New car loan, 48 months: credit union vs bank
48-month term · Loan · rates as of December 26, 2025
The national average new car loan, 48 months rate is 5.32% at federally insured credit unions versus 7.33% at banks (-2.01 pts). That makes the credit union the better deal on this product - a 2.01-point saving for borrowers. Credit unions charge about 2 percentage points less than banks on a 48-month new-car loan on average. These are national averages, general information, not financial advice or an offer.
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of December 26, 2025.
What is new car loan, 48 months?
A loan to buy a new vehicle, repaid over 48 months at a fixed rate. The quoted rate is the national average APR.
Credit union vs bank average
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Credit union average | 5.32% |
| Bank average | 7.33% |
| Spread (CU minus bank) | -2.01 pts |
| Better deal | Credit union |
Source: NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates. Data as of December 26, 2025.
Worked example: On a $30,000 balance
On a $30,000 balance, one year of interest is about $1,596 at the credit-union average (5.32%) versus about $2,199 at the bank average (7.33%) - roughly $603 less in interest at the credit union in year one. Over a 5-year term the total saving is larger.
Simple illustration on the opening balance, before compounding, fees and taxes. Use the calculator with your own numbers.
How this compares
| Where | Average rate | Better deal |
|---|---|---|
| Credit unions | 5.32% | Yes |
| Banks | 7.33% | No |
Frequently asked questions
Are new car loan, 48 months rates better at a credit union or a bank?
Credit unions charge a lower national average rate on this product: 5.32% at credit unions vs 7.33% at banks (a 2.01-point saving for borrowers). Credit unions charge about 2 percentage points less than banks on a 48-month new-car loan on average. This is a national average, not the rate any single institution offers.
What is new car loan, 48 months?
A loan to buy a new vehicle, repaid over 48 months at a fixed rate. The quoted rate is the national average APR.
When was this new car loan, 48 months rate measured?
These are national averages from the NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates, 2025 Q4, with rates as of December 26, 2025. The NCUA updates the report quarterly and the underlying survey is collected by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Confirm the live rate with the credit union or bank before deciding.
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Sources & accuracy
NCUA Credit Union and Bank Rates, 2025 Q4 (rates as of December 26, 2025; underlying survey by S&P Global Market Intelligence). National average, general information, not financial advice. The rate you are offered depends on the institution, your credit and the balance. Verify the live rate before deciding. See methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-22