Allegius Credit Union prioritizes affordable payment options for local customers with enhanced loan programs

For many people, personal loan programs can be a stressful venture. Repayment burden, high interest rates, financial instability, and the toll it takes on a person both physically and mentally can create a lot of problems. However, when these programs are utilized promptly and managed accordingly, they can inversely serve as a stress-reliever. Managing personal loan programs with success can lead to lower interest rates, quicker access to funds, fixed payments, and debt consolidation.

At Allegius Credit Union, the team has been helping customers for almost 60 years who have questions about such programs. Karin Birchel, president and CEO of Allegius Credit Union, notes that customers can rely on Allegius Credit Union for a variety of personal loan programs.

“Our personal loan programs are designed to give members flexible financing options beyond our traditional auto/RV/boat loans or home lending,” Birchel said. “Our personal lifestyle loans can be used for almost any need—covering expenses such as travel, home improvements, debt consolidation, or unexpected bills. These loans feature competitive rates, flexible terms, and no collateral requirements, making them a convenient solution for members who want quick access to funds without tapping into their savings.”

Along with these loan programs, Allegius Credit Union offers credit cards with low, fixed rates and no annual fee. This can be ideal for everyday purchases, building credit, or managing short-term expenses with the convenience of revolving credit.

When it comes to the process of making a loan payment, customers will need to provide some basic information.

“If they’re paying in person at a branch, they can simply provide their member number and loan account number so our staff can apply the payment correctly,” Birchel said. “For added convenience, members can also make loan payments at any CO-OP Shared Branching service center nationwide, giving them thousands of additional locations to handle their Allegius Credit Union accounts.”

A payment over the phone can be done through the Member Service Department at 800-537-8386. Allegius Credit Union will ask for identifying details such as a member number, the loan a customer wants to pay, and the payment method. Payment from another institution would call for the routing and account number.

When it comes to online or mobile banking, members will log in securely, select their loan, and choose the source of their payment. The system will have loan information already saved, but the customer will still need to select the funding account and enter the payment amount.

“We’ve kept the process simple so members can make payments the way that’s most convenient for them,” Birchel said. “Members can apply online anytime through the secure application portal on our website. With the Member Service Department, a representative will guide them through the process over the phone. Members are always welcome to visit any Allegius Credit Union branch in person to sit down with a loan processor. No matter which option they choose, our goal is to make the application process quick, easy, and stress-free.”

For auto loans, Allegius Credit Union has a New Roads Financing Program in place. This program opens a door for members who may have past credit challenges to get back on the road with an affordable vehicle loan.

“We offer flexible credit criteria and competitive rates tailored to members who might not qualify for traditional auto loans,” Birchel said. “It can be used for both new and used vehicles and includes features such as reasonable down payment options, manageable monthly payments, and opportunities to rebuild credit with on-time payments. It’s part of our commitment to helping members improve their financial well-being while still meeting their transportation needs.”

Providing quality service and competitive financial choices to ensure long-term financial health is the main objective for Allegius Credit Union. Birchel notes that all of the loan programs are built to complement its mission statement.

“By offering a variety of loans—from personal lifestyle loans to auto, home, and credit card options—we give members flexible solutions at fair, transparent rates,” Birchel said. “Whether someone is buying their first home, consolidating debt, or rebuilding credit through our New Roads Financing Program, we focus on making the process simple, affordable, and educational. This combination of choice, value, and personal service helps our members not only meet today’s needs but also strengthen their financial position for the future.”

Along with the current loan programs, Allegius Credit Union is motivated to create new programs and update the ones already in place.

“We’ve just introduced a new Merchant Connect Finance Program that allows Allegius Credit Union to partner with small business owners and offer point-of-sale financing to their customers,” Birchel said. “This program is designed to help members who need financing for large home-related purchases. It gives them an affordable payment option right at the time of sale while also supporting our local businesses.”

Allegius Credit Union is currently reaching out to local businesses to discuss this new program and invite them to participate. This program is an effort for the credit union to help more members benefit from convenient financing. It also allows more merchants to offer a valuable service to their customers. Businesses can call 219-787-6345 for more information on the program.

At Allegius Credit Union, the team is always evaluating loan offerings and technology to improve the borrowing experience. Expanding programs and enhancing services in line with the needs of its members is the biggest thing for the credit union.

“We’re proud to be a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative,” Birchel said. “Every program we offer is created with our members’ best interests at heart. We’re constantly looking for ways to help our members reach their goals. It’s this commitment that drives us to keep improving and expanding our loan programs to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”

To learn more about Allegius Credit Union and its loan programs, you can visit allegius.org.