Texas Bay Credit Union lists new and used auto APRs from 4.89% for terms up to 48 months, with rates effective November 1, 2026. Its rates page does not set a CARFAX requirement, so ask what underwriting needs before you buy a report for the lender.
I read Texas Bay Credit Union's loan rates page and its about page for this November 5, 2026 guide. The vehicle section says Rates Effective: November 1, 2026, and that all rates are APRs subject to change with approved credit. So treat each number as a floor.
Read the term ladder
The table uses one row for used and new autos. It shows as low as 4.89% for 0-36 and 37-48 months, 5.04% for 49-60, 5.19% for 61-72 and 6.34% for 73-84 months. The jump at 73 months is the one to notice. A longer term can cost far more over the loan.
Know what the lowest rate assumes
The disclosure says the lowest rate is based on an excellent credit history, the shortest term available and the maximum relationship product discount. It adds that rates can vary by term and down payment. So the 4.89% is a best case. Ask what your own profile gets.
Ask whether a history report is needed
The rates page I reviewed does not name a required CARFAX or AutoCheck product, report age or who must buy it. Ask whether the credit union orders its own vehicle history or needs title papers before funding. Our credit-union branded-title checklist gives you the questions. A seller printout is not proof.
Confirm the institution and its old name
The official history page says the credit union was founded on May 12, 1936, and was first chartered as Houston Sinclair Refinery Employees' Credit Union, working out of the Sinclair Refinery plant. It says there were a few name changes since. Other Texas credit unions with bay names are separate lenders, so apply through texasbaycu.org.
Plan collateral and payoff steps
For a private sale with a lien on the title, ask how Texas Bay Credit Union sends the payoff and when the title reaches the lender. Our lien-payoff steps and private-seller lien guide walk through the order of steps so nobody hands over money before the paperwork is lined up. Keep GAP, service contracts and other optional products on separate lines, because they change the amount financed and the real cost. Ask for the payoff letter in writing and check that the VIN on it matches the car.
Compare the same car at two or three lenders
A posted floor rate from Texas Bay Credit Union is only useful next to another quote for the same VIN, amount and term. Ask each lender for the APR, any fees and the payment on that exact loan. Small fee differences add up on a short loan. If one lender limits the term on an older car, your payment can move more than the rate does. Write each offer down with the date you got it, since posted rates on these pages can change without notice.
Keep the car checks separate from approval
A loan approval does not certify the car's condition or the seller's ownership story. The NYC consumer-agency used-car guidance tells buyers to get a history report and an independent mechanic, and the federal Buyers Guide rule describes dealer disclosures rather than any credit-union CARFAX mandate. Private sales follow a different disclosure setting. Use our inspection checklist to define the mechanical work before you release funds.
Before you authorize funding
Ask Texas Bay Credit Union to confirm the term, the rate for your credit and any history-document rule for your exact car. So, ask for a dated written approval tied to the actual VIN, amount financed and term. Keep the rate quote, collateral answer, purchase agreement and any payoff instructions together. The CFPB auto-loan resources explain how to shop and compare offers; they do not set this lender's underwriting policy.
We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Guest reports have been about $5.50, member reports about $4.50 and a two-report bundle about $6.75; confirm the price at checkout because it can change. A report can miss unreported work, so keep the inspection appointment even when the history looks quiet.
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