San Jose, California — December 17, 2025 — Leads & Copy — Tech CU, a nearly $5 billion Bay Area credit union serving over 177,000 members nationwide, has partnered with Upstart (NASDAQ: UPST) to offer more consumers personal and auto refinance loans.
Tech CU began offering personal loans via the Upstart Referral Network in September 2025, with plans to expand into auto refinance loans in early 2026. The partnership leverages Upstart’s AI-driven lending marketplace to provide faster, smarter, and more seamless lending options, according to Josh Bluhm, Chief Lending Officer at Tech CU.
Through the Upstart Referral Network, qualified personal loan applicants on Upstart.com who meet Tech CU’s credit policies receive tailored offers. These applicants seamlessly transition into a Tech CU-branded experience to complete the online member application and closing process.
Michael Lock, Senior Vice President of Lending Partnerships at Upstart, said Upstart is excited to welcome Tech CU to its family of lending partners. He added that Upstart’s AI-powered lending platform enables Tech CU to provide offerings through a seamless digital borrowing experience, empowering more members to achieve their financial goals.
Upstart, founded in 2012 and based in San Mateo, California, is described in the press release as the leading AI lending marketplace, connecting millions of consumers to over 100 banks and credit unions. These institutions utilize Upstart’s AI models and cloud applications to deliver credit products. According to Upstart, more than 90% of loans are fully automated, requiring no human intervention. Upstart’s platform encompasses personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small-dollar “relief” loans.
Tech CU, a federally insured not-for-profit organization, has been providing financial products for all stages of its members’ lives for over 60 years, including personal banking, wealth management, private banking, commercial lending, and business banking.
Josh Bluhm
Chief Lending Officer
Tech CU
Source: Tech CU
