Borrower Advice

Your loan and credit questions, answered.

Borrowing is a key building block to financial health. With every auto loan or HELOC or credit card, you build your borrowing power. As your credit union, we’re committed to your financial wellbeing – and to helping you make your best borrowing decisions. We created this resource center to share the latest tips, tools and lending trends. First-time home buyer? Super saver? Check your math with our handy mortgage loan and savings account interest calculators.

 

How much down payment is normally required to buy a home?

For many people, buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions they will make in their lifetime. One of the key considerations in this process is the down payment, which is the amount of cash that a buyer pays upfront toward the purchase price. While the amount of the down payment required can vary depending on several factors, it is an essential component of the home-buying process.

‘Pre-qualified’ and ‘pre-approved’ for a loan – what’s the difference?

As a home buyer, knowing the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved is an important step in the mortgage process. Making your decision on which one to choose starts with understanding the definition of each of those terms.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. Home Equity Loan

A HELOC and a home equity loan are two popular options for homeowners looking to tap into the equity they've built in their property. Dive deeper into the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each option to help you make the right choice.

Home Buyer’s Guide

USC Credit Union is here to help you feel more confident in today’s real estate market. We’ve helped thousands of our member-owners reach their homeownership goals and we will do the same for you. Download our Free Home Buyer’s Guide and learn about the entire home-buying process.

8 Unexpected Homeowner Expenses

There’s a lot more to homeownership than paying the mortgage loan. Here are eight extra homeownership costs to consider as you plan for your dream home.

Home Mortgage Loans

Shop and borrow smart.

Starter home or “forever home” – whatever you call it, chances are you’ll need a mortgage before you can call it home. Learn what you need to know to close the deal with success.

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Learn More about Home Loans

Home Equity Lines of Credit

Leverage your home equity.

Home equity can be a powerful borrowing tool. How can you use it? How do HELOCs work? Find answers to these questions and more right under your thumbs.

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Learn More  about Home Equity

Personal Loans

Boost your borrowing knowledge.

Financial peace of mind costs less than you think. USC Credit Union offers affordable personal loans and lines of credit you can use for any purpose. Learn what you need to know to boost your borrowing power.

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Learn More  about Personal Loans

Managing Loan Debt

Your best financial future starts today.

The financial decisions you make today can put you on the right path for years to come. As your financial partner, we’re here for you every step of the way. Use our borrow resources to boost your financial literacy.

Learn More  about Managing Loan Debt

USC Credit Union has been a reliable source of financial support for me for 36 years! I’ve never had a better experience.

-Carol

  • Personal Loans

    Pay for the unexpected, consolidate debt, pay for home improvements, or make a major purchase with one of our affordable Personal Loan options.

  • Home Loans

    Starter home, second home or your “forever home” – whatever you call it, we can help you call it home with affordable fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages.

  • Auto Loans

    Why finance with us? Simple: We’re a credit union with no shareholder interests to cater to. The upshot: Bank-beating auto loan rates on cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and more.

Let’s chat.

Need help deciding on a product or service? Talk to a member associate. We’re always here to lend an ear and all the guidance you need.