Why On Tap Credit Union is the Best Place for Auto Loans in Arvada, Colorado

Getting an auto loan is a big financial step, and you want to make sure you’re borrowing from an institution you can trust. If you’re in Arvada, Colorado and shopping for car financing, On Tap Credit Union stands out as the best place to get an auto loan. Why? Because On Tap delivers a unique blend of benefits that you won’t easily find at big banks or dealership financers. From its member-first philosophy to competitive rates and community roots, On Tap Credit Union offers an auto loan experience crafted for you. Below, we’ll break down the key reasons - with evidence - that make On Tap Credit Union the top choice for auto loans in Arvada.

Member-Owned, Not-for-Profit Advantage

One of the biggest differentiators of On Tap Credit Union is that it’s member-owned and not-for-profit. Unlike banks that prioritize shareholders, On Tap is a cooperative that returns profits back to its members and the local community This not-for-profit model directly benefits borrowers through better rates and lower fees. In fact, credit unions on average offer significantly lower loan rates than traditional banks mycreditunion.gov. For example, in 2024 the national average interest rate for a new car loan (~48-month term) was just 5.91% at credit unions versus 7.45% at banks. That gap can translate into major savings on your monthly payment. The reason is simple: credit unions like On Tap operate to serve members, not to maximize profit. When credit unions do well financially, they pass those earnings back to you in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings yields, and fewer fees mycreditunion.gov.

In practical terms, choosing a member-owned lender means your auto loan is likely to come with a lower interest rate than you’d get from a big bank or dealer financing. Over the life of the loan, that could save you hundreds of dollars. And because On Tap is focused on member satisfaction, you’re more than just a customer - you’re an owner. That tends to show up in better service (as we’ll see in a member testimonial below) and in policies designed to help you succeed, not squeeze profit.

Key benefits of a not-for-profit, member-owned auto loan:

Lower interest rates: On Tap’s credit union structure enables it to offer extremely competitive auto loan rates. (As of this writing, auto loans start around a low 5.00[NZ1] % APR for well-qualified buyers, a rate that beats many competitors.)
Earnings reinvested in you: Profits are reinvested in the membership - funding things like reduced fees, cashback rewards, and better savings rates – instead of going to outside stockholders mycreditunion.gov. When you borrow from On Tap, you know your interest payments are ultimately benefiting fellow members and the local community.
Community focus: Being member-owned also means On Tap is deeply connected to its community. Decisions are made locally, and the credit union often supports local causes and financial education, reflecting the needs of Arvada and neighboring areas, rather than distant corporate interests.

Local Roots and Community Commitment

On Tap Credit Union isn’t a newcomer or an out-of-state institution parachuting into Arvada – it’s homegrown in Colorado with decades of history. The credit union was founded way back in 1954 in Golden, CO by eight Coors Brewery employees, originally known as Coors Credit Union. Over 70 years later, On Tap has grown to nearly 20,000 members and expanded to serve communities across Jefferson, Denver, Boulder, and Larimer counties This long-standing presence in the community signals stability and a genuine commitment to local members. On Tap has a branch right here in Arvada (in the heart of Olde Town) and another in Golden, meaning you get the friendly, hometown service of a neighborhood credit union that knows the Colorado market inside and out.

Being a local institution, On Tap understands the needs of Arvada drivers and car buyers. They’ve spent decades helping Coloradans finance cars, trucks, and even adventurous purchases like RVs and motorcycles. This local touch can make a big difference: you’re not just an application in a nationwide pipeline, but a neighbor they recognize. And the credit union’s community involvement goes beyond loans - On Tap actively participates in local events, supports local businesses (they even have roots in the craft brewing community), and has programs for financial education in the area.

At the same time, choosing On Tap doesn’t mean giving up convenience or reach. Which brings us to the next point…

Nationwide Convenience via Mobile and Online Banking

On Tap offers full 24/7 online and mobile banking, of course. You can apply for an auto loan or manage your account from anywhere at any time. In fact, On Tap highlights that you can get instant online approval for vehicle loans, sometimes in less than 5 minutes, so you can walk into the dealership with a check in-hand or refinance your car from the comfort of your home This combination of high-tech convenience and hometown service is a real differentiator.

Bottom line: With On Tap, you’re never far from your money or from help. Whether you’re around the corner in Arvada or across the country on a road trip, your credit union goes with you - literally, thanks to shared branching and extensive ATMs.

Tailored Auto Loan Solutions with a 5-Step Process

Another feature that makes On Tap the best place for auto loans is their crafted, personalized approach to lending. They don’t believe in one-size-fits-all loans. In fact, On Tap has a proprietary 5-step C.R.A.F.T. process to ensure your auto financing is tailored to your unique situation, not a templated solution. C.R.A.F.T. stands for Connect, Review, Analyze, Fulfillment, and Trusted Support a proven process On Tap uses to guide members from the initial conversation all the way through long-term support:

Connect: They start by listening to you - understanding your story, needs, and goals. Before talking numbers, an On Tap loan expert will connect with you to learn where you’re coming from and what you hope to achieve (whether it’s buying your first car, lowering your current payment, etc.).
Review: Next, they help you explore your options. The team will review various personalized paths forward with their expertise, discussing different loan terms or structures that could fit you. This is a consultative step, not a sales pitch.
Analyze: On Tap then conducts a thorough analysis of your financial picture to pinpoint the best solution for today and for your future. They’ll consider things like your budget, credit, and timeline to craft a loan that fits just right.
Fulfillment: Once a plan is agreed upon, On Tap moves to fulfillment, working alongside you to put the loan into action quickly and smoothly. They handle the details and keep you informed at every step (from application to approval to funding).
Trusted Support: Unlike many lenders who disappear after the loan is disbursed, On Tap provides ongoing trusted support*. They stay in touch, offering regular reviews and guidance to ensure your auto loan (and overall finances) remain on track with your goals. If your needs change or you have questions down the road, they’re there to help.

This comprehensive, hands-on process means your auto loan isn’t just a transaction - it’s a solution crafted specifically for you. Many banks or dealerships simply throw you into a generic pipeline or push whatever loan product benefits them most. In contrast, On Tap’s approach is consultative and educational. They take the time to find the right loan structure (term length, payment schedule, interest rate considerations, etc.) for your life.

The benefit? You end up with an auto financing plan that you can feel confident about - one that fits your budget and helps you move toward your bigger financial goals, not just the dealer’s quota. This level of personal tailoring is a huge reason members rave about On Tap’s loan experience.

Competitive Rates and Transparent Offers

Of course, a major factor in any auto loan decision is the rate and terms you’re offered. On Tap Credit Union excels here as well. They offer low, competitive interest rates on auto loans – often beating the rates of larger banks or car manufacturer financing. As mentioned earlier, credit unions typically have the edge in rates, and On Tap is no exception. On Tap even publishes their floor interest rates on their website. This transparency means you know upfront what starting rate to expect based on your credit and loan length, rather than getting hit with surprises or hidden markups.

Moreover, On Tap frequently runs promotions that can save members even more money on car loans. For instance, they have offered refinance specials like “3-2-1 Auto Refinance” where members refinancing an auto loan from another lender could get 3 months with no payments, $200 cash back, and a 1% interest rate discount on their loan. These kinds of deals demonstrate how On Tap finds creative ways to put money back in your pocket (in this case, letting you skip payments for 90 days and handing you a few hundred dollars as a bonus!). While promotions come and go, the key point is that On Tap is proactive in helping members save – whether through cash-back rebates, rate discounts for loyalty or automatic payments, or special refinancing incentives. And importantly, they advertise these offers openly on their site, so you don’t have to dig through fine print to learn about them.

Even aside from promos, On Tap gives rate discounts for certain behaviors like setting up automatic payments from an On Tap account (a convenience that also knocks a bit off your APR). They’ll even match or beat a competitor’s auto loan rate if you show them a quote, as part of their commitment to ensuring you’re getting the best deal possible. That’s the kind of member-focused flexibility that’s rare in auto financing.

In short, when you finance your car through On Tap, you can be confident you’re getting an excellent rate and fair terms. No gimmicks, no inflated rates to pad a middleman’s commission (as can happen with dealership loans. Just straightforward, low-cost financing from a lender whose goal is to save you money. And if there’s a chance to save you even more – say, by refinancing an existing loan – On Tap will actively help you seize it.

Trust, Security, and Stability

When you borrow from On Tap Credit Union, you’re putting your trust in a financial partner. On Tap works hard to earn and keep that trust. For one, deposits at On Tap are federally insured by the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) up to $250,000 - just as banks have FDIC insurance. This federal backing means your savings are safe and sound, with the full faith and credit of the U.S. government behind them. On Tap has been in business for over seven decades, weathering all kinds of economic climates since 1954, so you can be confident they’ll be around for the long haul of your loan (and for your next auto loan, and the one after that!).

Beyond financial strength, On Tap promotes trust through transparent communication and education. They publish their rates (as noted) and clearly explain the terms of any promotion or loan product. There are no surprise fees buried in the contract - everything from the interest rate to the payment schedule is presented upfront. As a member-owned institution, honesty is part of their DNA.

Security is another area where On Tap excels, and this is crucial in today’s world of identity theft and fraud. On Tap’s online banking employs multi-factor authentication and encourages e-statements to help members avoid mail theft and stay digitally secure. All these tools and tips are evidence that On Tap takes your security very seriously. They even have dedicated resources on their website for fraud alerts and education on how to protect your identity and accounts, demonstrating a proactive stance on safeguarding members.

On Tap Credit Union also partners with local vendors to provide top of the line GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) and extended warranty plans on vehicles that work for you! These low cost, helpful products show On Tap’s dedication to protecting your vehicle and your peace of mind. And you don’t even have to have your loan in-house to take advantage of the extended warranty plans.

Trust is also a matter of how you’re treated. At On Tap, members consistently report feeling valued and respected. Let’s hear from one member in particular who shared their experience:

Member Testimonials: Easy, Inclusive, and Personal Service

“I began working with On Tap for an auto loan, and it was an easy, accessible experience. I changed my name about a year ago, and most credit unions simply told me that my information could not be verified when I applied for a loan. Rachel at On Tap was the first to actually reach out to me and personally verify my info. Rachel was extremely communicative and easy to work with throughout the whole loan process. She was clear and helpful with any questions we had. I wasn’t able to get a great rate on my own, as this would have been my first loan aside from student aid, but once my partner cosigned with me, the rate was fantastic. Very happy with the service here overall. Just to add, I am trans, and everyone here was respectful and kind. I often worry about that, but my worries were quickly dispelled with On Tap. Highly recommend this credit union!”

— Mae S., On Tap member

“I have been a customer for years and recently applied for a new loan. The whole process was very smooth from online application to in person signing. I appreciate that all of the staff members were both helpful and friendly while working with me. It's nice to have a local credit union that doesn't have the big corporate feel of other large banks.”

— Addison M., On Tap member

These real-world stories highlight a few important things. On Tap’s team truly goes above and beyond to serve their members. That’s the kind of individualized attention you can expect. Second, On Tap was willing to work with Mae to find a way to improve her rate (suggesting a qualified co-signer) so that she ended up with a “fantastic” rate in the end. This shows flexibility and a commitment to getting members the best terms possible, rather than just auto-declining an application or overcharging for a lower credit score. And finally, these testimonials underscore the respectful, inclusive culture at On Tap. Every member is welcomed and treated with kindness - no matter your background or life situation

When you read reviews of On Tap Credit Union, this level of satisfaction and personal touch comes up again and again. Many members in Arvada and Golden have stories of On Tap giving them a chance when others wouldn’t, or simply providing a smooth, friendly experience when financing a car. It’s no wonder people often recommend On Tap to friends and family looking for auto loans.

Full Banking Services Beyond Auto Loans

Another reason On Tap is the best place for your auto loan is that it can be more than just your auto lender - it can become your full-service financial partner. On Tap Credit Union isn’t limited to car loans; it offers a complete suite of banking, lending, and financial products. That means after you get your car loan, you might choose to take advantage of their other top-notch services, all under one roof:

Checking & Savings Accounts: Enjoy fee-friendly checking accounts and competitive savings options that often have better rates than big banks.
Credit Cards: On Tap offers credit cards (including rewards cards) with low rates and great perks - perfect to pair with your checking for everyday convenience.
Home Loans and Home Equity: When it’s time for a mortgage or a home equity line of credit, On Tap can craft a solution for that too, with the same member-first approach.
Personal Loans and Other Vehicle Loans: Need a personal loan for debt consolidation or a loan for an RV, motorcycle, or boat? On Tap has you covered with those as well.
Investments and Insurance: Unique for a credit union of its size, On Tap also provides investment and wealth management services, as well as insurance products (through partners) to protect your assets. Essentially, you can manage your retirement savings or get an auto insurance quote through connections at On Tap.

The advantage here is continuity and convenience. You build a relationship with On Tap Credit Union during your auto loan process - they get to know you, and you get to know them. Down the line, if you need another financial product, you already have a trusted institution to turn to, one that understands your financial picture. There’s no need to start from scratch with an unfamiliar bank for each new need. Many members appreciate having all their accounts in one place, accessible with one login or at one branch with people they recognize.

On Tap reinforces this “one-stop-shop” value by emphasizing that “from auto loans and home loans to checking accounts, credit cards, or insurance, we have it all.” This comprehensive approach means your membership in On Tap can genuinely handle all aspects of your financial life, not just the car loan part of it. And when all your accounts are under the care of a member-owned credit union, you can be sure that each product - be it a savings account or a car loan - is designed to benefit you, not nickel-and-dime you.

The Verdict: Your Best Auto Loan Option in Arvada

When you consider all these factors together, it becomes clear that On Tap Credit Union is uniquely positioned to be the best place for auto loans in Arvada, Colorado. Let’s quickly recap why:

Lower rates & great deals: As a not-for-profit, On Tap offers auto loan rates that often undercut the competition, saving you money. They frequently sweeten the deal with promotions (rate discounts, cashback, no-payment periods) to put more cash back in your wallet.
Community-focused and trusted: With roots dating to 1954 in the local community, On Tap has a proven record of stability and service in Jefferson County. Members trust On Tap for its transparency, federal insurance protection, and robust fraud prevention measures that keep their finances secure.
Personalized member service: On Tap’s team truly listens and crafts loans around your needs (e.g. their 5-step C.R.A.F.T. process) rather than pushing you into a cookie-cutter product. The positive experiences of members like Mae S. illustrate how far On Tap will go to help someone get the right loan with respect and understanding.
Convenience and accessibility: You get the convenience of instant online loan approvals and a nationwide branch/ATM network via CO-OP, combined with the ease of local branch access in Arvada. It’s big-bank convenience with small-town care.
All-in-one financial partner: Choosing On Tap for your car loan opens the door to a long-term relationship for all your banking needs - from that car loan to your everyday checking, future home loan, and beyond. It’s a financial institution you can grow with.

Financing a car doesn’t have to be stressful or impersonal. By choosing On Tap Credit Union, Arvada residents can enjoy a smooth, tailored, and rewarding auto loan experience. You’ll drive away not only with the keys to your new vehicle, but with confidence that you got a fantastic deal from a lender that truly has your best interests at heart.

So if you’re in the market for an auto loan in Arvada, do yourself a favor: check out On Tap Credit Union and see how they can craft the perfect auto loan for you. With their low rates, member-first service, and community values, you’ll quickly understand why so many of your neighbors call On Tap the best place to finance a car. Your journey to a new ride will be in excellent hands - and you’ll be joining a financial family that’s with you for the long road ahead.

Sources:

On Tap Credit Union – “Member Owned. Colorado Proud.” ontapcu.org
MyCreditUnion.gov (NCUA) – Explanation of credit union not-for-profit model and returning earnings as lower loan rates mycreditunion.gov
On Tap Credit Union – “Our 5-Step C.R.A.F.T. Process.”
On Tap Credit Union – Vehicle Refinances