--- title: Excite Credit Union Blog (7) description: Helpful financial tips and community news from your local credit union – grow your knowledge and your savings. (7) --- Quick Links - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622&_ga=2.9158332.885728407.1614017764-121813073.1607694182) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614070041557.1614072156284.12&__hssc=252540758.1.1614072156284&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://excitecu.org/payment-options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) Locations/Hours% Rates Contact [![branding-excitecu-header](https://blog.excitecu.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/branding-excitecu-header.png?width=286&height=119&name=branding-excitecu-header.png "branding-excitecu-header")](https://excitecu.org/)   ### [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal) - #### Save & Spend - [Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Checking) - [Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Savings) - [Certificates](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Certificates) - [IRAs](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/IRAs) - [Digital Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Digital-Services-New) - #### Borrow - [Home Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans) - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans) - [Personal Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Personal-Loans) - [Credit Cards](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Credit-Cards) - [Solar Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Solar-Loans) - [Student Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Student-Loans) ### [Business](https://www.excitecu.org/Business) - #### Solutions - [Business Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Checking) - [Business Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Savings) - [Business Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Services) - [Business Lending](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Lending) ### [Plan](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan) - #### Invest - [Investments](https://excitecu.cusonet.com/) - #### Insure - [Auto Protection](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans/Auto-Insurance) - [Insurance Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan/Insure/Insurance-Services) ### [Learn](https://blog.excitecu.org/Learn?hsLang=en) - #### Education - [Blog](https://blog.excitecu.org/) - [Financial Education](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Financial-Education) - [SavvyMoney®](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Credit-Score) - [FAQs](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/FAQs) - [Calculators](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Calculators) - #### About Us - [Why We're Here](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Why-Were-Here) - [Membership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Membership) - [Locations](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) - [Leadership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Leadership) - [Media](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Media) - [Careers](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Careers) - [Fee Schedule](https://www.excitecu.org/ExciteCU/media/Documents/Fee-Schedule-rev-8-24-2020.pdf) - [Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy) - [Security](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Security) ### [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give) - #### Community - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events) - [Excite Foundation](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Excite-Foundation) - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares) [Rates](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Rates) [Locations/Hours](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) [Contact](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Contact-Us) Search term(s) Submit - [Personal](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal) - Save & Spend - [Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Checking) - [Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Savings) - [Certificates](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/Certificates) - [IRAs](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Save-Spend/IRAs) - Borrow - [Home Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans) - [Vehicle Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans) - [Personal Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Personal-Loans) - [Credit Cards](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Credit-Cards) - [Student Loans](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Student-Loans) - [Business](https://www.excitecu.org/Business) - Solutions - [Business Checking](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Checking) - [Business Savings](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Savings) - [Business Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Business/Solutions/Business-Services) - [Plan](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan) - Invest - [Investments](https://excitecu.cusonet.com/) - Insure - [Auto Protection](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Vehicle-Loans/Auto-Insurance) - [Insurance Services](https://www.excitecu.org/Plan/Insure/Insurance-Services) - [Learn](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn) - Education - [Financial Education](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Financial-Education) - [SavvyMoney®](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Credit-Score) - [Calculators](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/Education/Calculators) - About Us - [Why We're Here](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Why-Were-Here) - [Membership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Membership) - [Locations](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Locations) - [Leadership](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Leadership) - [Media](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Media) - [Careers](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Careers) - [Fee Schedule](https://www.excitecu.org/ExciteCU/media/Documents/Fee-Schedule-rev-8-24-2020.pdf) - [Privacy](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Privacy) - [Give](https://www.excitecu.org/Give) - Community - [Community Events](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/Events) - [Excite Cares](https://www.excitecu.org/Give/Community/ExciteCares) - [Apply for a Loan](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?lenderref=alliancecu072715&list=VLPLCCHECBST&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Become a Member](https://app.loanspq.com/apply.aspx?enc=Kw21Wblm1yxpjJabdoZaD0RL3d1qFbsgl3hCp93n027H1L7KzQZRI2Db4r0gTGgxv49ElHWJLJGUTrsAFeKZSpF43nMHP5vg6uO7xTE5xO8&_ga=2.1016631.788664191.1587659479-1211589023.1585243269&__hstc=252540758.bfd648fb4d85804455d19f67175cec20.1607694245454.1614104306112.1614149210007.14&__hssc=252540758.1.1614149210007&__hsfp=1927552622) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Make an Appointment](https://apps.excitecu.org/appointments) ## [How to Get a Credit Card for the First Time](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-get-a-credit-card-for-the-first-time?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) May 03, 2022 [Credit Cards](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-cards?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_193664681.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-get-a-credit-card-for-the-first-time?hsLang=en) Of the many financial milestones that you will reach in your lifetime is opening your first credit card. The establishment of credit will set the foundation for the rest of the financial moves you make throughout your life — from financing a... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-get-a-credit-card-for-the-first-time?hsLang=en) --- ## [7 Types of Credit Cards and How They Are Different](https://blog.excitecu.org/types-of-cards-and-how-they-are-different?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) March 02, 2022 [Credit Cards](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-cards?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_412717754.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/types-of-cards-and-how-they-are-different?hsLang=en) If you are thinking about applying for a credit card, it’s understandable if you are confused by all of the available options. Different types of credit cards have different features, and some will be a better fit for your needs than others. The... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/types-of-cards-and-how-they-are-different?hsLang=en) --- ## [Buying a Car: What Terms Should You Get?](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-what-terms-should-you-get-excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 28, 2022 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_205799449.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-what-terms-should-you-get-excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) An auto loan is an affordable and convenient way to buy a car – but how can you decide what loan term to get? Both short and long auto loan terms have their pros and cons. Choosing the right term is important because it will impact your monthly... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/buying-a-car-what-terms-should-you-get-excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) --- ## [How Does a Secured Credit Card Work?](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-does-a-secured-credit-card-work?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 25, 2022 [Credit Cards](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/credit-cards?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_100073980.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-does-a-secured-credit-card-work?hsLang=en) A secured credit card gives you a credit limit based on the funds in your savings account. Your savings work as collateral for the purchases you make on your card. If you're at the start of your financial journey, or you need to repair bad credit,... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-does-a-secured-credit-card-work?hsLang=en) --- ## [How to Refinance an Auto Loan](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-refinance-an-auto-loan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 25, 2022 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Auto](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/auto?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_196072019.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-refinance-an-auto-loan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) Refinancing your auto loan is a simple way to get a lower APR or change your term so you have the right monthly payment for your changing financial situation. To do an auto loan refinance, you follow similar steps as when you took out your... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-refinance-an-auto-loan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) --- ## [How to Save Money When Buying a Car \[and Prices Are High\]](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-save-money-when-buying-a-car?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) February 03, 2022 [Savings](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/savings?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_162278820.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-save-money-when-buying-a-car?hsLang=en) Now might not feel like the best time to buy a car. We're in the grip of supply chain issues and there's a shortage of microchips essential to the modern vehicle. This combination of factors means prices for new and used cars have soared. But it's... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/how-to-save-money-when-buying-a-car?hsLang=en) --- ## [Credit Union Credit Cards vs. Bank Credit Cards](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-union-credit-cards-vs-bank-credit-cards?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_154753115.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-union-credit-cards-vs-bank-credit-cards?hsLang=en) Belonging to your local credit union means you're more than just a number. It's like you become a member of a special club with a host of perks and benefits – including great offers on credit cards. When comparing credit union credit cards vs.... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-union-credit-cards-vs-bank-credit-cards?hsLang=en) --- ## [Credit Card Payoff Plan \[With Payoff Calculator\]](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-card-payoff-plan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) January 26, 2022 [Budgeting](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/budgeting?hsLang=en), [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_272630945.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-card-payoff-plan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) It can be easy to push aside credit card debt and pretend it doesn’t exist, but facing it head-on is the only way to truly tackle it. If you’ve racked up a lot of debt, paying it off is going to take time and patience. Having a credit card payoff... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-card-payoff-plan-with-calculator?hsLang=en) --- ## [Credit Union Auto Loan Benefits You Won't Get From a Bank](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-union-auto-loan-benefits-you-wont-get-at-a-bank?hsLang=en) [By Excite Credit Union](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/excite-credit-union?hsLang=en) January 26, 2022 [Talking About Money](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/AdobeStock_282251365.jpg)](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-union-auto-loan-benefits-you-wont-get-at-a-bank?hsLang=en) Financing an auto with a credit union is the better choice. That may sound like a bold statement, but there’s a lot of reasons to believe it. If you’re contemplating a new car purchase, credit union membership can help you get a car loan that is... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/credit-union-auto-loan-benefits-you-wont-get-at-a-bank?hsLang=en) --- ## [National Small Business Week](https://blog.excitecu.org/national-small-business-week?hsLang=en) [By Deborah Sunderman](https://blog.excitecu.org/author/deborah-sunderman?hsLang=en) September 15, 2021 [Business Services](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/business-services?hsLang=en), [Small Business](https://blog.excitecu.org/topic/small-business?hsLang=en) [![](https://blog.excitecu.org/hubfs/SBW_900x600.png)](https://blog.excitecu.org/national-small-business-week?hsLang=en) We are now over a year into one of the most difficult and challenging experiences that many of us have had to face. As a credit union with just over 100 employees, we have a unique understanding and special place in our hearts for small business... [Read More](https://blog.excitecu.org/national-small-business-week?hsLang=en) --- - - [6](https://blog.excitecu.org/page/6?hsLang=en) - [7](https://blog.excitecu.org/page/7) - [8](https://blog.excitecu.org/page/8?hsLang=en) - ### Posts by Topic - [Talking About Money (51)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/talking-about-money?hsLang=en) - [Savings (28)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/savings?hsLang=en) - [Budgeting (23)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/budgeting?hsLang=en) - [Building Credit (12)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/building-credit?hsLang=en) - [Auto (10)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/auto?hsLang=en) - [Credit Unions are Different than Banks (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-unions-are-different-than-banks?hsLang=en) - [Retirement (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/retirement?hsLang=en) - [Security (6)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/security?hsLang=en) - [Business Services (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/business-services?hsLang=en) - [Emergency (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/emergency?hsLang=en) - [Parenting (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/parenting?hsLang=en) - [Small Business (5)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/small-business?hsLang=en) - [Credit Cards (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/credit-cards?hsLang=en) - [Real Estate (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/real-estate?hsLang=en) - [Taxes (4)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/taxes?hsLang=en) - [Community Engagement (2)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/community-engagement?hsLang=en) - [Home Improvement (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/home-improvement?hsLang=en) - [Insurance (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/insurance?hsLang=en) - [Student Loans (1)](https://blog.excitecu.org/tag/student-loans?hsLang=en) see all ### About Excite - [About Us](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/locations) - [Careers](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/careers) - [Community](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/community/excitecares) - [Legal](https://www.excitecu.org/Legal) - [**Phone: 800.232.8669**](tel:8002328669) - **Routing: 321176804** - **NMLS #477592** ### Resources - [Forms](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Forms) - [Order Checks](https://www.deluxe.com/products-services/financial-checks-retail-linking.jsp) - [Opt Out](https://newapps.excitecu.org/MemberOptOuts/OptOutHome) - [Sitemap](https://www.excitecu.org/Sitemap) - [Privacy](https://excitecu.org/in-the-community/about-us/privacy) - [Make a Payment](https://www.excitecu.org/Payment-Options) - [Homeowner Hardship Assistance](https://www.excitecu.org/Personal/Borrow/Home-Loans/Home-Loan-Hardship-Assistance) ### Follow Us | [![Download on the App Store](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-apple.png)](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/excite-mobile-banking/id441879558) | [![Get it on Google Play](https://www.excitecu.org/Content/Images/mobile-app-google.png)](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ifs.banking.fiid5230) | | --- | --- | Equal Housing Opportunity Federally Insured by NCUA © 2021 **Excite Credit Union**. All rights reserved. [Contact Us](https://www.excitecu.org/Learn/About-Us/Contact-Us) | [Website Accessibility](https://www.excitecu.org/Website-Accessibility)