The phrase refers to the largest amount of funds a credit union is willing to provide for the purchase of a vehicle. This ceiling is determined by factors such as the applicant’s creditworthiness, income, the vehicle’s value, and the specific lending policies of the credit union. For instance, if a credit union advertises a maximum amount of $75,000 for an auto loan, this represents the absolute highest amount a qualified borrower could potentially receive.
Understanding this financial limit is critical for prospective car buyers as it defines the upper boundary of their purchasing power when financing through a credit union. This knowledge helps manage expectations, focus vehicle searches on realistically attainable models, and plan a financial strategy that may include a down payment or trade-in to bridge any gap between the desired vehicle price and the available credit. This also allows borrowers to effectively compare the offerings of different credit unions, potentially leading to better interest rates and overall loan terms.