Critical Shifts:
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Expanded Financing Options: Edwards Federal Credit Union is partnering with Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA) to offer vehicle leasing through the CUDL network, helping its 16,000+ members better manage high vehicle costs.
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Significant Cost Savings: Leasing offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional financing, saving credit union members an average of $169 per month compared to financing a comparable new vehicle.
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Growing Credit Union Adoption: Driven by affordability concerns, credit unions are increasingly turning to leasing—a market segment accounting for nearly 24% of new U.S. vehicle purchases, with CULA reporting a 21% year-to-date increase in lease volume.
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Edwards Federal Credit Union is adding vehicle leasing to its financing options through a new partnership with Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA), giving more than 16,000 members another way to manage the cost of a new vehicle.
The Antelope Valley, Calif.-based credit union manages more than $278 million in assets and traces its roots to 1962, when it began serving workers and families connected to Edwards Air Force Base. Membership is now open across the Antelope Valley.
The new leasing program will be available through the CUDL dealer network, with support from CULA partner Origence.
For dealers, the addition comes as leasing continues to represent a significant share of the new-vehicle market. CULA cited Experian Automotive data showing that 23.75% of new vehicles purchased in the U.S. were leased in the second quarter of 2026.
CULA also reported that lease volume across its credit union network has increased 21% year to date.
“When a new vehicle costs what it does today, a lower monthly payment isn’t a small thing, it’s often what makes the difference for a member,” said Ken Sopp, president of CULA. “Leasing can bring that monthly payment down, and last year our program saved credit union members an average of $169 a month versus financing a comparable vehicle.”
CULA reported that its leasing program generated an estimated $94.6 million in member savings during 2025. The company previously reported that average monthly payments on its credit union leases were $547 in 2025, compared with an estimated $716 monthly payment for a similarly priced vehicle financed at the prevailing average loan rate used in its analysis.
For Edwards Federal Credit Union, leasing adds another financing option for members facing higher vehicle costs.
“Adding vehicle leasing is a natural extension of our commitment to providing members with flexible financing solutions,” said Tyler Richards, vice president of lending for Edwards Federal Credit Union.
CULA said the partnership brings its network to more than 40 credit unions nationwide, representing more than $153 billion in assets and more than 7.6 million members.
The company has been expanding its credit union network throughout 2026. In August, CULA announced a similar partnership with Michigan-based Jolt Credit Union, which added leasing for more than 27,000 members.
CULA said the growing number of credit unions offering leasing reflects continued interest in payment flexibility as vehicle affordability remains a concern.
“Close to a quarter of new vehicles purchased in the U.S. are leased, 23.75%, and that share keeps rising as affordability stays top of mind for buyers,” Sopp said.
For dealers, expanding credit union leasing programs creates another financing option to present to shoppers, particularly those focused on monthly payments rather than traditional vehicle financing.
CULA said its leasing volume growth across its credit union network has reached 21% year to date, which it views as evidence of continued demand among credit unions and their members.
