When a Round Rock resident refinanced their auto loan with UFCU, they reduced their monthly payment from $682 to $395, freeing up $287 each month to put toward other financial priorities.
Stories like this reflect UFCU’s purpose of empowering Members to achieve financial success and brighter futures. As a Member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, UFCU helps Texans navigate important financial decisions and work toward their goals.
Founded in 1936 and headquartered in Austin, UFCU has spent 90 years building relationships with the communities it serves. According to Janice Matthews, UFCU's Vice President of Retail, the credit union's growth reflects its focus on accessible financial solutions and personal service.
Since Matthews joined the organization 28 years ago, UFCU has grown from just over 100,000 Members to more than 435,000. Additionally, over the past year, UFCU's Highway 79 and Teravista branches have opened a combined 5,600 checking accounts.
How can UFCU help Members save money on auto loans?
Whether someone is purchasing their first vehicle, upgrading to a family car, or refinancing an existing loan, UFCU aims to make the process more affordable and less stressful.
Through its current auto loan promotion², eligible Members can take advantage of no auto loan payments for 90 days, allowing them to finance a vehicle now and delay their first payment until 2027.
With rates as low as 4.49% Annual Percentage Rate, the promotion gives Members additional time to organize their budgets and prepare for future payments. UFCU also offers a convenient online auto loan application.
For Members with existing auto loans, refinancing can create meaningful savings.
Terry Page, Branch Manager at UFCU Teravista, has worked at UFCU for 15 years. He said the credit union helps Members explore opportunities to lower their interest rates and monthly payments, with average savings of approximately $125 per month.
In one example, a Member refinanced a $40,000 Toyota loan, reducing their interest rate from 15.08% to 7.89%. The Member also purchased guaranteed asset protection (GAP) coverage, saving them approximately $120 per month and $1,500 on products.
"[These savings] are life changers for a lot of our Members," Page said.
What resources are available to help Members navigate the car-buying process?
UFCU's DRIVE program is designed to simplify vehicle purchases by offering personalized guidance throughout the process. Members have access to budgeting tools, vehicle comparison guides, and advice from UFCU's financial professionals to help them make informed decisions.
The credit union also offers optional protection products, including GAP coverage, mechanical breakdown protection and debt protection, to help Members prepare for unexpected circumstances.
“If a car were to get into a wreck, its value would go down and sometimes, a driver may owe more than the value of their car after an accident. GAP insurance covers that gap for them,” Page said. “Mechanical breakdown protection and debt protection safeguard our Members, especially because about 14.5% of Texas drivers have no auto insurance at all, as reported by our partner, Inszone Insurance.”
Recognizing the diverse needs of Central Texas residents, UFCU also provides dedicated Spanish-speaking loan officers. Approximately 22% of its loan volume comes from Spanish-speaking-only Members, and both the Highway 79 and Teravista branches have Spanish-speaking staff available to assist.
How does UFCU support the communities it serves?
At UFCU, building financially successful communities starts with getting to know the people who live and work in them.
Briana Arredondo, Assistant Branch Manager at UFCU's Highway 79 location, has been with the organization for eight years. She currently serves as an ambassador for the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, connecting with local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members.
"It's important for us to be a part of this community,” Arredondo said. “It brings all of us together, and overall, it helps us create a financially successful community and environment for our Members and non-members.”
Additionally, UFCU employees regularly participate in volunteer opportunities and community events, supporting organizations such as:
UFCU also maintains strong relationships with Austin Community College and Texas State University, participating in student orientations, career fairs, financial education opportunities, and mentoring programs.
Through these connections, employees have opportunities to support not only students but also their families as they work toward financial success.
How can Members share UFCU with friends and family?
UFCU's commitment to building relationships also extends to its Refer-a-Friend program³. Through the program, existing Members can receive $50 for referring a friend who joins the credit union, while the new Member can also receive $50.
The initiative encourages Members to share the financial services and personalized support they've experienced with the people closest to them.
What's next for UFCU?
As UFCU celebrates its 90th anniversary, its focus remains on growing alongside the communities it serves while continuing to provide personalized financial guidance.
With more than 435,000 Members and approximately $4.2 billion in assets, the credit union continues to support individuals, families, businesses, and higher education communities across Texas.
For Matthews, that growth reflects the relationships UFCU has built over the years and its commitment to helping Members move toward their goals.
"UFCU has deep roots in Texas, and we're known for trusted financial guidance and personal service. We're proud to help our Members reach their goals, whether that's buying their first car or refinancing to save money," Matthews said.
Those interested in learning more about UFCU can find information here:
Website: UFCU.org
Teravista branch address: 571 University Blvd, Round Rock
Highway 79 branch address: 120 Palm Valley Cove, Round Rock
About UFCU
UFCU is a Member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Austin, Texas. Chartered in 1936, UFCU has deep roots in education-centered communities and serves more than 250 universities, colleges, associations, and employers across Texas. With $4.2 billion in total assets, UFCU serves over 435,000 Members with the support of more than 800 employees across 30 branches. UFCU is focused on helping Members achieve financial success through personalized service, digital capabilities, financial education, and long-term community investment. Discover more at UFCU.org. UFCU membership is subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply.
What benefits does UFCU offer through its current auto loan promotion?
Through its current auto loan promotion, eligible Members can make no auto loan payments for 90 days, which allows them to finance a vehicle and delay their first payment until 2027.
The promotion offers interest rates as low as 4.49% Annual Percentage Rate, giving Members extra time to organize their budgets and prepare for future payments. UFCU also provides an online auto loan application for convenience.
How does the Refer-a-Friend program work?
Through the Refer-a-Friend program, existing UFCU Members can receive $50 for referring a friend who joins the credit union. The new Member who joins through the referral can also receive $50.
Which local community organizations does UFCU support through volunteering and events?
UFCU employees participate in volunteer opportunities and community events to support local organizations.
These organizations include the Central Texas Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Texas Baptist Children's Home, and the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center.
1 Auto loans subject to credit eligibility; Rates subject to change; Membership required; UFCU is federally insured by NCUA.
2 Subject to credit eligibility. Certain restrictions apply. Interest may accrue during the no-payment period. Federally insured by NCUA.
3 Membership subject to eligibility. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid November 1 through December 31, 2026. Visit UFCU.org/Sweeps for full terms and conditions. UFCU is federally insured by NCUA.
