iLending vs PenFed

iLending, founded in 2006, is a company based in Englewood, Colorado, specializing in auto loan refinancing. Originally known as Fleet Financial, the company rebranded to iLendingDirect and shifted their focus to helping consumers lower their auto loan payments by connecting them with the best lenders and rates. With a team of over 250 employees, iLending has expanded to meet the increasing demand for auto loan refinancing services. They aim to streamline the refinancing process through online applications and dedicated loan consultants, focusing on transparency and customer service throughout the refinancing journey. Keep in mind that iLending doesn't disclose minimum credit score requirements, so it's advisable to check directly with them to determine if you pre-qualify. They maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have been recently recognized as the top Auto Refinance Company by LendingTree for Customer Satisfaction, among their earned accolades. This demonstrates their commitment to ethical business practices and exceptional customer experiences, supported by stellar online customer reviews.

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.