CULA Partners with Edwards Federal Credit Union for Vehicle Leasing

Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA) has expanded its vehicle leasing services to Edwards Federal Credit Union, a community-based financial institution serving the Antelope Valley, California, since 1962. This partnership brings a lower-cost vehicle leasing option to more than 16,000 members of Edwards Federal Credit Union, enhancing the credit union's ability to support its members in managing the rising cost of vehicles.

According to Ken Sopp, President of CULA, the move is significant for credit unions like Edwards Federal Credit Union, which are increasingly turning to leasing to help members stretch their budgets.

Edwards Federal Credit Union, founded in 1962 to serve the workers and families of Edwards Air Force Base, has expanded its membership to anyone across the Antelope Valley. The addition of vehicle leasing is seen as a natural extension of the credit union's commitment to providing flexible financing solutions. Tyler Richards, Vice President of Lending at Edwards Federal Credit Union, stated, "Adding vehicle leasing is a natural extension of our commitment to providing members with flexible financing solutions. CULA's platform makes the leasing process simple and efficient, allowing us to focus on what matters most: helping our members get behind the wheel with affordable payments and options that fit their financial goals."

The partnership will be offered through the CUDL dealer network, with support from CULA's partners at Origence. This move is part of CULA's broader strategy to extend its presence in one of the country's largest vehicle leasing markets by volume. CULA's network now spans more than 40 credit unions nationwide, representing over $153 billion in assets and serving over 7.6 million credit union members.

CULA has been the leader in indirect vehicle leasing for credit unions for over 35 years, providing best-in-class program assistance, analytics reporting, compliance support, dealer management tools, and member services. The company's program is estimated to have saved credit union members roughly $94.6 million over the course of 2025. Sopp noted, "Close to a quarter of new vehicles purchased in the US are leased, 23.75%, and that share keeps rising as affordability stays top of mind for buyers. We see it in the steady stream of credit unions, Edwards Federal Credit Union among the latest, choosing to offer leasing to their members."

The addition of Edwards Federal Credit Union to CULA's network is expected to further strengthen the company's position in the vehicle leasing market.

With this partnership, Edwards Federal Credit Union and CULA are working together to provide members with a lower-cost path to a new car. The savings add up, with the program estimated to have saved credit union members an average of $169 a month versus financing a comparable vehicle.