Get Pre-Approved for an Auto Loan
Buying a car is exciting, but figuring out the financing can feel overwhelming. At Credit Union of Georgia, we make it simple and stress-free by helping you get pre-approved before you ever step foot on a dealership lot. Pre-approval gives you a clear picture of what you can comfortably spend, so you can shop confidently and focus on finding the right car for you, not just the right price tag.
Here’s exactly how the process works and what to expect along the way:
Step 1: Apply Online or In-Branch
You can start your application anytime—whether or not you’ve already picked out a vehicle. Apply online here, stop by any of our seven branch locations to get started in person, or give us a call using one of the numbers below.
Local Number: 678-486-1111
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-672-5242
When you apply, you’ll fill out a simple form where you can note whether you already have a car in mind.
Step 2: Talk With Our Team
After you apply, one of our team members will reach out directly to learn more about your goals, needs, and preferences. Think of us as your trusted advisor. We’ll walk you through costs, help estimate your monthly payments, and make sure you understand exactly what your financing might look like before you start shopping.
You may be asked to provide a copy of your current auto insurance and proof of income so we can complete your pre-approval file.
Step 3: Quick, Local, In-House Decision-Making
Once your application is complete, it heads to our local underwriting team for review. Because everything happens in-house, decisions are made quickly—often the same day.
When approved, you’ll receive a pre-approval letter that shows dealerships that you’re already set with financing. You can take this letter with you when you shop for your vehicle.
Step 4: Go Car Shopping With Confidence
With your pre-approval in hand, you can shop just like a cash buyer. When you find the right car, you’ll provide your pre-approval letter to the dealership.
You’ll likely go through some price discussions and negotiations with the dealer. If you’d like, our team can help review offers and ensure you’re getting a fair deal. All you have to do is give your dedicated team member a call.
Step 5: Finalize Your Purchase
Once you and the dealership agree on a final price, the dealer will prepare a buyer’s order which is the document listing your purchase details. You’ll share that with us, along with proof of insurance and income (if we don’t already have them).
Our team will review all the paperwork to confirm everything looks correct and issue a check for the purchase. Before we finalize, we’ll go over your final rate, loan term, monthly payment, and any dealership fees to make sure everything matches your expectations.
Depending on the dealership’s policy, you may either leave with your car right away or after they receive our check. Either way, we’ll coordinate directly with you and the dealer to ensure a quick, seamless process.
Understanding What Affects Your Loan Approval and Rate
A few factors determine your loan approval and final rate:
- Credit score and payment history
- Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio
- Vehicle age and mileage
- Loan term (the length of time you choose to pay it off)
Together, these help us determine your overall borrowing power and what rate and payment options will work best for you.
The Bottom Line
Getting pre-approved for an auto loan at Credit Union of Georgia takes the guesswork out of car shopping. You’ll know what you can afford, have financing ready to go, and can count on a local team dedicated to making your experience smooth from start to finish.
Ready to get started? Apply for pre-approval today and drive off with confidence—and a great rate!
