Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union

Gulf Winds Credit Union was organized in 1954 with just a few employees, and has now grown to carry over $798 million in assets and have over 70,000 satisfied members, providing all sorts of personal and business loans.

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    How do Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union auto loans work?

    The auto loan rates at Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union have quite a wide range, stretching from 3.24% to 13.99% for 36 months and 5.04% to 7.84% for 84 months. The applicant's credit history and underwriting criteria can affect your rate.

    Credit score

    This wide range of rates is due to the dependence on your credit score, among other things. A very bad credit score will leave you with a pretty awful rate.

    How much can you borrow?

    When taking out an auto loan with Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union, it’s possible to receive a loan for the full 100% shelf price of your new car.

    What types of vehicles are eligible for financing?

    The best auto loans taken from Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union can be used to cover most cars, SUVs trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and boats.

    How do I qualify?

    In order to gain membership with Gulf Winds, you’ve got to be based in the correct area of the country. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the following counties:

    Florida:

    Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Nassau, Okaloosa, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Saint Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington Counties

    Alabama:

    Baldwin, Butler, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Mobile, Monroe, Washington, and Wilcox Counties

    Georgia:

    Baker, Berrien, Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Early, Echols, Grady, Lanier, Lowndes, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, and Thomas Counties

    Additionally, if you’re an immediate family member of a current member you may join.

    What documents do I need?

    Every auto loan will require your driver’s license, so make sure you’ve got it to hand. At Gulf Winds, you’ll also need your social security number and proof of address.

    What are the fees?

    Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union doesn’t advertise any late fees on its site, but you should always double-check this yourself.

    How long does the loan process take?

    In just four simple steps you can be on your way to enjoying all the benefits of a Gulf Winds membership. After receiving your account number, you should be able to apply for your loan in minutes and claim it in days.

    How to apply for an auto loan?

    There are plenty of branches in the supported communities, so you can go and take the loan in person if you like. Otherwise online is the best option.

    What payment methods are supported?

    You can use cash, cheque, bank transfer, and credit card to make payments.

    Pros and Cons

    Pros

    • Long-standing community organization
    • Many branches and ATMs in the area
    • Most vehicles covered

    Cons

    • If you don’t live nearby you can’t become a member
    • While one end of the rates available is a good deal, the other side is pretty awful

    Is Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union right for you?

    The Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union is a reasonable organization without many downsides. The fact that while the rates are low, it’s possible for them to rise high is worrying, and if you don’t live in the fairly specific catchment area then you can’t use the services.

    If you’d like a much smaller range of rates that’ll inspire your confidence, and is available nationwide, you should perhaps have a look at Carvana and My Auto Loan.