A CREDIT BUILDER LOAN THAT HELPS YOU SAVE

Features You’ll Love

Build your credit and save at the same time

A credit builder loan is designed to help you build credit without needing a large upfront deposit. With just a $25 setup fee for SunWest members, you can focus on making fixed monthly payments over your chosen term. Once it’s paid off, the funds are released to you!

Low rates – 2% above your dividend rate

Only $25 to setup

Easy way to build credit

No credit check for members

Simple approval for new members

Choose your term based on savings goals

Start with the numbers

Check current interest rates and run the numbers to gauge your credit building stamina before making a decision.

What to Expect

How this loan works

Pay $25

Start with a one-time setup fee of $25.

Choose your term

Pick the option that fits your credit-building and savings goals:

6 months — $500 loan
12 months — $1,000 loan
24 months — $2,000 loan

We fund your balance

We open a CD in your name, deposit funds, and place them on hold for the length of your term.

Make your monthly payments

Pay down your loan with fixed monthly payments. We report your payment history to help build your credit.

Tip: Set up autopay to keep things easy!

What happens when you’re done

Once your loan is paid off, the hold on your CD is released. From there, you have 2 options:

Withdraw your funds within 10 days or let your CD renew for the same term at the current rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my credit builder loan interest rate?

Your rate is calculated by adding 2% to the current dividend rate of the CD term you choose.

Example: If the dividend rate is 1.50%, your loan rate would be 3.50%.

What is the minimum balance for a credit builder loan?

The minimum loan balance is $500 for a 6-month term.

SunWest funds this upfront, so you only need $25 to get started. Once the loan is paid off, the funds—minus any applicable interest—become available to you.

How do I access the money in my credit builder loan?

Funds become available once the loan is fully paid off. They cannot be accessed before the loan is complete.

Can I pay my credit builder loan off early?

As the goal is to build credit, keeping the loan open longer can be more beneficial. Consistent, on-time payments help strengthen your credit history.

However, you can always pay your loan off early with no additional fees.

Can I have multiple secured loans at one time?

Yes! We offer 4 types of secured loans: savings secured loans, certificate secured loans, a secured Mastercard®, and a credit builder loan.

You can mix and match or have more than one of each with the exception for the secured Mastercard®, which is limited to one per account.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. On approved credit. Certain terms, restrictions and conditions apply. Refinanced loan interest rate cannot be lower than 4.99% APR when refinancing up to 2.00% APR below your existing rate. The first payment may be deferred for up to 90 days. Your loan will accrue interest during that time. Proof of current loan rate may be required prior to closing in order to receive the refinanced rate. Offer is for vehicle refinance applications processed before July 6, 2026. This offer does not apply to vehicles currently financed through SunWest Federal Credit Union. Rates are subject to change without notice. $50 donation per funded loan will be made to Valley of the Sun United Way. SunWest reserves the right to modify or discontinue a portion or all of this promotion at any time.

See a representative for complete details, qualifications, and disclosures.

Latest Insights