A car lets you get to work, school, and family events on time. Credit unions were created to cut the cost of taking out an auto loan, and HSECU stands by the mission. Because members own the credit union, profits go back to you instead of outside investors. Auto loans here usually have APRs one to two points below bank rates, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
Why Choose HSECU for Your Auto Loan
HSECU is a nonprofit credit union serving human services workers and their families in the state of Georgia. Decisions are made locally, so you receive fast and friendly service, and you can lock in your auto loan rate for 30 days after pre-approval. Here’s what makes HSECU different:
- Member-owned – no outside investors
- Surplus income funds lower loan costs
- Local staff in Atlanta handle all decisions
- 30-day rate lock for worry-free car shopping
- Special programs to rebuild credit at fair rates
- Same-day debit-card printing and paperwork on site
Check Your Membership Eligibility
You must be a member of HSECU before applying. Anyone who works or has worked for the Georgia Department of Human Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, plus their immediate family, is eligible. Household members living under the same roof also count, so spouses or partners who stay home still gain access. Even part-time staff, interns and seasonal workers qualify. If you’re unsure, please email adm@hsecu.org with your job title, and they’ll respond within one business day.
Once approved, membership lasts for life as long as you maintain a $30 balance in your Share Savings account. Even if you move out of state, you remain eligible for new loans and online services.
Compare New, Used, and Refi Rates
HSECU updates its auto-loan rates each time the board meets:
- New cars (up to five model years old): Rates begin at 3.99% APR for 60 months, with 36-month terms at 3.59% and 48-month terms at 3.79%.
- Used cars (older than five model years): Rates start at 4.49% APR for 60 months, with 36-month terms at 4.09% and 48-month terms at 4.29%.
- Refinance loans: Match the new-car curve—60-month refis begin at 4.49% APR but can drop 1.5 points below your current rate if you meet the criteria, often saving hundreds over the life of the loan.
In February 2025, the Federal Reserve reported that the average APR on a 60-month new-car loan at commercial banks was 8.04%, more than double HSECU’s 3.99% tier. Finance companies charged an average of 16.5 % APR on used-car loans in Q4 2024. By choosing HSECU, you lock in rates that are roughly 3–7 points below the national averages.
Calculate Your Monthly Payment
Payment planning protects your budget before you sign. A credit union calculator uses three inputs: loan amount, APR, and term. For example, a $25,000 loan at HSECU’s 3.99 percent APR over 60 months has a monthly payment of approximately $460. Change the APR to the national bank average of 7.21 percent, and the payment climbs to $500. That $38 difference totals $2,200 over five years.
Pre-approval letters list a maximum amount rather than a fixed price, allowing members to negotiate. Dealers often lower sticker prices when they see proof of outside financing because they no longer need to arrange a loan. Navy Federal’s auto-learning center confirms that pre-approval results in better negotiation outcomes. Bring your letter and speak with confidence.
Gather the Documents You Need
Every lender must verify identity, income, and collateral. HSECU keeps the list short. Bring a driver’s license, your Social Security number, and one recent pay stub or offer letter if you started a new job. Self‑employed members attach last year’s tax return. Proof of insurance can be obtained once you select a car, but having a quote ready helps expedite the closing process.
If you are refinancing, please include your existing loan statement. It shows the payoff amount and lienholder address, two details required for title transfer. Used-car buyers bring the seller’s vehicle identification number (VIN) and mileage so that staff can accurately value the vehicle. Electronic lien release speeds processing with Georgia’s e‑title system, cutting paperwork by days.
Apply and Receive a Fast Decision
You can apply in person, by secure email, or with our PDF form. In-branch applications typically take about 20 minutes to complete. Staff pull credit, review income, and produce a decision before you stand up from the chair. Rates follow a risk‑based matrix. Members with excellent credit secure the lowest tier; moderate scores still see rates lower than many dealers offer as the board caps the spread.
Online applications receive responses within one business day. Digital signatures complete paperwork; you may never need to visit the downtown office. Loans above $30,000 require proof of comprehensive insurance before funds are released. HSECU funds by check payable to the dealer or lienholder, protecting you from title fraud.
Close the Loan and Drive Away
When it’s time to close your auto loan, the funds get sent straight to the dealer. The check will already list your car’s year, make, and VIN, so it can’t be used for anything else. Before purchasing a dealer warranty, compare it to the credit union’s Mechanical Repair Coverage (MRC) to ensure you’re getting the best value.
MRC often costs hundreds less, follows your car wherever you live, and covers parts, labor, and roadside assistance. You’ll receive your payment schedule, a coupon book (if you prefer paper statements), and instructions for making online payments. Your first payment is due 30 days after closing unless you request to align it with your next payday.
Protect Your Car and Your Budget
A low-rate auto loan only saves you money if you keep the car insured and your payments up to date. Add the loan to your homeowners or renters insurance account so that the company can inform HSECU of any policy changes. Georgia law requires minimum liability coverage, but lenders also typically request comprehensive and collision coverage until the loan is paid off.
Mechanical breakdowns hit budgets hard. Costs vary by mileage and model, but average premiums run hundreds less than dealer warranties because the credit union sells them at cost. If you refinance through HSECU, you can still add MRC and gap coverage within 90 days of the new loan.
If you lose your job or experience a medical emergency, contact a loan officer immediately. You can skip one payment each year for a small fee. In some cases, staff can extend your loan term or refinance it to lower your monthly payment during tough times.
Manage Your Loan the Smart Way
Online and mobile banking tools make payments simple. You can set up automatic payments from your checking account so you never miss a due date. ACH pulls from another institution’s work, too, but internal transfers post instantly. Two‑factor authentication keeps hackers away from your profile and push notifications to confirm every debit.
Track your payoff in the dashboard. The balance drops faster when you add $20 here and there. Round up each payment or sweep leftover budget cash at the end of the month. Refinancing remains open if your credit improves. HSECU does not charge refinancing fees when you move an internal auto note to a lower tier, so rate reductions go straight to savings.Keep documents in a safe place. Titles on newer cars often remain electronic; once you pay off the loan, HSECU electronically releases the lien through Georgia’s Department of Driver Services (DDS). You receive notice by email. For paper titles, the physical document will arrive at your home in approximately ten business days. Save the lien release letter in case you sell the car.