DCU Auto Purchase, Refinance and Lease Buyout Loans: 2023 Review
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Auto loan reviews
New auto purchase loan
Used auto purchase loan
Auto loan refinancing
Auto lease buyout loan
The bottom line:
Best for borrowers looking for flexible loan options, possible rate discounts and the benefits of credit union membership.
New auto purchase loan review
Not yet rated
Pros
Application process can be 100% online.
Has a 24-hour access consumer loan call center.
Offers two opportunities for discounts on already low rates.
Provides same-day or instant loan approval.
Allows co-signers and co-borrowers.
Cons
Submitting the main online auto loan application results in a hard credit inquiry.
Credit union membership is required, but it can be set up after applying for a loan.
Social Security number required with initial application.
Best for applicants wanting fast approval, rate discounts and other credit union benefits.
Full review
Digital Federal Credit Union, also known as DCU, offers new and used car purchase loans, refinance loans and lease buyout loans. Credit union membership is required to finalize and fund a vehicle loan, but individuals can submit a loan application and join DCU after receiving their loan decision. There are many ways to become eligible for DCU membership. Members are also required to open and maintain a primary savings account with a minimum $5 balance. This account can be opened and funded online.
DCU has two different online auto loan applications, one is accessible from the main DCU auto loans page and one from its auto refinance loans page. The auto refinance application is a better experience than the origination loan application.
The application specifically for auto loan refinancing provides pre-qualification with instant rate and payment estimates using a soft credit inquiry. A hard credit inquiry is done only after an applicant proceeds with the loan. The auto refinancing application, which includes lease buyout loans, stands out for simplicity and speed. Applicants can input their cell phone number to receive a verification code by text. Upon entering this code and Social Security number last four digits, an applicant’s information, including existing vehicle and loan information, automatically populates the auto refinance application.
DCU’s online application from its main auto loans page is less automated and requires the manual input of information. It does not offer rate estimates with a soft credit inquiry, and submitting it does result in a hard credit inquiry. Usually, an approval decision is provided within minutes. Applications for all auto loan types can also be made through a 24/7 consumer loan call center.
DCU rates are the same for both new and used vehicles, including refinancing and lease buyouts. Auto loan rates on the DCU website reflect rates available to borrowers with excellent credit and a 0.5 percentage point discount. To qualify for this discount, members must use direct deposit to a DCU checking account and maintain electronic loan payments. An additional rate reduction of 0.25 percentage point is available for energy efficient vehicles.
Unlike many credit unions, DCU focuses more on direct lending to consumers than providing loans through car dealerships. The credit union does provide financing for cars purchased through online used car retailer Carvana.
Digital Federal Credit Union may be a good fit for those who:
Need a more flexible lender. For auto loans, DCU has no minimum requirement for credit history and a low income requirement. It also allows co-signers and offers a “new to credit” program to assist first-time car buyers.
Want the benefits of credit union membership. Borrowers who open or have a DCU checking account, add direct deposit and make their loan payments electronically will receive a rate discount on auto and other consumer loans. Accounts and loans can be managed through DCU’s online and mobile banking, including submitting future pre-filled loan applications.
Want to see potential savings from refinancing. In most cases, borrowers can quickly see how much they might save by refinancing their current auto loan through DCU. Using the online refinancing application, applicants can input their cell phone number, have the application pre-fill including their existing vehicle and loan information, and within minutes see their loan offer.
Digital Federal Credit Union at a glance
How does this loan compare?
 |  |
|---|---|
Est. APR3.39-22.00% | Est. APR5.74-18.54% |
Loan amount$5,000-$100,000 | Loan amount$7,500-$500,000 |
Min. credit score550 | Min. credit score620 |
Used auto purchase loan review
Not yet rated
Pros
Maximum vehicle mileage higher than other lenders.
High maximum vehicle age (will finance antique and vintage vehicles).
Has a 24-hour access consumer loan call center.
Finances vehicles purchased from private parties.
Offers two opportunities for discounts on already low rates.
Allows co-signers and co-borrowers.
Cons
Submitting the main online auto loan application results in a hard credit inquiry.
Credit union membership is required, but it can be set up after applying for a loan.
Social Security number required with initial application.
Best for applicants looking for more flexibility and fewer restrictions when financing a used car. Also finances antique and classic vehicles.
Auto loan refinancing review
Not yet rated
Pros
Offers rate estimates through online auto refinance application using a soft credit check.
Offers shorter term loans.
Has a 24-hour access consumer loan call center.
Application process can be 100% online.
Offers two opportunities for discounts on already low rates.
Will refinance existing DCU auto loans.
Allows co-signers and co-borrowers.
Cons
Credit union membership is required, but it can be set up after applying for a loan.
Social Security number required with initial application.
Best for applicants wanting a simple, fast application process to refinance their car.
DCU offers cash-out refinancing, meaning borrowers with vehicle equity may be able to receive cash up to 100% of the vehicle’s value with their refinance loan. Borrowers should weigh the pros and cons of cash-out auto refinancing.
» MORE: Auto loan refinancing lenders
Auto lease buyout loan review
Not yet rated
Pros
Offers rate estimates through online refi application using a soft credit check.
Maximum vehicle mileage higher than other lenders.
Offers shorter term loans.
Application process can be 100% online.
Has a 24-hour access consumer loan call center.
Offers two opportunities for discounts on already low rates.
Allows co-signers and co-borrowers.
Cons
Credit union membership is required, but it can be set up after applying for a loan.
Social Security number required with initial application.
Best for applicants who may need more flexibility to finance the purchase of their leased car.
More from Digital Federal Credit Union
DCU also provides antique car loans and mobility loans for people with disabilities, as well as loans for motorcycles, boats and recreational vehicles. It offers gap insurance, payment protection and auto insurance through an affiliate, DCU Insurance.
The DCU website has many educational resources, including the Streetwise Financial Education program, Auto Loan FAQs and Vehicle Title FAQs.
Digital Federal Credit Union auto loan rates
Credit requirements vary by auto lender, but Digital Federal Credit Union’s lowest rates are typically available only to borrowers with good or excellent credit (a FICO score of 690 and above). Borrowers with bad or fair credit won’t qualify for the lowest interest rates.
You can check your credit score before applying for a car loan.
Loan example: According to NerdWallet's auto loan calculator that uses the VantageScore credit model, a borrower with a credit score of 300-499 (considered deep subprime), a $20,000 used car loan, repayment term of 72 months, interest rate of 18% APR and $0 down payment would have monthly payments of $456. One year later, if all payments were made on time, the borrower will have paid the loan down to a balance of $17,963. If the borrower is able to then refinance at 12% APR for the remaining 60 months, the payment would drop to $399 and result in interest savings of $3,394 over the life of the loan.
To review Digital Federal Credit Union, NerdWallet sent a survey to DCU requesting more than 60 data points and followed up with company representatives. The information was compared with other lenders that seek the same customer or offer a similar product.
Frequently asked questions
The DCU website says to become a member, a person must have something in common with other members, such as being related, employed at the same company, members of the same association, or residents of a particular geographic area. The DCU site states it “has many participating employers, organizations, communities and condominium associations and this makes it simple for almost anyone to join.”
On its site, DCU provides a list of nonprofit organizations a person can pay to join to become eligible for DCU membership. For example, a person can join the nonprofit organization Reach Out for Schools for as little as $10 to become eligible for DCU membership.
Yes. Digital Federal Credit Union, also known as DCU, is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and serves more than 1 million members and their families in all 50 states. DCU has also been chosen as the credit union for more than 700 companies and organizations.
The not-for-profit financial cooperative was chartered in 1979 and, based on assets, is now the largest credit union in New England and one of the top 20 nationwide.
