The Lovable Credit Unions Have Some Hidden Devil

Credit Unions have a very loyal customer base. They are not-for-profit and owned by their members. As a result, they often offer lower interest rates. But there are some important differences between credit unions and banks regarding lending money.

The Horrible Cross Collateralization Agreement

Credit unions incorporate a “cross-collateralization agreement” in all loans except mortgages. Cross-collateralization is a term used when the collateral, for example, a car, also secures a different loan with the credit union.

So, for example, if a person has taken out a loan secured by a vehicle through a credit union, the car is also security for all other loans with the credit union. As a result, you won’t receive your title once you pay off the vehicle loan if your other loans are in default.

Banks do not use cross-collateralization agreements in their loan documents. I can assure you that if you have a loan with a credit union, it is there, whether you remember it or not. I used to say that credit unions all subscribe to the same stationery store.

Credit Unions do this to intimidate or pressure people into paying all their loans. There are questions about whether this practice is legal, but it can be too difficult or expensive to challenge the credit union. So, if you have a credit union debt you are not paying and a car loan through that same credit union, be forewarned that you will likely not get the title if you do not pay that past-due debt. However, if you pay off the car loan before another loan defaults, they will give you the title.

Credit Union Repossession

Will the credit union repossess a car when the car loan is current because of a default on another debt with the credit union? I recently read an article by an attorney who advises credit unions titled “Cross-collateralization-Strength or Nightmare Waiting to Happen.”

It discussed the problems of these loans. It is generally not the practice of credit unions to repossess collateral-a car where a cross-collateralized loan is in default. There may be exceptions, but this credit union attorney advised credit unions to hold the title until the other debt was paid.

That doesn’t prevent someone from driving the car until it is worthless. And it may be possible to negotiate a settlement with a Credit Union to get the title.

Also, bankruptcy laws could affect the credit union’s ability to enforce its rights. If you don’t want a problem, the ideal solution, which may not be possible, is to pay off the car loan first and get the title before the other loan is in default. Then, of course, if it is an expensive car with a hefty payment, you might decide it’s not worth keeping the car if you ultimately won’t get the title.

Credit Unions Sue

Credit Unions as a practice are more likely to file a lawsuit for a past-due debt. However, Social Security, disability, VA benefits, and pension income is protected and can’t be taken if there is a judgment for a debt.

In addition, at least $217.50 net weekly wages are protected from garnishment and more than that in many other states. Persons with this income are often termed judgment-proof meaning a judgment creditor can’t get anything from them.

Credit Unions Will Reach Into Your Account

Credit unions also practice the act of “set-off” aggressively. For example, if you owe money to the credit union and have an account with them, they will take money from your bank account to “set off” money you owe on a past-due loan.

Federal law prohibits banks and credit unions from using set-off from accounts containing Social Security to pay a loan unless a person gave the bank or credit union permission. So, once again, whether you remember it or not, when you got the account with the credit union, you permitted them to set off Social Security from your account for a past-due debt.

Credit Unions Can Kick You Out

In addition, the general practice of credit unions is to terminate a relationship with an account holder if that account holder defaults on a loan to the credit union. So for that reason alone, if you are going to default, you might consider closing a checking account with a credit union to save the embarrassment of having your account closed by the credit union.

Banks practice none of these tactics. They don’t cross-collateralize consumer loans. They rarely use set-off from a person receiving Social Security. Banks typically don’t terminate bank accounts for senior customers who fail to pay a loan to the bank.

For more information, visit the non-profit national law firm, HELPS.