First-Time Borrower Programs at Central One
At Central One, our First-Time Borrower Programs are designed specifically for members who are new to credit or have limited credit history. Whether you’re applying for your first auto loan, credit builder loan, or simply looking for your first credit card, we’re here to help you take that first step with confidence.
Instead of focusing only on a credit score, we take the time to understand your full financial picture. To us, you’re not just an application, you’re a neighbor building a future right here in Central Massachusetts.
A Different Approach to First-Time Borrowing
Many traditional banks rely heavily on credit scores, which can make it difficult for first-time borrowers to get approved. At Central One, we take a more personalized and flexible approach.
We look beyond your credit history and consider factors like your employment, income stability, and overall financial habits. This allows us to provide lending opportunities to individuals who may not qualify through traditional underwriting alone—helping you begin building credit in a responsible and manageable way.
Local Support Every Step of the Way
As a local credit union, our lending decisions are made right here in the communities we serve. That means you benefit from:
- Guidance from real people who understand your financial goals
- Faster, more flexible decision-making
- Personalized support throughout the application process
- Solutions designed to help you build and strengthen your credit over time
From your first loan to your next financial milestone, Central One is here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to get started?
Take the first step toward building your credit with support you can trust.
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Personal Loan Rates
Signature Personal Loan – 9.13%
Secured Loan – Share APR +3.00%
Personal Access Line of Credit (PAL) – Prime + 11.50% (floor rate is 9.99%)
Ice Cream Day Dates
| Location | 2026 Dates | Time | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Auburn |
June 25, 2026 |
4pm - 6pm |
Trombetta's Farm |
|
Milford |
July 9, 2026 |
4pm - 6pm |
Trombetta's Farm |
|
Shrewsbury |
July 23, 2026 |
4pm - 6pm |
Trombetta's Farm |
|
Westborough |
July 30, 2026 |
4pm - 6pm |
Uhlman's Ice Cream |
|
Worcester - St. Vincent Hospital |
August 6, 2026 |
12pm - 2pm |
Sweet Treat |
|
Northborough |
August 27, 2026 |
4pm - 6pm |
Trombetta's Farm |
Food Truck Dates
Check back for the 2026 dates and times
Adjustable Rate Mortgages
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The 15/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 15 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.
Term: Available for terms up to 40 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies, or we will not be able to process your application. Payments do not include taxes and insurance.
-
The 15/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 15 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.
Term: Available for terms up to 40 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application. Payments do not include taxes and insurance.
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The 10/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 10 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application. Payments do not include taxes and insurance.
-
The 10/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 10 years then adjusts to a new rate every 5 years.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30-year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies, or we will not be able to process your application.
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The 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 5 years then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30-year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.
-
The 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 5 years then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies, or we will not be able to process your application.
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The 3/3 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 3 years then adjusts to a new rate every 3 years.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.
-
The 3/3 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 3 years then adjusts to a new rate every 3 years.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.
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The 1/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 1 year then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30-year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.
-
The 1/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage offers a fixed APR of for the first 1 year then adjusts to a new rate every 1 year.
Term: Available for terms up to 30 years.
Rate caps: 2% per adjustment and 5% over the initial rate for the life of the loan.
Benefits: Central One’s ARMs often have lower down payment requirements, lower initial monthly payments and lower initial APRs than a 30 year fixed rate.
Calculate your monthly payment using the ARM Mortgage Calculator
Prior to applying, please make sure your credit is not frozen by the credit reporting agencies or we will not be able to process your application.
Order Checks for your Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
You can order checks through this link Order Checks or by calling 800-355-8123. You will need to input your account number and the Central One routing number (211387169). As a security precaution, you will not be able to change the address on the checks and all orders will be sent to the address of record on the account.
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