
A secured loan credit union can be a great way to achieve personal and savings goals.
Secured loans from credit unions often have lower interest rates compared to traditional banks, making them a more affordable option.
Credit unions also tend to have more flexible repayment terms, allowing borrowers to choose a payment schedule that suits their needs.
By borrowing from a credit union, you can use the funds for a specific purpose, such as paying off high-interest debt or financing a home improvement project.
Secured loans from credit unions can also be used for savings goals, like building an emergency fund or funding a child's education.
What to Consider
You'll be using your savings as collateral for a secured loan, which means your lender can recoup the funds from your accounts if you default.
Before taking out a secured loan, consider the potential risks and consequences of using your savings as collateral. It's crucial to understand the terms and conditions of your loan to avoid any financial difficulties.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of how your lender will handle your accounts if you're unable to repay the loan. This will help you avoid any unexpected surprises down the line.
What to Consider Before Taking This Kind of

Before taking out a deposit secured loan, consider that you'll be using your savings as collateral. This means the lender will recoup the funds from your accounts if you default on the loan.
You should also understand the potential risks involved with using your savings as collateral. If you're not careful, you could end up with a significant dent in your emergency fund.
Who Qualifies for Deposit Secured Loans?
If you're considering a deposit secured loan, you'll want to know who qualifies. You can apply for a deposit secured loan if you're a member and have a Share Savings account or a Share Certificate with Greater Nevada.
To qualify, you'll need to be a member with Greater Nevada, and you'll need to have one of these accounts. It's worth noting that not all members will qualify, so be sure to check your eligibility before applying.
Having a Share Savings account or a Share Certificate can serve as collateral for a deposit secured loan, making it a good option for those who need access to funds.
Loan Details
A secured loan from a credit union can be a great option for those who need a lump sum of money. The loan amount can range from $1,000 to $50,000.
The loan term can vary from 12 to 60 months, giving you flexibility to choose a repayment period that suits your needs. This allows you to spread the payments over a longer period, making it more manageable.
The interest rate on a secured loan from a credit union is typically lower compared to other lenders. For example, the article mentions that the interest rate can be as low as 6.99% APR.
You'll need to provide collateral, such as a car or property, to secure the loan. This reduces the risk for the credit union, allowing them to offer more favorable terms.
Make sure you understand the fees associated with the loan, such as origination fees and late payment fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor them into your budget.
Types of Loans
Secured loan options are available at the credit union, offering flexibility and competitive rates.
Unsecured loans are available with a maximum term of 60 months and an interest rate of 12.25%. This type of loan is suitable for those who need a smaller amount, $5,000 or more.
Other secured loan options include secured credit cards, energy/emergency loans, and overdraft lines of credit. These loans have varying interest rates and repayment terms.
Here are some key details about the secured loan options:
The credit union also offers a Share Secured loan with a fixed interest rate of 3.50% and a repayment term of 60 months.
What Are Loans?
Loans can be a great way to access the funds you need for various purposes, such as buying a car or paying for education expenses.
Deposit secured loans, in particular, allow you to leverage your savings to unlock more financial freedom. You can secure a loan with a Greater Nevada Share Certificate or funds in your Share Savings account.
These types of loans can also help build your credit history and improve your credit score, opening up more opportunities for future borrowing needs.
Other Credit Cards

If you're looking for a credit card option, there are several types to consider. The Dirigo Platinum Credit Card offers an introductory rate of 5.95% that can go as low as 9.95% later on.
The Dirigo Platinum Rewards Credit Card is another option, but it's only available to those with A+, A, B, or C credit. This card has an APR as low as 11.95%.
You can also choose between a revolving or fixed term credit card. The Dirigo Platinum Credit Card has a revolving term, while the Dirigo Platinum Rewards Credit Card also has a revolving term.
Here's a comparison of the two credit cards:
Keep in mind that the Dirigo Platinum Rewards Credit Card has a higher APR, but it's also available to those with A+, A, B, or C credit.
Benefits and Features
Secured loan credit unions offer a range of benefits to their members. They provide a secure and stable source of funds for major purchases, such as buying a car or a home.
With a secured loan from a credit union, you can enjoy lower interest rates compared to other lenders. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.
Credit unions also offer flexible repayment terms to help you manage your finances. You can choose a repayment schedule that suits your needs, whether it's monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly.
One of the key features of secured loan credit unions is their emphasis on community involvement. Many credit unions are owned and controlled by their members, which means they are more likely to invest in local projects and support community development initiatives.
Secured loan credit unions also offer a range of financial tools and resources to help you manage your debt and improve your financial health. These may include budgeting advice, financial counseling, and online banking services.
By choosing a secured loan from a credit union, you can enjoy a more personalized and responsive service. Credit union staff are often more knowledgeable about their products and services, and are more likely to go the extra mile to help you with your loan application.
Terminology and Comparison
When considering a secured loan from a credit union, it's essential to understand the terminology and how different loan options compare.
APR is a crucial factor, including interest rates and any credit union fees, which should always be advertised. A low APR can save you money in the long run.
Fixed rate loans offer a consistent rate throughout the length of the loan, while variable rate loans are subject to change over time. This can impact your monthly payments, which are calculated based on APR, term length, and loan amount.
A low debt-to-income ratio is favorable, as it indicates a manageable level of debt compared to your income. This can make it easier to service a debt or loan, giving you peace of mind.
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Secured loans require collateral to get approved, while unsecured loans don't need any collateral.
Secured loans are often used for big purchases, like a house or a car, because the lender can take the item as payment if you can't pay back the loan.

Unsecured loans, on the other hand, can be used for almost anything, from paying off credit card debt to financing a wedding.
Here's a comparison of the two types of loans:
Secured loans often use items like your car, savings, or Certificate of Deposit as collateral.
Terminology
APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, is a crucial factor to consider when taking out a loan. It includes interest rates and any credit union fees, and should always be advertised.
A fixed rate loan means you'll have a consistent rate throughout the length of the loan. This can provide peace of mind, knowing exactly how much you'll be paying each month.
Variable Rate loans, on the other hand, are subject to change over the life of the loan. This means your monthly payments could increase or decrease, depending on market conditions.
Your monthly payment amount is calculated based on APR, term length, and loan amount. This is what you'll need to consider when looking at your monthly budget.
A low Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio is favorable and more likely to get you approved for a loan. Your DTI is calculated by measuring your income and debt, so it's essential to keep this in mind when applying for credit.
Personal and Savings
With a secured loan from a credit union, you can use your savings as collateral to borrow money at a low rate. You can borrow up to the amount you have in your savings with terms up to 60 months.
If you need to borrow the amount in your savings account, deposit secured loans are a great option. You can continue to earn interest on your funds while paying off the loan.
A Share Secured Loan is a type of loan that freezes the funds in your Share Savings account, releasing them as you make on-time loan payments. The maximum loan amount is up to 100% of the funds available in the account, with a maximum loan term of up to 60 months.
Savings
Savings can be a powerful tool for achieving financial goals, and there are several options available for using your savings to your advantage. You can use your savings as collateral for a low-rate loan.

If you're looking for a quick loan, a Savings Secured Loan might be the way to go. With this type of loan, you can borrow up to the amount you have in your savings, with terms up to 60 months.
A key benefit of Savings Secured Loans is that the money you already have on deposit is used as collateral. This can make it easier to qualify for a loan and get the funds you need.
To give you a better idea of how Savings Secured Loans work, let's take a look at some of the details. Here are the minimum loan amounts for different loan terms:
Keep in mind that the rates and terms for Savings Secured Loans are subject to change at any time without notice. It's always a good idea to review the terms and conditions carefully before applying for a loan.
Who Are Loans Best For?
Deposit secured loans are great options for members who need to borrow the amount in their Share Savings account or Share Certificate while continuing to earn interest on their funds.
If you're someone who likes to save and earn interest on your money, deposit secured loans can be a good fit for you.
They're also suitable for those who need to borrow a specific amount that's already in their account.
Members can continue to earn interest on their funds even while borrowing, which is a big plus.
For example, if you have a Share Certificate with a high interest rate, you can use a deposit secured loan to access the funds without breaking the CD.
This way, you can still earn interest on your money while having access to the funds when you need them.
Personal
Your personal finances are a vital part of managing your money effectively. By making small changes to your spending habits, you can save up to 10% of your income.
Having a clear picture of your income and expenses is crucial for creating a budget. This involves tracking every single transaction, no matter how small.
Having a budget can help you avoid overspending and make the most of your money. For example, cutting back on dining out can save you up to $500 per month.
By prioritizing your expenses, you can allocate your money towards what's truly important to you. This might mean paying off high-interest debt or building up your savings.
Having a savings plan can help you achieve your long-term financial goals. This can include setting aside a specific amount each month or using the 50/30/20 rule as a guideline.
Saving for emergencies can help you avoid going into debt when unexpected expenses arise. This can include setting aside 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in an easily accessible savings account.
Certificate Rates and Infrastructure
Certificate rates play a crucial role in determining the interest you'll pay on a Certificate-Secured loan. Loan rates for Certificate-Secured loans are 2.00% over the certificate dividend rate or the same certificate's current offered rate, whichever is greater.
To give you a better idea, let's say the certificate dividend rate is 1.50% and the current offered rate is 2.25%. In this case, the loan rate would be 2.00% over the higher of the two rates, which would be 2.25%.
Certificate Rates
Loan rates for Certificate-Secured loans are 2.00% over the certificate dividend rate or the same certificate's current offered rate, whichever is greater.
Certificate Secured Loans are issued based on the amount in your Share Certificate, making it a convenient option for those with existing certificates.
The maximum loan amount is up to 90% of the Share Certificate balance for maturities of 12 months or less.
For longer-term certificates, the maximum loan amount is capped at 80% of the Share Certificate balance.
The maximum loan term for a Certificate Secured Loan is the term of the Share Certificate, making it a straightforward process to plan and manage your loan repayment.
Establish Your Infrastructure
Establishing your infrastructure is a crucial step in building a strong financial foundation. You can establish or rebuild your credit by making timely payments, and a Secured Loan itself can also help raise your credit score.
A Secured Loan can provide a sense of financial security, allowing you to borrow money against an asset. In addition to helping with credit, a Secured Loan can also help you achieve your financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a secured loan work at a credit union?
A secured loan at a credit union uses money already deposited as collateral, allowing you to borrow up to that amount with flexible repayment terms. By securing the loan with your savings, you can enjoy more favorable loan options and terms.
Is it easy to get approved for a secured loan?
Yes, secured loans are generally easier to qualify for, as offering collateral reduces the lender's risk and makes you a more attractive borrower. This is because the lender can recover some of their loss by selling your collateral if you default on the loan.
What is the main disadvantage of a secured loan?
The main disadvantage of a secured loan is the risk of losing collateral if payments are missed. Additionally, a hard credit check is typically required, which can temporarily impact your credit score.
Sources
- https://www.lgeccu.org/borrow/loans/personal-and-student-loans/secured-loans.html
- https://www.gncu.org/loans/deposit-secured/
- https://www.dirigofcu.com/loans/secured-loans/
- https://www.spectrumcu.org/personal-loans-credit/secured-loans
- https://www.patelco.org/credit-cards-and-loans/personal-loans/secured
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