Loan Faqs

A credit pull is not automatically triggered when a member applies for a loan. Once our Loan team verifies a request, a 'hard' credit pull will be conducted. That resulting credit report is then valid for at least 30 days so that no additional credit pulls are conducted if additional loan requests are submitted before that credit report expires.

Information about credit pulls and 'hard' vs. 'soft' credit pulls are available here.

Our Loan team reviews all requests, regardless of credit score. Whether you've got a solid credit background or are still working on building your credit, our Loan team will be able to discuss your options.

It's important to know: As Hawaii's only firefighter credit union, firefighters and first responders are HFDFCU's priority, which means we encourage you to apply because HFDFCU's mission is to always assist.

It's easy to apply for any personal loan, vehicle loan, or Visa® Platinum credit card with our online loan application. Click here to apply!

For vehicle loans: If you've already begun shopping with a dealership, all major auto dealers in Hawaii are equipped to send applications directly to HFDFCU without our Loan team requesting a separate online application. Inform your dealership salesperson that you'd like your vehicle loan to be sent to HFDFCU.

For mortgages or real estate loans: E-mail our Loan team at Loans@HFDFCU.org.

Our Loan team processes loan applications every day and will respond no later than 24 hours after an application is received. They'll be in touch to verify information and discuss your options.

Submitting an application is easy and quick. Click here to apply!

Once a member applies, our Loan team will ask for the purpose of the loan. They may later ask for income documentation (paystubs or taxes, depending on the type of income), plus any documents related to your auto purchase, the bills you're consolidating, or where loan funds will be sent.

Once our Loan team has approved your application, a loan closing will be scheduled. Once you've signed for your loan, funds are available that same day.

A 'closing' is the process where you review and sign loan documents and your repayment details are reviewed. A closing can be scheduled in-person or by electronic signature (e-sign).

An e-sign loan closing is our most common option and most convenient because it enables you to review and sign documents electronically, whether you're using a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.

Absolutely! Our Loan team can schedule a loan closing using e-sign, which will enable you to review and sign your loan documents using a computer, tablet, or mobile phone - wherever you may be!

Applying for a vehicle loan purchase from a private seller is just as simple as any other vehicle loan. Click here to apply!

A few specific things to discuss with our Loan team:

• How to determine the permissible vehicle value
• Outside lender or lease requirements — If the seller still owes a lease or loan balance on the vehicle, that lender may have their own requirements for how they want HFDFCU to handle paying-off that loan balance
• Title transfers — The seller will be asked to present the original vehicle title to HFDFCU for transfer at the time loan funds are released

If you're buying a new or used vehicle from a licensed auto dealer, these concerns may not be an issue.

We make it as easy as possible if you're shopping with any major auto dealer in Hawaii. If you're shopping with a major Hawaii auto dealer and you've already submitted a 'universal' loan application with that dealer, inform your salesperson that you'd like to finance with HFDFCU.

All major auto dealers in Hawaii are able to send vehicle loan requests to HFDFCU where our best rates can be made available for HFDFCU members.

Insurance requirements for new or used vehicles financed with HFDFCU are the same for all members and are required for the duration of the vehicle loan:

• Required: Comprehensive and collision vehicle insurance coverage
• Required: HFDFCU documented as lienholder
• Required: Deductible must be $1,000 or lower
• Required: Vehicle insurance binder must be submitted to HFDFCU

HFDFCU monitors throughout the duration of a vehicle loan for compliance with these minimum insurance requirements.

It's easy to apply for a refinance of your own outside vehicle loan. Click here to apply!

Refinancing is generally only available for outside vehicle loans rather than existing HFDFCU vehicle loans.

Members can set-up automated payment reminders in RescueNet online banking.

HFDFCU does not produce a monthly billing or loan payment reminder. An account summary statement (which includes loan balances) is produced quarterly for all members, and monthly for members with electronic transactions or checking accounts.

To create or update account, balance, transfer, or loan alerts in RescueNet.

• Log-in to RescueNet » tap Create Alert menu.

Paying any loan is easy. For details on options to pay your loans, click here.

Insurance requirements for new or used vehicles financed with HFDFCU are the same for all members and are required for the duration of the vehicle loan:

• Required: Comprehensive and collision vehicle insurance coverage
• Required: HFDFCU documented as lienholder
• Required: Deductible must be $1,000 or lower
• Required: Vehicle insurance binder must be submitted to HFDFCU

HFDFCU monitors throughout the duration of a vehicle loan for compliance with these minimum insurance requirements.

A principal-only payment can be posted only after the minimum monthly contractual payment is posted.

• Loan documents always require borrowers to make one contractual payment per month (your monthly payment), which will always include principal and interest.
• Once a contractual monthly payment is made, borrowers can apply additional payments to principal with the assistance of our Loan team.

But it's important to remember: Principal-only payments are applied to the remaining principal balance of a loan, which will reduce the total amount owed, but does not change your loan terms, rate, or final due date.