Citizens One Auto Finance vs PenFed

Citizens One Auto Finance, a service offered by Citizens Bank, provides auto financing solutions designed to be flexible and customer-focused. Founded in 1828 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens Bank is among the largest financial institutions in the United States, with a strong reputation for trust and reliability. Citizens One Auto Finance offers various loan options, including financing for new and used cars, along with refinancing and loan consolidation to potentially lower monthly payments. Previously offering indirect loans through dealerships, Citizens One has recently shifted its focus exclusively to direct lending, reflecting their commitment to personalized, relationship-based services. While Citizens One Auto Finance doesn’t provide preapproval for loans, they emphasize tailored financing, making it easier for customers to find suitable loan terms. Customers appreciate Citizens One for their streamlined online account management and transparency in lending terms. With competitive rates based on factors like credit score and loan amount, Citizens One Auto Finance has earned a positive reputation in the auto finance industry. Their trusted background, along with a range of services to meet varied financial needs, makes them a compelling option for those seeking auto financing through a well-established institution.

Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) was established in 1935 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. As the second-largest credit union in the United States, PenFed serves nearly three million members, offering a range of financial products, including auto loans for both purchasing and refinancing vehicles. PenFed's auto loan offerings feature competitive starting Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) ranging from 5.44% for new cars to 6.19% for used cars, with loans up to $150,000 and terms between 36 to 84 months. Unique to PenFed is their online car-buying service, which allows members to find vehicles and potentially receive discounts or rebates when financing through the credit union. Additionally, they offer pre-qualification with a soft credit check, making it easy for potential borrowers to explore their options without impacting their credit scores. Customer feedback highlights the ease of the online application process and the benefits of credit union membership. However, some users note that membership requires an initial deposit and that there are no discounts for automatic payments. Overall, PenFed's auto loans are well-regarded for their favorable rates and member-focused services, appealing particularly to those who leverage their car-buying platform.