The Credit Builder Loan is designed to help community members strengthen their financial foundation and work toward future goals. By making small, manageable monthly payments, borrowers can establish or improve their credit history, an important step toward qualifying for larger opportunities such as car loans, mortgages, or business financing.
In Hawaiian culture, koa is more than just a tree. It’s a symbol of strength, courage, and resilience. From koa wood, Hawaiians carved their waʻa (canoes), vessels that carried them across vast oceans and connected island communities
What is the Credit Builder Loan Program?
Koa Credit Builder Loan is designed to help community members strengthen their financial foundation and work toward future goals.
By making small, manageable monthly payments, borrowers can establish or improve their credit history, an important step toward qualifying for larger opportunities such as car loans, mortgages, or business financing.
This product empowers individuals to build confidence, financial stability, and a brighter path forward.
Why is building credit important?
A strong credit score can help you rent a home, buy a car, qualify for lower interest rates, and even secure a job.
The Koa Loan Program can possibly help you build positive credit history by reporting on-time loan payments to the credit bureaus.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, you must:
- Hawai‘i residents
- Be 18 years or older
- Show proof of income (ability to repay)
- Have no late payments or bankruptcy discharge in the last 3 months
- Complete a Financial Empowerment course
- Set up automatic payments
How It Works
If approved, you’ll:
- Complete a financial empowerment course
- Receive a $2,500.00 loan
- Make monthly payments
- Have each on-time payment reported to the credit bureaus to help build your credit
Loan Details
| Feature | Description |
| Loan Amount | $2,500 |
| Loan Term | Up to 30 Months |
| Interest | 8% |
| Monthly Payment | 92.22 at a 30-month repayment period |
| Loan Fee | 2% |
| Requirements |
Automatic payments *financial literacy course completion |
*You do not need to complete the course before applying, but it must be completed before funds are released.
Ready to start building your credit & growing your savings?
Need help applying?
Email loanfund@hawaiiancouncil.org
or call (808) 596-8155
No statement on this site is a commitment to make a loan. This program is intended to build credit but lender does not guarantee approval. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including but not limited to eligibility for the program and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting and program guidelines and are subject to change without notice. Lender makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee that a borrower’s credit will improve after completing the loan program.
What We Do
Rent & Mortgage Relief
We can help you find the resources you need for your ʻohana to thrive -from mortage to utilities and assistance programs.
Kilohana
Kilohana is a collaborative of complementary change agents committed to fulfilling HTA’s vision and specific directives.
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Our community programs work with members of our community to develop the skills and resources needed to thrive.
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Call us at 808-596-8155