Qualifying for a Loan

Our goal is to provide fair and quality service to all members.

Loans are assets of the Credit Union and we strive to help members with loans that mutually benefit all members, while protecting the assets of the Credit Union.

We are available to accept applications online, by phone, or in the branch, and can usually provide an answer to your loan request the same business day.


What We Evaluate

We review your application and make decisions based on the following criteria: ability to repay, credit history, and collateral.

Your ability to repay current and proposed obligations is critical in the decision to approve a loan. We determine your ability to repay by reviewing the following:


  • Gross income1 and any additional available income2
  • Monthly obligations and debts such as mortgage/rent payments, vehicle loans and credit cards
  • Debt-to-income ratio3

We obtain and review a credit report on all members requesting a loan. We use your report to observe past performance on SECU loans and other credit obligations as an indication of your willingness to repay future obligations.


If your credit report indicates credit blemishes,4 we may be able to make a loan to help improve your credit report or make your debts more affordable by restructuring or consolidating existing debt. We may also be able to help new borrowers establish a credit record.

We assess the value of the collateral securing a loan (e.g., home or vehicle) to determine the collateral’s value in relation to the requested loan amount (i.e., loan-to-value ratio or LTV). Some loan products may restrict the loan amount offered based on the collateral value.


You can also assign funds in your share or Share Term Certificate accounts at the Credit Union as collateral for some loans.5



What if I Don’t Qualify for a Loan?

If we are unable to approve your loan request, you are entitled to and will receive an explanation of the reasons for denial. When possible, we may offer an alternative to your request. If you would like to improve your qualifications for future loan requests, we are available to assist with reviewing your credit report and budgeting through our Financial Counseling services.

1 Gross income is income before taxes and other withholdings.
2 Additional income may be used to qualify for a loan, but it must be consistent and verifiable.
3 The debt-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing total monthly obligations by total monthly gross income. This ratio identifies the portion of a member's gross income that repays monthly obligations and debts. The Credit Union's debt-to-income ratio guidelines state the ratio should generally not exceed 43%. The ratio may be higher based on a member's individual circumstances.
4 A credit report that reflects delinquent payments, judgments, unpaid debts or bankruptcy may hinder your ability to borrow money.
5 You cannot assign retirement funds as collateral for a loan, regardless of whether those funds are on deposit at the Credit Union (e.g., IRA accounts) or with another entity (e.g., your 401(k) or retirement funds on deposit with the State Retirement System).