Members with a few dings in their credit scores may still have another auto financing option through TruWest Credit Union.

The $761 million CU in Austin, Texas has rolled out its TruWest AutoSmart Program. For financing or refinancing with the cooperative, members will be eligible to receive $50 for direct auto loans over $10,000 and the option to not make a payment for the first three months.

“TruWest believes that even those who may have fallen on hard times deserve a great rate, which is why we are launching the new auto loan program that undoubtedly offers some of the lowest rates for them to take advantage of,” said Farid Farbod, TruWest chief lending officer.

A number of CUs are working with members who have fallen on hard financial times and as a result, their credit scores have taken a hit.

Among them is the $1.3 billion ORNL Federal Credit Union in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The $11 million Northside Community Credit Union in Chicago recently received a grant to expand an auto loan program for those who may not be able to afford purchasing a vehicle. A basic transportation program at the $43 million Carolina Cooperative Federal Credit Union in Charlotte, N.C. qualifies members regardless of their credit score.