Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Online Services Offered By A Credit Union in Killeen

Along with financial assistance and lending opportunities, credit unions are committed towards providing a variety of services for the convenience of their members. With the advent of internet technology, credit unions are making progress by offering a variety of useful online services to save time and help members keep a tab on their financial status.

Online services offered by credit unions like Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union in Killeen are:

  • Checking: The online checking accounts make it easier for members to conveniently manage their financial affairs on a day-to-day basis. Credit unions require a minimum daily balance to be maintained in the account and also charge a nominal monthly fee. However, there are no transaction charges. Members can sign up for E-Statements even with low minimum daily balance. They are also offered a free Debit Card and Overdraft Protection.
  • Savings: Credit unions offer online access to savings accounts such as a Share Account, Money Market Accounts, Vacation Club, Christmas Account, Certificates of Deposit and IRAs. To open any of these accounts, members are required to present 2 types of identification proofs i.e. social security card and a recent picture ID. In addition to this, a nominal amount is usually charged for opening the account.
  • IRA: Credit union members can opt for a Variable Rate Traditional or Roth IRAs. IRAs are beneficial for youngsters who are starting a career, couples, growing families and retired members. Online services have simplified the process of starting an IRA in a credit union or transferring an existing one to it.

Other Services Offered By Credit Unions
  • Payroll Deduction
  • MasterCard Cash Advance
  • Wire Transfer
  • Direct Deposit
  • ATM
  • Bill Pay
  • Regular Share Savings Account
  • Checking Accounts
  • Share Certificates of Deposit
  • Loan Services: New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Loans

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of online services to its members in Killeen. The online services include Checking Account, Savings Account and IRA. For further details on online services offered by credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at: (254) 690 – 2274.

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How To Apply For A Secured Loan

With lower interest rates, secured loans are one of the favorite funding source for borrowers. The reason for lower interest rates in case of secured loans is the fact that lenders asks for a collateral as security against the amount financed. Examples of collateral used for secured loans are funds in the savings account, certificate of deposits, valuable property such as house or a commercial property, etc. It is important to know that the value of collateral should be equal to or greater than the loan value.

Following are some points worth considering when applying for a secured loan:

  • Your Financial Situation: Before applying for a secured loan, the first thing to do is to assess your financial situation. Figure out how much loan you need, suitable loan term, feasible EMI, etc.
  • Credit History: Once you have made up your mind to get the loan, check your credit history and see how it will affect your loan application. A good credit score increases your credibility.
  • Loan-to-Value: Assess the loan-to-value in order to know your borrowing capacity and the interest rate that will suit your financial circumstances. A lower loan-to-value translates into a better interest rate.
  • The Interest Rate: Inquire about the interest rates offered when looking for a secured loan. Ask the loan officers about suitable options and ways to secure a better rate.
  • The Term Of The Loan: The period over which you have to repay the loan also impacts the cost of the loan. A shorter period of repayment may lead to higher interest rate and vice versa.
  • Fees And Monthly Payment: When obtaining a secured loan, keep in mind that it involves various payments such as application fee, loan origination fee and cost of appraisal.
  • The Application Process: Credit Unions offer borrowers the choice of applying online. During the process, applicant is required to provide details such as the name, address, date of birth, income and employment status, etc.
Visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to apply for secured loans. The credit union offers secured loans on low interest rates to its members. For more information on how to apply for secured loans, visit: 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also contact: (254) 690 – 2274.

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Reasons To Get A Car Loan From A Credit Union

A credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that provides traditional banking services such as opening accounts and offering loans. It poses as a great option for financing a new or used car because credit union members enjoy benefits such as low interest rates, minimum loan requirements, financial advice, etc.

Listed below are reasons due to which it is highly recommended to borrow a car loan from a credit union:

  • Membership Process: The prerequisite for applying for a car loan from a credit union is that the borrower should be its member. The membership eligibility requirements are based on where a prospective member lives, works or worships. Once you find a credit union that you are eligible for, all you need to do is submit a duly filled application form with required documents and make a small deposit to open an account. Being a member of a credit union, you are eligible to apply for a loan from that credit union.
  • Low Interest Rate: Credit unions offer highly competitive interest rates on car loans. The underlying reason is that credit unions are non-profit organizations which reinvest their profits to benefit their members.
  • Quality Customer Service: Members of credit unions enjoy personalized services. They are encouraged to discuss any concerns they may have about the loan, inquire about flexible repayment options and review their financial situation with professionals.
  • Non-Sales Approach: Credit union’s aim is to offer members high quality financial products and services without focusing on profits. Instead of trying to sell a service, credit unions try to help members make the best financial decision as per their individual requirements and financial status.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers car loans to its members. The members can apply for loans online or visit the credit union. The credit union offers other services including a variety of savings account, MasterCard, checking account, etc. Members can choose the services that match their requirements and contact the officers for understanding the terms. For more details on reasons to buy car loans from a credit union visit, 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542.

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GCTFCU Blog | Credit Union Killeen TX | Home Loans, Secured Auto Loan in Central Texas
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Financial Tips For Youngsters

Financial intelligence is paramount for youngsters who want to achieve success and financial freedom early in life. This is because youngsters who make smart financial decisions at the beginning of their career ladder have better savings, fewer debts, emergency funds and other financial perks as compared to their counterparts.

Following are some proven financial tips for youngsters:

  • Practice Budgeting: One of the most useful financial tip is to learn how to budget. Budgeting helps you keep a tab on your incomes and expenses. It makes it easier to allocate funds for important things such as education, bills, grocery, etc.
  • Open A Savings Account: A savings account is one of the best modes of saving money for future investments as well as for achieving both long-term and short-term goals. You may consider being a member of the credit union as you will be entitled to many benefits and privileges reserved for members only.
  • Plan Ahead For Retirement: Start saving for your retirement while you are still young. You can be a part of an employer’s plan for the same. Such plans require you to contribute a portion of your income towards retirement goal.
  • Pay Off Your Debts Systematically: Start paying off your debts by getting rid of the smaller ones initially and gradually building your way up to the larger debts. This is referred to as the ‘Snowball Method’ and is great for keeping you motivated and focused. Take on a new debt in extreme cases only.
  • Build An Emergency Fund: It is important to keep aside some money in your emergency fund. So, if you start building your emergency fund while you are young, it will ensure that you have a substantial amount down the road.
  • Reduce Expenses: A great financial rule that can do wonders for youngsters is to minimize unnecessary expenses. Start by trimming off expenses that are futile and repetitive in nature. Eventually progress to cutting down expenditure on more meaningful yet avoidable items.
  • Manage Raises: When you get a raise, use it judiciously. Instead of spending it for leisure, you can either use it to pay off a long pending debt or save it.
  • Educate Your Children: Teach your kids the value of money at an early age. Embed it in their malleable minds that saving is not an option but a necessity. You can even take them to a nearest credit union and motivate them to open their own savings accounts.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates for the common benefit and welfare of its member-owners. For more information, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX -76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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Taking A Secured Loan From Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

Meaning of Secured Loan

When a borrower pledges an asset as collateral for a loan, such a loan is called a Secured Loan. The debt/loan is secured against the collateral. If the borrower fails to repay the loan amount, the creditor can sell the asset to get back a part of the money that was lent.

Secured Loans offer benefits such as lower rates of interest, high borrowing limits and long repayment terms.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers Secured Loans to its members at competitive rates. The loans provide members with a financial boost when sudden expenses crop up; for a vacation, home improvement, purchasing a new car or a pre-owned vehicle, etc.

A Secured Loan is granted against collateral that is either equal in value of the loan amount or greater (at least 20 percent greater).

For a shared Secured Loan, the loan is backed by a share account that is held with Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. This excludes an IRA. It is necessary for the balance in the share account to be equal to or more than the loans balance (through its life).

Benefits of taking Secured Loans from Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union:

  • Fast approvals: Loans are approved within 24-48 hours of receiving a completed application form and verification of income.
  • Convenience of payment: Services like direct deposit, payroll deduction and automatic transfer are offered to members to facilitate repayment of the loan.
  • Lower interest rates.
  • Promote savings.
  • Skip-a-payment option.
  • Higher borrowing limits.
  • Easy application process.
  • Flexibility: There is an option of converting fixed-rate loans to variable-rate loans. Even the amount of premium can be varied as per the convenience of the borrower.
  • Helpful and friendly staff.
  • Involvement of members to vote on new policies.
  • No minimum balance restraint.
  • Programs to help members manage their budget and unexpected expenses.
  • It is locally run.
  • Insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) – A Federal government agency.

GCTFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates for the common benefit and welfare of its member-owners. Its members consist of people from the local community’s churches, schools and also employers. All members are equal owners. For more information on availing Secured Loan from Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, call at - (254) 690 - 2274

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How Do Credit Unions Work

Credit unions are financial cooperatives comprising of members who pool their money which is further used to provide loans, financial products and services, and demand deposits to one another. The income generated by a credit union is used for various projects and services that are in interest of community and members of the union.
On the surface, credit unions have many similarities with other financial institutions, but they greatly differ in their working. To understand the working of credit unions, let’s look at the following points:
  • They are owned by their members. Anyone who opens an account with a credit union, albeit a small one, becomes a partial owner. So, every member has an equal right to vote for the leadership position of the union. However, to become a member, one needs to qualify. For this:
    • You should live, work or worship in a particular city or area,
    • Be a member of a certain group e.g. the same college, armed forces, a church, etc.
  • You will have to fill out an application form, prove your eligibility, provide the name of a relative, employer or organization you work for and personal information such as your place of residence and work.
  • Thereafter you will have to choose the financial services you are interested in.
  • Once you are eligible for being a member of the credit union, the next requirement is to open an account with it.
  • Credit unions are federally insured or protected by National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
  • They consist of an upper management body which formulates strategies, makes policies and so on. This board generally comprises of elected volunteers.
  • Service precedes profitability in credit unions and this is the reason for which they offer competitive rates for their services and products.
  • Most credit unions offer savings and loan accounts to their members along with other additional products and services.
  • Credit unions provide services such as Checking Accounts, ATM Cards, Credit Cards, Auto Loans, Payroll Deduction, Direct Deposit, Notary Service, Mastercard Cash Advance, On-Line Access, Mastercard Gift Cards, Wire Transfer, ACH Origination, Bill Pay etc.
You can become a member of Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to avail the services offered. For more information, visit at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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Finding A Credit Union

Credit union membership has myriad benefits such as great services, low fees, competitive rates and exclusive member discounts. When looking for credit unions, strive to look for the best and not just the most convenient one.

If you are keen on opening an account in a credit union but cannot decide on which one is the best for you, the following tips may be helpful in simplifying your search:

  • An Insured Credit Union: Pay attention to whether the credit union is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or by the National Credit Union Administration. 
  • Eligibility: Narrow down your search by looking for credit unions for which you qualify. This will save you a lot of time and energy. Examples of factors that will determine whether you qualify for the membership in a credit union are the town you live in, the organization for which you work, etc.
  • Research: Consult people you know to search for credits unions in your area for which you are eligible. Listen carefully to what they have to say about its working, customer service and other services. Choose a credit union with maximum number of satisfied members. 
  • Assess Your Needs: Finding the right credit union is not just limited to eligibility but to your needs too. Consider whether the services and products being offered are what you are interested in. Compare the interest rates of the credit union/s with that of other financial institutions. Strike a conversation with the staff and assess whether their vibe and way of dealing with customers matches your expectations. 
  • Online Resources: Using online resources like credit union locators for finding credit unions based on location and distance to produce quick and reliable results right from the comfort of your home. All you have to do is click on “detect my location” and within a few seconds the results will be on your smartphone, tablet or desktop.
  • Consider The Services Provided: If you belong to a specific group or community e.g. an employee of a specific company, a member of military or a resident of a particular community, look for a credit union that provides specific services that are oriented towards your group
  • Variety Of Financial Services: An ideal credit union is one which provides a wide plethora of services under one roof. Example of such services are credit and debit cards, auto loans, home lending services, savings programs, financial counselling, etc.
For more information, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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