Corporate America Family Credit Union (CAFCU), a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, has partnered with Upstart, an artificial intelligence (AI) lending marketplace, to broaden its offerings of personal loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and auto refinance loans to its members.
“At CAFCU, our goal is to empower financial success across all economic backgrounds in the communities we serve,” said Stefanie Rupert, President/CEO at CAFCU. “By partnering with Upstart for multiple consumer lending offerings, we’re extending that commitment through a modern online lending experience that makes borrowing easier, more accessible, and more equitable for all.”
CAFCU initiated its lending partnership on the Upstart Referral Network for personal loans in September 2025 and plans to expand into HELOCs and auto refinance loans later this year. Through the Upstart Referral Network, qualified personal loan applicants on Upstart.com who align with CAFCU’s credit policies receive tailored offers and are seamlessly directed to a CAFCU-branded experience to complete their online member application and closing process. Additionally, CAFCU is acquiring portfolios of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) from Upstart’s affiliate, Upstart Mortgage.
“We are thrilled to welcome CAFCU to the family of Upstart lending partners,” stated Michael Lock, Senior Vice President of Lending Partnerships at Upstart. “With Upstart’s AI-powered lending platform, CAFCU can offer a fast, all-digital lending experience to reach and empower more people towards their financial success.”
Upstart, a publicly traded company (NASDAQ: UPST), operates an AI lending marketplace that connects millions of consumers with over 100 banks and credit unions. These financial institutions utilize Upstart’s AI models and cloud applications to deliver credit products, enabling them to approve more borrowers at potentially lower rates while providing a digital-first customer experience. Over 90% of loans on the platform are fully automated. Founded in 2012 and based in San Mateo, California, Upstart’s platform supports personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small-dollar “relief” loans.
Corporate America Family Credit Union (CAFCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Elgin, Illinois. Established in 1939 by 15 employees of Automatic Electric Co. in Chicago, the credit union initially pooled resources for internal lending at favorable rates. Today, CAFCU serves thousands of members nationwide, offering a full suite of digital banking products and services, including low-rate auto and home loans, and federally-insured checking and savings accounts. The credit union also provides free financial wellness resources, such as financial coaching, as part of its commitment to financial empowerment.
