• Research: It is important to conduct a thorough research regarding the loan plans being offered by various credit unions. Browse through the internet and read the reviews to decide from which lender you want to get a loan. Compare the plans from at least three providers before making a decision.
• Interest rate: Interest rate is a crucial factor when applying for a car loan as it eventually decides the EMI that you need to pay every month. A minimal increase in the interest rate can cause a major jump in the monthly installments. Identify the best deal and it is better to opt for a floating rate of interest if you want a loan for a short period of time. On the other hand, go for a fixed rate of interest if you want to opt for a longer tenure loan.
• Processing fee: Every credit union has its own method of calculating the processing charges for a car loan. Some credit unions use fixed percentage of their loan as processing fee. On the other hand, many lenders also have flat rate processing fee. Decide on what suits your requirement and the amount you can easily afford to repay.
• Down payment: Down payment is the lump sum money that needs to be paid at the commencement of the loan term. Therefore, you need to have some amount of cash ready for down payment. Take note that lesser down payments will eventually increase your monthly EMIs. So, you need to decide according to the financial resources available to you.
• Loan term: It is best to avoid long term loans as this can lead to an increase the interest payments made during the loan tenure. On the other hand, a short term will help you in saving on the interest cost. Depending on your financial standing, you can decide on the car loan term.
• Prepayment charges: The lender can levy prepayment charges if the borrower is able to return the complete or partial loan amount before the end of the loan term. Therefore, you need to be aware if your credit union levies any such charges.
  

If you are looking for auto loans for a short-term period at competitive interest rates, then approaching a credit union could be your best bet. For those who are new to the concept of credit unions as financial institutions for borrowing money, it is important to know that these are formed by a group of people with some common link such as members of a church, business, etc. The members pool in their assets for the purpose of providing loans to any one of the members who need the money. Credit unions are becoming a favorite among those willing to buy cars on the basis of a loan as they are very convenient and pocket friendly.

Here are some of the top reasons due to which getting an auto loan from a credit union is a smarter choice today:

• Personalized attention: Credit unions being smaller organizations than other financial institutions offer faster services to their members and even accommodate minor changes in the scheme of repayment.  There is always some scope for a member to negotiate on the rate of interest and even to get some extra time for the repayment.
• Easy availability of car loans: Fluctuations in the economic status have made financial institutions quite aggressive when it comes to offering money for loans. However, credit unions are far more relaxed when it comes to giving auto loans to their members and are not affected by the economic conditions as they always have a good amount of funds and enjoy good relations with car dealers.
• Competitive rates of interest and relaxed terms and conditions: It is a well-known fact that the rates of interest offered by credit unions on auto loans are lesser than that of other financial institutions. These institutions are also flexible when it comes to their terms and conditions, as they are sensitive to any problems that their members could be facing in repaying the loan.
• Simple loan process: Getting an auto loan from a credit union is very simple and no longer requires a member to sit down with a loan officer to complete the formalities. You can apply for the loan at a participating dealership, over the phone and even online as per your convenience.
• Perks: Members of credit unions enjoy perks that other customers do not have access to such as low interest rates and special deals.

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