Personal Loans
Flexible funds for whatever life brings your way
Unsecured Personal Loans
Borrow with no collateral required
Our unsecured loans are perfect when you need quick access to funds and don’t want to tie them to an asset.
Great for:
Debt consolidation (simplify to one easy payment)
Medical bills
Uunexpected expenses
Travel
Weddings or other special events
What you’ll love:
Fixed, competitive rates
Flexible terms to fit your budget
Fast approvals and simple online application
No collateral required
Share-Secured Loans
Borrow against your own savings and keep earning interest
A share-secured loan is a smart, low-cost way to borrow while keeping your savings intact. Your 1st UCU savings account or certificate acts as collateral, helping you lock in our lowest rates.
Great for:
Building or rebuilding credit
Covering expenses without dipping into savings
Taking advantage of a very low interest rate
What you’ll love:
No credit check required
Some of the lowest rates we offer
Your savings continue to earn dividends
Flexible repayment terms
Builds or strengthens your credit history
Why Choose 1st University CU?
Because we make borrowing personal. You’ll get friendly, local service from people who know you and care about helping you reach your goals, plus rates and terms designed to fit real life.
FAQs
Still have questions?
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from members.
What’s the difference between an unsecured loan and a share-secured loan?
An unsecured loan doesn’t require collateral, so approval is based mainly on your credit and ability to repay. A share-secured loan uses your savings account or certificate as collateral, which usually gives you a much lower interest rate and can help build or rebuild your credit.
How much can I borrow with a personal loan at 1st University CU?
We offer Personal Loans up to $20,000. The amount you may be able to borrow depends on factors such as your credit, income, and others. We’ll work with you to find the right amount for your needs.
What can I use a personal loan for?
Our personal loans are flexible. You can use them for debt consolidation, home repairs, medical expenses, a wedding, or almost any other personal expense.
How fast can I get the money?
Most members receive funding the same business day they are approved. Generally, approval is made one business day after the application and all required documents are received.
What’s the difference between a personal loan and a credit card?
A personal loan gives you a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments, which makes budgeting easier.
Can a share-secured loan help me build credit?
Yes! Because payments are reported to the credit bureaus, making on-time payments on a share-secured loan can help you establish or improve your credit history. Since a credit check or hard inquiry isn’t needed, it’s a stress-free way to build credit while keeping your savings intact.
Do I need to be a member to apply?
No, anyone can apply for a personal loan! If your loan is approved and funded, we’ll simply open a membership account for you at the same time. It’s quick, easy, and means you can start enjoying all the benefits of being a 1st University Credit Union member right away.
Personal Loan Rates
Type | Term | APR* as low as |
---|---|---|
Unsecured | 1-24 months | 9.25% |
-- | 25-36 months | 10.25% |
-- | 37-60 months | 10.25% |
Type | Term | APR* as low as |
---|---|---|
Savings Secured | 1-36 months | 3.50% |
Type | Term | APR* as low as |
---|---|---|
Savings / Certificate Secured - 100% of Certificate Value | 1-60 months | 1.5% above certificate rate, with a minimum of 3.50% |
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate.
Rates and terms are effective August 22, 2025, subject to change, and are based on credit qualification.
Need a little extra help covering life’s expenses? At 1st University Credit Union, we offer flexible personal loans with low rates, quick approvals, and options for everything from debt consolidation to unexpected emergencies. We also offer savings-secured loans that let you borrow at our most competitive rates — while your savings continue to earn dividends. Based in Waco, we proudly serve the Central Texas community, community, including McLennan, Erath, and Bosque counties.
Helping You Do Life — one goal at a time.