Auto Loans FAQs

Auto Loans FAQs

Yes, but the vehicle must be purchased from a dealership within your state.  

First US Community Credit Union does not allow you to pay your loan ahead.

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Yes. There are no early payoff penalties associated with First US Community Credit Union auto loans.  

Auto loan terms range from 12 to 84 months. 

No. There are no application or loan processing fees. The purchase may be subject to DMV fees for ownership transfer. 

Yes. However, there are limitations to loan amounts and terms will apply. Older models, including classic vehicles, may require a valuation from a licensed appraiser. 

First U.S. offers a special 0.25% rate discount on electric or hybrid vehicles less than 10 years old. 

First U.S. offers: 

  • Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP), which helps protect you if your vehicle is declared a total loss and the insurance settlement doesn’t cover the remaining loan balance. 
  • Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI), which helps cover the cost of many unexpected mechanical repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. 

Ask a loan representative for details, including eligibility and pricing. 

Out-of-state vehicle purchases are only allowed if the dealership can collect the applicable taxes and process the required DMV paperwork for the buyer’s state of residence. 

Auto loan pre-approvals are valid for 60 days. We advise you to close at least 10 days before your approval expires to allow time for funding. 

California DMV regulations state that only certain family members are exempt from use tax when transferring vehicle ownership: parent-child, grandparent-grandchild, spouse, or domestic partner. 

Required items include:

  • California title or a lender-provided 10-day payoff  
  • Current registration  
  • Smog certificate (if applicable)  
  • Evidence of insurance  
  • Valid driver’s licenses  

Registration renewal due within 75 days may require additional items. 

Private party purchases are completed at a First U.S. branch because DMV ownership transfer paperwork must be processed in person. Applicable use tax, DMV fees, and any required smog certification will also be handled as part of the transaction. Before your appointment, a First U.S. representative will explain what documents you’ll need and walk you through the process. 

Required items include: 

  • Signed purchase contract/buyer’s order 
  • Bill of Sale 
  • Copy of title and DMV paperwork, if not a franchised dealer 

At the dealership, say you want “First U.S. financing”. Most California dealerships participate in the Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) network and can access your First U.S. pre-approval. Once you’ve selected your vehicle and signed the purchase paperwork, the dealership will send everything directly to First U.S. for funding. 

Specific terms for your auto loan are determined by a variety of factors, but you should be aware of the following: 

  • Term limitations may apply 
  • Loan-to-value restrictions apply 
  • A down payment may be required 
  • Title and DMV processing fees may apply 
  • Salvaged or branded-title vehicles cannot be financed as auto loans 

The maximum amount you can finance depends on your qualifications and the vehicle being purchased. We consider factors such as your credit profile, the vehicle’s value, age, and mileage when determining the amount that can be financed. 

Research your options by visiting our vehicle search tool. First US Community Credit Union | Buy Used Cars and New Cars Online

Auto Refinance FAQs

Required items include the current registration, a lender provided 10-day payoff, evidence of insurance, and valid driver’s license. Registration renewal due within 75 days may require additional items.

Yes. If your vehicle is paid off, you may qualify for a loan based on its value and your credit qualifications.

Yes. If you refinance an eligible vehicle currently financed with another lender, you can choose either: 

  • A 0.50% APR discount *, or 
  • 1% cash back on the refinance amount (up to $500) 1

Offer available on eligible vehicles less than 10 years old. 

*Annual Percentage Rate (APR), terms and offers effective 10/30/2026 and subject to change without notice. Your actual rate may vary and will be based on credit rating, the amount financed and the loan term. Interest accrues from date of disbursal. Offer is only available for models less than 10 years old. Certain restrictions apply. Offer not available for purchases. This offer cannot be used to refinance an existing First U.S. loan. Cash Out Refinance up to 100% High Kelley Blue Book. Cash bonus option not available with a cash out refinance.

1 Cash Bonus: one per vehicle based on 1% of amount financed up to $500; $10,000 minimum loan amount required. Refinance up to 125% High Kelley Blue Book, plus up to $420 GAP. Loan must remain at First U.S. for 6 months or cash bonus is added to loan payoff amount.

 

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Car Shopping & Financing FAQs

All New and Used auto purchases qualify for no payment for 90 days, except for First Time Auto Buyer loans.

The EV/Hybrid 0.25% discount may be combined with the Enterprise Car Sales discount.

No, First U.S. offers financing for up to 84 months on eligible new and used vehicles. Loan terms, rates, and eligibility are based on factors such as the vehicle, loan amount, and credit qualifications. Contact us for details and current rates

We offer Credit Life and Disability Insurance for qualified members, Guaranteed Auto Protection Waivers for qualified autos, RV’s, boats and motorcycles, and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance for qualified autos.

Yes. Most dealerships will cooperate with First U.S. for financing.

Motorcycle Loans FAQs

There are no early payoff penalties associated with the loan. 

Motorcycle loan terms range from 12 to 84 months.

No. There are no application or processing fees.

You’ll need a California title or a lender-provided 10-day payoff, current registration, proof of insurance, and valid driver’s licenses. Registration renewal due within 75 days may require additional items. Private party purchases are completed at a First U.S. branch because DMV ownership transfer paperwork must be processed in person. Applicable use tax and DMV fees will also be handled as part of the transaction. Before your appointment, a First U.S. representative will explain what documents you’ll need and walk you through the process.

Yes. Apply online, by phone or at a First U.S. branch. Pre-approvals are valid for 60 days.

The maximum amount you can finance depends on your qualifications and the motorcycle being purchased. We consider factors such as your credit profile, the motorcycle‘s value, age, and mileage when determining the amount that can be financed.

First U.S. finances motorcycles that are seven model years old and newer. Off-road motorcycles with 2-stroke engines are not eligible to be financed as Motorcycle Loans.

RV/Boat Loans FAQs

No. We do not finance consignment deals.

Yes. There are no early payoff penalties associated with First US Community Credit Union RV or Boat loans. 

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RV loan terms range from 12 to 240 months, depending upon amount financed and credit tier. A 10% down payment is required for the 240-month term.  

No. There are no application or processing fees.

RV refinances require an appraisal from a certified appraiser, as do purchases from private sellers. 

Yes. Insurance is required when you close on the loan and it must be maintained for the life of the loan.

You can sell or trade in an RV before the loan matures. However, you will be responsible for paying off any remaining loan balance out of pocket if the sale price is less than what you owe. 

$200,000 is the maximum finance amount for a boat or RV

No. RVs must be 10 model years old or newer.

No. All recreational vehicles must be titled through the Department of Motor Vehicles. A tiny home is not considered a recreational vehicle.

No. Financing is for units intended for recreational use only. The collateral may not be used as a residence.

First U.S. finances motor homes, trailers, fifth wheels and recreational boats.

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