• They are Non-Profit Organizations: Credit unions accept deposits from members and offer loans without any intention of making profits. Due to the fact that they are non-profit organizations, they offer loans at low interest rates and higher rates for deposits.
• Operating Principles: Credit unions operate with the intention of pooling financial resources for the benefit of members. Their operating principles revolve around voluntary membership, non-discrimination, serving members, building financial stability, social responsibility and democratic control.
• Services Provided: Some of the services offered by most credit unions include but are not limited to payroll deduction, online access, MasterCard Gift Cards, ACH origination, ATM, Bill Pay, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit, Notary Service, savings and investments, lending services (secured and unsecured loans), Traditional and Roth IRAs, Club accounts (Christmas and Vacation), Overdraft protection and more.
• Reasons For Joining A Credit Union: Credit union members enjoy benefits such as low fees, higher interest rates, excellent customer service, member-centric services, community support, security of deposits (regulation by the National Credit Union Administration; every account is insured up to $250,000), financial literacy and independence, easy qualification, easily approachable in spite of a low credit score etc.

• Determine Your Budget: Start with making a budget so as to choose the right auto loan in terms of pricing (monthly payments).
• Get Pre-Approved: Even though your credit union will conduct a credit score check on its own, it is advisable to get the loan pre-approved from the credit union. This helps in determining the APR, amount that you can borrow and the duration of the loan. Pre-approval improves negotiation and increases the chances of getting the most appropriate deal for your budget.
• Identity Proof: This includes a driver's license, a government-issued I.D. with your name and photograph.
• Income Proof: This is required to see whether you will be able to repay the auto loan. A credit union assesses one’s assets, income, credit history, monthly expenses, employment, etc. You may be required to show your pay stubs of the previous month, tax forms, W-2 or W-4.
• Residence Proof: Credit unions are required by the Federal law to provide information about a client’s residence proof. For this, you may be required to produce documents such as a utility bill, medical bill, tax bill, cell phone bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, renters or homeowners insurance policy, etc.
• Credit And Bank History: The credit union will review your credit history along with your credit accounts, credit limits, account balances, etc.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio: Late payments and total debt obligations, unpaid bills and collections, foreclosures, etc. are considered by credit unions to determine debt to income ratio.
• Down Payment: An important part of preparing for an auto loan is to determine the mode by which you will pay the down payment. This could be by cash, credit card, debit card, personal check, etc.

• Check Your Credit: Having a good credit score is of high importance for borrowing a secured vehicle loan. With a higher credit score and a good credit history, the borrower may be entitled to lower interest rates and convenient loan terms. As long as the borrower pays bills on time, settles his debts, and avoids penalties, he can have a good credit score.  Also, it is important to review the credit report to look for any unusual activity. Check for incorrect balances and late payments. If credit score is low, take steps to improve it before applying for the vehicle loan.
• Know The Budget: It is essential to have a predetermined budget and know how the budget for buying a car. The borrower should be sure that the vehicle’s cost is aligned with other financial goals. To determine the budget subtract usual monthly expenses from monthly income after deducting taxes. Also, include intended monthly savings in the expenses.
• Determine Affordability: After understanding current financial situation, it is required to decide on a reasonable monthly vehicle payment. Check with the loan officer to figure out the maximum loan amount that can be afforded. It should include the monthly payments, interest rate, and the loan period.
• Get Preapproved: It is important to research for the terms of the loan and get preapproved from the credit union. Getting preapproved for a vehicle loan will help expedite the process, determine eligibility, and find the right price.

Most households have multiple vehicles, which translates into multiple car loans. If you are one of those persons, and are perplexed by the multiple amounts and rates of interest that you are required to pay each month, car loan consolidation could be the perfect option for you.

How it works:
This basically works by allowing you to combine all your pending loans into one consolidated loan, by which you can save on the interest that you pay each month. The company offering you the loan lends you enough money to be able to repay all your car loans. With that done, the only thing you now need to worry about is repaying one consolidated car loan.

Advantages:

• This is a great option if you wish to increase your credit score, by reducing the total number of outstanding loans.
• It also offers the advantage of paying lower monthly installments, since the repayment period can be lengthened.
• Another benefit of this kind of loan is that it makes it easier for you to keep track of your monthly dues, and to repay them on time.
• Consolidated auto loans are usually easy to obtain, since all the vehicles involved serve as collateral.

If you are ready to apply for one such loan, here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can go about it:

1. Do the math- The first thing that you need to do before getting started with the process, is getting a clear picture of all your dues. Calculate the total outstanding amount on all your loans, as well as the portion of this amount that is being paid as interest. You can provide all this information to a car loan lender to get a proper analysis of your situation.
2. Inquire about penalties- Before you calculate how much you will be eventually saving, be sure to take into account the penalties that you might have to pay. Some companies charge a penalty in case you repay the loan before the stipulated time. This is done in order to make up for the amount that they shall lose as interest.
3. Research market Interest rates- Now that you have the picture pretty clear, it is time to get to real business, by analyzing who’s offering what. Carry out a research on the possible rates of interest that shall be offered to you. Your ultimate goal should be to repay less interest in the long run than you would originally.
4. Consolidate- The final process is consolidating the loans, by repaying the original ones, and devising a payment plan for the consolidated one.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union are renowned throughout Texas for providing our customers with fastest and reliable secured auto loans. The loans offered by us are flexible which suits your financial compatibility. For more information about our services, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Secured Auto Loan - Cheap Auto Loan

Auto loans come in various loan repayment terms. A car loan can be taken for 24, 36, 48, 60 or even 72 months. This means that one can get a short term loan as well as a long term one. Some people prefer short term loans as they have to pay less interest. Others go for long term loans as they will have a smaller amount of monthly installments to pay. A long term loan can enable one to purchase an expensive car easily as it’s less burdensome to repay. Despite the high interest rates that come with long term loans, a rising trend has been observed of those who prefer these loans.

Lenders and finance companies are increasingly approving 6 to 8 years auto loans on new cars. This is probably because new cars are better manufactured than they were in the past. The average life of automobiles is increasing and due to this lenders are exposed to fewer risks while lending. However, it’s important to consider both sides of the coin and check out the pros and cons of long term loans.

Pros:

• Smaller monthly payments: This is a major reason for which most of the people prefer long term loans. The total amount is spread out over a longer time period. This significantly reduces the monthly payment and allows the common man to drive a car he could not otherwise afford.
• Refinancing: Long term loans can be refinanced after a few years. This will shorten the time period of the loan and consequently reduce the interest rates.

Cons:

• Costly: Loans that stretch over a long period of time are more costly in the long run. This eventually proves costly for the consumer.
• Depreciation: Vehicles depreciate at the rate of 15-20% each year. Taking a long term auto loan means that by the time you are about to pay off the loan, your vehicles worth will be a little more than the loan balance.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheapest car loans in Texas. For more information about our services, kindly visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Secured Auto Loan - Cheap Auto Loan - 72 Month Auto Financing

A secured car loan is one in which you put up collateral as security to the lender before getting the loan. This means that in an event when you are not able to repay the loan, the lender can repossess your car or house, which are the most common possessions used as collateral. The benefit that you as a borrower have is that you get a much more generous loan, which means lower rates of interest and a longer repayment period. If you are looking for a loan for a new car, then your car should be enough as collateral. However, in case of a used car, you might need to use your house as collateral.

Moreover, when you are opting for a secured car loan, the lender is likely not to be too bothered about your credit history, because you are offering him a tangible possession as security, giving him no reason to be frazzled about your not returning the money. This means that you shall need to pay a much lower rate of interest than you would need to in case of an unsecured loan, in which the lender compensates for the lack of security with a higher rate of interest.

Secured car loans usually end up in very easily affordable monthly installments, because of the long repayment period. Also, since the loan is less riskier for the lender than an unsecured one, it means that you are likely to be offered more flexible terms and conditions, including the penalty fee. The overall result is a loan that is easy to pay for the borrower, and highly secure to the lender. The only possible disadvantage when compared to an unsecured loan is that you need collateral. But if you intend to repay the loan over the stipulated time, that should be no problem at all.

Secured car loans also offer an advantage to buyers who do not have a steady income that shows well on paper. That’s because, with the car being used as collateral, the lender is likely to be less fussy about how much monthly income the borrower is drawing. In case you put up your house or property as collateral for a secured auto loan, you might be able to avail tax deductions on the interest of your loan, which is yet another advantage. Just be sure not to default on your loan, and you might actually end up with more money by the end of the repayment period, than you had started off with!

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheapest car loans in Texas. We neither harass you by asking unnecessary questions nor make you wait for days to sanction your auto loan. To obtain cheap and secured auto loans easily and quickly, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Secured Auto Loan - Cheap Auto Loan

The loan period is one of the key considerations while deciding what kind of auto loan to get. While conventional long-term auto loans have been for 36-48 months, the 72-month auto loan is a relatively new option. Signing up for this loan means getting a period of 6 years to repay the loan, which translates into smaller monthly payments. However, these loans have been viewed skeptically, owing to the higher amount of interest paid in the long run, which results in the borrower having to pay a larger sum than he would, if he had opted for a shorter repayment period. The benefit of small monthly payments outweighs the amount of interest paid in case of 72 months installments. 

The bottom line is that 72-month auto loans are ideal for borrowers who would be at a great advantage, if they had to pay smaller monthly installments. An easy way to judge whether you can afford the car that you are buying, is to make sure that you are not spending more than half of your monthly income on your housing and car expenditures, including mortgage, repairs, servicing, taxes, etc. Going by this criterion, most people might end up buying a car that is in bad condition, because they cannot afford a better one. 

A 72-month auto loan liberates you from such constraints, by allowing you to buy a car that is in good condition, without having to worry about monthly installments that will burn holes in your pockets. While it is definitely a disadvantage that these loans end up with you paying a huge amount of interest, when you think of the benefit of not having to dry up your bank account, or put your household budget at stake, they end up being advantageous. Another great advantage of these loans is that most financial banks or institutions shall agree to give you one with minimal paperwork.

Moreover, you get a longer time to use your car without having to worry about it getting repossessed, as you might have to in case of a short-term loan. In addition, you can also refinance your car after a certain period, which would hasten the process of repayment. In case your financial situation improves in a few years, you could even repay the loan before the stipulated time, without having to pay a penalty, in most cases. 

To procure instant 72 Month Auto Loan in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Cheap Auto Loan - 72 Month Auto Financing

Buying a used car is a major financial decision. It’s a risky affair as you just never know what the car has undergone while with the previous owner. It’s more of a gamble and one has to tread cautiously while buying one. A used car doesn’t come with the warranties and frills of a new car. The buyer should be able to differentiate between a consistent, good quality car and a piece of junk. This is a Herculean task for buyers of used cars.

Factors to keep in mind when buying a used car:

• The car’s history: Rule out any form of misuse and abuse of the car by the previous owners. You can get a history report of the car by using its VIN number and tracking its report online. This will settle any risks associated with its improper use.
• Negotiate on the repairs: Before settling for a used car, try to get necessary repairs fixed by the seller. Check out the car properly to look for anything that might be out of order. Chances are the seller will oblige you with the repairs.
• Go for a test drive: Don’t rush into the decision of buying a car until and unless you are satisfied with every detail of it. Consider a test drive to test the power and brakes. Try the horn, indicators, lights and anything else that can be tested on a moving car.
• A mechanical inspection: Have a thorough mechanical inspection done on a car you are seriously interested in buying. You can take the help of a friend or relative for this. It is better that a qualified mechanic checks it. Such an inspection involves checking out the engine of the car, its mileage and the general body inspection.
• Overall condition of the car: Ensure that the tires of the car are not sagging. Check out the paint, rust spots and scratches if any. Look out for any masking by running your fingers between the panels of the edges. Even look under the car for any under body rusting. Inspect the engine for leaks or corrosion marks. Make sure the timing belt is in good condition too as it’s very expensive to replace.
• Mileage: The mileage of a car is a clear indicator of its age. The odometer in the car will let you know its mileage. 10000-15000 miles in a year is ideal. This is the best way to know the actual condition of a vehicle.

For more tips or to avail cheap auto loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union.  We are situated at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274

Lowest Used Car Loan - Auto Loan in Killeen, Tx - Secured Auto Loan

Auto loans have come as a savior to many over the decades, with them making cars easily affordable to all and sundry. Even those who have the complete amount required to buy the car usually opt for an auto lveoan, because they believe that they can generate a greater income by investing the capital amount, than the amount they will have to pay as interest over the years. Getting an auto loan can be a tricky process, with the technical jargon and overhead expenses making the situation more complex. Here, we shall discuss one of the major considerations that any car buyer will have to make- a secured loan versus an unsecured loan.

Just like any other personal loan, auto loans can also be of two types- secured and unsecured. The principle difference between these two loans is that, while the former loans require you to give collateral as security to the lender, the latter require no such security. Thus, unsecured loans are riskier for the lender, which is compensated for by an increase in the interest on the loan. These loans rely solely on the promise made by the borrower, and are rarely offered by auto companies, due to the risk involved.

The major advantage of a secured auto loan, is that such a loan involves a lower amount of interest, which is payable over a longer period. This makes it less stressful for the borrower to repay the loan, with the monthly installments being easily payable. Moreover, these loans are easily available, and are rarely turned down. The few disadvantages involved would be the large amount of paper work involved, the need to get an auto insurance, and submission of proof of income, which might be difficult for those who do not wish to project their actual income or does not have appreciable income to get a loan.

Unsecured auto loans, on the other hand, offer the advantage of not having to place collateral. A good credit history is enough to procure such a loan. Secondly, all that such a loan takes is a single-paper application, with no more paperwork required. This makes it less likely for a borrower to be spoofed with unfavorable clauses hidden between volumes of paperwork. Another major advantage is that the buyer does not need to furnish financial statements. This is especially beneficial for borrowers who wish to keep their income discreet. The major disadvantages of an unsecured loan are the greater rates of interest, and shorter periods for repayment.

To obtain cheap and secured auto loans easily and quickly, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union only. You can visit at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274. 

Cheap Auto Loan - Secured Auto Loan

Getting a new car is a delighting experience but not all of us can afford such luxuries. Most of us would love to buy new cars but when we think of the huge sum of money involved, we sulk and let go of the project. Car loans are the perfect solution for those restricted in terms of money. Such loans operate just like any other loans and different institutions providing these loans have different rate of interest and terms.

Important tips to keep in mind before getting a car loan:

• Clean up your credit balance: A history of poor credit can close all avenues of your loan. So the best thing is to have a clear credit slate as this will make the lenders more willing to help you with a loan. Make it a point to clear all your outstanding bills and if you can, try to establish a savings pattern to increase your credibility.
• New or used car: Before opting for a loan, make up your mind on whether you want a new car or a used one. The requirements and interest rates of both types of cars differ. If you are interested in a hardy and strong built for your car then an old car could be a better choice. On the other hand, some financial institutions offer rebates and cost breaks for new cars. Consider all these factors and decide what’s best for you.
• Set a budget: One can be tempted to strike bigger deals than one thought of when with the dealer. It’s best to chalk out your budget before deciding on the car as this will keep you from overspending. Ascertaining your budget limits will help you get the car financing that suits your credit limits.
• Shop around for the loans: It’s wise to take a tour of various financial institutions as this will place you at a better footage to compare the difference in the loan packages. You can compare the rates of a credit institution and the banks. Better interest rates will go a long way in helping you stick within your budget and spend prudently.
• Look at the big picture: While looking for a car loan, you must consider important factors like the terms of payment and the number of installments. Less terms of credit do not necessarily imply less future implications. Some financial institutions lure customers with low down payments which eventually translate into high installments.

For more tips or to avail cheap auto loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union.  We are situated at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274

Cheap Auto Loan - Lowest Used Car Loan - Secured Auto Loan

A car is no more just a four-wheeled automobile but has become an owner’s passion and a source of great admiration. Though a majority of Americans own a car today, there are still people, especially the middle-income earners, who are unable to afford one. This is mainly because of two reasons- either their dream car is too expensive or they have less savings. But luckily, with the help of auto loans they can easily realize their dream and can own a brand new or a second hand car.

Auto loans are offered in different terms:

• On a short-term basis: In this case, a borrower is required to pay within a set amount of time, depending on the loan providing institution. This time period usually ranges from 2 to 5 years. The borrower will be paying the monthly installments along with the pre-decided rate of interest.
• On a long-term basis: In this case, the borrower usually pays a smaller amount of monthly payment as compared to short-term basis. But this proves to be much costlier in the overall amount. You end up paying more interests in the long-term loans.

Also important is to decide whether to opt for a secured or unsecured car loan. If you are willing to provide some security/collateral to obtain the car loan, then you can go for the secured car loans. The collateral may be anything of equal or greater value than the loan amount, for instance, your car, home or any other valuable.  And if you do not wish to keep collateral, you can opt for unsecured car loans.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheapest car loans in Central Texas. Unlike banks and other financial institutions, we neither harass you by asking unnecessary questions nor make you wait for several days to sanction your auto loan. No matter which vehicle you want to buy - a car, truck, van etc, we provide cheapest auto loans for all vehicles (both new and used). All you need to do is fill in your details in the used auto loans application form. We will get back to you in 24 hours and provide you cheap auto loans.

To know more about auto loans or for any other related query, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Cheap Auto Loan - 72 Month Auto Financing - Lowest Used Car Loan

More and more people are opting for auto loans these days. One of the main reasons behind this is the savings in terms of cash. The other reasons include low rates of interest, short term and low monthly payments offered by most of the lenders. When you start to look out for the best auto loan options, it becomes important to weigh various pros and cons of various lenders and the deals being offered by them. In such a scenario, the following tips may be of great help to you:

• The best way is to do some research beforehand. It will put you in a much better bargaining position and give you a greater flexibility while opting for an auto loan.
• It is wise to shop around for loans before you start shopping for your dream car. You can search for various loan proving institutions which almost always offer you a better rates of interest than the banks.
• Make sure that you know your affordability ahead of time. Find out the monthly payments which you can afford and then determine if it goes well with the price of the car. This will give you a clearer idea of which car you can afford to buy. It will also make sure you get the best deal for both the car as well as the financing.
• It is also noticed that the car dealer usually talks about the monthly cost rather than the total cost of the car. You must remember that you have to negotiate the total cost and not the monthly payments. It is advised to first agree on the total price of the car and then begin to discuss about the auto financing option.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you with fastest and reliable auto loans in Central Texas. No matter you want to purchase a new car or a used one, we have solutions for all your loan needs. We offer you flexible loans to suit your financial compatibility.

For more details on secured auto loans and car financing, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Lowest Used Car Loan - Cheap Auto Loan - Secured Auto Loan

Having a car is more of a necessity than a luxury in the United States. Compared to public transport, it is cheaper, more convenient, and of course serves as a status symbol at all social gatherings. If you finally feel ready to realise one of the biggest dream of your life, do not let a lack of money stop you from realising it. That’s what auto loans are meant for! Put very simply, an auto loan lets you buy any car that you desire, giving you the leverage of paying its price over a few years.

Even though the idea of having someone else pay, while you get to swerve in your delightful indulgence and hear the clanking of brand-new keys, might sound tempting, there is a hidden catch. The catch is the interest that you will need to pay over the borrowed amount used to buy the car. However, when you look at the bigger picture, the interest is just a fraction of the total amount, and by the time you pay the entire amount off, you probably will not even remember that you paid any interest.

If you have decided that you are ready to being your dream car home and are prepared for an auto loan, here are a few tips to consider before getting the loan:

• Analyse your credit: Before you do anything else, you need to manage your credit, to ensure that you get the best possible rate of interest. Every US resident is entitled to use a resource named the ‘free credit report’ for this purpose. However, be sure not to lie about your income or any other details, as that could be a black mark on your credit history for life.
• Take your time to do plenty of research: As tempting as it may be to get a brand-new car in your porch right away, tread carefully. Look around for different financiers and analyse the nitty-gritty details of their loan plan.
• Watch out for prepayment penalties: Even though it might not seem as a likely prospect right now, but you need to consider that you might have a financial boom, which will assist you to pay off your loan early, and hence pay less interest. If that happens, the last thing that you need is a prepayment penalty, forcing you to pay an extra amount.
• The ideal figures: If you are confused about whether you are biting into more than you can chew, these simple figures should be a handy benchmark to guide you- make sure that your loan is divided into number of instalments that you can conveniently pay. Also you should try to pay at least 20% of the amount as the down payment.

For cheap auto loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union.  We are situated at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Cheap Auto Loan - Secured Auto Loan