When most people think about applying for a loan, they imagine paperwork, numbers, and maybe a little bit of stress. But here’s the thing: the underwriting process isn’t meant to be intimidating. At Credit Union of Denver, underwriting is really about one thing—making sure you’re set up for long-term financial success.

Whether you’re applying for your first loan or you’re a seasoned borrower, understanding what happens behind the scenes can give you clarity, confidence, and maybe even a little peace of mind. To make things clearer, we sat down directly with Credit Union of Denver’s Lending Department to walk through what really happens behind the scenes. Let’s break it down.

So… What Is Underwriting?

In the simplest terms, underwriting is how our lending team determines whether a loan is a good, healthy fit for you.

Here’s how we do it:

• Your Financial Services Representative (FSR) gathers your information and reviews your membership accounts.
• Then, an underwriter steps in to verify details with the credit bureau, confirm that everything matches, and assess the overall picture.
• They’ll look at things like your debt-to-income ratio, how long you’ve been at your job, your repayment history, and any other financial responsibilities you may have.
• If you’re a current C·U·D member, your long-term relationship also matters: things like consistent account management or any past issues help paint a fuller picture.

All of this helps the underwriter answer the ultimate question: Can this member comfortably and confidently repay the loan they’re asking for?

How Long Does the Process Take?

The timeline can vary, sometimes it’s instant, sometimes it takes a few days.

Why the difference? A few things can influence how quickly an application moves:

• Straightforward applications (like many vehicle loans) may be processed quickly.
• More complex loans (like mortgages) require deeper verification.
• Collateral must be evaluated.
• High revolving debt or a need to restructure finances can extend the process.
• Occasionally, C·U·D may send a counteroffer if adjustments can help set the member up for success.

At the end of the day, the goal is accuracy, fairness, and responsible lending, not rushing you through.

What Our Underwriters Look At

While every member’s story is different, there are a few core criteria underwriters use to determine approval:

• Ability to Repay: This is the foundation. Underwriters want to be sure a loan supports your financial wellbeing, not strains it.
• Purpose & Conditions of the Loan: What the loan is for and the specifics around it matter.
• Environmental or Economic Factors: Think things like government shutdowns affecting federal workers, or other unexpected circumstances.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio: This ensures you’re not carrying more than you can manage.
• The 5 C’s of Credit: Capacity, Capital, Conditions, Collateral, and- one of the most important- Character, which includes your past repayment behaviors.

Underwriting isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a holistic look at your full financial picture.

Want a Faster Approval? Have These Documents Ready

Here are the documents our underwriters say help speed things up, depending on your situation:

• Valid ID (always required)
• Vehicle registration for auto refinances and loans
• Bank statements or payoff information for debt consolidation loans
• Verification of income (like two recent pay stubs) if you have a high debt-to-income ratio
• Two years of tax returns if you are self-employed
• Proof of repayment for any judgments
• Proof of ancillary income (like child support)
• Documentation for name or address changes

If you already have a “thick file” with C·U·D- meaning a strong, established history- less documentation may be needed.

Common Misconceptions Our Lending Team Wants to Clear Up

“Underwriting is black and white.”
Not here. Our team reviews every situation individually to avoid bias and ensure fairness.

“A denial is forever.”
Absolutely not. Your Financial Service Representative will walk you through steps you can take to strengthen your next application.

How C·U·D Differs from Big Banks

Our lending team summed it up perfectly: Big banks see numbers. We see people.

As a credit union, we’re membership focused. That means:

• We look at your long-term financial story… not just today’s score.
• We consider context and background.
• We treat members like humans, not digits on a spreadsheet.
• We genuinely want to help you get approved responsibly.

It’s a people-first approach built around trust, history, and shared success!

Habits of Members Who Get Approved Easily

Straight from our underwriters, here are the patterns they see most often:

• Strong payment history
• Steady employment
• Healthy credit usage (keeping credit card usage well under 30% of your income)
• Stable residency (consistency matters!)
• An established credit history

These habits help paint a picture of reliability and set you up for stronger approvals in the future.

A Final Thought: Lending with Heart

Underwriting isn’t meant to be intimidating. At Credit Union of Denver, underwriting isn’t about finding reasons to say no, it’s about finding the safest, smartest way to say yes.

Whether you’re buying a car, consolidating debt, or planning your next big life step, we’re here to help you borrow confidently, responsibly, and with the support of a team that truly cares about your financial wellbeing.

If you ever have questions about the process, our team is always here to walk you through it! Give us a call today at 303.202.5659 | 800.280.0234 or email us at loans@cudenver.com.