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Alliant Credit Union personal loans: 2025 review

Written by
Lauren Nowacki
Edited by
Katie Lowery
Updated on May 19, 2025

At a glance

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3.8
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
Bankrate Score
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Availability
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Affordability
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
3.4
Customer Experience
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Transparency
Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
2.5

About Bankrate Score

Full methodology

Formerly known as the United Airlines Employees’ Credit Union, Alliant has been operational since 1935. Although the credit union has changed its business model to an online-only service, it is still one of the largest credit unions in the country. Alliant Credit Union has funded $10 billion in loans and services over 900,000 members nationwide.

Lender Details

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Loan amount

$1,000-$100,000

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APR from

8.99%

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Term lengths

12-60 months

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Funds available in

as soon as the same day

Alliant Credit Union is best for emergency loans for existing members

Alliant’s loan application process is entirely online, and the lender offers same-day approval and funding. In case you need assistance, there’s an online chat option, and phone support is available 24/7. This, combined with its flexible loan amounts and the fact that it doesn’t charge an origination fee, makes Alliant a good choice to cover emergencies both large and small.

That said, Alliant is only a good choice for emergencies if you’re already a member. That’s because the credit union requires a 90-day waiting period before new members can qualify for a loan. Becoming a member has other benefits, too. Named Best Credit Union in the 2025 Bankrate Awards, Alliant Credit Union grants fee-free access to thousands of ATMs across the country.

Alliant Credit Union personal loan purposes

With loan amounts starting at $1,000, Alliant provides funding for smaller home maintenance projects and emergency repairs. Larger loan amounts (up to $100,000) are also available for borrowers looking to consolidate debt, pay for medical expenses or take on more extensive home renovations.

While you can use a personal loan for almost anything, most lenders don’t allow borrowers to use funds to pay for tuition, business expenses or illegal activities.

Where Alliant Credit Union personal loans stand out

  • Flexible loan amounts: Borrow as little as $1,000 or as much as $100,000.
  • Quick funding: Alliant offers same-day approval and funding, with direct deposit into your account.
  • No origination fees: Unlike other lenders, Alliant doesn’t charge an origination fee, meaning it won’t cost you extra to borrow money when you need it. Since origination fees are taken out of your loan funds before you receive them, you can expect to receive your full amount from Alliant.
  • Autopay discount: You can get a rate discount of 0.40 percentage points if you enroll in autopay. That’s a more generous discount than the industry-standard discount of 0.25 percentage points.
  • 24-hour assistance: While other lenders may not be available on the weekends, Alliant provides 24/7 customer support over the phone.

Where Alliant Credit Union personal loans fall short

  • Shorter repayment terms: If you want to repay your loan quickly, Alliant could be a good choice — it offers a one-year term. But if you borrow a large loan and need longer to pay it off, you’re out of luck. The longest repayment term Alliant offers is five years, while some lenders offer seven-year terms.
  • No joint applications: Alliant doesn’t allow co-borrowers on personal loan applications, so if you have lower credit, you may not get the best terms — or may not qualify at all.
  • Qualification requirements not disclosed: Because Alliant doesn't share its qualification requirements online, it's hard to tell whether it's worth applying.
  • Required membership: You must be a member of Alliant Credit Union for at least 90 days to get a personal loan from this lender.

Alliant Credit Union customer experience

Customer support

Unlike other lenders, Alliant offers 24/7 support by phone, for certain services. That means you can get help outside of business hours. If you have a quick question, there’s also an online chat option. Online chat is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT.

Digital experience

Alliant Credit Union is an online-only institution, meaning application and account management is done completely online. With a 4.5-star rating on Android and 4.7 on the App Store, Alliant’s mobile app allows you to easily access your account on the go.

How this lender compares

logo
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Bankrate Score
APR from
8.99%
Loan Amount
$1,000-$100,000
Term Length
12-60 months
Min Credit Score
Not disclosed
Compare ratesArrow Right Icon
on Bankrate
logo
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Bankrate Score
APR from
8.99%-17.99%
Loan Amount
$600-$50,000
Term Length
Up to 60 months
Min Credit Score
700
Read our reviewArrow Right Icon
on Bankrate
logo
Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
4.7
Bankrate Score
APR from
8.99%-35.49%* with autopay
Loan Amount
$5,000–$100,000
Term Length
24-84 months
Min Credit Score
300
Read our reviewArrow Right Icon
on Bankrate

Alliant Credit Union vs. PenFed Credit Union

Alliant and PenFed loans are comparable in cost — each has similar starting rates and neither charges and origination fee. Their repayment options are also comparable. If you’re looking for a large loan, Alliant is the better option.

But PenFed loans are more accessible. If you don’t qualify for a loan independently, PenFed allows co-borrowers. And unlike Alliant, PenFed doesn’t require a waiting period for new members.

Read our full PenFed review

Alliant Credit Union vs. SoFi

Like Alliant, SoFi is an online-only institution with no mandatory origination fees and same-day approval and funding. However, SoFi does allow co-borrowers and offers longer repayment terms — up to seven years. You also don’t need to be a member to get a personal loan.

Read our full SoFi review

Do you qualify for an Alliant Credit Union personal loan?

If you’re already an Alliant Credit Union member, you can apply for a loan by logging into your account and filling out the form. If you’re not an Alliant member, you must join the credit union and wait at least 90 days before applying for a personal loan.

Alliant Credit Union offers several paths to membership. To join, you must tick one of the following boxes:

  • Work for one of Alliant’s partner companies
  • Immediate family member or domestic partner of current Alliant member
  • Live or work near Alliant corporate headquarters in Chicago
  • Join the Alliant Credit Union Foundation — the credit union will make the one-time $5 donation on your behalf

You can apply for membership online. You’ll just need your Social Security number and your driver’s license. Once you’re approved, you can set up an Alliant bank account.

How to apply for a personal loan with Alliant Credit Union 

  1. Check your membership status. You must be an Alliant Credit Union member for at least 90 days and in good standing to qualify for a personal loan.
  2. Provide documentation and finalize your application. You must specify how you intend to use your loan funds, plus the desired loan amount and repayment term. You’ll also need to provide personal information, as well as documentation to verify your identity and employment. Alliant may issue a lending decision as quickly as the same day you apply.
  3. Review the loan details. If you're approved, review the loan terms carefully. If everything looks good, you can sign on the digital line and dictate where to deposit the funds.

How Bankrate rates Alliant Credit Union

Overall Score 3.8 Explanation
Availability 4.8 Alliant Credit Union scores well due to its quick approval and funding process, in addition to its wide range of repayment terms and flexible loan amounts.
Affordability 3.4 Alliant’s loans feature decent starting APRs, but other important details (like fees and maximum APR) aren't shared online.
Customer Experience 5.0 Alliant offers 24/7 customer support, a highly rated mobile app and a quick online application process.
Transparency 2.5 Alliant only lists its starting APRs. The lender also doesn’t list its eligibility requirements, earning it a lower score in this category.

Methodology

Bankrate's trusted personal loans industry expertise

Read our full methodology

48

years in business

45

lenders reviewed

20

loan features weighed

900

data points collected

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.

What customers think

What people across the web are saying about Alliant Credit Union

This lender has a 3.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, though it’s important to note that the score is based on very few reviews. There were only 121 reviews as of May 2025, and even fewer were focused on personal loans. 

That said, Alliant members on Trustpilot and other review platforms seem to enjoy the zero-fee ATM access but are mixed on the quality of customer support and ability to qualify. Many negative reviews focus on how the lender handles fraudulent activity.

One satisfied reviewer said, in part:

"Been banking here since 2008. Great loan rates. Great credit card rates and most important, great functionality! In other words, I have the same functions pretty much as I would with a bigger bank"

— Trustpilot User

Another customer who had a less satisfactory experience said:

"Bad experience with their loan officers. The few times I have called to try to work things out I get talked down to and told multiple different things depending on who I speak with. Really tired of hoping I'd get someone to truly help me and tell me all rather than call several times to get a full picture or all the options that available to me. Not very friendly or helpful and they give serious attitude, get a different job bud if you're tired of dealing with people on the phone."

— Trustpilot User

Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate. Please see the issuer’s website for updated terms and conditions.

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