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

Unsecured & Secured Auto Loans: Which Loan Is Best For You?

If you are planning to finance your next vehicle purchase, you may have come across the terms 'secured loan' and 'unsecured loan'. Though both the types of auto loans offer varied advantages, it is best to understand the differences between them to decide which one would be a better option for your particular situation.

Given below is a complete comparison of unsecured and secured auto loans to help you make a well informed decision:

Unsecured Auto Loans
In this, the lender approves the loan on the basis of the credit worthiness of the borrower. There is no need to provide any form of security to the lending institution. Once the borrower submits the loan application, the lender evaluates his current financial resources and previous credit records to determine if he will be able to pay back the amount along with the interest rate.

The typical characteristics of an unsecured auto loan are as follows:

  • Interest Rate: The rate of interest quoted for each borrower may vary. Depending upon the borrower's income, credit rating, other financial liabilities and the amount of loan, the lender may charge a reasonable interest rate.
  • Premiums: The borrower can either buy the loan at a fixed or variable interest rate. In the former one, monthly premiums remain constant throughout the duration of the loan. However, in a variable interest rate, the installments may keep on changing according to the current market conditions.
  • Borrowing Limits: The loan amount that can be sanctioned in this case depends upon the value of the car you are planning to purchase. Usually, you can get a certain percentage of the total cost and the remaining has to be paid by you.
  • Loan Tenure: Unsecured loans are available for both short and long term. Short term loans generally have high monthly installments but you end up paying less interest.

Secured Auto Loans
A secured loan can be defined as the one in which the borrower is required to put forward a collateral, usually the vehicle itself, against the loan amount. In case the borrower fails to pay back the loan and interest amount within the stipulated period of time, the lender has the legal right to sell the collateral to recover the money.

The typical characteristics of a secured auto loan are given below:

  • Interest Rate: The rate of interest quoted for a secured loan is comparatively less. Putting forward a valuable collateral minimizes the risk for the lender as he can easily recover the loan in case the borrower fails to do so.
  • Premiums: Secured loans are generally offered on fixed interest rates. Therefore, the premiums remain constant throughout the duration of the loan.
  • Borrowing Limits: If you are planning to purchase a luxury car, you should go for a secured loan as it has higher borrowing limits. You can borrow more money against a collateral of similar value, thus, minimizing the investment to be made out of pocket.
  • Loan Tenure: As the interest rates are quite low, you can conveniently repay the loan amount over a longer period of time. This implies that you would have to make lesser monthly payments, allowing you to save money for other financial liabilities as well.
How to decide between unsecured and secured auto loans:

Getting an auto loan can be a tricky process and with so many options available, you are quite likely to get confused. It is important that you evaluate your requirements as well as the loan plans to make the right choice. The following factors need to be considered while doing so:

  • The car you want to buy
  • Monthly installments you can afford to pay
  • Other financial liabilities
  • Amount of loan required
  • Interest rate quoted by the lender
  • Loan tenure
As compared to an unsecured loan, you can get quick approval for a secured auto loan, usually within a few days. This is because there is no need for the lender to conduct extensive background and income checks. Also, the terms and conditions for such loans are quite flexible which minimizes the financial burden on the borrower.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen. You can choose from both secured and unsecured loan plans with nominal rates of interest. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our credit union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Applying For A Home Loan? Questions Your Lender May Ask

Getting a home loan is expected to be an extensive process as the lender may ask some important questions from the borrower. This may be done to clear any doubts regarding your financial stability. You need to be prepared with all the paperwork and documents at the origination of the loan-approval process. Following is a list of questions a lender may ask before approving your home loan:

Q: How much do you earn?
The lender may ask for the recent pay stubs in order to secure a fairer idea of your monthly income. The debt-to-income ratio has to be conducive for you to secure the desired amount of loan at a reasonable rate of interest. Having a stable job with a steady income reduces a number of hassles for you. In case you own a business or have recently changed your job you may need to produce your tax returns. Asking for your income tax returns can imply two important causes. One, the lender wishes to look at your annual revenue. In case you have provided with a record of past few years, the lender will get a fair idea if your revenue has increased or remained constant over the years. This is good because it increases your credit worthiness.

Q: What is your source of income?
The lender would want to be sure about your job stability. Providing details about your employer can help the lender get a better idea about your income consistency. If you are self-employed, it is necessary to make sure your business is profitable. The lender may ask for at least two years of income records. In case you are planning to pay the loan from your savings or you will be using a grant/gift from your relatives, you may be required to produce the gift letters as proof.

Q: Do you have any current debts?
This question is generally asked to get an idea about your financial liabilities and ensure that you will be able to repay the loan. Sometimes, the lender may ask you to produce documents which state that you have paid all of the previous debts. In case you have an active debt, the lender may want to make sure that your income allows you to take another loan.

Q: What is your marital status?
If you plan to pay your debt through the alimony, the lender will need assurance that you will receive the amount. Women receiving money from their ex-husbands may need to produce the papers that state their legal separation.

Q: What is your credit history?
The lending institution may want to know your credit history in order to make sure you pay your bills on time. This also gives the lender a fair idea of your creditworthiness and the way you manage your expenses. Having a high credit score increases your chances of securing loan at a lower rate of interest.

Q: How much savings do you have?
Many people plan to make the loan payments through their savings. Having sufficient savings in the bank is appealing for the lender because it shows your liquidity and ability to pay the mortgages smoothly. A savings account acts as an asset for a borrower and increases the chances of getting a loan approval.

Q: What is the limit of your down payment?
The down payment is a major factor determining the amount of the monthly installments. This in turn decides the duration of loan payments and the money you save. If you pay a higher down payment, lesser will be your loan tenure and monthly installments. An added benefit is that you may secure the loan at a lower rate.

If you are looking for affordable home or auto loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer a wide range of loan plans at low interest rates and easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Benefits Of Using A Credit Union

Over the years, credit unions have emerged as a safety refuge for people who wish to save money as well as earn interest out of their savings. These are not-for-profit institutions that aim at keeping the members first. They offer a wide range of financial services, membership benefits and attractive policies which sets them apart from other financial institutions.

Discuss below are some benefits of using a credit union:

Superior service that keeps members first
Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned by the members. Their aim is not to make big profits for stockholders, but to provide financial assistance and customer service to the shareholders. The credit unions take an extra step where they involve the members to vote on the new policies and take account of the suggestions.

Credit unions offer lower interest rates
Owing to their not-for-profit status, credit unions offer high rates on savings account and lower rates on loans as well as credit cards. These rates are competitive and promote savings. Thus, you can enjoy lower rates on your credit cards, house loans and auto loans while you can earn a higher rate of interest on savings and cash deposits.

No minimum balance constraint
Unlike other financial institutions, a credit union does not have to maintain a minimum balance or cash reserve ratio. Thus, it is not mandatory for the account holders to maintain a minimum balance in their financial account. This feature allows customers to withdraw all or keep no money in their account.

Flexible fees
Credit unions are very flexible when it comes to charging fees. They usually aim at charging less and keeping the costs low for the members. They prefer to eliminate a few products and services in order to cut costs, rather than piling up on the fees.

Easier access to cash
Credit unions have come up with the CO-OP ATM network and a shared branch alliance. This includes surcharge-free cash machines and shared branching that gives members the ability to conduct in-person transactions at a larger number of branches across the state. Also, these CO-OP ATMs do not charge any transaction fee.

Friendly and cooperative staff
The staff at credit unions is friendlier and more cooperative as compared to other financial institutions. They are also easily accessible to address your queries and concerns regarding any financial matter. They only invite members who are local and thus are comparatively smaller. This allows them to be well connected with their surroundings and better at giving feedback.

Provides loan regardless of credit history
This is another major benefit of being a member at a credit union. These institutions are willing to provide quick loan approval to people regardless of their credit history. They also offer programs that help you manage your budget and unexpected expenses.

The Add-Ons
A more attractive feature of opting for a credit union is the additional products and services they offer, besides financial services. You may come across some credit unions that have provisions like individual health insurance and financial advisory services. They aim at community service and providing financial education.

All in all, credit unions prove to be community friendly and more welcoming when it comes to providing financial services to the local people. They offer a lower interest rates, and fee -free ATM transactions. Thus they work on a different and more welcoming business model, which makes them customer friendly.

Reasons To Choose A Secured Loan In Killeen

When applying for a loan at credit union, you will come across two options - secured and unsecured loans. It is important to know about both these types of loans to make sure you make the right decision. Make sure you analyze your requirements such as income, debt, credit history and budget before choosing a loan plan at your credit union. Research thoroughly about various lenders so that you can get a loan at low interest rates.
 
What's The Difference Between A Secured And Unsecured Loan?

Secured Loans

These are backed by a collateral such as a car, property, stocks or any other valuable asset.  If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender may take possession of the collateral. Secured loans can be a perfect option for those who require to borrow a large sum of money to meet their long term financial goals.

Unsecured Loans

An unsecured loan does not involve the use of collateral.  As compared to secured loans, it generally has a shorter repayment term and a higher rate of interest. These types of loans are approved on the basis of income, credit history and various other factors.

Benefits Of Secured Loans:

Low Interest Rate: A secured loan is offered at low interest rate as the collateral serves as a ‘security’. If the loan is not paid on time, the value of the collateral is used to repay the amount. On the other hand, unsecured loans have a higher rate of interest as the lender lacks assurance of loan repayment. Secured loan can be a good choice if you are looking for easy financing options.

Longer Repayment Term: In case of secured loan, you get a longer time to repay the amount which can lower your monthly premiums and ensure financial stability. It also relieves the pressure of paying a higher amount of money. Such types of loans involve a highly valuable asset as a collateral. Thus, credit unions provide longer time for repayment. On the contrary, an unsecured loan has a shorter repayment term.   

Higher Borrowing Limits: If you are looking to borrow larger amount for any major investment, you must opt for secured loans. The borrowing limits are usually proportional to the value of the collateral. For instance, you can choose a secured loan if you need to buy a home or a car. While in case of an unsecured loan, only a small amount of money can be borrowed as there is a risk of non-payment.   

Easy To Apply: You can easily get a secured loan regardless of your credit history and employment status. Credit unions do not impose any strict rules for loan approval or check for any late payments. This also reduces the paperwork involved in the process. In case of an unsecured loan, having a good credit score is important to get qualified.

Greater Flexibility: A secured loan offers greater flexibility as compared to unsecured loans. It can help you to easily convert a fixed-rate loan to a variable-rate loan. You can also vary the premium amount according to your convenience.  You will have to pay a fixed interest rate for the unsecured loans as they have no security.  

Considering their various benefits, you can choose a suitable loan plan accordingly. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any hassles later.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide quick and affordable secured loans to our members in Killeen. The staff at our credit union helps to choose a loan plan according to your requirements. We also offer direct deposit, payroll deduction and other online services to provide you a better lending experience. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our credit union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542. You can also apply for a secured loan at our website.

Tips To Find The Best Home Loan In Killeen

The home loan market of Killeen, TX has become quite complex in the recent years. With numerous lenders offering a wide range of loan plans, you need to be careful and informed about your needs while going down that road. Though it may seem great to have so many loan options to choose from, it is quite likely that you may get confused and make the wrong decision. Therefore, it is important that you stay fairly selective so that you are able to get the best deal on your home loan.

Given below are a few tips that can help you find the best home loan in Killeen:

Find A Reliable Loan Provider

The foremost decision you need to make is regarding your home loan provider. You can either consider taking loan from a bank or a credit union in Killeen. Make sure you do not choose the first lender whom you contact. Meet at least 3 to 5 lenders, compare the plans offered by them and calculate the overall cost of the loan before you finalize anything.

Know About The Associated Costs Of The Loan

While calculating the cost of your home loan, there is a lot more than the principle amount and interest payments. There are many other costs included in the process, such as application fees, loan processing, credit evaluation, title search etc. Make sure you are familiar with all these charges and inquire about these from the lender. This will help you gauge the affordability of the loan in a better way.

Gain Knowledge About The Interest Rate Options

The rate of interest is also an important factor that will influence your monthly payments and the total amount repaid by you. Make sure you choose a home loan with the most competitive interest rate. Also, you need to decide between fixed and variable rate of interest for the home loan. In the former one, the monthly repayment amount will remain fixed throughout the loan tenure. On the other hand, floating interest rates keep on fluctuating according to the market conditions.

If you are looking for a home loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer a wide range of loan plans with flexible repayment options and affordable interest rates to help you buy your dream home easily. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Questions To Ask Before Getting An Auto Loan In Central Texas

Getting an auto loan from a credit union can take you one step closer towards buying your new car. However, you need to do a comprehensive research before choosing a credit union for your auto loan requirements in Central Texas. If anything is not clear, you can consider making a list of questions to clear your doubts. Below are some questions that you should ask before getting an auto loan from a credit union:

Q: What is the interest rate on the loan?
It is imperative to ask about the interest rate being charged on your loan. The interest rate should be competitive and the total cost of the loan should be in your budget. Be clear about the monthly installments because you should be able to repay them easily. Affordability is the key to decide the exact loan amount you should borrow.

Q: Is the interest rate fixed or variable?
A fixed rate of interest on your loan means the rate will remain the same throughout the loan term. On the other hand, it may keep on altering in case of variable interest rate. Before deciding on a specific type of interest rate, take a closer look at your budget and determine if you will be able to cope up with changing rates of interest.

Q: What is the loan term?
Although lower monthly installments may seem to be a bit easier to repay but they will increase the length of your loan term. On the other hand, a higher EMI will decrease your loan term but can be overbearing on your finances. Therefore, you need to decide what suits you best and only then settle for the loan term.

Q: Is there a possibility of any penalties being levied on my loan?
In certain instances, repaying the loan before the end of your loan term may entail penalties. Apart from this, there are many extra charges that you might have to pay during the term of your loan period. It is best to clarify all these aspects before signing the loan agreement.

Q: What about credit insurance?
You may be offered insurance by your credit union or you may have to get it on the insistence of your lender. Before opting for credit insurance, you need to have a thorough look at your finances. You also need to check if it is mandatory to get the credit insurance as per the state laws so that you can make the decision accordingly.

For affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Loan Checklist At Killeen Credit Union

When you are planning to apply for a loan at credit union in Killeen, TX, the foremost thing to consider is your budget. You should assess your financial situation and ability to repay before making the final decision. In addition to budget, paperwork is equally important for loan approval. Make sure you have all the documents required to complete the loan application process.

Below is a checklist which should be considered before applying for a loan at credit union in Killeen:

  • Research thoroughly: It is important to research thoroughly and compare interest rates offered by the credit unions in your area. This will help you narrow down your options and find the most affordable loan plan.   
  • Prepare your credit report: Make sure you check your credit report before applying for a loan. It should be error free and should not contain any pending debts. All the bills and credit payments should be made on time.  
  • Save money: If you have a good savings record, your chances of getting a loan are higher. Increased savings can help to build security which can make it easy for you to apply for a loan. It can also be helpful in making the down payment if necessary.        
  • Income and employment verification: You may have to submit the details of your income for the last three months, wage and tax statement from the employer, recent bank account statements etc. to the credit union. Make sure you keep all these documents handy so that you do not have to face any trouble later on.  
  • Get pre-qualified: You can get an estimate of the loan from the credit union if you provide a clear picture of all your assets, debts and income. This can help in determining your borrowing capacity, making it easier for you to get pre-qualified.
  • Other documents: For completion of loan application process, you may need to submit additional documents such as photo identity proof, tax return statements, proof of residence, insurance certificate, vehicle information etc. You can also seek assistance from the staff at credit union if you have any queries regarding the paperwork.  
  • Choose the right loan period:  You should choose the repayment period according to your budget. If you decide to repay the loan in a longer time, your monthly installments can reduce, so decide the loan period accordingly.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto and home loans in Killeen. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Why Opt For A Killeen Credit Union For Auto Loans?

Auto financing has become quite common these days, both for new and used vehicles. In an attempt to find an affordable loan plan, many people are turning to the credit unions in Killeen, TX. These financial institutions provide loans at competitive interest rates and also offer personalized services to the clients. With this, you not only end up saving a lot of money, but the low monthly payments will reduce the financial burden on your pocket.

If you are also looking or an auto loan in Killeen, given below are some reasons you should get in touch with a credit union:  

  • Relaxed eligibility requirements: Applying for an auto loan at a credit union does not require you to have a considerably high income. The loans offered by these institutions have quite flexible terms and conditions. The staff is also willing to make slight adjustments to the loan terms according to the financial situation of each client. Thus, it is recommended that you discuss your requirements with the lender to get the best loan plan.
  • Quick approval: The time frame in which you can get an auto loan approved from a credit union is quite less. Moreover, if you are getting a secured auto loan, you may get it approved within 48 to 72 hours. This is because the collateral decreases the risk for non-payment of the loan, eliminating the need for rigorous background checks and income verification. The credit union may approve your loan according to the value of the collateral.
  • Lower rates of interest: Being a non-profit organization the credit union is not liable to pay state or federal taxes. Therefore, they are able to offer auto loan at a lower rate of interest than other financial institutions in Killeen. The interest rate for auto loans may start from 1.99% APR (for a new car) and 2.99% APR (for a used car).
  • User-friendly loan process: The loan application process at a credit union is quite simple and user-friendly. You can either fill the application online or by visiting the credit union’s office. The staff is quite friendly and will provide you with complete assistance in submitting the application form as well as preparing the documents required for the loan.
  • Member benefits: Besides auto loans, membership at a credit union comes along with a host of other services such as payroll deduction, notary service, MasterCard cash advance, ACH origination, ATM etc.
For hassle free auto loans in Killeen, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. For more information about the loan plans, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Home Loan: Pitfalls To Avoid

Getting a home loan approval lends a sense of relief to the buyers. However, the excitement of buying a new home can sometimes lead to unwise financial choices that might not be beneficial for you in the longer run. Being realistic in your approach and knowing how much you can afford can help in making a well-informed decision. Stay within your budget because you will need to repay the loan along with the specified rate of interest. Do consider your total repayments before applying for a home loan.

Listed below are some common home loan pitfalls you must avoid:

  • Getting lured by offers from financial institutions: It is always advisable to take into account the overall cost of home loan before getting lured by the offers from the lenders. These freebies could be in the form of a discount in documentation charges or waiver in the first installment. Although this may save a few dollars in the beginning, it will make your home loan costlier in the longer run. Hence, get a home loan from a credit union that offers a low rate of interest.
  • Not considering all the options: It is not good to make any decision regarding the home loan in a hurry. Get in touch with multiple credit unions in Killeen, TX to get detailed information about the available home loan plans. Do not borrow more than what you can afford to pay back and consider all the documentation fees as well as other processing charges to know the exact cost of the loan.
  • Switching between loan terms: You must not switch the home loan once you have borrowed it from a credit union. At the beginning of the loan term, you may have to deal with a lot of expenses such as legal fees, establishment fees and insurance. Switching the loan plan means paying these charges all over again which can eventually put a huge burden on your finances.
  • Miscalculating the overall interest cost: Make sure the credit union offers a home loan with a consistent rate of interest through the entire period of loan. You should calculate the overall interest payments to be made during the loan tenure to minimize your financial encumbrances.
Visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union if you are looking for a home loan in Killeen, TX. We offer a wide range of loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. For more information, call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Benefits Of Refinancing Your Car Loan: Credit Union Killeen

In simple terms, refinancing your car loan corresponds to replacing your present loan with a new one with a completely different set of terms and conditions. The eligibility criterion for getting a new auto loan is not very difficult to fulfill. You only need to be regular with your previous payments to make the refinancing process extremely simple. Considering the benefits of getting your car loan refinanced from a credit union in Killeen, TX, it is definitely an option worth considering.

Listed below are some of the advantages of refinancing your car loan:

  • Reduces the monthly installments: Refinancing can significantly bring down the monthly payments towards your car loan. Having low monthly payments allows you to manage your household finances more efficiently and make savings at the same time. You can even invest your money to receive significant monetary returns in the long run.
  • Can decrease the interest rate: Apart from low monthly payments, car loan refinancing can also help in decreasing your interest rate. You can get the new loan at a lower rate of interest from another lender. The lower rate of interest brings down your overall repayment amount you owe to the lender.
  • You can alter the length of loan: Though long term loans equate to lower monthly payments, you end up paying more interest to the lender. However, if you opt for refinancing your car loan, you can change the loan term and the monthly payments that go with it.
  • You can own a car previously on lease: If there is an instance where the lease on your car is about to finish, you can purchase it by choosing the option of auto refinancing. The loan obtained from refinancing can be utilized to buy out the lease and give the payments to the lender. You will be the owner of the car when the loan term ends.
If you are looking to refinance your car loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. For more details, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.
GCTFCU Blog | Requirements For A Secured Car Loan
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Requirements For A Secured Car Loan

A secured car loan is one in which the borrower puts up a collateral against the loan. This is usually the item for which the loan is being taken, which in this case is the car. Depending on various factors, the lender might also ask for collateral beyond the vehicle, in the form of a house, property, or any other valuable possession. In case the borrower forfeits any of the loan’s requirements, the lender is entitled to take legal action against the borrower, and claim the collateral.

The major advantages that a secured loan offers to the borrower are a lower rate of interest, and a more flexible repayment period.  Enlisted below are the basic requirements that you shall have to fulfill to be eligible for a secured car loan:

  • A verifiable income- You should be able to prove a regular source of income on paper. This could be in the form of paycheck stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. It is advisable not to resort to any false claims on income, as this could badly affect your credit record for life. However, do not fret if your income does not show well on paper, since secured car loans usually have more flexible terms, owing to the security offered by collateral.
  • Steady employment- A key requirement that most secured auto loan lenders seek in prospective borrowers is a steady employment. If you have had the same job for over six months, your proof of employment should suffice. In case of self-employment or an alternate source of income, you need to find a way to demonstrate the generation of regular income.
  • Stable residency- Most lenders require that you should have lived in your present home for at least one year. If you have moved in recently, you might consider using a previous proof of residence, of a home where you lived for a longer period in the past.
  • A high credit score- Even though this is not an essential requirement for most car loans, but it definitely helps to have a record of good credit in the past. You can consider using some quick ways to improve your credit score before applying for a secured car loan, to reduce your chances of rejection.

With these simple requirements intact, you should have no trouble in getting a secured car loan.

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

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