When one Member of UFCU faced a major vehicle repair, the bill could have been devastating.
Instead, a protection program connected to their auto loan covered the cost, saving the Member $39,000.¹
Stories like this illustrate how UFCU approaches lending: not simply as a financial transaction, but as a way to help Members avoid financial setbacks and stay on track toward their goals.
UFCU’s new Chief Lending Officer, Danielle Frawley, said that philosophy is what drew her to the organization.
She joined the credit union this year after hearing how strongly Members spoke about their experiences.
“I constantly heard people mention their first auto loan with UFCU or how much they loved working with the team,” Frawley said. “You can see such heart in what our team is doing, what they’re focused on and how much they are here to serve the consumers of Texas.”
Now, as UFCU celebrates its 90th anniversary, Frawley is helping lead the next phase of innovation at the Austin-based credit union, which serves more than 417,000 Members and manages over $4 billion in assets.
That Member-first approach continues to shape how they help people navigate one of life’s biggest purchases: a vehicle.
Here are five ways UFCU does this:
1. Affordable auto loans that support everyday life
For many Texans, a car isn’t optional; it’s how they get to work, run errands and support their families.
Because transportation plays such an important role in financial stability, UFCU focuses on keeping loans as affordable as possible. The credit union is currently offering auto loan rates as low as 4.99% APR² through the end of the year, giving Members an opportunity to finance vehicles with competitive terms.
The organization has also reduced rates across all credit tiers for loans lasting 67 months or longer. This helps make financing more accessible for a wider range of borrowers.
“We have to get by day to day and [there are] constraints to public transportation, so it’s important for us to make sure we’re serving Members with what is typically their very first big purchase,” Frawley said.
Keeping payments manageable can help ensure a vehicle remains a helpful tool, rather than a financial burden.
2. Direct lending that prioritizes the Member
Unlike many financial institutions, UFCU does not rely on indirect lending, where dealerships submit loan applications to multiple lenders.
Instead, the credit union works directly with Members.
This approach can help Members avoid certain fees that may be included in some dealership financing arrangements.
For borrowers who feel overwhelmed by the paperwork involved in buying a car, that guidance can help prevent costly misunderstandings and ensure the loan fits their financial situation.
3. Guidance that simplifies the car-buying process
Buying a car can be complicated, particularly for first-time buyers.
To make the process easier, UFCU offers its DRIVE program, which provides personalized support from start to finish.
Members have access to budgeting tools, vehicle comparison resources and experienced lending professionals who help them understand their options before committing to a purchase.
That step-by-step guidance helps Members feel confident about their decision.
4. Protection programs that guard against the unexpected
Unexpected situations can arise even after a careful purchase.
That’s why UFCU offers optional protections¹ designed to help Members avoid major financial surprises.
One option is Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) coverage, which helps cover the difference between what a borrower owes and what a vehicle is worth if it is totaled. This can be important, as depreciation happens quickly and insurance experts estimate that one in six drivers in Travis County is uninsured.
UFCU also offers Major Mechanical Protection (MMP), which helps cover large repair costs that can occur, especially with used vehicles.
For the Member whose repair costs reached $39,000, that protection meant the difference between a manageable situation and a major financial setback.
5. Expanded support for Spanish-speaking Members
Another key priority for the credit union is accessibility.
UFCU has Spanish-speaking loan officers across its branches and offers a dedicated Spanish-language support line, so Members can communicate comfortably during financial transactions.
Currently, 23% of the credit union’s loan volume is conducted in Spanish. This reflects the importance of serving Members in their preferred language.
The organization is also working to expand Spanish-language loan documents, so Members can review agreements clearly and confidently.
Providing that clarity helps ensure all Members feel supported when making important financial decisions.
Looking ahead
As UFCU celebrates 90 years of serving Texans, Frawley said the credit union remains focused on continuing its Member-first approach while modernizing the lending experience.
That includes expanding digital tools and exploring how artificial intelligence can help lenders consider more data when evaluating applications, potentially allowing more people to qualify for financing.
The goal is to make borrowing easier, faster and more accessible while continuing the personal guidance Members expect.
Click here to learn more about auto loans and UFCU Membership opportunities today.
About UFCU
UFCU is a Member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with more than 417,000 Members and $4 billion in assets. Founded in 1936, UFCU empowers financial success across Texas communities and is dedicated to building a brighter future for all through personalized Member service, innovative products, and financial education. Discover more at UFCU.org.
1 GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) and MMP (Major Mechanical Protection) are not federally insured, are not a deposit or share account, and are not guaranteed by the credit union. Actual savings vary based on coverage and claim circumstances.
2 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Subject to credit eligibility. Certain restrictions apply. Rates are subject to change without notice. Federally insured by NCUA.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
