Iowa’s 107 credit unions finished 2014 with gains in lending and membership.

Fourth-quarter overall loan growth was 1.9 percent, bringing the 2014 increase to 12.1 percent, the Iowa Credit Union League reported. New vehicle loans were up 4 percent in the quarter and 20.9 percent for the year. Used vehicle loans increased 2.9 percent in the quarter, contributing to an annual increase of 15.9 percent over 2013.

There were also gains in the loan portfolios for first mortgage loans, which were up 9 percent for the year. Unsecured personal loans were up 7.9 percent and credit cards increased 9.2 percent. Member business lending was up 23.1 percent for the year, but second mortgages declined by 34.6 percent in 2014.

“Clearly, the numbers point to strong demand for vehicle loans and other types of consumer credit,” said Patrick Jury, president and CEO of the Iowa Credit Union League. “With growing confidence about job stability and higher household income, credit union members are spending money again. This is showing up in higher loan growth and subdued growth in savings accounts.”

Memberships at the state’s credit unions grew by 2.2 percent for the full year of 2014, to more than 1 million.