best travel insurance overall: Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
- Frugal entertainment tips
- For credit and savings
- Maximize your exemptions
- All year
- Estimated tax payments 2024
- Do personal credit scores affect business credit scores?
- Supply might not grow — which could put more pressure on prices
- Who needs a comprehensive insurance policy
- When is the best time to use American miles?
- U.S. Treasury bills
- Potential issues with having multiple credit cards
- Earn Loyalty Points on purchases
- 3. Redemption is flexible but complex
- How to buy a life insurance policy
- Referral bonus annual limits
- Trading in a car with negative equity
- Return-of-premium rider
- How to calculate your net worth
- Can you open a business bank account with bad credit?
- How to qualify for the QBI deduction
- What does the public think of Bidenomics?
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands owned by the big three
- Price vs. yield
- Fubo add-ons
- How does a life insurance trust work?
- 4. Monitor bank transactions online
- Kin home insurance coverage
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Is Solo 401(k) tax deductible? Solo 401(k) tax advantages
- Investment fee calculator
- How to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan
- Why is Bitcoin still popular?
- Employer identification number (EIN)
- Apply extra student loan payments toward the principal
- A typical sign-up bonus can pay for 1.6 round-trip flights
- REITs' average return
- 3. Buy a local SIM card in your destination
- Ally Bank vs. PNC Bank: Basic savings accounts
- What about a higher octane of gas?
- Which states have an estate tax?
- Homeowners insurance breed restrictions
- How much is the next Powerball jackpot?
- Take action if a check goes awry
- How to find a state grant
- Is YouTube Premium worth it?
- FHA loan requirements
- Goodwill letter vs. credit dispute letter
- How to check your credit score without hurting it
- Child tax credit expansion: What the tax deal could mean for you
- How to know which premium travel credit card is best for you
- Are bonuses taxed differently?
- How to invest in the S&P 500 in two steps:
- 6. Host a webinar
- Payment processors with solutions for passing on credit card fees
- Getting an expedited passport
- What is my Georgia residency status for state income tax purposes?
- Emirates' 24-hour cancellation policy
- Taxation on nonqualified stock options
- Small-business lending statistics
- Closing costs calculator
- Which airlines provide Wi-Fi on flights to Hawaii?
- 3. Hyatt Regency Orange County (Hyatt)
- Plan for upkeep and upgrades
- Applied for a card before closing? Don’t panic
- How might the new late-fee limit affect consumers?
- How much are Capital One miles worth?
- When you should lock your mortgage rate
- Discount points
- Why doesn’t Zelle send you a 1099?
- The risks of short selling
- How do I keep my credit score from dropping?
- Try to quit smoking
- What to expect the stock market to return
- What makes Flagship flights to Hawaii different?
- Best life insurance company overall: MassMutual
- 3 situations when CDs work best
- Rental car insurance vs. your own auto insurance
- No guarantee that savings will be passed on
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- What can I do if my travel funds have expired?
- 3. Don’t ask for too much cash
- Put limits on your credit card spending
- Earned income tax credit 2024
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Standard deduction 2023
- 4. Peer-to-peer lending
- Potential pitfalls of life settlements
- Other Frontier fees
- Video: Different types of Treasurys
- Where Plaid is used: Examples
- Top credit cards that offer preapproval without a hard pull
- How scammers reach you
- LLLPs: Advantages and disadvantages
- How much college grants can help
- Goodbudget, for hands-on envelope budgeting
- Qualifying for a second mortgage
- Accepting a Capital One referral: Caveats and considerations
- Why is net worth important?
- How to deposit funds into the Apple savings account
- How much are American Express Membership Rewards points worth?
- 1. High-yield savings accounts
- How to open a custodial account
- About home equity lines of credit
- How is CPI calculated?
- 7. Post videos on sharing platforms
- What doesn’t impact your life insurance premium
- Does the cost of FuboTV fit into your budget?
- 5. Know the bank’s timeline
- Using the mortgage points calculator
- What are PayPal fees?
- Who should make estimated quarterly tax payments?
- What is a good business credit score?
- How to cancel an Emirates flight
- How to increase your savings account balance
- How to rebuild credit after repossession
- 3. Enroll in autopay
- Can you disable cash advances on your card?
- Who pays the closing costs?
- Cons of booking through online travel agencies
- Pros and cons: SeaWorld all-day dining upgrade
- The Andover Companies home insurance coverage
- How are dividends taxed?
- Which life insurance policy is right for me?
- When is the next Powerball drawing?
- Best car insurance in Florida for having few customer complaints: Auto-Owners
- Oportun Visa Credit Card
- Tips for avoiding late payments
- If you’re over the income limit
- 3. Decide how to file your taxes
- Managing expectations
- April
- QuickBooks Enterprise pricing
- Schedule C: Tips and tricks
- Frugal DIY project tips
- Amenities and other perks
- Take advantage of savings programs
- TV-buying tips
- How many years can you file back taxes for?
- How much should you spend on a mattress?
- Average down payment by state
- More about these investment expenses
- Other factors affecting minimums
- Understand the business value
- Your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions
- Other opportunities to pay off student loans faster
- 'The easier it is to pay, the easier it is to spend'
- Types of REITs
- 4. Utilize an eSIM card
- How does a HELOC work?
- What are the risks of investing in Treasurys?
- Should I take a lump sum payment or annuity payments?
- Steps to apply for college grants
- For crowd-haters
- Working YouTube Premium costs into your budget
- Scarlet Lady dining
- How to choose the best savings account
- 4. Target (with Target Circle)
- Accidental death rider
- How to find high-yield alternatives
- American Express® Gold Card
- How to invest in AI stocks
- A quick guide to popular and new tax credits for 2024
- 8. Develop a customer referral program
- Is it a good idea to consolidate credit cards?
- What you need to work for Instacart
- How to invest in dividend stocks
- Bond market vs. stock market
- Establish a long credit history
- How has the value changed over time?
- Today’s rates for specific kinds of mortgages
- Ally Bank vs. PNC Bank: Certificates of deposit
- Property taxes
- OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card
- How to reduce your FHA closing costs
- Cheap cell phone plans from brands that resell network service
- What can I do with my money if I max out my 401(k)?
- You can get a credit card while unemployed, but is it a good idea?
- Average cost of term life insurance by age
- What happens if you don't pay your back taxes?
- Covering your spouse under your solo 401(k)
- Standard deduction 2024
- What to ask before you sell your life insurance policy
- Buying bundles: the Works and the Perks
- How did we determine the value of Capital One miles?
- The bottom line
- Strategy 2: CD barbell
- 10 largest lottery jackpots
- Buy only as much coverage as you can comfortably afford
- PayPal cryptocurrency fees
- Cheapest term life insurance companies for smokers for 2024
- Final steps
- How to increase your net worth
- W-4 form 2024
- Embrace: Best for many ways to save
- 9. Start a customer loyalty program
- How does a debt consolidation loan work?
- Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
- What’s next?
- Types of life insurance trusts
- 3. Invest in low-cost index funds or ETFs
- 6. Rebounding from bank account fraud
- Still, there are challenges
- Grant programs in the Capital District
- Mattress-buying tips
- The long straddle
- Still, Hawaii tourism will likely continue to explode
- How to qualify for the earned income credit
- Step 3: Choose your lender and loan
- 5. Online savings accounts
- Your 401(k) lets you move your after-tax money
- Get more help with monthly budget planning
- 4. Cambria Hotel Anaheim Resort (Choice Hotels)
- When do you have to pay taxes on stocks?
- So, should you switch to Zelle?
- Landlord responsibility for dog bites
- How to search for award flights to Hawaii with miles
- Additional functionality
- How to make an appointment at a passport agency
- Should I file taxes now or wait for the child tax credit expansion?
- Custodial accounts and financial aid
- Airline loyalty programs
- Using a passport agency for urgent travel
- For credit building
- 4. Consider a co-signer
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- Interest rate
- How to cancel an Emirates Skywards award flight
- Adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN)
- Tips to avoid being house poor
- Americans know that point values vary, but they aren’t sure of the effect of carrying a balance
- What you can do to avoid credit card late fees entirely
- How flexible are American miles?
- Potential impact of multiple credit cards on your credit scores
- Home office expenses
- What is the difference between an inheritance tax and an estate tax?
- What is a short squeeze?
- How do you get a second mortgage?
- 5. CouponCabin
- May
- Best life insurance company for applicants with HIV: Guardian
- 10. Send out a customer satisfaction survey
- Do debt consolidation loans hurt your credit?
- Where can I learn more about specific bonds?
- Buying a call option vs. owning the stock
- How to open a solo 401(k)
- Should I do a balance transfer?
- How does cryptocurrency work?
- 4. Make biweekly payments
- How comprehensive insurance works
- How to invest in tech stocks
- In-flight experience
- Complimentary Admirals Club membership
- 4. The card is fee-friendly ...
- Obstacles to paying a mortgage with a credit card
- How do I deal with lottery taxes?
- Who should form an LLLP
- For the frugal traveler
- Gemini Credit Card
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- Be prepared for internal change, too
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- 5. ... But better travel companions exist
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- Accommodations
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- Step 4: Gather loan documents
- 6. High-yield checking accounts
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- Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card
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- Work on improving your health
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- 6. Stick to the standard repayment plan
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- Next steps:
- Homeowner costs that aren't tax-deductible
- How much do life insurance policies cost?
- Transferring crypto into your PayPal address
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- 4. Understand how your taxes are determined
- Bitcoin and volatility
- 14. Host or volunteer at an event
- Do you pay tax on T-notes?
- How do Instacart shoppers get paid?
- So, how much is a U.S. passport?
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- Hawaiian Airlines Wi-Fi recapped
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- First checked bag free
- The bottom line
- 7. Dosh
- How to adjust your Form W-4
- How to switch plans and keep your number
- Additional child tax credit
- 6. Find the right lender
- Finding a car you can afford
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- Small-business industry statistics
- Around half of Americans say the latest they have booked summer leisure travel is within a month of their departure dates, and it could be costing them
- Choosing between cards? Rewards and perks might make the difference
- What's next?
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- After deciding
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- Best life insurance company for permanent life insurance: Pacific Life
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Personal loans from our partners
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How do credit union loans work?
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial organizations that serve members who live, study, work or worship in a particular area. Each credit union is controlled by members, who elect volunteer board members to oversee the organization.
If you meet the credit union’s requirements, you can apply for membership, usually online. You may be required to open an account with an initial minimum deposit, typically $5 to $25. Once your membership is approved, you can access banking services, including personal loans.
Once you apply for a loan and are approved, you’ll receive the funds in your account and then repay the credit union in fixed monthly installments, with terms ranging from two to seven years.
Best credit union personal loans for 2024
If you don’t have a neighborhood credit union, nationwide options are available. The credit unions below lend in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and you can likely apply for membership online.
Alliant: Best for fast funding
Becoming a member at Alliant doesn’t require a fee, and anyone is eligible by joining Foster Care to Success, a nonprofit organization that serves foster teens across the country. Alliant even pays the $5 membership fee to FC2S on your behalf.
Why it stands out: Alliant offers a wide range of personal loan amounts and can approve most borrowers the same day they apply. Once you sign the loan documents, Alliant can also provide same-day funding.
First Tech: Best for co-sign and joint loan options
First Tech mostly serves tech companies and their employees with personal loans up to $50,000.
Why it stands out: First Tech offers co-signed and joint loans to personal loan borrowers. By adding someone with a higher credit score or larger income to your application, you may boost your chances of getting approved. Co-borrowers are equally responsible for missed payments, but in a co-signed loan, only the primary applicant has access to the loan funds.
PenFed: Best for a seamless application process
PenFed is known for serving military members, but anyone can join the credit union by opening a savings account with an initial deposit of $5.
Why it stands out: Not only can anyone join PenFed, but unlike other credit unions, you can apply for membership as part of the loan application, letting you combine both these steps into one. PenFed also lets you pre-qualify online to see your potential rate, loan amount and monthly payment without affecting your credit score, so you can get an idea of your loan options before you apply.
Navy Federal: Best for military members
To be eligible for membership at Navy Federal, you must be active duty, retired or a veteran of any military branch; a Department of Defense civilian; or a family or household member.
Why it stands out: In addition to focusing on military members and their families, if you’re active duty or retired military, you can qualify for a 0.25 percentage point discount on your personal loan’s annual percentage rate, which lowers the overall interest you’ll pay on the loan.
Credit union personal loan rates
Rates for unsecured personal loans will depend on your credit score, credit history, income and debts.
Rates can also vary by type of credit union: federally chartered vs state-chartered.
Federal credit unions cap annual percentage rates at 18%. Your credit union may also charge an application fee that isn't part of the APR.
As of September 2023, the average APR for a three-year federal credit union loan is 10.58%, according to data from the National Credit Union Administration.
Lender | Typical APR range | Loan amounts |
---|---|---|
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more. See my rates on NerdWallet's secure website | 11.79% - 29.49%. | $1,000 to $100,000. |
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more. See my rates on NerdWallet's secure website | 7.99% - 17.99%. | $2,000 to $50,000. |
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more. See my rates on NerdWallet's secure website | 8.99% - 18.00%. | $500 to $50,000. |
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more. See my rates on NerdWallet's secure website | 7.49% - 18.00%. | $250 to $50,000. |
How to get a loan from a credit union
A low credit score alone won’t typically disqualify you from getting a loan from a credit union, because credit unions consider your whole financial picture, including your credit history and standing as a member with the credit union, when reviewing your loan application. Still, a good score will get you a lower rate than someone with bad credit, so it pays to check your credit score before applying for a loan.
Since credit unions come in many sizes, the application process, approval criteria, rates and other aspects of a personal loan vary. Many credit unions allow online loan applications, which typically ask for personal and contact information, Social Security number, employment and income details and any current debts.
» MORE: How to apply for a personal loan
Local or smaller institutions may require you to apply in-person or close the loan at a branch.
Credit union vs. online lender
Online lenders offer loans across the credit spectrum, so they’re another option for bad-credit borrowers (629 credit score or lower) who need a personal loan.
» MORE: See your bad-credit loan options
While credit unions only conduct a hard credit check — which can cause a small temporary dip in your credit score — most online lenders typically perform soft credit checks first to see if you pre-qualify for a loan.
Online lenders also offer online applications that don’t require you to visit a branch and typically fund loans quickly.
But loans from credit unions tend to be cheaper than those from online lenders, especially for borrowers with fair or bad credit scores. Borrowers with fair credit received an average APR around 18%, according to the most recent anonymized offer data from users who pre-qualified in NerdWallet’s lender marketplace.
Next steps
If you’re already a member and you can withstand a temporary hit to your credit score, a credit union may get you the cheapest loan. NerdWallet recommends comparing loans from multiple lenders.
You can pre-qualify with online lenders on NerdWallet and compare your estimated rate with one from your credit union.
on NerdWallet