• Rate Of Interest: Credit unions offer secured loans at competitive interest rates. Secured loans typically have fixed interest rates so, a borrower’s monthly payments remain consistent in spite of changes in market trends.
• Bigger Loan Amount: The borrowers can apply loan for a larger amount provided collateral is satisfactory. This makes a secured loan apt for large investments such as purchasing a new or used car.
• Improves Credit: These loans help borrowers with low credit ratings to improve the same over time. As a borrower repays a secured loan according to the schedule set out by the loan officer, a positive track record is established and the credit score improves. A secured loan also improves credit score by lowering your credit utilization ratio.
• Flexible Terms: Those who borrow secured loans enjoy flexible terms of repayment as per the options offered by the credit union. The term of the loan can be set to match the financial circumstances of the borrower. These loan term may range from a few years to a longer stretch.

• Borrow Wisely: A thumb rule is to borrow what you can pay back easily. Create a budget based on your monthly income and expenditures to have a clear picture of how much you should spend with your credit card.
• Check The Interest Rate: While applying for a credit card do make sure that you research the market and get a card which offers lowest rate of interest. Do pay attention to the annual fee and reward system offered by the lender. You may consider getting a credit card from a credit union for a competitive rate of interest.
• Pay Off Debts On A Monthly Basis: Restrict your interest charges from growing exponentially by paying off your balance every month. Avoid skipping a payment, as this will lead to higher expenses due to late fee and will negatively impact your credit score.
• Maintain A Low Credit Utilization Ratio: Use less than the credit utilization ratio i.e. borrow less than what you are authorized to borrow. Experts recommend keeping this ratio under 30 percent.
• Keep Checking Your Credit Reports: Keep a tab on your credit reports by asking for a copy from a credit reporting company annually. The report will provide you an insight into your credit history and also throw light on fraudulent accounts, incorrect information, if any and more.
• Beware Of Hidden Fees: Ask the lender for any hidden fees such as late payment fees, processing fees, balance transfer fees, credit limit fees etc. before applying for the credit card.
• Limit The Number Of Cards: Limiting the number of credit cards you own, makes it easier to manage them. Having more cards may translate into higher debts which can affect your credit score. Once you have decided the cards that you want to keep, hold onto them. Sticking to your credit card, keeping the account active and maintaining a good payment history can build your credit score.
• Use Technology: It is much easier to manage accounts now as most financial institutions offer free online tools to enable clients to keep a tab on their accounts.

For most people the first step when they decide to get a new car is to get a secured auto loan. Financing the purchase through a lending institution can help you tackle what can otherwise be a huge expense and hassle. To avoid paying a hefty periodic interest rate you should consider financing the vehicle from a credit union instead of a bank, as it is more cost effective and pro community. The benefits of a secured loan greatly outnumber those of an unsecured loan.

• The interest rates are much lesser in case of a secured loan as you put up an asset as collateral. It is an affordable scheme you should be confident to repay the loan. The nominal interest rates make the repayment convenient.
• It is easier to get a secured loan sanctioned as the lending institution does not hesitate to sign it with collateral in hand. On many occasions, getting the loan sanctioned is the biggest obstacle and you wind up having to wait for months to make sure that it is approved. Credit Unions are also very lenient in case of people who opt for a secured loan. You can borrow a favorable amount when you put up a property as collateral as there is no limit to the amount of money the credit unions are willing to lend.
• Apart from all this the repayment period is also flexible and you can pay the loan back over a longer duration of time. This means less pressure, less monthly installments and more peace of mind for you. Even the interest rates are not fixed for secured borrowers. As long as you have a decent flow of monthly income, some property to show and a decent credit history, you should take advantage of the above mentioned benefits offered by secured loans.
• A credit union is the most suitable place to get a loan from. Not only are the interest rates lower but the level of service is also top notch and backed by friendly staff members. Apart from borrowing money you can also get all other financial and banking needs catered to at credit unions.

We at the Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union can help you with your secured loan and clear any doubts that you may have. You can call us at (254) 690 – 227.