Bad Credit
Auto Loans
Need an auto loan but have less than perfect credit?
Let us help!
Worried about your credit score? Let's talk!
We believe everyone deserves reliable transportation to get you to work, appointments, and family activities on time, every time! For nearly 25 years, we've helped thousands of members with less than perfect credit get pre-approved, car shop and protect their new or used vehicle.
Let us help you find a quality automobile at a price you can afford, and start building up your credit for a bright financial future. Our Bad Credit Auto Lending options include:
- Bad credit / No credit / Bankruptcy accepted
- Fixed Income or Self Employed
- Repossessions
- Start the loan process in 5 minutes
- No obligation
Bad Credit
If your credit score is under 670, it can be difficult to get approved for an auto loan. Our programs specialize in helping you find reliable transportation to get you on the road in an auto you can afford. We provide credit building tips to help improve your score.
No Credit
Whether it's your first auto or first loan, having no established credit can make it difficult to find financing. We work with you to help build your credit, car shop for the best deal and get you on the road in reliable transportation.
Bankruptcy
We understand the need for basic transportation after the setback of bankruptcy. Let us work with you to find an auto to fit your needs and develop a plan to start rebuilding your financial future.
Get Pre-Approved
We specialize in Pre-Approving credit challenged members for autos. Over the past 12 months, we financed over 400 vehicles worth $10,300,000 for members with FICO scores between 450 and 639.
We are serious lenders, and we are ready to help you.
Get started now and experience exceptional service.
Added Benefits
When you finance with Downeast Credit Union and Insurance, we offer so much more than just an auto loan.
100+ Dealers
We work with over 100 dealerships across the state to find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and situation.
Car Shopping
Our Lending Experts search the state for low-mileage vehicles that will get you where you need to go.
Credit Building
We report to all 3 credit bureaus so your on-time payments will help enhance your score.
Protection
We offer quality Vehicle Service Contracts to help cover repairs as well as auto insurance through Downeast Insurance.
Local Team
Our friendly, local Team of Experts is here to assist with any questions. Ask about our special Credit Enhancement Rate Reduction.
Real Life
Member Stories & Tips
The Downeast Team takes great pride in our work. We are willing to go the extra mile to find you the right car for your needs and budget. Hear more about the Auto Lending experience at Downeast Credit Union:
Downeast set me up for a brighter financial future! They helped me car shop and finance my first vehicle - a 2022 Hyundai Venue with only 14,000 miles!
- Emmalee, Machias Member
Getting an auto loan can be a great way to boost your credit score, as long as you’re paying on time! At Downeast Credit Union, we work with Members to help you find reliable transportation, and we want to give you four tips to get the most out of your next auto loan.
- Katie, DECU Underwriter
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to submit a request?
No. We offer a free, no obligation auto loan request process. There is no fee for using our service.
What monthly payment can I afford?
When purchasing a new or used vehicle, it is important to not overextend yourself financially. At Downeast, we suggest budgeting only up to 12% of gross income toward an auto loan. Your downpayment, interest rate and term of the loan will also impact how much you can afford to spend on an automobile. As a general rule of thumb, you can estimate how much car you can afford by:
- dividing your monthly income by 2 to determine your disposable income,
- deduct all monthly payments you have,
- the number left over is an estimate payment that you could afford each month.
What interest rates will I be paying on my auto loan?
How do you get me approved with bad credit?
Downeast Credit Union & Downeast Insurance
Call or visit a local branch for details.
800.427.1223
Baileyville | Calais | Machias | Brewer | Belfast | Unity | Richmond | Topsham
*Program available to qualifying members, based on approved credit and other established requirements such as a verifiable employment record or proof of education enrollment or proof of bankruptcy discharge. Other restrictions including vehicle and mileage limitations may apply. Check our Rates Page for the current loan rates. Any calculators provided on our website may help you determine estimated monthly payments. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate. The rate you receive on your loan will be the rate in effect at the time of loan disbursal. APR=Annual Percentage Rate. APRs shown are stated as low as and may vary based on make and model of the vehicle. APRs and loan approval are based on term, collateral type, payment method, creditworthiness and ability to repay. Auto terms up to 84 months. Your actual APR will be determined at the time of disbursement and will be based on your application and credit information. Rates quoted assume excellent borrower credit history. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate. Other restrictions including vehicle and mileage limitations may apply. For example, an 84-month, fixed-rate Auto Loan for $20,000 would have a monthly payment of $331.92 at an annual percentage rate (APR) of 9.99%. Rates effective as of 07/16/2025. All rates and terms subject to change at any time.
Unauthorized access or use of this website is not permitted and may constitute a crime punishable by law. Federally Insured by NCUA.
Downeast Insurance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Downeast Credit Union; insurance products are not federally insured by NCUA.