The Best Credit Union Personal Loans for January 2026 View All The Best Credit Union Personal Loans for January 2026
- Top Picks
- Patelco Credit Union
- First Tech Federal Credit Union
- Alliant Credit Union
- See More (2)
- PenFed Credit Union
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- Compare Providers
- Why Trust Us
- How Does a Credit Union Personal Loan Work?
- How to Get a Credit Union Personal Loan
- Who Is a Credit Union Personal Loan Good for?
- Common Personal Loan Terms to Understand
- Pros and Cons of Credit Union Personal Loans
- Methodology
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What to Know First
Investopedia's research and editorial teams examined thousands of aspects of personal loans at 20 credit unions to identify Patelco Credit Union as the best credit union for personal loans. It offers the best combination of lending features with few downsides.
Most borrowers shopping for a loan should include a credit union in their research mix. That’s because, in general, credit unions offer the best rates and the broadest range of loan amounts and repayment terms.
Learn more about Inverstopedia’s top choice and our other picks for specific borrowing needs.
Today’s Top Picks
- Best Overall, Best for Secured Loans, Best for Credit Building: Patelco Credit Union
- Best for Debt Consolidation: First Tech Federal Credit Union
- Also Good for Debt Consolidation: Alliant Credit Union
- Also Good for Secured Loans: PenFed Credit Union
- Best for Military Members: Navy Federal Credit Union
Why Trust Us 59 Lenders reviewed 45 Loan features considered 2,655 Data points analyzed 284 Primary data sources used Investopedia collected data from dozens of lenders to evaluate the factors most important for borrowers. We used this data to rank each lender based on APRs and fees, loan amounts, repayment terms, customer experience, and more to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews and help you make the right borrowing decision for your needs. Read our Full Methodology
What to Know First
Investopedia's research and editorial teams examined thousands of aspects of personal loans at 20 credit unions to identify Patelco Credit Union as the best credit union for personal loans. It offers the best combination of lending features with few downsides.
Most borrowers shopping for a loan should include a credit union in their research mix. That’s because, in general, credit unions offer the best rates and the broadest range of loan amounts and repayment terms.
Learn more about Inverstopedia’s top choice and our other picks for specific borrowing needs.
Today’s Top Picks
- Best Overall, Best for Secured Loans, Best for Credit Building: Patelco Credit Union
- Best for Debt Consolidation: First Tech Federal Credit Union
- Also Good for Debt Consolidation: Alliant Credit Union
- Also Good for Secured Loans: PenFed Credit Union
- Best for Military Members: Navy Federal Credit Union
Why Trust Us
59 Lenders reviewed 45 Loan features considered 2,655 Data points analyzed 284 Primary data sources used Investopedia collected data from dozens of lenders to evaluate the factors most important for borrowers. We used this data to rank each lender based on APRs and fees, loan amounts, repayment terms, customer experience, and more to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews and help you make the right borrowing decision for your needs. Read our Full Methodology
The Best Credit Union Personal Loans for January 2026
- Best Home Warranties
- Best Emergency Loans for Bad Credit
- Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit
| Company | APR | Credit Score est. | Loan Amount | More Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall, Best for Secured Loans, Best for Credit Building : Patelco Credit Union
- APR Range: 9.30% – 17.90%
- Loan Amount: $300 – $100,000
- Loan Terms: 6 months – 84 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
Patelco Credit Union offers competitive rates, a broad range of loan amounts, and flexible repayment terms, making it our top pick overall. Borrowers get access to funds fast. Rate discounts are available for customer loyalty and reliable repayment. Patelco even offers best-in-class secured loans and credit builder loans.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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A wide range of loan amounts
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Flexible repayment terms
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Secured loans
Cons
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No creditor direct pay for debt consolidation
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Does not report to all three credit bureaus
Overview
Northern California-based Patelco Credit Union may not be a household name, but it caught our attention after it rose to the top of our scoring model, earning the third-best overall rating among 59 lenders (just behind LightStream and SoFi) and the highest among credit unions.
It scored so well because of its broad loan offering. You can borrow as little as $300 and up to $100,000 and repay from 6 to 84 months. According to Investopedia's research, it accepts borrowers with credit scores as low as 640. Its APRs are reasonable on the low end and will never exceed 18% because it is a credit union.
For better rates, you can opt for a secured loan backed by a certificate of deposit or your savings account at Patelco. If you need to improve your credit score, the credit union offers a credit-builder loan, in which the credit union holds the loan funds. At the same time, you, as a borrower, make payments (which are reported to a credit bureau), releasing the funds to you, minus interest, at the end of the term.
Patelco doesn’t offer an autopay or direct deposit rate discount (many lenders do). Instead, it offers a 0.10% loyalty discount if you have other accounts with the credit union. It also offers a 0.50% discount after 12 consecutive months of on-time payments, which you can earn three times for a 1.50% discount.
Our main complaint with Patelco is that it does not pay your creditors directly if you are using the loan to consolidate debt. Some lenders will discount your rate if you opt for this service. And it’s convenient. Neither does the credit union report your payments to all three credit bureaus.
Membership is easy. If you live or work in a few northern California counties, you are eligible. You can become eligible if you live outside the region by joining the Financial Fitness Association. Patelco will cover the fee.
Patelco Credit Union was founded in 1936 by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company employees. Its headquarters are in Dublin, California, and it has over $9 billion in assets and 450,000 members.
Additional Details
Include the Following Loan/Lender Details in a table:
| Minimum Credit Score | 640 |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Yes |
| Available Discounts | 0.10% loyalty; up to 1.50% reliable payment |
Read the Full Patelco Credit Union Personal Loans Review
Best for Debt Consolidation : First Tech Federal Credit Union
- APR Range: 6.99% – 18.00%
- Loan Amount: $500 – $50,000
- Loan Terms: 6 months – 84 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
First Tech Credit Union offers a healthy range of loan amounts and terms, charges no origination fees, and will pay your creditors directly if you use the funds to consolidate debt.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Creditor direct pay
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Same-day funding for most applicants
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Option to defer first payment for 45 days
Cons
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No loan discounts available
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Maximum loan amount of $50,000 is lower than some other lenders
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Loan eligibility specifics are not disclosed
Overview
First Tech Credit Union offers personal loans at competitive rates and with no origination fees. You can borrow as little as $500 and up to $50,000, which is not as high as some of the other credit unions we researched. The reasonable rates and the absence of an origination fee, plus the convenience of creditor direct pay, make a loan from First Tech a good choice for debt consolidation. For most borrowers, funding is as fast as the same day.
While First Tech doesn’t disclose a minimum required credit score, it does offer a couple of ways for borrowers with lower scores to qualify. First, it accepts applications with co-signers or co-borrowers. Second, if you have a savings account, a CD, or an investment account with First Tech, you can use those funds as collateral on a secured loan.
You’re eligible for membership if you work for one of 900 affiliated companies (or the State of Oregon), live in Lane County, Oregon, or are a member of the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association.
First Tech was founded in 1952 by employees of Hewlett-Packard and Tektronix.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | No stated minimum |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Yes |
| Available Discounts | None |
Read the Full First Tech Federal Credit Union Personal Loans Review
Also Good for Debt Consolidation : Alliant Credit Union
- APR Range: 8.74% – 18.00%
- Loan Amount: $1,000 – $100,000
- Loan Terms: 12 months – 60 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
Alliant is among the largest credit unions in the U.S., and its advertised minimum APR is among the lowest. With its lower rate and creditor direct pay, Alliant is a good choice for debt consolidation. It also offers same-day funding for members and charges no origination fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Fast funding, usually within the same day for members
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No origination fees
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A wide range of loan amounts
Cons
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Short maximum loan term
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Late payment fee
Overview
Investopedia chose Alliant Credit Union for its low advertised minimum APR, which is not the absolute lowest for a credit union in our research database (currently, First Tech claims that honor, but rates shift frequently). Either way, the rate you are offered will depend on your specific financial situation. It pays to shop around.
Alliant offers borrowers a broad range of lending amounts and pre-qualifications, so you can shop those rates around. The credit union does not disclose a minimum required credit score. However, it accepts joint applications, so borrowers with weaker credit scores can get help qualifying.
Unfortunately, Alliant's repayment terms are not flexible, with a maximum of just 60 months (many lenders offer terms as long as 84 months or more). In addition, Alliant charges a late payment fee of $35. The credit union offers hardship assistance if you need more time to pay.
Membership is through an affiliation with a partner organization or if you live or work in one of the communities near Alliant’s corporate headquarters in Chicago. You can also become eligible by making a one-time donation of $5 to the Alliant Credit Union Foundation.
Alliant Credit Union was founded in 1935 by 146 United Airlines employees. Today, it is headquartered in Chicago and boasts over 800,000 members and $19 billion in assets.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | No stated minimum |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Yes |
| Available Discounts | 0.40% autopay |
Read the Full Alliant Credit Union Personal Loans Review
Also Good for Secured Loans : PenFed Credit Union
- APR Range: 7.99% – 17.99%
- Loan Amount: $300 – $50,000
- Loan Terms: 12 months – 60 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
PenFed is one of the nation’s largest credit unions. It offers personal loans with low APRs, no origination fees, and a competitive range of loan amounts. Like many credit unions, PenFed offers loans secured by a savings account or a certificate of deposit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Low APRs
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Next-day funding
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No origination fee
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Easy to join
Cons
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Term options are limited
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Underwriting details are not disclosed
Overview
In addition to unsecured personal loans, PenFed offers its members savings- and CD-secured loans that use those accounts as collateral. (You won’t find these mentioned on its website. Investopedia’s researchers learned of them during a data verification phone interview.) A secured loan reduces the lender’s risk and can reduce the borrower’s interest rates. If you’re considering a secured loan to help you qualify, PenFed also allows you to apply with a co-borrower.
A PenFed personal loan may not be a good choice if you need a longer repayment term. It offers a maximum term of 60 months, while other credit unions go as high as 84 months or more. Another downside is that, while PenFed provides many educational resources on its website regarding personal loans, it does not share detailed eligibility requirements. Borrowers can pre-qualify to learn what rates and terms they are eligible for.
PenFed has earned generally strong customer reviews on such sites as Trustpilot. Investopedia’s Combined Consumer Review rating was 3.6 (out of 5 possible). This rating aggregates consumer review ratings on two popular review sites: Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau.
Almost anyone can become a member of PenFed. You just need to make a $5 deposit to a savings or online account. And you can apply for a personal loan the same day you open your account.
Pentagon Federal Credit Union (“PenFed”) is the nation's second-largest credit union and was established in 1935. Its headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | No stated minimum |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Yes |
| Available Discounts | None |
Read the Full PenFed Credit Union Personal Loans Review
Best for Military Members : Navy Federal Credit Union
- APR Range: 8.74% – 18.00%
- Loan Amount: $250 – $50,000
- Loan Terms: 6 months – 180 months
On Investopedia
Why We Chose It
Navy Federal Credit Union is the nation’s largest credit union. Its loans feature competitive rates and a reasonable range for loan amounts. If you’re borrowing at least $30,000 for a home improvement, you can extend the repayment term to 180 months (15 years).
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Competitive APR
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Secured loans available
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No origination fees
Cons
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Membership limitations
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You must complete a full application to check your rates
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The maximum loan amount is lower than some other lenders
Overview
Navy Federal Credit Union offers personal loans with low APRs, no origination fees, and flexible repayment terms. Borrowers can opt for a secured loan backed by a savings account or a CD, which may result in even better rates (or help you qualify). Investopedia's researchers were impressed with the scope and depth of the financial educational resources Navy Federal provides on its website, rating it 5 (out of 5).
One standout personal loan feature for Navy Federal is the lengthy repayment term borrowers can choose for home improvement loans of $30,000 or more: 180 months or 15 years. Of course, the best rates are reserved for the shorter terms, but a longer term can reduce your monthly payments.
Given all that, it's disappointing that only current or former military service members, Department of Defense personnel, and their families are eligible to become members. Another strike against Navy Federal is that you cannot pre-qualify for a loan. You'll need to complete a loan application to find out what terms and rates you will be offered. In addition, you’ll need to join the credit union before you can begin an application.
Founded in 1933 and today headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, Navy Federal is the nation’s largest credit union.
Additional Details
| Minimum Credit Score | Not disclosed |
| Origination Fees | None |
| Membership Requirement | Yes |
| Available Discounts | None |
Read the Full Navy Federal Personal Loans Review