American Heritage Credit Union Review

American Heritage Credit Union started in 1948. It’s a financial cooperative that serves more than 200,000 members and manages billions of dollars in assets. Its mission is to enhance the lives of its members by building trusted relationships to the communities and members it serves.

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    How do American Heritage Credit Union auto loans work?

    There's a wide range of auto loan rates available at American Heritage. APRs start at 2.74% for a 48-month term and increase gradually as the payment terms take longer. The highest APR rests at 3.49% for 76 to 84-month terms. 

    Credit score

    The credit score required isn’t specified on its website. 

    How much can you borrow?

    Depending on the type of vehicle you want to purchase, you'll get financing ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. 

    What types of vehicles are eligible for refinancing?

    You can get financing for the following new or used vehicles: cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles (i.e. RVs, motorhomes, trailers, etc.), and power watercraft and ATV.

    How do I qualify?

    You have to be a member of American Heritage CU to qualify for a loan. For this, you must have any of these credentials:

    • Employed at one of its sponsor companies
    • Member of its Kids-N-Hope Foundation (make a donation to be a member)
    • You share a household with or an immediate family of a current member
    • Reside, worship, work, or study at any of the following areas in Philadelphia: Ambler, Bridgeport, Bensalem, Bristol, Butler, Bryn Athyn, Cheltenham, Fort Washington, Conshohocken, Norristown, Souderton, Penndel, Southampton, Villanova,  Tullytown, and Warminster Height

    What documents do I need?

    You'll be asked the following:

    • Personal details (i.e. name, address, contact information, birthdate)
    • Membership Number
    • Reference Information
    • Identification (i.e. Driver's license, ID state)
    • Financial Information (i.e. gross monthly income, employment status, monthly expenses)
    • Photo of your supporting documentation

    What are the fees?

    No disclosure on application fees for auto loan and refinancing is available on its schedule of fees and charges. There are also no prepayment and admin fees. However, there’s a late payment fee of $20 if you’re late for one or more days.

    How long does the refinancing process take?

    American Heritage Credit Union has an online platform where you can fill out the loan application. The number of hours or days it takes to get the loan approval isn’t mentioned though.

    How to apply for an auto refinance loan?

    To apply for an auto loan, you can do so online, over the phone, or in person by visiting its office.

    What payment methods are supported?

    You can pay via the credit union's Quick Pay service via its website. For other payment methods, you can check with one of its staff members.

    American Heritage Pros And Cons

    Pros

    • Offers a 60-day leeway for first payment
    • Wide range of vehicle options available for financing

    Cons

    • Membership is restricted to certain areas in Philadelphia
    • High rate of late payment fee

    Is American Heritage Credit Union right for you?

    American Heritage Credit Union is a pretty good choice considering its auto loan rates and payment terms. It also gives a 60-day leeway before you make your first payment. However, it’s only available in certain areas in Philadelphia, plus, its late payment fee is quite high. 

    If you’re looking for a similar lender, but with lesser fees and services a bigger area, then try checking out Open Road. It's available in 40 states and offers interest rates for as low as 2.9%. You'll even get lower rates if you have a co-borrower. It also has no application fees and caters a wide range of credit situations.