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

Tips To Choose Suitable Secured Loan

A secured loan is a type of loan in which the borrower pledges an asset as collateral for the loan. The loan amount depends upon the value of collateral. A major benefit of secured loan is its affordability in terms of low interest rate.

The choice of a suitable secured loan depends upon a variety of factors. Here are some tips to help you choose suitable secured loan:

1. Loan Amount: The foremost considerable factor is to choose the right loan amount. It is imperative as the loan amount has major impact on rate of interest, EMI, etc. For choosing right loan amount, consider the actual need and the funds available with you. However, make it a point to choose a loan amount that you actually need. Borrowing higher loan amount can have an impact on your financial situation in the future.

2. Collateral: The choice of collateral is important for ensuring loan approval. The value of collateral should be either equal to or higher than desired loan amount. Ask the credit union about allowed collateral and required collateral value.

3.  Loan Tenure & EMI: The choice of loan tenure and EMI are inter-dependent. Longer loan tenure results in lower EMI and vice versa. So, when choosing the right loan tenure, focus on choosing the right EMI. Here are some steps that may help you in choosing right EMI:
  • Consider your monthly income including total monthly salary and income from other sources.
  • Calculate monthly expenses by adding bills, general expenditure, etc.
  • Add monthly savings to the monthly expenses to calculate total monthly expenditure.
  • Subtract total monthly expenditure from total monthly salary.
  • The resulting value can be used as maximum affordable EMI.
4. Rate Of Interest: Rate of interest is governed by type of loan, loan amount, loan tenure, etc. So, consider the variables to check suitable rate of interest.

A great option is to contact the credit union staff for professional assistance in deciding suitable secured loan. The professional team analyzes the financial situation to suggest suitable loan parameters.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers affordable secured loan to its members. Members can apply for a secured loan online or by visiting the credit union. For more details on tips to choose suitable secured loan, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Direct Deposit Services By Credit Union

Credit Union: An Affordable Financial Institution

Credit unions are cooperative financial institutions that are owned and managed by their members.  They are preferred by many due to their affordable financial services and products. They offer a variety of convenient personal services, attractive rates and fees, shared branching and flexible terms & conditions.

Let us delve deeper into understanding the working of credit unions and what they have to offer:

  • They are Non-Profit Organizations: Credit unions accept deposits from members and offer loans without any intention of making profits. Due to the fact that they are non-profit organizations, they offer loans at low interest rates and higher rates for deposits.
  • Operating Principles: Credit unions operate with the intention of pooling financial resources for the benefit of members. Their operating principles revolve around voluntary membership, non-discrimination, serving members, building financial stability, social responsibility and democratic control.
  • Services Provided: Some of the services offered by most credit unions include but are not limited to payroll deduction, online access, MasterCard Gift Cards, ACH origination, ATM, Bill Pay, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit, Notary Service, savings and investments, lending services (secured and unsecured loans), Traditional and Roth IRAs, Club accounts (Christmas and Vacation), Overdraft protection and more.
  • Reasons For Joining A Credit Union: Credit union members enjoy benefits such as low fees, higher interest rates, excellent customer service, member-centric services, community support, security of deposits (regulation by the National Credit Union Administration; every account is insured up to $250,000), financial literacy and independence, easy qualification, easily approachable in spite of a low credit score etc.
In conclusion, the fact that credit unions are member-owned non-profits plays a prime role in making them affordable financial institutions. Their member-centric approach as opposed to a profit-centric one makes it possible to offer loan products at lower rates, higher rates of interest on savings, access to low-fee checking accounts and more. They are the best option for millennials who are just starting to make financial decisions and require guidance to manage and control their funds without spending much on fees and interest.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of financial services including savings accounts, secured/unsecured auto loans, etc. to its members. For more details on credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Reasons To Save Money In A Credit Union Account




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Steps To Open A Credit Union Savings Account

A savings account is an important financial tool that assists the account owners in managing their financial goals in an effective manner. The interest earned on a savings account makes it a preferred way of saving funds. It also allows the account owners in availing the benefits of a variety of account services such as automated payments, direct deposit, etc.

Credit unions are a popular choice among people considering to open a savings account. Some common reasons behind this choice are higher interest rates, variety of account services, better member services, etc.

Here is a list of steps required to open a savings account at a credit union:

Check Eligibility: Every credit union has some eligibility criteria for members. Common eligibility criteria include area of living, profession, place of work, etc. For example, Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union requires a person to live, work or worship within the portion of Bell County, Texas, west of Interstate 35. So, before opening a savings account in a credit union, it is important to check the eligibility for becoming its member.

Choose An Account Type: A credit union offers a wide variety of savings accounts to its members. Some common types of savings accounts include Share Savings Account, Money Market Accounts, Christmas Club, Vacation Club, Certificates of Deposit, and Individual Retirement Account. Ask the credit union staff about the features of every savings account type to choose an account type that meets your needs. Points to consider include:

  • Interest Rate
  • Minimum Balance
  • Monthly Fees
  • Account Services
Fill The Application: Ask the staff about the application process, opening balance and required documents. Provide the details required in the application. Credit unions may require identification proofs such as original Social Security Number and a picture id. Complete the application and recheck the filled information before submitting the application.

Make The Deposit: The credit union verifies the documents and application details. Once the details are verified, make the opening deposit as per the account requirements.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of savings accounts to its members. The staff helps the members in choosing a suitable account type and understanding the application process. For more details on steps to open a savings account in a credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Benefits Of Opening An IRA With The Credit Union




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Advantages Of Borrowing A Secured Loan From A Credit Union


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Steps For Getting A Secured Vehicle Loan

Buying a vehicle requires a lot of research, test drives, and finding the right fit for your lifestyle and requirements. But, another factor that is equally important is to decide the financing option to purchase the vehicle itself. A secured vehicle loan from a credit union fits every borrower’s needs and comes with a lower interest rate.

A secured car loan requires the borrower to pledge collateral against the loan. As with any loan, the borrower will need to qualify for the secured loan as per the requirements of the credit union.

When you are looking to buy a vehicle loan, here are a few important steps that you should consider to get the loan:

  • Check Your Credit: Having a good credit score is of high importance for borrowing a secured vehicle loan. With a higher credit score and a good credit history, the borrower may be entitled to lower interest rates and convenient loan terms. As long as the borrower pays bills on time, settles his debts, and avoids penalties, he can have a good credit score.  Also, it is important to review the credit report to look for any unusual activity. Check for incorrect balances and late payments. If credit score is low, take steps to improve it before applying for the vehicle loan.
  • Know The Budget: It is essential to have a predetermined budget and know how the budget for buying a car. The borrower should be sure that the vehicle’s cost is aligned with other financial goals. To determine the budget subtract usual monthly expenses from monthly income after deducting taxes. Also, include intended monthly savings in the expenses.
  • Determine Affordability: After understanding current financial situation, it is required to decide on a reasonable monthly vehicle payment. Check with the loan officer to figure out the maximum loan amount that can be afforded. It should include the monthly payments, interest rate, and the loan period.
  • Get Preapproved: It is important to research for the terms of the loan and get preapproved from the credit union. Getting preapproved for a vehicle loan will help expedite the process, determine eligibility, and find the right price.
Contact the loan officers at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to apply for a secured vehicle loan at an affordable rate. For more details on steps for getting a secured vehicle loan, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542, or call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

GCTFCU Blog | Credit Union Killeen TX | Home Loans, Secured Auto Loan in Central Texas
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Questions To Ask Before Applying For A Secured Auto Loan

With so many financial institutions offering secured loans and financing options for vehicles, choosing one can be a daunting task. To make the process less confusing, it is better to understand the stages of the loan process, right from submitting the application to its final repayment and hence, planning well in advance for your financial liabilities.

Seeking answers for the following questions can help you make an informed decision while applying for a secured auto loan:

  • What is the applicable nature of interest rate: You may borrow a loan under fixed or variable interest policy. In the former, the amount you need to pay each month will be fixed and thus enables you to plan your expenses. In the latter, the monthly payment may differ as interest rate may fluctuate based on market trends.
  • Am I required to buy my vehicle from a licensed dealership: Some lenders insist that you buy your vehicle from a particular dealer. Ask them if there is any such pre-condition so you can decide beforehand if you are willing to be flexible regarding the dealer’s choice.
  • Are there any penalties on my loan: You should ask the lender if there are any additional charges levied if you pay off the entire loan amount ahead of its tenure. Also, in case you are facing some temporary financial crisis, verify if they allow you to skip a payment. Do inquire about the terms and conditions for all such conveniences.  
  • What is the precise price that I will be paying at the end of the loan term: It is advisable to know the exact amount that you will end up paying (including the rate of interest) at the termination of loan term. This will help you determine if the loan is reasonably priced or not.
  • What is the exact amount that is being financed: You must know the correct breakup of the amount, both which is being financed and that required from your end as down payment. Some financial institutions require a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s value as down payment.
  • What are the finance charges: Another important part of the loan amount are the additional charges like handling fee, paperwork fee etc. Ask your lender if they have included all the charges in the amount quoted or you need to pay them separately.
If you are looking for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Tips To Save On Auto Loan

Purchasing a new car requires a huge financial input that can be shared by an auto loan. However, to ensure that you get the best deal, it is essential that you keep certain tips in mind. You can consider applying at a credit union to get competitive interest rates for your auto loan.

Here are some tips that can help to save on auto loan:

  • Refinance: If you get a better interest rate, you should consider refinancing your auto loan. You should avoid extending the tenure of the loan lower the monthly payments as it incurs higher interest rates.
  • Research: You should evaluate the different loan amounts, tenures and interest rates offered to get the most affordable auto loan. You can consider a credit union to get the best interest rates and easy approval for the loan.
  • Additional payments: If possible, you can consider making additional payment for your auto loan. This will shorten the overall loan tenure and subsequently lower the amount of interest that needs to be paid.  
  • Do not skip a payment: It is imperative that you make the payment before or on its due date to avoid any late fees. Delaying a payment incurs more interest and increases the cost of the loan.
  • Credit score: You should maintain a clean credit record to ensure a lower interest rate. Previous loans, bank accounts and all other financial transactions should be genuine. The agent will conduct a complete credit check to ensure that you will be able to pay back the loan amount and interest rate.
  • Read the terms: It is advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you are getting the best deal. You should be acquainted with the exact loan amount, interest rate, monthly due dates and any other clauses that may affect your loan amount.
  • Negotiate: You can consider discussing your budget and requirements with the agent to get the best deal. You can also inquire about any factors that can assist in reducing interest rates for the loan amount.
If you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX, contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 - 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542.

Before You Apply For A Home Loan In Killeen, TX ‬

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that a person makes in his lifetime. Getting a home loan can reduce the financial burden involved in the process. However, the costs involved in premiums and interest can take up large amount of all total monthly expenses. Therefore, it is important that you are familiar with the basic factors that can help you get an affordable home loan.  

Here are some points to remember before applying for a home loan:

  • Loan Eligibility: The home loan amount depends on your income and previous loan record. There may be a significant difference in the online quoted amount and the actual loan sanctioned. Thus, you should have a clear idea about the loan plan you are eligible for.
  • Budget: You must evaluate your budget before applying for a home loan. This will help to determine the amount you can pay upfront for the home and the remaining can be applied for as loan. The budget also assists in deciding on a monthly amount that you can afford.
  • Credit Score: You should maintain a clean and dependable credit score. Maintenance of bank accounts, credit card usage, existing loans, payment of bills, all these can affect the interest rate charged on your home loan.
  • Interest Rate: The type of interest rate determines the amount you would have to pay every month. You can select between fixed rate and floating rate home loan. You can make the choice depending on your financial condition and current market rates.
  • Loan Duration: This will determine the interest amount and its portion that you will have to pay every month. A longer tenure will reduce the monthly payments but will eventually result in more interest payments.
  • Documents: You must ensure that you read the documents carefully before signing. All verbal contracts and negotiations must be in written. You should check the applicable charges, processing fee, late charges etc.
  • Research: It is essential to get quotes for different home loan policies and choose the one that best suits your needs. You can consider a credit union for low interest home loans.
  • Extra Charges: You must be aware of any extra charges that may be incurred during the course of the loan repayment. It is important to clarify the queries during the initial stage to avoid paying processing fee at a later stage.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable home loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Steps To Qualify For An Auto Loan In Killeen

When planning to buy a car, the most important thing that you need to consider is about financing it. Auto loans are a great option to meet the expenses of a new or used car. However, you must keep yourself fully prepared so that you do not face any problems in getting the loan. A lot of people end up financing the car from the dealer but this may make you to pay a huge amount of interest. Instead, you should consider getting pre-approved for auto loan from a credit union.

Here are some tips that can help you qualify for an auto loan:

  • Determine The Loan Amount: Firstly, the most important thing is to determine the amount that you need to borrow from the credit union. Depending upon the price of the car, interest rates and monthly installments, you must figure out the funds that you would be able to pay off easily.
  • Decide The Term Of Loan: Ideally, the duration of an auto loan should be around five to six years. Although a longer tenure can help to lower the monthly payments, but you will end up paying more interest in due course. Therefore, you should settle on a loan term that allows you to manage repayments easily while saving on the interest payments.
  • Know Your Credit Score: Your credit rating has a great impact on the interest you will be charged on your auto loan. Hence, before applying for the loan, you must look at your credit score to check if it reflects any unpaid loans, credit card debt, late payments etc. If possible, devote some time to improve your rating by paying off all the debts and making timely payments. This will help you get a better interest on your auto loan.
  • Get Pre-Approved: Getting a pre-approval for an auto loan will help you decide the price range in which you can buy the car. You should also make allowance for other costs associated with car buying such as taxes, insurance, initial down payment and maintenance expenses.
  • Close The Deal: When you have finalized the amount, tenure and negotiated a fair interest rate, you must now submit the loan application. You may need to provide your proof of income, residence, identity, social security number and other important documents along with the application.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates as well as easy repayment options. For more information, call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Affordable Home Loans In Killeen, TX

With the ever-increasing property prices and soaring interest rates, it is important to choose the right home loan to avoid any financial issues in the long run. Keeping this in mind, a lot of home buyers prefer a credit union over bank for their financing needs. This is mainly because of the considerably low interest rates and better customer service offered by them. Additionally, the process of applying for a home loan at a credit union is much simpler, with minimal documentation and paperwork.

Given here are some of the benefits of choosing a credit union for a home loan:

  • Low Interest Rates: Being a non-profit organization, a credit union is not liable to pay any taxes to the state or federal government. This, in turn, allows them to offer low interest rates on their home loan products. Thus, you will have to pay lower monthly installments and be able to save more.
  • Account Holders Have A Say: As members of a credit union are its part owners, they have a say in the important matters of the credit union. This may be concerned with the working of the credit union, interest rate of loans or other services offered to the members.
  • Less Income Requirements: A credit union usually does not have a strict income criterion for an applicant to be eligible for home loan. Thus, people who have not been approved for home loan by a bank due to low income are quite likely to get approval at a credit union.
  • Fewer Processing Fees: The loan processing fees charged by a credit union are usually affordable and lesser than many other financial institutions. In addition, it also offers several other membership services such as online banking, checks, wire transfer etc. at a nominal cost.  
  • Speedier Closings: When you apply for a home loan at a credit union, you can expect an instant approval for the same.
  • Flexibility: Working solely for the benefit of the members, a credit union is not much stringent when it comes to their loan conditions and policies. They offer considerable flexibility in terms of loan products and repayment options.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide affordable home loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Benefits Of Getting A Car Loan From A Credit Union

If you need financing for your new car, an option that you can explore is credit union. Getting loan from a credit union is a great idea because of the various benefits that it offers over other financial institutions. Owned and operated by the members, credit union provides a number of financial services, including loans, free ATM, savings accounts, online banking, etc.

Here are some benefits of applying a car loan from a credit union:

  • Lower interest rates: Credit unions, being non-profit organizations are not liable to pay any taxes to the state or federal government. As a result, they offer considerably lower interest rates on car loans. This means that your monthly payments will be low and you can save more.
  • Flexible terms and conditions: The terms and conditions of car loans are usually flexible at a credit union. Working with a client centered approach, the credit unions are more considerate towards the financial needs of the members. Their policies are flexible enough to adjust the repayment options and loan duration according to the convenience of the clients.
  • Better customer services: The credit union is easy to approach and there are lesser formalities involved in the car loan application process. Their staff provides complete assistance to the clients in filling out the application form and getting the paperwork ready.
  • Convenient loan process: The process of getting loan is more relaxed at credit unions. The clients can even apply for a car loan through the credit union’s website. This eliminates the need to be physically present at their office.
  • Membership benefits: The credit unions also offer various other banking and financial services to their members. This includes wire transfer, payroll deduction, notary service, savings accounts, direct deposit, ATM, ACH origination, MasterCard Gift Cards etc.
  • Members have a say: All the members are stakeholders and part owners of the credit union. Therefore, they are given the right to choose the board of directors and vote on the important matters concerning loan rates, terms and working of the credit union.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide low interest loans for both new and used cars. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Things To Consider Before Applying For Home Loan

Filling for a home loan is a time consuming process requiring research and paperwork. You need to ensure that the loan suits your requirements and is the best deal in the market. Getting a loan from a credit union offers various benefits but you should consider certain important factors before applying for the loan.

Given here are a few points that you must consider:

  • Know The Jargons: It is essential to have a clear understanding of the terminologies involved in the home loan process to avoid misunderstandings. Some of these are annual percentage rate (APR), refinance, loan to value ratio, fixed rate, floating rate etc.
  • Determine Your Budget: You must set some time aside to determine your financial position taking into consideration the insurance and taxes. If possible, you should consider making a higher down payment against the loan. This will reduce the overall interest rate and subsequently lower your monthly payments.
  • Know Your Eligibility: The loan amount that you are eligible to borrow from a credit union depends on factors such as your annual income, previous loan payment records, credit card dues etc. In case you have any other liabilities, like a personal or auto loan, your eligibility may drop.
  • Tenure Of The Loan: Your monthly payment will be inversely proportionate to the tenure of the home loan. If you choose a longer tenure, the EMI will be less and if the duration is shorter, the installments will be high. However, longer duration loans also increases the total amount of interest paid. Therefore, you should carefully weigh all the alternatives to choose the appropriate loan tenure.
  • Type Of Interest Rate: In a fixed rate loan, the EMI does not change throughout the repayment tenure. On the other hand, in a variable rate loan, the EMI keeps on changing according to prevailing base rates in the market.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union offering affordable homes loans to the clients in Killeen, TX. We have an easy application process and provide instant approval for most home loan applications. The staff can assist in the application process and solve any queries pertaining to the loan application. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Reasons To Shop At A Credit Union For Auto Loans

When looking around in the market to buy a new or used car, the first and foremost thing that needs to be decided is an appropriate source of finance. It is essential to research the different loan options and choose one accordingly. However, it is recommended that you consider a credit union in order to get the best possible deal on your auto loan.

Given here are some of the reasons why you should consider taking auto loan from a credit union:

  • Better Chances Of Loan Approval: A credit union does not have stringent income requirements like a bank. It provides flexible and affordable loan options to suit the need of all clients. Moreover, the staff at a credit union is more receptive to the clients’ requirements and is often willing to make reasonable changes in the terms of the loan.
  • Lower Rates Of Interest: This is the biggest reason why most people choose credit union for an auto loan. A credit union offers much lower interest rates than banks or any other financial institution. Whether you are going to purchase a new or used car, the approximate cost of loan from a credit union would be almost half of that at a bank. Subsequently, the monthly or annual payments are also quite low and easy-to-pay. 
  • Simpler Loan Process: The process of applying for an auto loan is also much simpler and convenient at a credit union. There are no complex forms to be filled or documents that need to be submitted. The staff at the credit union also provides complete assistance to clients about the process in a smooth manner. Usually, the loans are approved within a few days after all the documents have been verified. 
  • Non-Sales Approach: Unlike most traditional banks, the staff a credit union does not work towards making a sale or earn any sort of bonuses. They work solely for the benefit of their clients and easing their financial difficulties. All the profits earned by the credit union are returned in the form of low interest rates, dividends or other services to the clients. The representatives will understand your requirements and put forward the most suitable loan option.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable and convenient auto loans in Killeen. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Secured Loans In Killeen, TX

A secured loan is the most convenient and easy loan method among the different types of personal loans available. The basic concept is that the borrower needs to put up any of his personal belongings with the lender in exchange for the money. In case the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender has the legal right to claim the collateral and get his money back.

One of the biggest reasons why a secured loan is preferred is the lower rate of interest that it entails. The collateral set forth by the borrower provides security to the lender against his money. However, many other factors may influence the interest rate on your secured loan.

Here are a few tips that can help you get the best possible rates on your secured loan:

  • Improve Your Credit Score: Before you apply for a secured loan it is essential that you have an accurate knowledge of your credit rating. If it shows any loan defaults or late payments, you are likely to be quoted a higher interest rate. Hence, you must contact a reliable financial institution and ask for ways in which your credit score can be improved.
  • Offer Valuable Collateral: Another important factor that can help you get a better rate is to offer a valuable collateral against the loan. The collateral's market value should be at least equal to or more than the amount of money that you intend to borrow. This will make the lender comfortable and sure about your trustworthiness and solemnity in repaying the loan.
  • Analyze Your Needs: You should carefully analyze your financial needs before applying for a secured loan. Make sure that you borrow only the amount of money that you actually require. A higher loan amount is most likely to correspond to a higher interest rate. You should also try to opt for a smaller duration to repay the loan to avoid more interest payments in the end.
  • Compare Different Policies: Lastly, it is equally important that you compare the rates of policies and the insurance premiums. A credit union is likely to offer much lower interest rates than banks and other financial institutions. However, you must do thorough research about the policies and terms offered by them.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable secured loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Auto Loan In Killeen, TX

Whether you are planning to buy a new car or a used one, you need to have a reliable financing program. It is a substantial financial investment and you should consider various factors before making a decision. You can consider a credit union for applying for an auto loan. A credit union is a non-profit organization that offers reasonable loans to the registered members.

Here are some reasons why you should consider a credit union for auto loan:

  • Quick loan approval: A credit union considers the loan application of the members irrespective of their credit history. It o