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Don't Get Taken for a Ride

Whether you’re shopping for your first car or making the jump to a fresh ride, Meritus is the local credit union that puts the buying power in your pocket.

From pre-approval to pulling off the lot, we’re by your side. So you can take on the dealership with confidence—and get the deal you deserve.

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*Up to 115% financing, including tax, title and license fees.

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FIRST-TIME BUYER?

We've Got Your Back

Buying a vehicle today is complicated—especially if it’s your first time around the block.

But even with little to no credit history, first-time buyers can access competitively low auto and motorcycle loan rates at Meritus, all backed by step-by-step support from pros.

Take The Quiz

Are You Ready to Get the Best Deal?

Test your knowledge of auto loans and dealership tactics to see how your skills stack up in the negotiating room.

 

MEMBERSHIP QUALIFICATIONS

At Meritus, we make membership easy.

You may qualify to join if you:

Live, work, worship or attend school in one of these parishes:

  • Acadia Parish
  • Iberia Parish
  • Lafayette Parish
  • St. Martin Parish
  • Vermilion Parish

Or you're the immediate family of a current member. This includes:

  • Spouses
  • Children, grandchildren and stepchildren
  • Siblings and step-siblings
  • Parents, grandparents and stepparents
  • Adoptive relationships

Loan Rates You'll Love

Auto Loan Rates For New Cars
Term APR* Financing Payment per $1000
up to 60 months 5.00% up to 115% $18.87
72 months (min. $15,000) 5.25% up to 115% $16.22
84 months (min. $25,000) 6.75% up to 115% $14.97

*Your APR will be determined based on our internal credit criteria. Listed APRs assume an excellent credit rating. Minimum and maximum loan amounts or credit limits apply. Your APR may differ based on your loan amount, repayment method, and other factors. Rates as of 2/3/2025. View our most current rates here.

Auto Loan Rates For Used Cars
Term APR* Financing Payment per $1000
up to 60 months 6.00% up to 115% $19.33
72 months (min. $15,000) 6.50% up to 115% $16.81
84 months (min. $25,000) 7.75% up to 115% $15.46

*Your APR will be determined based on our internal credit criteria. Listed APRs assume an excellent credit rating. Minimum and maximum loan amounts or credit limits apply. Your APR may differ based on your loan amount, repayment method, and other factors. Rates as of 2/3/2025. View our most current rates here.

YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting pre-approved affect my credit score?

A pre-approval application requires a hard credit check, which is recorded on your credit report and can affect your score. However, here’s the important thing to keep in mind: Multiple checks for the same type of business (in this case, auto loan providers) within a two-week period only count as a single check.

That means you can shop around with peace of mind knowing your credit score won’t dip with each dealership or financial institution you visit.

How do I know how much I can afford on a monthly car note?

Great question! Knowing how much you can afford on a car note each month is key to making a stress-free purchase. We recommend spending no more than 15% of your take-home pay on a car note. 

It’s also important to consider other factors that may impact your ability to pay each month, like fluctuations in income or other upcoming expenditures. You can get a jumpstart on finding your perfect number by calculating your budget here.

What if the dealer offers 0% financing?

This may seem like an unbeatable deal. However, be aware—dealerships use this tactic to quickly secure buyers. These types of offers are often tied to specific conditions, like shorter loan durations or the forfeiture of discounts like manufacturer rebates.

This is why it’s important to always look beyond the headline rate and consider the entire deal with all of its stipulations. Before making a final decision, we suggest looking into alternative financing options, so you can compare total cost and savings with a full view of the road ahead.

Can I refinance my current auto loan with Meritus?

Absolutely! We believe everyone should have a loan that works for them and their monthly budget. With competitive rates, flexible payment terms and an easy application process, you can switch today to a rate that better fits your needs.

What is the average APR for a car loan in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the average APR is currently 7.41% for a new car loan and 12.39% for a used car loan. These averages may fluctuate.

©2025 Meritus Credit Union