Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I go about getting pre-approved for a vehicle loan? Simply apply online or in person for an auto loan and give a best estimate of the amount you are looking to spend. From there the lender will review and either approve, counter, or deny the application based on the amount. Final approval will require collateral review, but an initial approval can be offered to allow a customer to go shopping with confidence.
• Why is it better to get a loan with First Citizens than with a dealer? First Citizens Bank will offer you a local personal experience with the entire auto loan purchase and life of the loan. Using the dealer ends when you drive off the lot for most. Your bank will be there for the entire relationship.
• How does the whole vehicle loan process work when getting it from First Citizens? You start with the application, conditional approval, purchase, and loan closing. If you are buying from a dealership we would like to get the purchase agreement or bill of sale. If purchasing from a private party we encourage the buyer to see a copy of the title before finalizing the purchase. This helps the buyer know if the title is salvaged or reconstructed. If you are looking for a pre-approval we can give you a letter to take with you to the dealership to offer an added level of comfort and buying power as you move through the buying process.

Apply Online Price Your Vehicle

Whether you’re buying your first home or building your retirement home, partnering with the right financial partner is crucial. With decades worth of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the local market, we’re more than equipped to help.

On-Site Wastewater Assistance Program (OSWAP)

This type of loan provides assistance to Iowa homeowners not served by a public sewer. Homeowners may obtain a low-interest loan through First Citizens for the replacement of inadequate or failing septic systems. According to Iowa law, all septic systems, regardless of when they were installed, must have a secondary wastewater treatment system following the septic tank.

See Eligibility Requirements

Student Loans

We work with ISL Education Lending to offer private loans to help you pay for college as well as refinance existing student loans. ISL Education Lending is a nonprofit organization with decades of student loan experience offering lower-priced loans.*

ISL Education Lending offers:

• Loans for college students.
• A loan option for parents and family members who wish to borrow on behalf of a college student.
• Multiple student loan refinance options.

In addition, they offer multiple scholarship opportunities and free college planning tools to help students and families avoid overborrowing and plan smart for life during and after college.

Learn more about ISL Education Lending’s offerings on their website.

Please note:

• All loans offered by ISL Education Lending are subject to credit approval.
• Before applying for a private loan, we encourage you to first complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You should also work with your college financial aid office to explore and exhaust all sources of student financial aid before seeking a private student loan.

Student Planning Pointers for Parents

Get free information on how to help your student in 8th through 12th grade plan for success after high school. Twice-monthly emails provide tips, tools and resources. All information is based on grade level and is appropriate for the time of the year. Interested parents can sign up at www.SP3.org.