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Step 1
Find a credit union you're eligible for. Many of these financial institutions are member-based organizations. Your first stop is to see if your employer or trade union has its own credit union. If your profession doesn't have its own credit union, check your local business directory, as some credit unions are open to all customers.
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Step 2
Join the credit union. Each institution has its own membership forms and processes. If you're applying to a member-based organization, be sure to ask how you prove eligibility, so that you can collect the necessary pay stubs or other documentation.
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Step 3
Research cars. As with any loan, different makes and models of cars get different rates. Choosing a model of car with a long history of being stable and reliable will help you get the most competitive rate from the credit union.
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Step 4
Improve your credit score. Credit unions are able to offer lower rates because they don't have to make a profit, but they nevertheless can't afford to give good rates to bad credit risks. If you have a low credit score, take the time to make it better before applying for a loan.
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Step 5
Apply for the auto loan. Contact the credit union to learn about its specific auto loan application process. A lot of information is available on the Internet these days, but you're likely to learn much more about your options if you travel to the credit union and speak to a representative.
