AUTO LOANS

We Make it Easy to Get an Auto Loan

The car-buying process comes with many choices, packages, and upgrades – but your main question is likely: How much can I afford? Auto dealers may ask you what your preferred monthly payment is, but auto financing is about more than just monthly costs. At FFCCU, we consider the whole picture of you as a person, not just your credit score, and work hard to provide you with an auto loan payment that fits your budget at the lowest interest rate possible. We offer competitive rates, flexible lending terms, online banking, and it is easy to apply! Check out our options and learn more about the benefits of working with FFCCU.

KUDOS!

Thanks to Brian Velioniskis, our financial goals are back on track. He explained the options for setting up our home equity loan very clearly and made the process easy.

-Jeff C.

Beth and Kathy were excellent to work with. They answered every question I had and every phone call I made. I loved those two.

-Alan S.

Emily answered my text quickly (on a Saturday morning!) and helped me promptly with my request. I love the text feature at FFCCU!!

-Amanda J.

Berto was awesome. I joined up today as a brand new member, and he helped in every possible way to make the process smooth and complete. Thanks, Berto!

Karen

The quick response was A-1. The respect was apparent, and the knowledge? –muah!– [chef’s kiss] Thanks to the North Ridgeville Branch team!

Kim M.

I love FFCCU! All of the convenience of a big bank with more personalized service. Friendly and helpful staff. A great financial partner! And I love how the credit union is member owned.

Rachel

Fortunately, we found out about the mortgage program at FFCCU. We had originally applied for a loan through a bank, but they were not interested in helping us. FFCCU put through our loan in a timely m...

-John B.

I have been a member since 2011. Everyone has always been very helpful and quick to respond. There have also been steady improvements year after year, especially with online banking. I love supporting...

Eric

Our Financial Service Rep spoke with the travel agency directly to ensure payment for our dream vacation made the deadline. The process reaffirmed that FFCCU is the best credit union for us!

-The Freeborns

We want to give a shout out to Margaret from the Emerald Branch, she was excellent in helping us with our accounts. She made it easy to understand and to do. She even came in on her day off to help us...

John D.

Jenny and Victoria from the Wellington branch were super helpful with getting things going for me, and gave me peace of mind. So grateful for their help!

-Austin L.

I work with banks and credit unions on a daily basis, and FFCCU goes above and beyond to help its members. Thank you all for making the process easy to understand and treating me like a person.

-Jennifer

More Kudos!

Get Pre-Approved

Take the guesswork out of the car buying process — and save time at the dealership — by getting approval for an auto loan before you go car shopping. Preapprovals allow you to tell dealers upfront how much car you can afford and that you’ve secured financing to make a deal happen quickly. Plus, pre-approvals help set your mind at ease, knowing you’re making a sound financial decision when purchasing a vehicle. Your preapproval from FFCCU will include details on all loan terms, including the length of the loan, type of car (new or used), and expected down payment.

What’s the Best Way to Shop For & Compare Car Loans?

When it comes to shopping for a car loan, not all financing options fit everyone’s budget. Whether you’re looking for a new car, a used car, or want to refinance your current ride, Firefighters Community Credit Union offers great rates, flexible terms, and our signature stellar customer service. What does that mean for you? What you may consider bad credit may not be an issue. We’ll do our best to get you into a reasonable vehicle loan without unfair interest rates. And if you have great credit, our auto loan rates will reward you for staying on top of your finances. Our personalized customer service will help you navigate every step of the process and talk you through all of your options and budget considerations.

What Types of Auto Loans Are Available?

Auto Loans come in all shapes and sizes. Did you know?

Your maximum loan repayment terms can be as long as 84 months or as little as 24. This minimum loan term will result in higher monthly payments but can save you on the interest you pay.
New car loans and used car loans are two of the different types of auto financing options that are available. New car loans often have lower rates. However, used cars are often less expensive – meaning you’ll finance less.
Applicant eligibility often includes several factors, including income and credit score. Your annual income can determine how quickly you’ll qualify, but at FFCCU, we look at the whole person when creating a loan package. Whether you have excellent credit or bad credit history, we can help.

The FFCCU Car Loan Application Process

Did you know that you can start the application process online? In fact, the entire process can be handled remotely – online and over the phone. Here’s what you can expect:

Fill out an online application, including how much you want to borrow and what type of car (new or used) you’re hoping to purchase.
We’ll review your credit history and reach out with any questions. It should only take a day or two.
After you’re approved, you can start shopping or finalize your purchase.
You’ll receive information on the repayment process, including how to set up automatic monthly payments through our convenient EasyPay, which may lower your interest rate by 0.25%.

How Credit History Can Determine Your Interest Rate

Whether you’re applying for a new or used car loan, there are a number of things you should and shouldn’t do before you apply.

Want a Little Extra Help in the Car-Buying Process?

Our friends at Enterprise Car Sales can help you find a great used car at an affordable price. Enterprise offers a wide variety of gently used cars, and all purchases are haggle-free. The price you see is the price you pay. Plus, their cars come backed with Enterprise Car Sales. They may even be able to help you with the registration process.

Members can also visit one of our dealership partners. Simply visit their store, pick out your vehicle and obtain your financing through FFCCU right there, on site!

Current Auto Loan Rates

As one of your local auto loan lenders, we understand the current car-buying environment and how it can affect car loan rates in Ohio. If you’re looking to refinance, we can also help you maximize your budget and minimize your monthly payments. Just ask!

As of December 15, 2024

Type	Interest Rate	APR**
New Current and previous model year vehicle, never taxed or titled, with less than 1,000 miles	as low as 6.12%*	6.22%**
Pre-owned / Used newer than 7 years.	as low as 6.62%*	6.72%**
Pre-owned / Used 7 model years and older	as low as 7.62%*	7.72%**
Approval and rates based on credit worthiness, number of years the loan is financed, amount financed, age of collateral and other qualifying criteria. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older, and elegible for membership. New car definition: Current and previous model year, never titled and has less than 1000 miles on it. FFCCU may consider a car loan refinance as a “new” auto loan if the vehicle being refinanced is within one year of original purchase date and member is the original owner. Rates quoted reflect .25% discount for EasyPAY (to qualify for EasyPAY, enroll in Online Banking with e-Statements, Direct Deposit at least $200 per month, sign up for Auto Pay for loan payments). Higher rate may be offered upon approval. The Ohio laws against discrimination require that all creditors make credit equally available to all creditworthy customers and that credit reporting agencies maintain separate credit histories on each individual upon request. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission administers compliance with this law. Contact FFCCU at 800.621.4644 for details and current rates as they are subject to change at any time and without notice. *APR based on $40,000 financed for 48 months, with qualifying credit, including loan processing fee of $75. Other terms & conditions may apply.

FAQs about Auto Loans

How do I check my car loan status?

We’re just a phone call or text away. Reach out to us at 216-621-4644 with any questions you have, including loan status.

What is the lowest interest rate for car loans?

Interest rates change monthly. Once you take out a loan, that rate will lock in. To find out our current rates, call us at 216-621-4644 or check out our auto loan rate sheet. Rates are updated on the 15th of each month.

Where can I find my auto loan account number?

Your auto loan account number will be listed in your online banking account. If you’ve forgotten your online banking login or help registering for online banking, call or text us at 216-621-4644, and we’d be happy to help.

Where is the best place to get a car loan?

It definitely pays to shop around to look for a loan partner that offers not only competitive rates, but also treats you personally. At FFCCU we pride ourselves in offering low rates and looking at the whole person, not just their credit score. We do our best to provide lending options to who might not be able to get financed elsewhere.

When is it a good idea to refinance your car loan?

There are several reasons you might want to consider refinancing your current auto loan:

1) The rate on your current loan is significantly higher than the current rates being offered.
2) You’ve improved your credit score and will now qualify for a better rate, or
3) You’re looking to cash out the equity in your car.

Call or text us at 216-621-4644, and we’d be happy to talk through your options to determine if refinancing is right for you.

Is it better to get a car loan or a personal loan?

It depends on your needs. Car loans use your car as collateral, meaning you’ll typically benefit from a lower interest rate. Since personal loans don’t use anything as collateral, the risk is higher to the lender – so the interest rates are typically much higher.

Do you need to update your insurance information with us?

Please update your new and correct information through Allied Insurance.

Call: 800.523.6404 -OR- 800.998.0762
Fax: 800-709-4820
Online: www.myinsuranceinfo.com

Need assistance? Call us at 216.621.4644 for help!

Have a question? Contact us

Remember to be safe online:
Do not include your account number or other sensitive information when emailing us.
Contact us for information regarding account information and disclosures

Bill Deighton

Bill has over 40 years of experience in credit unions and previously served as Chair of the Board of Directors for 30 years. Bill is a retired Captain of the Cleveland Fire Department. Along with his credit union experience, he has served for 16 years on the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund Board. He believes that credit unions are powered by providing the best customer service to members. Bill volunteers at St. Ambrose Parish and the Fire Museum renovation. Bill and his wife live in Brunswick and have two grown children.

Anthony Missig

Tony is honored to have been the current Board Director since 1999. He has been a credit union member of Cleveland Fire Fighter since 1988. Tony graduated with a BA degree in Business from Hiram College and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace College. He is currently an Assistant Chief with the Cleveland Fire Department.

Ben Laurendeau

Ben Laurendeau has been employed in the credit union industry since 1987 in a variety of positions. Ben has held the position of President/CEO with Firefighters Community Credit Union since January of 2005. Ben holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from Terra Community College, A Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Tiffin University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Baldwin Wallace University. Ben serves as a Director on the Ohio Credit Union League Services Corporation Board and serves on the Ohio Credit Union League Audit Committee.

Gary D. Arbeznik

Gary is a lifelong resident of Greater Cleveland and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2018. Many of his family members have served in the Cleveland Fire department and are long-time members of FFCCU. Gary holds a BA from Columbia College and a JD g from Cleveland State University. He has worked for both Cuyahoga County and the US Attorney’s office in Cleveland during his legal career. Now retired, Gary and his wife live in Lakewood.

Barbara McCullough

Barb is a current Board Director of FFCCU and a fully vested member. She has an MBA in Finance and has spent 25 years teaching to all walks of life. Barb is a volunteer with the Foundation for Geauga Parks, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lorain County Spirit of America, and Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. Barb is a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area. She and her husband have one daughter.

Alyssa Garcia Evanoff

Alyssa Garcia Evanoff joined Firefighters Community Credit Union as the Chief Marketing Officer in February 2019. Alyssa has nearly two decades of experience in brand management and strategic marketing with a variety of organizations across the Greater Cleveland area. During her career, she has developed successful marketing and creative campaigns that have repositioned brand image and increased brand loyalty through emerging digital trends, content marketing and user experience strategy. Alyssa is a graduate of Miami University and sits on the board of the Cleveland chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

Jessica Bittner

Jessica Bittner joined FFCCU as a teller in 2009. In 2012 she was promoted to branch manager, and has managed multiple branches throughout the credit union. Jessica holds a Bachelors in Human Resource Management & Business Management, with a minor in accounting from Baldwin Wallace University. She was promoted to COO in 2021.

Kathleen Riggs

Kathleen Riggs joined FFCCU as Chief Retail Officer in 2013. Kathy has been in the financial services industry for over 25 years, holding a variety of positions. Kathleen received her bachelors degree in psychology from Kent State University and is a certified trainer of CUNA’s Creating Member Loyalty program.

Paul Humphrey

Paul Humphrey was born and raised in Northeast Ohio. He joined FFCCU in 2017 as the Chief Lending Officer. Paul is a graduate of Kent State University. He holds the designation of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) from CUNA. Paul has managed lending programs in both small and large credit unions and brings that unique perspective to serve the members of FFCCU.

John Carrick

John Carrick is the Chief Financial Officer of Firefighters Community Credit Union in Cleveland, Ohio. John was hired by Greater Cleveland Firefighters Credit Union (former name of Firefighters Community Credit Union) as an Accounting Assistant in February 1993, was promoted to acting CFO in 1995, and was awarded the position of CFO in 1996. John has assisted in the acquisition of multiple mergers for Firefighters Community Credit Union and has managed two different Merging Credit Unions during the merger process. John is a former member of the Audit Committee of the Cleveland Chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League. John holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Cleveland State University.

Dennis Corrigan

Dennis has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. He is invested in forming bonds between the Credit Union and the community and helping members improve their economic situations. He has a strong desire to have a voice in the decision-making process of an institution that he was raised with and believes in. Dennis has been a part of the Cleveland Fire Department for 25 years and is currently a Captain. Dennis and his wife live in the Cleveland area with their three children.

Damian Borkowski

Damian has served on the Board of Directors for over 10 years. He has been the Citywide Service Manager for the City of Cleveland since 1983 and manages the demolition of houses and buildings. He holds degrees in Law and Engineering and is a member of the Ohio Bar. Damian lives with his wife in the Cleveland area. He has been a credit union member for 30 years.

Rich Bowman

Rich serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors and has been a board member since 2009. He has been a Cleveland Firefighter since 1989 and is presently a Battalion Chief serving the city’s lower west side. Rich is a founding member and Treasurer of the Firefighters Memorial Ride. Since their inception in 2004, they have donated over $250,000 to the families of fallen Fire, Police, and EMS workers. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Finance from Cleveland State University.

James E. Polk

James is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors and has served on the Board since 1982. He has also held the position of Secretary. Jim is a retired Cleveland Firefighter after 30 years of service. He is the past treasurer of Fire Fighters Local 93 and served on the Union Executive Board for 18 years. Jim is also a former Worker’s Compensation Representative for Local 93 and the NOFF.

Bryan Gallagher

Bryan has served on the FFCCU Board of Directors since 2006 and looks forward to continuing to help the credit union move forward and provide quality services to members. Born and raised in Cleveland, Bryan and his wife live in Lakewood and have three grown children. He holds a degree in Communications from Cleveland State University and spent 40-years as a cameraman for the MLB and NBA. After 33 years, he retired as a Captain from the Cleveland Fire Department. He is a former Sergeant at Arms for Local 93 IAFF and was Secretary for the Firefighters Memorial.

Robert Schwind

Bob is a lifelong Cleveland resident and has been a member of FFCCU since 1993. He has served on the FFCCU board since 2019. Bob is a graduate of Cleveland State University and has served as a Cleveland firefighter for the past 28 years, becoming a lieutenant in 2002. He and his wife live in Cleveland and have two grown daughters.

James Andrews, Jr.

Jim has been a credit union member for over 40 years and has served on the Board of Directors since 2012. He has been a Cleveland Firefighter for 29 years, currently stationed at Engine Company 13. James has served on the Cleveland Firefighters Relief Fund board and was a former Union Steward and Committee Member for Firefighters Local 93. He and his wife have three children.