Boeing Employees Credit Union auto loans review: Potential for a lower rate if your credit scores improve over time

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Pros

Opportunity for a lower rate on qualifying loans if your credit improves
Ability to shop online for a car at a partner dealership
Finances vehicles with up to 150,000 miles

Cons

Limited membership eligibility
Must be a member to apply for an auto loan

What you need to know about BECU auto loans

BECU is a not-for-profit credit union that returns its profits to members in the form of fewer fees, lower rates and free financial education. If you’re a member, you can apply for a BECU auto loan directly through the credit union’s website or through a participating dealership.

Variety of loan options

BECU offers a range of auto finance options. Here are a few.

New-car loans
Used-car loans
Motorcycle, boat, recreational vehicle and sport vehicle loans

BECU doesn’t offer loans for refinancing a car — so if that’s what you need, you’ll have to look at other lenders.

Improved credit scores may get you a lower auto loan rate

When you first take out a BECU auto loan, your interest rate will be based in part on your existing credit history. But through BECU’s Loan Reprice Program, you have a chance to get a better rate on qualifying loans if your credit scores improve over time.

BECU says it periodically reviews its members’ credit scores. If your scores have gotten sufficiently better, your account is in good standing and you have a history of consistent, on-time payments, you may qualify for a better rate. But keep in mind that if you originally qualified for BECU’s lowest rate, you won’t be eligible for a rate decrease.

You must be a BECU member

BECU auto loans are only available to its members. And while it’s free to join, you must meet at least one of the following criteria for membership:

You live, work, worship or go to school in Washington state or certain parts of Idaho, or live or work or in select Oregon counties.
You’re a current or retired Boeing, BECU or credit union employee, volunteer or a family member.
You have an association with the University of Washington Alumni Association, Washington State University Alumni Association, NW Credit Union Foundation or KEXP.

A closer look at BECU auto loans

If you’re trying to decide if a BECU auto loan is right for you, here are a few more things to consider.

BECU will finance vehicles with up to 150,000 miles on the odometer. This mileage is high — some other lenders cap mileage at 125,000 or less.
BECU offers loan terms of up to 84 months. Keep in mind that while a longer loan term will reduce your monthly payment, you’ll likely pay more in interest over the life of your loan.
Through BECU’s partnership with AutoSMART, car-buying may be a little easier. You can search online for your next car at participating dealers and secure the car price before heading to the dealer.
You may be able to get the credit union’s new-car interest rates, which are lower than its used-car rates, for vehicles up to 2 years old.

Is a BECU auto loan right for you?

Assuming you can become a BECU member, a BECU auto loan could be a good option for someone who wants to finance a used vehicle with a significant amount of mileage. It could also be ideal if you think your credit will significantly improve in the near future, because you could qualify for a rate decrease down the road.

But if you want to refinance an existing auto loan, you’ll need to consider other auto lenders because there’s no refinance option.

How to apply for a BECU auto loan

To apply for a BECU auto loan online, you’ll need to either be a member of BECU or apply for membership first. You can read up on the eligibility requirements for BECU membership above.

You can apply for a BECU auto loan online through their website or through one of the credit union’s partnering car dealerships.

Before you apply for a loan with BECU, we recommend checking your credit and comparing other loan offers. Understanding your credit can help set expectations for your loan — in general, lower credit scores will result in higher interest rates. Plus, shopping around can help you find the best loan rate and terms for you. If you’d like more insight into the loan shopping process, take a look at our article on how to get a car loan.

Auto loan alternatives to consider

If you aren’t sure if a BECU auto loan is right for you — or if you don’t qualify for membership — here are some other lenders to consider.

Patelco Credit Union: Patelco might be a good option if you qualify for membership and want to refinance your car loan.
Capital One Auto Finance: Capital One Auto Finance may be ideal for someone who wants the ability to apply for prequalification.

About the author: Sarah Archambault is a freelance writer based in New England. She enjoys learning new ways to spend money wisely and helping others figure out how to make smart financial decisions. Sarah is a graduate of the Newhouse… Read more.