
Lake Michigan Credit Union offers a range of personal loan options to fit different needs and financial situations. They have a personal loan program that allows members to borrow up to $25,000 with a fixed interest rate and repayment term.
Their personal loans have competitive interest rates, with rates starting at 7.99% APR for a 36-month loan. This can help make loan payments more manageable and affordable.
Members can also use their personal loans for various purposes, such as consolidating debt, financing a major purchase, or covering unexpected expenses.
Membership and Requirements
To be eligible for Lake Michigan Credit Union membership, you must fit into one of the following categories.
Individuals who live, work, or worship in Florida or Michigan's lower peninsula can join. You don't have to be a resident of Michigan's upper peninsula to qualify.
Immediate family members of an LMCU member can also join, regardless of where they live. This includes parents, siblings, children, grandparents, or spouses.
You can also join by donating at least $5 to the ALS Foundation, a national nonprofit organization focused on advocacy and treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Personal Loans
Lake Michigan Credit Union offers personal loans for a variety of uses, including debt consolidation, weddings, and vacations. You can also use a personal loan to finance home improvement projects, such as installing solar panels, with loan amounts up to $60,000 and longer loan terms.
The credit union has a Michigan Saves loan program that allows you to borrow up to $60,000 for home improvement projects, with loan terms as long as 180 months. This can be a great option if you're planning a major renovation or want to make energy-efficient upgrades.
You can apply for a personal loan online, in person, or by phone, and you'll receive a response about your loan status within 24 to 48 hours. LMCU doesn't have a pre-qualification tool, so you'll need to complete the entire application to view your loan options.
Applying for a Personal Loan
You can apply for a personal loan online, and it's a relatively straightforward process. The Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) website allows you to fill out an online application, which will ask for the loan amount and how you plan to use it.

To start the application process, you'll need to provide some personal information, including your Social Security number. You'll also need to verify your identity with a photo ID, which can be done through a mobile device or in person.
LMCU doesn't have a pre-qualification tool, so you'll need to complete the entire application to see your loan options. This will also involve a hard credit inquiry, which will temporarily affect your credit score.
The application process typically takes 24 to 48 hours to complete, and you'll receive a response about your loan status. If you don't have a compatible mobile device, you can apply in person or by calling the customer support team.
Here are the steps to apply for a personal loan with LMCU:
- Fill out an online application
- Verify your identity with a photo ID
- Wait while LMCU reviews your application
Keep in mind that LMCU offers a variety of loan options, including secured and unsecured loans, and a line of credit. You can use the loan funds for a variety of purposes, such as debt consolidation, weddings, or vacations.
Personal Loan Features

You can skip up to two non-consecutive months' payments per year with a $25 fee, but the payment and interest accrued will be added to your loan's end.
Lake Michigan Credit Union offers a 14-day grace period for loan payments, after which a late charge of 4% of the payment is added.
Optional credit life and disability insurance is available, which can pay off the remaining loan balance if you become disabled or pass away.
However, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggests comparing credit insurance costs to traditional forms, such as term life insurance, which can be more affordable and doesn't restrict how funds are used.
Here's a quick comparison of Lake Michigan Credit Union's features:
- Payment skip option: $25 fee, up to 2 skips per year
- Grace period: 14 days
- Late charge: 4% of payment
- Credit life and disability insurance: optional, compares to term life insurance
Compare Personal Loan Lenders
If you're considering a personal loan, it's essential to compare lenders to find the one that suits your needs. Lake Michigan Credit Union offers loans with APRs ranging from 9.99% to 18.00%.
Patelco Credit Union and SoFi also offer competitive rates, with APRs starting at 9.30% and 8.99% respectively. However, SoFi's rates can go up to 29.49%.

To qualify for a loan, you'll need a minimum credit score of 650 with Lake Michigan Credit Union or 640 with Patelco Credit Union. SoFi doesn't disclose its minimum credit score requirement.
The loan amounts you can borrow vary between lenders. Lake Michigan Credit Union offers loans as low as $250, while Patelco Credit Union and SoFi offer loans ranging from $5,000 to $100,000.
Here's a comparison of the loan terms offered by these lenders:
Keep in mind that SoFi charges an origination fee of up to 7%, while Lake Michigan Credit Union and Patelco Credit Union don't charge any origination fees.
$100 Saved Per Loan
Saving money on personal loans is a top priority for many of us. Argyle's automated solution has helped LMCU reduce its operational expenses, allowing them to pass rate savings on to its members.
In one year, LMCU saved over a quarter of a million dollars, including ramp time. This is a significant amount of money that could be put towards paying off debt or building savings.

The ability to re-verify at no additional cost is paying dividends for LMCU. This has allowed them to save even more money, and they're expecting even higher savings in the next year.
By automating the verification process, LMCU is saving time and money. This is a win-win for both the credit union and its members.
Banking and Insurance
Lake Michigan Credit Union offers a wide range of banking services, including auto and RV loans, checking, savings, and CD accounts, credit cards, student loans, mortgages, and home equity loans.
You can choose from a variety of account types, such as checking and savings accounts, to fit your financial needs.
Their loan options cover various purposes, like purchasing a vehicle or a home, or even consolidating debt.
Here are the loan options offered by LMCU:
- Auto and RV loans
- Student loans
- Mortgages
- Home equity loans
Your deposits are insured through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which means your funds are protected up to $250,000.
Banking Services and Loans

Lake Michigan Credit Union offers a wide range of banking services and loans, making it a one-stop-shop for all your financial needs.
You can get an auto or RV loan, or even a mortgage, to help you purchase or finance a vehicle or a home. They also offer credit cards, student loans, and home equity loans to help you manage your finances and achieve your goals.
Their personal loan options are flexible, allowing you to use the funds for various purposes, such as debt consolidation, weddings, or vacations.
Here are some key features of their personal loans:
- APR range: 9.99%–18.00%
- Loan amounts: $250 (no maximum disclosed)
- Loan terms: 1–60 months
- Recommended minimum credit score: 650
- Origination fee: None
- Time to receive funds: 1 day
Additionally, Lake Michigan Credit Union offers optional credit life and disability insurance to protect your loan payments in case of unexpected events.
If you're planning to finance home improvement projects, such as solar panel installation, you can take advantage of their Michigan Saves loan program, which allows you to borrow up to $60,000 with longer loan terms (up to 180 months).
To apply for a personal loan, you can fill out an online application, which takes just a few minutes to complete. You'll need to provide basic information, such as your identity and Social Security number, and specify how you'd like to receive the funds.
Is FDIC Insured?

Lake Michigan Credit Union is not backed by FDIC insurance, but your deposits are insured through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000.
This means that if you have accounts at a credit union, you're not protected by the same type of insurance that banks have.
Comparison and Process
Lake Michigan Credit Union offers a range of services that make it a convenient option for its members. With over 430,000 members, it's clear that the credit union has made a significant impact in the community.
The credit union's membership requirements are relatively straightforward, allowing anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in 44 counties in Michigan and Illinois to join. This broad eligibility makes it easy for people to become members.
By joining Lake Michigan Credit Union, members can take advantage of competitive rates and fees, as well as a wide range of financial products and services. This includes checking and savings accounts, loans, credit cards, and investment services.
Top Rated For

Lake Michigan Credit Union is a top-rated choice for personal loans. It's available in all 50 states, making it a convenient option for borrowers across the country.
One of the standout features of Lake Michigan Credit Union is its low loan minimum. This means that borrowers with smaller financial needs can still get the help they need.
The credit union also offers a payment skip option, which can be a lifesaver for borrowers who experience a temporary financial setback.
However, it's worth noting that Lake Michigan Credit Union has limited repayment terms, which may not be ideal for borrowers who need more flexibility.
Here are the key benefits of Lake Michigan Credit Union's personal loans:
- Available in all 50 states
- Low loan minimum
- Payment skip option
And here are some potential drawbacks:
- Limited repayment terms
- Membership required
- No co-signers allowed
What's the Joining Process?
To join a credit union, you'll need to qualify for membership. Membership requirements vary by credit union, but some may require a connection to a specific group or profession.

The joining process for Lake Michigan Credit Union is relatively straightforward. You can join LMCU online if you qualify for membership.
To open an account, you'll need to provide your Social Security number. This is a standard requirement for most financial institutions.
You'll also need to provide a photo of your driver's license or other government-issued identification. This is usually taken via a mobile phone with a camera.
Additionally, you may need to make a donation to a specific charity, such as the ALS Foundation. This is a one-time fee of $5 if you're not related to a current LMCU member.
Challenge and Benefits
Lake Michigan Credit Union offers a range of benefits to its members, including competitive rates on loans and deposits. Their loan rates are often lower than those of traditional banks.
The credit union's membership requirements are straightforward, making it easy for people to join. Members must be affiliated with a participating organization or live in a specific area.

One of the biggest challenges facing Lake Michigan Credit Union is the increasing competition from larger financial institutions. This can make it difficult for the credit union to attract new members.
Despite the challenges, the credit union has reported steady growth in recent years. Their commitment to community involvement has helped to build strong relationships with local residents and businesses.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/profile/lake-michigan-credit-union-13312162i
- https://www.muskegon.org/lake-michigan-credit-union-hosts-ribbon-cutting-for-north-muskegon-branch/
- https://www.investopedia.com/lake-michigan-credit-union-personal-loans-review-8384413
- https://argyle.com/customers/lake-michigan-credit-union/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Michigan_Credit_Union
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