On Tuesday, Edwards Federal Credit Union became the sixth institution to partner with Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA) for its indirect vehicle leasing solutions.

The Antelope Valley, Calif.-based institution, which has more than 16,000 members and manages more than $278 million in assets, joined credit unions in Vermont, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Georgia, and Michigan that connected with CULA earlier this year.

With Edwards Federal Credit Union now on board in one of the country’s largest vehicle leasing markets by volume, CULA’s network spans more than 40 credit unions nationwide, representing over $153 billion in assets and serving over 7.6 million credit union members.

“When a new vehicle costs what it does today, a lower monthly payment isn’t a small thing, it’s often what makes the difference for a member,” CULA president Ken Sopp said in a news release. “Leasing can bring that monthly payment down, and last year our program saved credit union members an average of $169 a month versus financing a comparable vehicle.

“For a community-rooted credit union like Edwards, adding leasing is  an important way to help members stretch their budgets,” Sopp continued.

Edwards Federal Credit Union traces its roots to 1962, when it began serving the workers and families of Edwards Air Force Base, and today its membership is open to anyone across the Antelope Valley, which is a high desert region located in southern California.

The program will be offered through the CUDL dealer network, with support from CULA’s partners at Origence.

“Adding vehicle leasing is a natural extension of our commitment to providing members with flexible financing solutions,” said Tyler Richards, vice president of lending for Edwards Federal Credit Union.

“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. Since 1962, we’ve been dedicated to serving this community, and this is another way we’re continuing that mission,” Richard continued in the news release.

The relationship with Edwards Federal Credit Union continues the CULA partnership parade so far this year that has included:

—In February, CULA landed a partnership with Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU), one of the largest credit unions in Pennsylvania, to offer vehicle leasing to PSECU’s more than 545,000 members.

—In March, CULA gained a partnership with One Credit Union, which is headquartered in Vermont, serves more than 18,000 members and manages more than $259 million in assets.

—In May, CULA began to work with Frontier Community Credit Union, a Kansas-based credit union serving more than 18,000 members and managing more than $204 million in assets.

—In July, CULA finalized a partnership with Credit Union of Georgia, which is among the 2025 Best of Georgia Award recipients and manages more than $732 million in assets.

—In August, CULA made a relationship with Jolt Credit Union, a Saginaw, Mich.-based credit union that manages more than $483 million in assets.

“Close to a quarter of new vehicles purchased in the U.S. are leased 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,” Sopp said.

“This is reflected in lease volume growth across our network of credit unions, which has climbed to 21% year-to-date, and this tells us the value is landing with credit unions and the members they serve,” Sopp added.