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Desert Financial Credit Union Auto Loan Calculator, Interest Rates & Overview

Carla Soto
Updated 5 Sep 2023
Fact checked

A quick review of Desert Financial Credit Union auto loans

Desert Financial Credit Union logo

Desert Financial Credit Union helps members fund their dream wheels for as low as 6.99% APR for up to 84 months. Plus, members can take control of their loans through auto three-fi and benefit from a $500 cashback, lower rates, and a first-payment break. Desert Financial is located in Arizona and partners with 100+ dealerships across the Valley.

Want to see what a Desert Financial auto loan will cost? Try the Desert Financial Credit Union auto loan calculator below! All you have to do is enter your desired loan amount and term to see an estimate. You can use the calculator to adjust your loan amount and term to see how it might affect your monthly repayments.

Key Desert Financial Credit Union auto loan features

  • Minimum loan amount: Undisclosed.
  • Maximum loan amount: Undisclosed.
  • Interest rates: New auto loans start at 6.99% APR, while auto loan refinancing is as low as 5.99% APR.
  • Loan terms: Up to 84 months.
  • Loan fees: No application fees.
  • Discounts: 0.25% rate discounts for qualified members.

DESERT FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION AUTO LOAN OPTIONS

Auto purchasing

Secure your keys through Desert Financial’s low-cost loans for new and used vehicles. For 6.99% APR, you can finance a new vehicle for up to 84 months. If you’re looking for used auto loans, rates start at 7.24% APR.

Auto three-fi

Desert Financial Credit Union also has refinancing choices at an affordable rate. At 5.99% APR, you can switch your car loan and potentially receive up to $500 cashback. But note that the cashback offer is only valid for non-Desert Financial auto loans with a minimum amount of $10,000.

Graduate Program

Desert Financial can also help you with your auto financing if you’re a recent college graduate. Through the program, you can lock in a new or used vehicle even if you have little or no credit history. To qualify, you should graduate from an accredited post-secondary education program within the U.S. and be currently employed in your field of study.

Recreational vehicle loans

If you’re going on a water cruise or road trip, Desert Financial has tailored loans for you, too. You can pick from a range of new and used recreational vehicles, including personal watercraft, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and ATVs. Starting at 9.35%, you can secure marine and recreational vehicle loans. Meanwhile, rates start at 12.85% APR for motorcycles.

Desert Financial Credit Union auto loan calculator

Loan Amount

$25,000

Term

60 months

Desert Financial Credit Union

Desert Financial Credit Union auto loan

Estimated Month Repayments
Interest Rate
15.00%
APR
Repayment Period
12 months
to 72 months
Loan Amounts
$5,000
to $100,000
Get a low interest rate Desert Financial Credit Union auto loan

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Minimum and maximum loan periods vary between 1 month and 10 years. Annual Percent Rates (APR) vary between 4.99% and 35.99% p.a. Total interest repayments vary between $592 and $916 over the life of the loan. *APR is based on an unsecured loan of $20,000 over a term of 3 years. WARNING: This APR is true only for the examples and may not include all charges. Different terms, fees or loan amounts might result in a different APR. These rates can change without further notice.

How to apply for a Desert Financial Credit Union auto loan

Eligibility criteria

Though Desert Financial CU doesn’t specify the requirements, you typically should be:

  • A member of Desert Financial
  • At least 18 years old
  • Employed or have a steady source of income

To secure the best interest rates and flexible terms, try to check your credit score first before applying. This will help you assess your financial situation and make necessary improvements to boost your chances.

How to join Desert Financial

To become a Desert Financial Credit Union member, you need to meet one of the following:

  • Live, work, study, volunteer, or worship in Arizona (except Apache, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties)
  • An employee of Desert Financial CU
  • An immediate family member of an existing Desert Financial member

What you’ll need to have ready:

When you apply for auto financing with Desert Financial Credit Union, you’ll be asked to provide personal information such as:

  • An email address
  • Your full name
  • Address
  • Social Security number
  • Employment information
  • Income details
  • U.S. citizenship status
  • A list of monthly expenses

You may need to provide Desert Financial with additional documents to complete your loan request. These documents may include a purchase agreement or bill of sale, car registration and title, instructions for buying out a lease, proof of income (such as federal tax returns and W-2s), and financial statements.

Your insurance policy should also indicate the loss payable clause, full collateral description, and collateral identification number. Additionally, it should include the comprehensive and collision deductibles not exceeding $1,000 and the effective and expiration dates.

Ways to apply for a Desert Financial Credit Union auto loan:

  • Apply online by clicking the GO TO SITE link in the table below
  • Visit a branch
  • Call (602) 433-5626

Additional Desert Financial auto loan details

  • Automatic payment: Available.
  • Loan approval times: Undisclosed. Depending on your case, your application may take a few minutes to a few weeks.
  • Rate discounts: 0.25% APR off for qualified members.
  • Repayment frequency: Monthly.
  • Late payment fees: Undisclosed.
  • Prepayment penalty: None.
  • Co-borrowers allowed: Undisclosed.
  • Co-signers: Undisclosed.
  • Hardship program: You can call the Credit Assistance team at (602) 433-7010.
  • Ways to repay: Online banking, in person, by mail, and over the phone.

Vehicle restrictions and limitations

  • Maximum vehicle age: Undisclosed.
  • Maximum vehicle mileage: Undisclosed.
  • Other vehicle restrictions: Undisclosed.

PROS AND CONS

Pros

  • Long loan terms stretching up to 84 months.
  • Lower rates for members in good credit standing.
  • 0.25% rate discounts for qualified members.
  • No application fees and early payment penalties.
  • Up to $500 refinance cashback.
  • No payment for the first 90 days.
  • 100+ dealer partners across
  • Pre-approval available online.
  • Multiple financing options – new and used auto loans, auto refinancing, recreational vehicle loans, and graduate programs.
  • Optional auto insurance and protection available.

Cons

  • Limited to Desert Financial members.
  • Lack of auto-buying service.
  • Unspecified minimum and maximum loan amounts.
  • Undisclosed late payment fees.

Frequently asked questions

What credit score do I need for Desert Financial?

While Desert Financial doesn’t list the credit standards for auto loans, a score above 660 can help you get favorable loans. Nevertheless, credit scores below 620 may still qualify for auto financing, but you may receive less favorable credit.

What is the auto loan graduate program?

The graduate program helps recent college graduates with little or no credit history secure vehicle financing. Through this, recent graduates can get new or used auto loans and build their credit. To qualify, you should be a graduate of any accredited post-secondary education program and be employed in your field of study.

Can I repay my Desert Financial Credit Union car loan early?

Yes. Desert Financial doesn’t charge prepayment penalties when you pay your auto loan earlier.

Will applying for an auto loan with Desert Financial affect my credit score?

The credit union needs to make a hard credit check when you submit your application. In turn, this temporarily decreases your credit score by a few points. To boost your credit, make sure you consistently meet your monthly payments.

Can I apply for a Desert Financial Credit Union car loan online?

Yes. You can apply for vehicle financing through Desert Financial’s website.

Does Desert Financial refinance auto loans?

Yes. You can refinance your vehicle and benefit from Desert Financial’s auto three-fi. This can help you get up to $500 cashback, lower your rate, and pause your first payment for 90 days.

Video: The road ahead with the auto three-fi from Desert Financial


Carla Soto
Carla Soto

Carla is a skilled copywriter at BestFind with a background in marketing and communications. She specializes in reviewing personal loan and finance products to help readers navigate the complex world of personal finance.

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