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

What Is A Credit Union?



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Benefits Of Banking With Credit Unions


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Products & Services Offered By Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

The Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a member-owned cooperative that was formed in 1957 with the goal of providing financial assistance at affordable rates to its members. The profits of the credit union are exclusively used to provide quality services and lending solutions to its members.

Following are the products and services offered by Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union:

  • Checking Account: Members can open checking accounts with the credit union to avail facilities like free and unlimited check writing, ATM transactions, VISA Debit transactions and the convenience of E-Statements. Members above 55 years of age can open a Golden Apple Checking Account that offers benefits like no minimal daily balance requirement.
  • Low Interest Loans: The credit union offers secured loans for new & pre-owned vehicles at competitive rates to its members. Also, members can apply for unsecured loans at a low Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
  • MasterCard: Members of the credit union are also entitled for regular MasterCard, Gold MasterCard and Platinum MasterCard. The cards are offered at fixed rates and no annual fee is charged.
  • Savings Accounts: Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of savings accounts to its members. Some of these include Tiered Money Market accounts, Vacation and Christmas Club, Certificates of Deposit and Variable Rate IRA’s.
  • Electronic Services: Members can sign up for online access to their accounts. This allows them to monitor their accounts and make transactions anytime for convenient banking experience. By signing up for electronic services, they can pay their bills online with Bill Pay + at a minimal monthly cost. The electronic services are offered free of cost to members above 55 years of age. These services equip members to make MasterCard payments using their phone or computer through internet. To initiate the service, members can call the Card Services at the number provided on the credit union’s website.
  • Other Services: In addition to the above-mentioned products and services; the credit union also provides services like check reordering, an online loan calculator, payroll deduction, direct deposit, wire transfer, ACH origination, ATM services, MasterCard cash advance, MasterCard gift cards, notary service and more.
Every account in the credit union is insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to a set limit.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers an array of financial solutions such as savings accounts, secured loans, etc. to assist its members. To know more about the products and services offered by the credit union in Killeen, call at (254) 690 – 2274. You can also visit the credit union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542.

Common Advantages Of Credit Unions



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Services Offered By A Credit Union




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Why Credit Unions Are Important For The Community

The choice of banking institution preferred by people has a direct impact on the local community. The way credit unions operate and the fact that they strive to give back to the community in one way or another makes them a good choice. Below are some of the ways in which credit unions benefit communities:

  • Credit Unions Do Not Operate For Profits: Credit unions are non-profit institutions that are focused on providing affordable financial services to their members instead of lone purpose of making profits. The profits earned by credit unions are given back to the community in the form of dividends, low fee for various services, lower rates on loans and higher interest rates on savings. Credit unions invest their capital back in the community to support home equity loans, car loans, home loans, business loans and more at competitive rates.
  • Lower APR Loans: People can benefit from low APR loans offered by credit unions. It helps low-income members of the community in achieving their financial goals.
  • Financial Security: Credit unions provide financial security as they are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Members are protected from losses on their savings accounts and share draft products.
  • Equal Rights: Created by members for members, credit unions do not discriminate amongst its members. Every member enjoys equal voting rights for important decisions like choosing board members of the credit union. Decisions made by members of credit unions in higher positions are focused on the benefits of all other members.
  • A Variety Of Services: Credit unions offer a variety of services such as online payment of bills, 24 hour account access, payroll deduction, notary service, free and unlimited check writing, ATMs, regular share savings accounts, MasterCard gift cards, MasterCard cash advance, IRAs, Share Certificates of Deposits, Club accounts, overdraft protection plans and more.
  • Community Involvement: Credit unions foster a spirit of community involvement by organizing programs and events for community welfare. Members and non-members are encouraged to participate in these events & programs and the money raised through such events is used for a noble cause.
  • Spread Financial Literacy: Credit unions organize special events aimed at teaching financial skills such as saving, budgeting, good spending habits and investing to members of the community. Some credit unions even organize fairs at schools in the community to provide real life financial management guidance to students. They are trained and counselled to understand financial matters.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers financial services like low interest auto loans, used car loans, savings accounts, checking accounts, etc. to its members. For more information on credit unions in Texas, call at (254) 690 – 2274. You can also visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542.

Why Good Credit Matters



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Ways To Get Out Of Debt

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Reasons To Borrow Secured Loan

Secured loans, also referred to as collateral loans are backed by an asset (usually a home or car) that is pledged as security to the lender. You can also get a secured loan against your savings account, a certificate of deposit or anything of value. In case the borrower is unable to return the loan, the lender has the right to take possession of the collateral and sell it to compensate for the unpaid amount. Lenders often seek collateral that is of a greater value than the amount of loan.

Common types of secured loans are mortgages, secured credit cards, secured personal loans and home equity loans. Secured loans offer numerous benefits to the borrower, some of which are listed below:

  • Enhances Credit Rating: Secured loans are easy to acquire even if the borrower’s credit rating is low. However, a borrower can work towards building his credit score over time by making timely payments towards his secured loan.
  • Lower Interest Rates: Another major reason for borrowing secured loans is their rate of interest. Since the loans are secured with a collateral, lenders feel more confident and may disperse loans at lower interest rates.  
  • Flexible Terms: Borrowers who avail secured loans enjoy flexible repayment terms. A consumer can choose a repayment schedule that suits his financial circumstances. The repayment terms may be as long as 30 years. Lenders offer longer terms because real estate pledged as security, usually appreciates over time and this adds to the value of collateral while the loan is being repaid.
  • Usage: Secured loans can be used for a variety of purposes provided the purpose is legally valid. A consumer can use the money for investing, home improvement, weddings, funeral expenses, moving expenses, etc.
  • Larger Loans: With secured loans, borrowers enjoy the benefit of being able to borrow larger amount of money for a longer duration. This is because of collateral in the form of tangible assets guaranteed to the lender by the borrower. Lenders know that if for any reason the borrower defaults to pay back the loan amount, collateral can be sold to recover the unpaid amount of loan.
  • Easy To Acquire: The main requirement for a secured loan is collateral. Thus, if you have collateral in the form of a valuable asset such as a piece of real estate, a car, precious jewelry, a house or deposited cash, you can easily acquire a secured loan.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers affordable secured loans to its members in Killeen. The loan officers at the credit union help the members in choosing loan amount and terms as per their financial situation. To know more about secured loans in Killeen, call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542.

Savings Accounts Offered By GCTFCU



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Taking A Secured Loan From Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

Meaning of Secured Loan

When a borrower pledges an asset as collateral for a loan, such a loan is called a Secured Loan. The debt/loan is secured against the collateral. If the borrower fails to repay the loan amount, the creditor can sell the asset to get back a part of the money that was lent.

Secured Loans offer benefits such as lower rates of interest, high borrowing limits and long repayment terms.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers Secured Loans to its members at competitive rates. The loans provide members with a financial boost when sudden expenses crop up; for a vacation, home improvement, purchasing a new car or a pre-owned vehicle, etc.

A Secured Loan is granted against collateral that is either equal in value of the loan amount or greater (at least 20 percent greater).

For a shared Secured Loan, the loan is backed by a share account that is held with Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. This excludes an IRA. It is necessary for the balance in the share account to be equal to or more than the loans balance (through its life).

Benefits of taking Secured Loans from Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union:

  • Fast approvals: Loans are approved within 24-48 hours of receiving a completed application form and verification of income.
  • Convenience of payment: Services like direct deposit, payroll deduction and automatic transfer are offered to members to facilitate repayment of the loan.
  • Lower interest rates.
  • Promote savings.
  • Skip-a-payment option.
  • Higher borrowing limits.
  • Easy application process.
  • Flexibility: There is an option of converting fixed-rate loans to variable-rate loans. Even the amount of premium can be varied as per the convenience of the borrower.
  • Helpful and friendly staff.
  • Involvement of members to vote on new policies.
  • No minimum balance restraint.
  • Programs to help members manage their budget and unexpected expenses.
  • It is locally run.
  • Insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) – A Federal government agency.

GCTFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates for the common benefit and welfare of its member-owners. Its members consist of people from the local community’s churches, schools and also employers. All members are equal owners. For more information on availing Secured Loan from Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, call at - (254) 690 - 2274

Things To Do Immediately If Your Credit Card Is Stolen



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All About Credit Score



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How Do Credit Unions Work

Credit unions are financial cooperatives comprising of members who pool their money which is further used to provide loans, financial products and services, and demand deposits to one another. The income generated by a credit union is used for various projects and services that are in interest of community and members of the union.
On the surface, credit unions have many similarities with other financial institutions, but they greatly differ in their working. To understand the working of credit unions, let’s look at the following points:
You can become a member of Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to avail the services offered. For more information, visit at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Ways To Get Out Of Credit Card Debt



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Things To Know About Unsecured Loans