GCTFCU Blog | Should I Open A Savings Account?

Should I Open A Savings Account?

A savings account is a type of account offered by a financial institution allowing you to deposit funds with safety assurance. It helps you to manage finances and save for the future without locking the money away for a longer time.

Here are some reasons why you should open a savings account at a credit union:

Savings: Opening a savings account is a crucial way of money management. Regularly depositing money into a savings account prepares you for unexpected expenses or major life events. You wouldn’t have to rely on high interest lenders, as you’ll have a savings safety plug to bear sudden expenditures. It also offers interest on the funds enabling your money to grow over time & making it a sound investment.

Security: With a savings account in a credit union, your funds remain safe & secured. For example, funds deposited at Greater Central Federal Credit Union are insured by National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

Easily Accessible: Funds in a savings account are easily accessible. You can withdraw funds anytime using provisions such as a debit card/ATM. Funds in a savings account can also be used for automated bill payments.

How to Open A Savings Account At Credit Union

Become a member of a credit union to get access to various financial products and services.
Apply for a savings account.
Check the eligibility criteria and other requisites for the savings account.
Collect all the required documents and start the procedure.
Once your account is active, make sure to add funds to it.

Requirements for Opening Savings Account at GCTFCU:

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

Savings Accounts Available at GCTFCU

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

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers various savings, investment & lending options in Killeen, TX. The credit union also provides multiple account services to savings account holders. For more details on savings accounts, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX – 76542 or call (254) 690 - 2274. You can also contact us at www.gctfcu.net

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.

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