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2025 Golden 1 Credit Union Auto Loan Review

Lauren Nicholson
Written by Lauren Nicholson
Jessica Sain-Baird
Edited by Jessica Sain-Baird
Updated on: February 28, 2025 Content was accurate at the time of publication.
We are committed to providing accurate content that helps you make informed money decisions. Our partners have not commissioned or endorsed this content. Read our editorial guidelines here.

Golden 1 Credit Union auto loans at a glance

Golden 1 Credit UnionNew auto loansUsed auto loansRefinance auto loans
Starting annual percentage rate (APR)6.04%6.19%Not specified
Loan terms12-84 months12-84 months12-84 months
Loan amountsUp to $75,000Up to $75,000Not specified

Golden 1 auto loan rates are low, at least to start, and Golden 1 Credit Union offers members a variety of repayment term options and a car-buying service.

The catch? You’ll have to become a member of the credit union to close on your loan, and membership is limited to people with connections to California and certain employee groups. Check out Golden 1’s eligibility requirements below.

Here’s what you need to know about getting a Golden 1 car loan.

  • Membership not required for preapproval: You don’t have to be a Golden 1 Credit Union member to get preapproved for a car loan. The loan application and approval are good for 30 days.
  • Easy terms: Golden 1 offers zero-down-payment loans with up to 100% financing of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) to some approved borrowers.
  • 90-day payment deferral: You can choose to push back payments for the first 90 days. Keep in mind that Golden 1 will start charging interest the day you take out the loan, so your loan payments will be higher when you do start making payments.
  • Credit requirements not disclosed: The credit union doesn’t disclose the minimum credit score or a general credit score range to qualify for its best rates.
  • Not limited to cars: You can borrow money to pay for new and used motorcycles, RVs, boats, personal watercraft and ATVs.
  • Best for Golden 1 Credit Union members and California residents: You don’t have to be a member to apply for a Golden 1 auto loan. However, if your application is approved, you must open an account and wait one full business day before your loan is funded.

Golden 1 Credit Union auto loan requirements

Golden 1’s website does not list minimum credit score or income requirements, so you’ll have to  apply for preapproval to see your car loan offer.

You don’t have to be a member to apply, but you must become a member to get a loan from Golden 1.

To qualify for membership, you must open a Golden 1 savings account with a minimum of $1 and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Live or work in California
  • Be an immediate family member or registered domestic partner of a current Golden 1 member
  • Work for one of the select employee groups

Golden 1 Credit Union pros and cons

Golden 1’s auto loans have several attractive features for borrowers, such as an online preapproval application and loans for various recreational and specialty vehicles.

Pros

  • Same-day preapproval possible
  • Car-buying program with discounted rates
  • Offers loans for motorcycles, boats and ATVs
  • Can skip payments twice over the course of the loan

Cons

  • Must become a member to close on your loan
  • Membership limited to those with connections to California and certain employee groups
  • Credit requirements aren’t disclosed

Golden 1 Credit Union offers fast preapprovals and a car-buying program in partnership with Enterprise, making it a one-stop shop for buying your next ride. You can snag a discount on your car loan for using the Enterprise car-buying service, and you can skip up to two loan payments with Golden 1’s Skip-a-Payment program.

If you’re not a Golden 1 Credit Union member already, you’ll have to take the extra steps necessary to become a member before you can get your car loan, and membership is limited. Plus, you won’t know if you’re likely to qualify for a loan before you apply for preapproval, since Golden 1 doesn’t share income or credit requirements.

Golden 1 Credit Union company overview

Founded in 1933, Sacramento-based Golden 1 Credit Union has grown to be one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. Today, the not-for-profit financial cooperative serves more than 1 million members through more than 70 branches across California.

Golden 1 Credit Union auto loan types offered

The credit union offers multiple options for new and used cars and specialty vehicles, as well as auto loan refinancing, cash-out auto refinancing and lease buyouts.

For members with approved loans, you can finance up to 100% of the purchase price for new and used autos and specialty vehicles, up to a maximum of $75,000.

If you’re in the market for a used car, Golden 1 has a relationship with Enterprise Car Sales with 22 dealerships across California. You can choose from more than 250 makes and models and receive a free CARFAX vehicle history report on the car you choose. You may also qualify for a 1.00% APR discount on your Golden 1 Auto Loan rate for more savings.

How to get an auto loan with Golden 1 Credit Union

Whether you’re applying online or at one of the more than 70 Golden 1 branch locations, here’s the personal information you should be ready to provide:

  • Social Security number
  • Date of birth
  • State-issued ID
  • Current address
  • Employment status
  • Monthly income
  • Monthly housing payment

If you have a car in mind, you can also include the vehicle information. A joint application requires the same information for the other applicant.

Golden 1 typically delivers a preapproval decision within one day, and the interest rate is locked in for 30 days. You can also use a Golden 1 auto loan to purchase a vehicle from a private party.

Use an auto loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments.

Is a Golden 1 Credit Union auto loan right for you?

If you live or work in California or otherwise meet Golden 1’s membership requirements, it’s worth your time to check your rates with Golden 1.

Just make sure to shop around and compare your Golden 1 offer with offers from other car loan lenders — shopping around for a lower auto loan rate could save hundreds or thousands of dollars over the loan term.

How Golden 1 Credit Union auto loans compare

You should shop around to find low rates on auto loans from a variety of lenders. You may choose a different credit union than Golden 1, but becoming a member to get a loan will be an issue regardless of which credit union you choose.

Here’s a comparison of new car loan rates at three credit unions.

Golden 1 Credit UnionAlliant Credit UnionConsumers Credit Union
Starting APR6.04%6.09% (with autopay)4.49% (with autopay)
Loan terms12-84 months24-84 months12-84 months
Loan amountsUp to $75,000Starting at $4,000$250-$500,000
Minimum credit scoreNot specifiedNot specified620

At Alliant Credit Union and Consumers Credit Union, you can get a 0.50% rate discount when you use the credit union’s car-buying service.

Read our full reviews of Alliant Credit Union auto loans and Consumers Credit Union auto loans to see how they compare.

Frequently asked questions

Golden 1 Credit Union does not publicly disclose the credit score required for an auto loan. Loan decisions are based on your credit score, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and other factors. If you think you have a low credit score, you may be able to qualify for a bad credit auto loan.

Yes, Golden 1 will perform a hard pull when you apply for preapproval. This will temporarily lower your credit score. If you shop around for car loans, all applications submitted within 14 days count as one hard inquiry, so make sure to do your loan shopping within two weeks.

Membership in Golden 1 Credit Union is restricted to people who work and live in California. Non-residents may join if they’re an immediate family member or registered domestic partner of a current Golden 1 member or they work for one of nearly 1,000 select employee groups.

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