Financing your next car through a credit union is a great option if you are looking for a cheap auto loan. With more than 7,700 credit unions across America, credit unions are the financial institutions of choice for car buyers, thanks to the favorable loan terms and low interest rates offered by these lenders.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union (GCTFCU) is a credit union based in Texas, which has been serving Texans since its establishment in 1957. The great thing about getting a credit union auto loan is that these institutions are owned by the members, making them not-for-profit organizations.

All the proceedings that are earned by way of interest are returned back to the members in the form of low-interest rates. GCTFCU does not charge any monthly service charges from its members, and has no minimum balance required for membership. If you are looking for the lowest used car loan in Texas this could be just what you need, with interest rates on used cars being as low as 5.99%. This credit union offers competitive interest rates on new cars as well, with interest rates averaging around 3.99%.

While the process followed to obtain a car loan from this credit union and a bank is very similar, the major advantage that the former offers is being community-oriented. This means that if for any reason you are unable to make a payment at some point during the loan period, you can expect the credit union to work with you to find a way around it, which is contrary to the rigid approach followed by banks. For instance, GCTFCU offers a “skip-a-payment” option to its members, whereby they can skip a single loan payment in case of a rough financial patch.

In addition to getting a cheap auto loan with flexible terms, being a member of GCTFCU also comes with several added advantages. These include payroll deduction, direct deposit, ATM, wire transfer, online access, MasterCard cash advance, notary service, etc. We also make an effort to help you in achieving your financial goals through a variety of easy saving and investment options. Choosing to get a used or new auto loan from us puts you at the advantage of having pre-approval for the loan, flexible terms (48-72 months), the option of refinancing, and competitive interest rates.

A secured auto loan is one in which there is collateral offered against the loan, which gives the lender higher security, hence resulting in better loan terms for the borrower. In most cases, the collateral in a secured auto loan is the car itself. That means that if, for any reason, the borrower is unable to make complete payments of the car, the car is repossessed by the lender. In some cases, the lender might require something more than just the car to be offered as collateral. This could include assets owned by the borrower, like a home, boat, land, etc.

A borrower has to fulfill certain basic requirements to get approval for a secured auto loan. These include:

• Proof of income- It is mandatory to have a verifiable income in order to be eligible for a secured auto loan. You could submit proof of income in the form of paycheck stubs, copies of tax returns, bank statements, etc.
• Steady employment- You must have had a steady source of income. If you do not have proof of steady employment, you might need to show proof of some other verifiable source of income, such as a personal business, inheritance, etc.
• Residency- You must have had lived in your current residence for at least one year. If you have just moved into your home, you need to show your prior residence proofs.

The greatest advantage of getting a secured auto loan is that the rate of interest for such a loan is significantly low, as compared to that for an unsecured loan. In addition to this, you can also expect to get more favorable loan terms, such as increased flexibility, on such a loan, since the lender has greater security in such a loan. Moreover, since the car is offered as collateral, the lender is generally more relaxed in terms of the amount of income of the borrower, or how well the income shows on paper.

When opting for a secured auto loan,

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

Benefits of a Credit Union

23. June 2022 Administrator Blog (0)

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How to Open a Savings Account

25. May 2022 Administrator Blog (0)

Savings account is a basic account type held at a financial institution that allows you to deposit funds with safety assurance. One can also earn interest on the deposits at credit unions on your savings. The savings account also allows you to withdraw money any time you wish to.  Let us look through some important steps to open a savings account at a credit union.

Become the Member of Credit Union

First, become a member of a credit union. The membership of credit union will allow you to access their various financial products and services. Apply for savings account and take proper follow up. Member services offered by Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, Killeen include Direct deposit, Payroll deduction, Notary Service, MasterCard Cash Advance, On-line access, MasterCard Gift Cards, Wire Transfer, Savings Account options and many more.

Check the Eligibility Criteria

Go through the eligibility criteria and other relevant information regarding the savings account you want to open. If it suits your profile, go ahead.

Collect Documents

Collect all the required documents and start the procedure.

Requirements for Opening Savings Account at GCTFCU:

• 2 forms of ID (original social security card and picture ID)
• Person should be living & working in vicinity of west of I-35
• $5.00 fee for opening account
• $20.00 to remain in account

Fund the Account

Once your account is all setup, make sure to add funds in it. Keep the account active to enjoy all the services that come along. Credit union offers higher dividends on your savings and helps you reach your desired financial goals.

Savings Accounts Available at GCTFCU

• Share Savings Account
• Checking Account
• Certificates of Deposit
• Money Market Accounts
• Individual Retirement Account
• Christmas Club
• Vacation Club

For more information, visit www.gctfcu.net

Insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, Killeen offers multifarious savings, investment & lending options. Our lending services include New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Loans, Secured & Unsecured loans.  Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union works within the area of Bell County, Texas, west of Interstate 35.

Visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also contact us by filling up the contact form available at www.gctfcu.net . Call us: (254) 690 - 2274

How To Manage Money?

17. May 2022 Administrator Blog Pros of buying used-

• The biggest advantage of choosing to buy a used car is the cost saving involved. Not only is the overall price of the car a lot lower than its new counterpart, but you can also easily get a cheap auto loan on a used car
• A used car also offers the advantage of undergoing minimal depreciation. While this might sound counterintuitive, it is true, since all cars undergo maximum depreciation in the first few years, losing as high as 40% of their value in the first year. 
• Chances of getting low insurance rates on used cars are high. All that you need to do is shop around and stay away from insurance sticker shock. 
• Used cars offer a wider range of financing options, and with some amount of research, you should be able to get a great deal on the lowest used car loan in your area. 
• Finally, choosing to buy a used car increases the options that fall within your budget greatly, making it possible to consider buying a dream car that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.

Joining a credit union is one of the best decisions anyone can ever make, and if you haven’t joint one yet, it is high time you did! After all, credit unions are among the few financial institutions in the modern world that function on a “users’ first” and “not-for-profit” model. While the principle aim of commercial banks remains to enrich their shareholders, credit unions aim at helping their members. The following list enumerates some of the top reasons to join a credit union-

• Better interest rates- Credit unions offer the best available interest rates, making them a great option for anyone seeking a cheap auto loan.
• Increased chances of loan approval- If you are looking to get a personal loan, the chances of you getting approved at a credit union are higher than at other financial institutions. This is because credit unions usually know profiles of most of their members, and hence can take non-financial factors into account.
• Personalized attention- While you are just an account number at a huge bank, you are treated as an individual at a credit union. This makes it easier to build relationships with the credit union staff, speeds up the process of getting a loan, and makes tackling issues like erroneous fees a lot more convenient.
• Lower fees- Right from minimum balance required in your account and compulsory monthly financial interactions, to ATM withdrawal, the fees imposed by banks can be huge. Credit unions on the other hand, have a lot more flexible terms, and whenever necessary charge minimal fees.
• Easier availability- Credit unions are a lot more accessible than most banks. You can find a credit union in nearly every neighborhood, and some of these have special opening hours, such as evenings or Sundays, for the convenience of their customers. It is also a lot easier to reach a credit union employee over the phone, as compared to a huge bank.
• Education for members- Credit unions makes an effort to educate their members through regular seminars, personalized financial counseling, and meetings for members. For instance, if you are a youngster looking for the lowest used car loan, not only are you likely to get the best deal for your needs and budget at a credit union, but you can also expect to get the right financial advice on whether you are ready for the loan, and how to manage your finances around it.

With 3 and 5 year loans dominating the car financing market, most buyers know little about lesser popular 72-month auto loans. While these loans make a car buyer pay a greater amount of interest eventually, they are of advantage to those who can’t afford to pay high monthly installments. If you are considering the 72 month auto finance, the following list of pros and cons will help you decide whether such a loan is right for you or not.

• The most obvious advantage of a 72-month loan is the low monthly payments on such a loan. Since the loan has to be repaid over a longer period of time, the monthly payments are low and hence affordable.
• If you want to buy an expensive vehicle, such a loan can help you in achieving this dream even if the car is not quite within your budget.
• A good question to ask yourself before opting for a 72-month auto loan is whether you are the kind of person who likes to trade in the old car for a new one every few years. If you are likely to get tired of your new car in a couple of years, this loan is not the right option for you, since the chances of you ending up with a negative equity are high.
• Another disadvantage of such a loan when compared with car loans of a lesser duration is the higher interest rate that you shall end up paying. While such a loan appears to be cheaper while taking the monthly payments into account, the fact is that you eventually pay a high overpayment amount.
• If you have an irregular pay cycle when in some months you earn more than the other months, such a loan would be perfect for you. The low monthly payments make it possible for you to keep up with your payments and even make higher payments on certain months when you have a lump-sum of money.
• Such a cheap auto loan is a great option for students who work part-time and make better money during the summer. As long as you are willing to make the payments for the 6-year period of the loan, such a loan can be very affordable and convenient.

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.

Buying a new car is always exciting and simple auto loans in Killeen have made procuring the desired set of wheels even more easy. However, when it comes to paying off the loan no matter how cheap, most buyers find themselves making the uncomfortable realization of having spent more than they had set out for. If you are stuck with a car loan that is jeopardizing your life and are desperate to be done with paying it, there are several ways you can make that happen.

The following tips highlight some effective ways to pay off your secured car loan faster and hence save on interest payments in the long run-

• The first step is to be clear about exactly how much you owe on your car loan. Known as the payoff amount of the loan, this figure is calculated taking in account the amount you have already paid, as well as the payment including interest that you still owe. Knowing exactly how much is still due on your loan can help to create a payment strategy.
• It is also advisable to be clear about the terms and conditions of your loan from the get-go and know whether repaying the loan before the scheduled period will involve an early penalty fee.
• Talk to your auto loan provider about payoff options, as some of these institutions may have some provision for waving off the penalty if the entire balance is paid in a single payment. If you can afford to make such a payment this could be the easiest way to pay off your loan without any extra penalty.
• Another way to pay off your loan quickly is by using any extra cash that you get such as a bonus at work or a cash gift towards your car loan payment.
• If you feel that you can afford to make a higher monthly payment for your car loan, this could be an option worth considering. For instance, if your current monthly payment is $200, changing it to $300 could help you to pay off the loan faster, and hence save considerably on interest.
• Another useful tip for paying off your car loan is by borrowing off other investments, such as insurance, house equity, retirement plans, etc., which typically have lower interest rates compared to car loans.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you quick and cheap car loans in Texas. For more details, you can visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

Buying a new car is a dream harbored by many, but when it comes to financing a car in the best possible way, not many are well-versed with the process of doing so. Car financing is a major decision, which usually has a bearing on the next few years’ finances of the buyer, which explains why it is important to carefully consider the dos and don’ts of the process before finalizing it. Contrary to common perception, it is possible to get a financially viable auto-financing deal even with a bad credit, and when shopping on a budget.

The following dos and don’ts of car financing guide you through the process, helping you to make a well-informed decision-

• Do have a clear picture of the complete price that you shall have to pay by the end of the process, including interest rates and any hidden costs.
• Do calculate your credit score using a credit calculator beforehand, so as to have a clear idea of what to expect. This can also be helpful in making amends to any flaws in your credit that can be corrected in the short-term.
• Do decide your budget and stick to it. One of the most common mistakes made by car buyers is that of walking into the car dealership without being sure of how much they intend to spend. This results in them financing a car beyond their budget, and hence ending up with monthly payments higher than they can afford, which puts them at a risk of bad credit.
• Don’t go to a buy here pay here dealer. While these dealers may seem favorable in the beginning, the usual case with them is that they do not report to the credit bureau unless you default on your loan, which means that they do not help in building your credit.
• Don’t buy a car in poor condition. No matter how small your budget, buying a car that is either too old or too problematic will simply increase your worries, with the high interest rates on such a car making it all the more difficult.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you with quick and reliable car financing. Whether you want to purchase a new car or a used one, we have solutions for all your car loan needs. For more details, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.