Best of
2 Credit Unions That Refinance Student Loans of August 2025
A credit union student loan refinance lender may be right for you if you prefer credit unions over banks, or if it offers you the best deal.
Last updated on August 7, 2025
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Fact Checked
Written by
Assistant Assigning EditorEdited by
Managing EditorFact Checked
Fact Checked
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Refinancing student loans through a credit union is similar to refinancing with a bank or online lender with a few differences. But the type of lender you choose is less important than finding the best possible rate and features you’re seeking.
Compare credit union refinance rates with other student loan refinance lenders’ rates before making a decision.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and student loans.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 43 categories and 40+ data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
Why trust NerdWallet
- 35+ student loans lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts.
- 10+ years of combined experience covering higher education and student loans.
- Objective, comprehensive star-rating system assessing 43 categories and 40+ data points across student loan origination and student loan refinance.
- Governed by NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Top Student Loan Refinance Lenders
Earnest Student Loan Refinance
SoFi Student Loan Refinancing
Ad
4.5/5
Fixed APR
4.45-9.99%
Variable APR
5.88-9.99%
Min. credit score
665
4.0/5
Fixed APR
4.99-9.99%
Variable APR
5.99-9.99%
Min. credit score
650
Credit Unions That Refinance Student Loans
Lender | NerdWallet Rating | Min. credit score | Fixed APR | Variable APR | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.0 /5 | 680 | 4.89-9.04% | 5.54-9.12% | Compare Rates on Credible’s website | |
3.0 /5 | Not disclosed. | 8.60-18.00% | N/A | Read Review on NerdWallet |
Compare Rates
on Credible’s website
LendKey Student Loan Refinance
Min. credit score
680
Fixed APR
4.89-9.04%
Variable APR
5.54-9.12%
- Key facts
LendKey is a student loan refinance marketplace that helps pair borrowers with community banks and credit unions, including Summit Credit Union and Veridian Credit Union. LendKey services all of the loans originated through its platform.
LendKey’s refinance borrowers have a median income of $75,000 a year, making the company a strong option for those who don’t earn six figures.
Pros- Forbearance of 18 months for 15- and 20-year loan terms is longer than many lenders.
- You can see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.
Cons- Loans aren't available in Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island or West Virginia.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 751.
- Loan amounts: $5,000 to $300,000, depending on the higest degree earned.
- Must have a degree: Yes, at least an associate degree.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10, 15 or 20 yearsDisclaimerSee LendKey's full terms and conditions at https://www.lendkey.com/disclaimers
Read Review
on NerdWallet
First Tech Federal Credit Union Student Loan Refinance
Min. credit score
Not disclosed.
Fixed APR
8.60-18.00%
Variable APR
N/A
- Key facts
First Tech Federal Credit Union caters to borrowers who work in the technology industry and has unique repayment options that let borrowers make lower monthly payments starting out. Its student loan specialists can answer your questions throughout the refinancing process. However, it doesn't offer deferment or forbearance options.
Pros- Three repayment options: Fixed, interest-only or balloon.
- Greater-than-minimum payments allowed via autopay.
Cons- No option to temporarily pause payments through forbearance.
- No death or disability discharge.
Qualifications- Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: 660.
- Loan amounts: No minimum or maximum.
- Must have a degree: Did not disclose.
Available Term Lengths5, 7, 10 or 15 yearsDisclaimerAPR = Annual Percentage Rate. Actual rate will be determined based on the applicant’s credit history, primary State of residency, collateral financed, mileage and final loan terms. Offer is subject to normal credit qualifications, meeting First Tech Federal Credit Union’s relationship requirements and underwriting policy guidelines. Interest rate and program terms are subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
How to choose a lender
Whether you refinance through a credit union, bank or online lender, carefully compare your options. Look for lenders with the lowest interest rates. For context, the best student loan refinancing companies typically offer rates between roughly 4% and 10%.
If rates are comparable among lenders, look for those that offer standout features, such as flexible repayment options.
» Learn all about refinancing student loans, including how to choose the best lender for you.
How credit unions are different
Unlike banks and online lenders, credit unions require membership and are nonprofit institutions.
You may be able to apply for credit union membership as part of your student loan refinancing application. The credit union may require that you live in a certain geographic area, have a certain employer or are a military member, for example.
As nonprofits, credit unions give back to their members in different ways. For instance, some credit unions may reward student loan refinance customers for staying current with their loans. For example, they might offer lump-sum rebates and small interest rate reductions.
Think twice before refinancing federal loans
Federal loans come with the benefits of flexible repayment plans, interest-free payment postponements and, potentially, forgiveness. You’ll lose these features when you refinance.
Only refinance federal loans if you’re confident that you won’t need those protections. Or look into consolidating, which allows you to bundle multiple federal loans and continue receiving government protections.
» MORE: Consolidation vs. refinancing
STUDENT LOAN REFINANCE RATINGS METHODOLOGY
Our survey of more than 19 banks, credit unions and online lenders offering student loans and student loan refinancing includes the top 10 lenders by market share and the top 10 lenders by online search volume, as well as lenders that serve specialty or nontraditional markets.
We consider 41 features and data points for each financial institution. Depending on the category, these include the availability of biweekly payments through autopay, minimum credit score and income requirement disclosures, availability to borrowers in all states, extended grace periods and in-house customer service.
The stars represent ratings from poor (one star) to excellent (five stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
Read more about our ratings methodologies for student loan refinance and our editorial guidelines.
Last updated on August 7, 2025
Frequently asked questions
- Lenders typically look for a credit score that’s in the mid- to high 600s or higher, as well as a history of on-time loan payments. If you’re not there yet, consider looking into refinancing with a co-signer who has a high credit score. Or work on raising your credit.
- The amount you save depends on the interest rate, length of term term and other details of your loan. Plug that information into this student loan refinance calculator to see how much you could save each month and over the lifetime of the loan.
NerdWallet's Credit Unions That Refinance Student Loans of August 2025
- LendKey Student Loan Refinance: Best for Borrowers who value payment flexibility, Fixed APR: 4.89-9.04%
- First Tech Federal Credit Union Student Loan Refinance: Best for Borrowers who expect their income to grow over time, Fixed APR: 8.60-18.00%
