DCU Auto Loans Logo
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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: April 23rd, 2021

Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) is based in Massachusetts. It is among the top 20 credit unions in the USA, with members in all 50 states, though it only has full-service branches in two states. Because of this, the financial institution has a very comprehensive online banking system banking.

The credit union has a vision of helping "all members achieve their financial goals". This is done by prioritizing people first, doing the right thing, and making a difference.

DCU is a comprehensive financial service that offers loans, credit cards, retirement options, business banking, insurance, and HSA accounts. In this review, we will be focusing on the lender’s auto loans.

New and used auto loans are available, with an annual percentage rate (APR) starting from 3.74% and loan term options from 36-84 months. You can use a DCU car loan for a lease buyout, or to purchase from a dealer or a private party. The minimum loan amount is $5,000 and the max is $50,000. Applicants have the option to add a co-applicant to their online application.

Keep reading for pros and cons, plus customer reviews of DCU’s car loan services.

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The Good

  • Many Auto Loan Options
  • Low APRs
  • Flexible Loan Amounts
  • Rate Discounts
  • Website and Customer Service

Many Auto Loan Options

When it comes to car loans, DCU has a few different loan options: 

  • Auto loans for new and used cars, trucks and vans
  • Auto loan refinancing for a previous purchase
  • Classic and antique car loans for purchase or refinancing
  • Mobility vehicle loans used to buy or refinance vehicles with special mobility equipment 

It is not a common practice in the industry to offer so many types of loans. This can be convenient for customers when searching for an auto loan that works with their specific needs.

Low APRs

This financial institution offers low auto loan rates, starting at 3.47% APR. This low starting APR is eligible for terms of 36, 48, and 65 months. From there, rates go up, depending on creditworthiness. 

Flexible Loan Amounts

One of the ways that DCU offers flexible auto loan terms is that it offers qualified borrowers to finance up to 120% of the purchase price or book value of the car, whichever is less. 

Rate Discounts

There are a few different rate discounts to know about when shopping for a car loan with DCU. First, a 0.5 % discount is offered if you have a DCU account at a certain status level. 

Second, discounts of 0.25 percent APR are available for energy-efficient vehicles. 

Website and Customer Service

These options, as well as a comprehensive website application,  make DCU a convenient place for a car loan. 

DCU also has great customer service options. If you have any questions you can call in, chat online, email, and send feedback online. The online application is also fast and convenient so you can quickly find what loan you qualify for.

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The Bad

  • Checking Account
  • High APR for Classic Cars
  • $50,000 Loan Cap
  • Checking Rates with Credit Worthiness

Checking Account

DCU has a lot of great options for loans but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Firstly, customers with a level 2 (Plus) or level 3 (Relationship) can get a consumer loan rate discount of .5% if they sign up for online payment.

This can be an inconvenience for non-DCU customers by creating an extra step that takes time. It can also be off-putting for customers who already have a banking account with another bank and do not want to maintain more than one account.

High APR for Classic Cars

DCU has a higher APR for classic and antique cars. However, this is still low, considering that many auto lenders only offer funds for used cars with model years less than 1o years old.

$50,000 Loan Cap

The maximum loan amount is only $50,000. This might be a deterrent for shoppers that want to buy a more expensive car. A lot of car buyers won't be able to take out an auto loan at DCU because so many new cars cost more than $50,000. Customer's who know they are looking for vehicles that cost more should look elsewhere for a loan.

Checking Rates with Credit Worthiness

There is no way to calculate what your monthly payment would be if you have less than exceptional credit. Only the best rates are listed for each loan option.

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The Bottom Line

Digital Federal Credit Union has a lot going for its vehicle financing services. It offers possible low APR, many loan options including options for used cars older than 10 years.

Potential borrowers should keep in mind that there is a $50,000 loan cap, and that they have to open a checking account through DCU for the best benefits.

We recommend checking out Digital Federal Credit Union to see if they are a fit for your auto loan needs.

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7 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

14%

4 grade

0%

3 grade

29%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

57%

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Daniel Tran Huntington Beach, CA

I am giving a 3 star because I have been using DCU for some years now. 2 car loans, credit card, checking savings AND business accounts. I just applied for a new auto loan which I was approved for fairly quick but that’s when things started to get frustrating. I picked a car from car Ana and send DCU all the requested info. They sent an email requesting it the next business day. After I submitted it was radio silence for a whole week. I inquired for status no response. So now Bank of America approves me but it’s a little higher plus you don’t get to pay off early and get a refund on interest. Tried holding out for DCU but may have to go to BofA. This is the first time I had a bad experience throughout the years but this is the exact reason I always bank with multiple banks never only one.

6 years ago

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mkv White Marsh, MD

Please do not waste time by going with DCU. This is most horrible credit unions I have ever had accounts with. I have been a loyal customer for past 18 years, yes, past 18 years. Since last couple of years,their service has drastically deteriorated with pathetic and arrogant customer service, very poor service. I gave very good businesses (car loan, home equity, credit card balance etc.,) to this credit union since 18 years and in return they have been they dented my credit score (since last 2 decades I was at 790-820) by falsely reporting the missing payments. within last couple of months, came down to 600+ because of DCU falsely report to credit bureaus. Even though I had automatic payments, as always I have paid off full amount on loan accounts since last 18 years, but, since last few months, they are falsely reporting to credit bureaus though it is their flawed and automatic payments caused the issues. I have disputed with DCU with proof and the customer service was arrogant, pathetic service and not willing accept their fault (even after showing the proof of automatic scheduled payments) and never reversed false reporting that sent to credit bureaus and not accepting their fault, which was falsely reported to credit bureaus. Basically, their automatic payments did not work as it was intended, it is not once or twice, but, was broken more 6-7 times since few months and they do not accept their fault. That shows how ethical this credit union is. Never do business with DCU..its just waste of time, more importantly, you bring business with good credit score, but, they will dent your credit score within few months...not worth your time, money with DCU...period

8 years ago

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Jessica Kansas City, KS

Their customer service makes the entire experience awful. It's clear that none of the customer service team has received any more than 15 minutes of training. They give the wrong answers, are rude, and not willing to really assist with anything. I am strongly considering changing my auto lender, as working with them has been nothing but a nightmare.

4 years ago

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Chris Garland Elizabeth, CO

Do not get any loans from here. No one knows what they are talking about. Wait times are well over an hour. I was on the phone for 6 hours and 46 mins trying to get my loan approved. I am over 800 credit score and make 700k a year. Go some where else.

4 years ago

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Tim Goodwin

All lenders are thieves. Nobody loves paying back borrowed money PLUS fees and interest rates that are borderline criminalistic.

6 years ago

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mohit gupta Denver, CO

Pretty good and cheap auto loan company. Highly Recommendable .

8 years ago

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Rahul Panchakshri Austin, TX

Worst customer service ever, beaware of hidden charges they add to your loan

4 years ago