Editors’ take: With terms up to 96 months, an auto loan from Truliant could be a good option for those who want or need extra time to pay off an auto loan. Those looking for the lowest auto loan rates possible may want to shop around before committing to Truliant. And anyone interested in using Truliant as their auto lender will need to become a member.
Truliant auto loans at a glance
| Starting APR | Somewhat competitive when discounts are applied |
| Loan amounts | Not disclosed |
| Loan terms | 36 to 96 months |
| Minimum credit scores required | Not disclosed, but Truliant says it works with borrowers with “challenged credit” |
| Loan fees | Not disclosed |
| Prepayment penalty | No |
| Availability | Potentially available to people nationwide if they qualify for membership |
| Ability to apply for prequalification or preapproval | Yes, preapproval |
| How to apply | Online or at a branch |
| Other requirements | • Must be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen to apply online • Cars older than 10 years may not qualify • New, used and refinance loans available • No mileage caps on used cars to be financed |
Pros
- Rate discounts available
- You can skip one payment per year
- Car shopping service can help you find a new or used vehicle
Cons
- You’ll need to become a member of the credit union to get a loan
- Little qualifying information available online
- Truliant may not offer loans for used cars more than 10 years old
What you need to know about Truliant auto loans
You’ll need to become a member to get a loan
As a credit union, Truliant services are limited to its members. But you can apply for membership to the credit union at the same time you apply for a car loan. Truliant says there are several ways to become a Truliant member. One way you may qualify is by living, working or worshiping near one of its branches, most of which are in North Carolina (some others are in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia).
Being related to a current member, working for one of its 1,000-plus partner companies or joining an affiliated organization may also qualify you for membership. You’ll need to open a savings account and maintain a $5 balance to keep your membership.
Rate discounts available
You may qualify for discounts to the rates published on the Truliant website. These may include a 0.25% rate discount for purchasing a car through the Truliant car buying service or a discount for making a substantial down payment. The maximum discount you can receive is 0.50%.
You can skip one payment per year
Truliant offers a “Skip-a-Pay” program on its auto loans, which allows you to skip one payment per calendar year. When you do this, your loan term is simply extended for an additional month. Your account must be in good standing to qualify for this program, and you’ll need to pay a $30 fee.
How much of a down payment will I need?
You may not need an auto down payment at all. Depending on the health of your credit for a car loan, Truliant offers up to 100% financing to cover your vehicle purchase, taxes, tag and title fees.
Do I need to have a car picked out to apply for a loan?
No, you do not need to have a car in mind when you apply for an auto loan with Truliant. Instead, you can get preapproved for a specified maximum loan amount and then go shopping. Truliant will give you an “Express Check” that you can write to the auto dealer for the purchase price of a vehicle.
Not sure if Truliant is right for you? Consider these alternatives.
- Navy Federal Credit Union auto loan: Navy Federal is another national credit union that offers low rates and 100% vehicle financing. Instant credit decisions and no application fees are other pluses.
- LightStream auto loan: If you’re buying a car from a private party rather than a dealership, you might want to look at LightStream’s loans. This lender will deposit money directly into your bank account that you can use to buy a car anywhere.