Personal loans that flex with real life
Unexpected things happen, cars break down, furnaces quit, kids need braces, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip pops up. A Choice One personal loan gives you a simple way to cover those costs without relying on high-rate credit cards.
With fixed rates as low as 9.25% APR*, terms up to 72 months, and borrowing amounts up to $20,000, you get a predictable payment from a credit union that already knows your community.
Use a personal loan to:
- Consolidate higher-rate credit card balances
- Cover medical or dental bills
- Handle car repairs or home fixes
- Pay for tuition, relocation, weddings, or other big milestones
Apply online in just a few minutes, or stop by any Choice One branch location to talk through your options with a loan representative.
Why choose a personal loan instead of a credit card?
For a lot of members, a fixed-rate personal loan can be a smarter way to borrow than putting everything on plastic:
- Lower fixed rate: Our personal loan rate is typically much lower than many national credit card rates, which helps you pay less interest over time.
- Set payoff date: You choose a term up to 72 months, so you know exactly when the loan will be paid off if you stay on schedule.
- Predictable monthly payment: Your payment doesn’t jump around with market changes or variable rates.
- Use it for almost anything: From consolidating debt to paying for planned projects, you’re not locked into a single purpose.
It’s a straightforward way to borrow a set amount, at a fixed rate, with a clear end date.
Features of a Choice One personal loan
Every Choice One personal loan includes the following benefits:
- Borrow up to $20,000 (subject to credit approval and income limits)
- Fixed-rate loan: same rate for the life of the loan
- Terms up to 72 months for comfortable payments
- Secured and unsecured options depending on your needs
- Auto Pay discount: our lowest advertised rate includes a 0.25% rate discount when you enroll in automatic payments
You can apply online anytime or at any Choice One branch.
Unsecured personal loans: no collateral, just your signature
If you don’t want to tie up your savings or other assets, an unsecured personal loan might be the right fit.
- No collateral required: approval is based on factors like your credit, income, and existing debts
- Use the funds for almost any purpose, such as:
- Consolidating high-interest credit card balances
- Paying medical or veterinary bills
- Taking care of car repairs or appliance replacement
- Covering travel, moving costs, tuition, or family events
Once approved, you receive the full loan amount up front and repay it in fixed monthly payments over the term you choose.
Share secured personal loans: put your savings to work
A share secured personal loan uses your Choice One savings as collateral, which typically allows for an even lower rate than our unsecured personal loan options.
It can be a smart choice if:
- You want a low-rate way to borrow, but don’t want to drain your savings
- You’re looking to build or rebuild credit with a structured loan
- You prefer the peace of mind of having your savings remain on deposit while you borrow against them
Benefits include:
- Lower interest rate than a comparable unsecured loan
- Fast processing and convenient repayment terms
- Keeping your savings in place while still accessing the funds you need
How much can I borrow and for how long?
Your exact approval amount and term will depend on your credit profile and income, but here are the general guidelines:
- Loan amount: Up to $20,000, with a limit of 20% of your gross income, not to exceed that maximum
- Term lengths: Up to 72 months (six years), allowing you to choose a payment that fits your budget
During your application review, a Choice One Loan Representative can walk you through options so you understand what your payments will look like before you commit.
Is a Choice One personal loan right for me?
A personal loan may be a good fit if you:
- Have several high-rate credit card balances and want one fixed payment
- Need to cover a single large expense (like major car repairs or home projects)
- Prefer a clear payoff date instead of revolving credit
- Want to borrow from a local NEPA credit union that gives straightforward guidance instead of hard sells
If you’re not sure whether you should use a personal loan, a line of credit, or even a home equity product, we’re happy to talk through each option with you.
How to apply
Getting started is simple:
- Apply online: Click “Apply for a Personal Loan” on this page and complete the secure online application.
- Call or visit a branch: Talk with a Choice One Loan Representative at any of our branches in Plains, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Old Forge, or Kingston. We’ll help you compare options and answer your questions.
- Gather basic information: To speed things up, have your income information, current debts, and other relevant details handy when you apply.
We’ll review your application and let you know your next steps as quickly as possible.
Personal loan FAQs
What can I use a personal loan for?
Most members use personal loans for debt consolidation, medical or dental bills, home projects, vehicle repairs, tuition, or major purchases. As long as it’s a lawful purpose, a personal loan is designed to give you flexibility.
Do I need collateral for a personal loan?
Not necessarily. We offer both unsecured personal loans (no collateral required) and share secured personal loans that use your Choice One savings as collateral. Unsecured loans are popular when you don’t want to tie up assets, while share secured loans typically offer even lower rates.
How is my rate determined?
Your rate is based on things like your credit history, income, existing debt, and the term you choose. Members with stronger credit profiles and shorter terms generally qualify for lower rates.
Will applying for a personal loan affect my credit?
Yes. Like most lenders, we review your credit as part of the approval process, which usually involves a hard inquiry. Over time, making on-time payments can help your credit history.
How do I see the most current rates and terms?
For the latest rate information, refer to the Personal Loan Rates table below or visit our dedicated Personal Loan Rates page.
