Auto Loan Rates in Des Moines
Compare new and used car loan rates from credit unions serving Des Moines, Iowa. Today's best new car rate: 2.99% APR. No dealer markup, no paid ranking.
Des Moines credit union auto loan rates range from 2.99% to 25.00% APR for new cars, and from 3.99% APR for used cars. Based on 35 credit unions serving Iowa, updated August 2026.
Source: RateAPI.dev
Best Credit Union Auto Loan Rates for Des Moines Borrowers
Ranked by lowest APR. Based on a $35,000 loan over 60 months.
| Credit Union | Rate | APR | Est. Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advantage Credit Union Auto Loan | 4% | 4% | $645/mo | Visit Site |
Collins Community Credit Union Auto Loan | 4.14% | 4.14% | $647/mo | Visit Site |
Collins Community Credit Union Auto Loan | 4.14% | 4.14% | $647/mo | Visit Site |
River Community Credit Union Auto Loan | 4% | 4% | $645/mo | Visit Site |
Telco Triad Community Credit Union 60-Month Auto Loan | 4.39% | 4.39% | $651/mo | Visit Site |
New vs Used Car Loan Rates in Des Moines
How to Get the Best Auto Loan Rate in Des Moines
Credit unions serving Des Moines are member-owned non-profits, which is why they routinely undercut dealer financing. Here is how to qualify for the lowest rate:
Get Pre-Approved First
Walk into the Des Moines dealership with a credit union approval in hand. It converts the rate conversation into a number the dealer has to beat, rather than one they set.
Check Your Credit Score
Scores above 720 qualify for the lowest Iowa credit union rates. Most accept 620 and up, at a higher APR.
Keep the Term Short
A 48–60 month loan carries a lower APR than 72–84 months, and far less total interest. Longer terms also risk leaving you underwater on a depreciating car.
Confirm Membership Eligibility
Many Iowa credit unions accept anyone who lives or works in the Des Moines area. Joining is usually a one-time step with a small deposit.
Shop Within 14 Days
Auto loan inquiries made inside a 14-day window count as a single hard pull, so you can compare several Des Moines lenders without stacking credit damage.
Credit Unions Based in Des Moines
6 credit unions are headquartered in Des Moines. Local membership is often the easiest to qualify for — many accept anyone who lives or works in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about auto loan rates in Des Moines
As of August 2026, new car loan rates from credit unions serving Des Moines range from 2.99% to 25.00% APR, with a median of 5.29%. These figures cover 35 lenders across Iowa, since credit unions serving Des Moines generally price statewide rather than by city.
The lowest used car loan rate available to Des Moines borrowers is 3.99% APR at Power Co-op Employees, as of August 2026. Used car rates typically run 0.5–2% above new car rates because the collateral depreciates faster.
Generally yes. Credit unions serving Des Moines typically price 1–3% below dealer financing, because dealers commonly mark up the buy rate as a commission. Getting pre-approved before you visit a Des Moines dealership gives you both a negotiating baseline and a rate to beat.
Usually. Many Iowa credit unions accept anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the county or region — and some are open to anyone in the state. Membership is generally a one-time step with a small deposit, and it is what unlocks the rates shown above.
For the lowest advertised rates in Des Moines, aim for a credit score of 720 or higher. Scores of 680–719 still qualify for competitive credit union rates, 620–679 will see higher APRs, and below 620 you may need a co-signer or a secured loan.
Auto Loan Rates in Other Iowa Cities
Auto Loan Rates by State
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