Auto Loans by Lacasa
Drive Forward with an Auto Loan Made Just for You
Lacasa goes beyond credit scores to help you secure reliable transportation and financial independence.

Amber and her son, Cooper, receiving the keys to their new vehicle from DeVon Swihart, Financial Empowerment Manager.
WHAT MAKES OUR AUTO LOAN DIFFERENT?
- Personalized Support: You’ll receive one-on-one financial coaching from a HUD-Certified Counselor who will guide you through the application process and offer support services throughout the life of the loan.
- Credit-building opportunity: Every on-time payment helps improve your credit, and you’ll also have access to Lacasa’s Master It Series classes to strengthen your financial skills.
- Purpose-driven lending: This is a repayable loan specifically for purchasing a reliable vehicle.
- Affordable and fair terms: Fixed interest loans range from $6,000-$12,000 with affordable monthly payments over a 4-year term – that cannot be found at any other resource in Elkhart County.
- Built on Relationships: This is a relationship-based lending program that considers more than just your credit score. It’s designed to be ethical, accessible, and supportive.
Before you apply
LOAN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Applicant must be an employed Elkhart or St. Joseph County resident with a valid driver’s license.
- Applicant must have a credit score at or below 600.
- Applicant’s household income is below 80% of Area Median Household Income Limits. (see below)
- Applicant must be able to meet eligibility & coaching requirements.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMITS
80% of Area Median Income
- Household of 1: $50,150
- Household of 2: $57,300
- Household of 3: $64,450
- Household of 4: $71,600
- Add $5,700 for each additional household member
CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Your bank or credit card company may offer free credit score service.
Free credit score platforms include:
- Credit Karma
- Credit Sesame
- Intuit Mint
Note that these may not provide TransUnion FICO score 4 which will be used by Lacasa to determine your eligibility.
Loan Servicing by
DON’T QUALIFY FOR THE AUTO LOAN?
Lacasa offers other ways to help you build credit and save for a vehicle.
Consider our DreamSavers Matched Savings Program—when you save $1,500, we’ll match it with $4,500 to put toward the purchase of a car.
Eligibility requirements apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must reside in Elkhart or St. Joseph County, be employed, and have a credit score of 600 or lower (TransUnion FICO 4). Income must fall below 80% of the Area Median Income for your household size.
How much can I borrow?
What makes this loan different from others?
What’s the application process like?
1. Submit the online inquiry form.
2. Meet one on one with a Lacasa coach to finalize your application and plan.
3. Complete financial education, submit documentation, and adhere to program requirements.
4. Purchase your vehicle and begin repayments.
What support does Lacasa provide throughout the process?
Why does Lacasa offer auto loans?
Is the loan serviced through Lacasa?
How do I get started?
What is the interest rate for the auto loan?
Lacasa Auto Loans come with a fixed, affordable interest rate, well below what you find through subprime lenders. The average interest rate for someone with a credit score below 600 is 28%. This program bridges that gap and fosters financial resilience by offering a fixed 14% interest rate. The interest rate reflects the program’s goal of maintaining financial sustainability while serving individuals who may have less-than-perfect credit. Offering rates below market rate could jeopardize the program’s ability to continue providing support to clients over the long term.
What are the repayment terms?
Can I pay off the loan early?
What should I bring to my first meeting with a Lacasa coach?
• Recent pay stubs (last 30 days)
• Any additional income for adult members of the household
• Additional income such as SSI or Child Support
• Bank statements
• A list of your monthly expenses
• Any vehicle information if you’ve already begun your search
What happens during coaching?
• Review your credit and income
• Review your current budget and work to create a realistic budget
• Discuss loan eligibility
• Explore trusted vehicle dealership options
• Build a personalized financial success plan