
Let’s take a closer look at the Pentagon Federal Credit Union, or PenFed for short. Established back in 1935, it’s based in McLean, Virginia. As of December 2023, PenFed boasts around $34.8 billion in assets and serves about 2.8 million members, making it the third-largest federal credit union in the United States. Initially, membership was exclusive to military personnel and those connected to defense, but in 2019, PenFed opened its doors to everyone across the nation. Thanks to some smart mergers with credit unions that had open charters, now anyone in the U.S. can join by simply depositing $5 into a savings account.
Auto Loan Offerings Structure And Options

Discover the ins and outs of loan amounts, terms, and types! You can borrow anywhere from $500 to $150,000, which means you can finance everything from a small car to a high-end luxury vehicle or even a commercial ride. When it comes to loan types, you have options like purchasing new or used vehicles, as well as refinancing existing auto loans from other lenders (just a heads up, PenFed-originated loans aren’t eligible for refinancing).
Promotions And Bonuses

Looking to snag a bonus? Check this out! From April to May 2025, you could earn up to a $350 bonus. Here’s how: get $200 just for funding an auto loan of $10,000 or more, and if you set up recurring payments from a PenFed checking account, you’ll score an extra $150! And don’t miss the $300 Christmas bonus available from December 2024 to January 2025. Just take out a loan of $10,000 or more and set up auto-payments through PenFed Checking to qualify. Plus, if you’re in the market for a new vehicle in 2025, you can take advantage of some fantastic rates through our Car Buying Service, with rates starting as low as 1.39% APR!
Membership And Eligibility

Looking to join? It’s open to all U.S. residents! All you need is a $5 savings deposit—no military ties required. finder.com Want to check your options first? A soft pull allows anyone to see rates and terms before making a commitment. wallethub.com +5 prnewswire.com +5 prnewswire.com +5 For final approval, you’ll need to provide standard documents like ID, proof of income, insurance, and vehicle information through a soft-to-hard pull process.
Real World Experience And Feedback
Notable Features And Perks

Discover the benefits of soft pull pre-qualification: You can check rates without impacting your credit score! TrueCar integration offers you preferential rates starting as low as 3.79%, plus cashback and special offers. You can access up to 125% financing (or 110% in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). And the best part? There are no prepayment penalties, so you won’t face any extra fees if you decide to pay off your loan early. Extras include gap insurance, extended warranties, and debt protection for added peace of mind. With branch access available nationwide, many borrowers are even reporting same-day approvals and pickup options!
Prons And Cons

✅ Pros ⚠️ Cons Low APRs that can sometimes compete with manufacturer deals To snag the best rates, you need excellent credit You can prequalify with just a soft inquiry Rates fluctuate based on your credit score, and the minimum score isn’t publicly available Offers up to 125% financing along with TrueCar deals Loan terms for used cars are capped if they’re older No penalties for early repayment There have been some complaints about customer service
How To Proceed

Check your pre-qualification: Get a free soft-pull estimate to find out your range. Compare rates: If you’re using TrueCar, don’t miss the special 3.79% APR offer. Membership: Consider opening that $5 savings account if you decide to go for the loan. Apply & fund: Fill out the full application (this will be a hard pull); funds are usually disbursed quickly.