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

Member Services At Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

11. June 2015 Administrator Blog (0)
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading organization serving the financial needs of our clients in Killeen, TX. We, being a non-profit entity, work solely for the benefit of our members. All the services offered at our credit union are designed keeping in mind our members’ needs and economic requirements. We understand how important it is to make our clients banking tasks convenient and simplified.

Some of the member services offered at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union are:

  • Payroll Deduction: We provide our members with the most convenient way to make loan payments, save money, deposit money into children’s account etc. We will automatically deduct a specified amount every month from your paycheck without you having to visit the branch personally.
  • Direct Deposit: When you sign up for our direct deposit service, you can get your payroll, pension, social security, tax refunds or retirement benefits check deposited directly into your credit union account. You need to fill up a form to avail direct deposit and specify the account details where payments need to be sent.
  • Notary Service: This is a service provided to all our members to easily get their documents attested and certified. We provide notary services for all types of affidavits, title transfers, power of attorneys, deeds etc. 
  • MasterCard Cash Advance: At the credit union, we aim to make it easier for you to obtain cash, whenever you need. Hence, we offer Cash Advance service at minimal interest rates on your MasterCard credit card. You can avail the service at any of our ATMs or at the branch itself. 
  • On-Line Access: We offer several options to our members to manage their finances and access their account online, at any time of the day. You just have to log in with your username and password to avail a host of banking services. 
  • MasterCard Gift Cards: Our MasterCard Gift Cards are a wonderful option to make your loved ones celebrate their special day the way they want. 
  • Wire Transfer: Transferring funds from one financial institution to another is safer and convenient with our wire transfer service.
For more details about the member services offered at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Checklist Before Getting A Secured Loan

12. March 2015 Administrator Blog (0)
Secured loans are a type of loan, which require the borrower to mortgage a valuable asset as a security for the loan. People prefer secured loans, as they are easier to obtain as compared to the unsecured loans. The secured loans often come with lower interest rates and allow the borrower to get tax deductions. However, it is crucial to do your homework before applying for secured loans with a credit union.

Here is the checklist that you must consider before getting a secured loan:

Check your credit file before applying

Your credit score is a major deciding factor when you apply for secured loan. It will decide the amount that you can borrow and the amount of interest rate that you will pay. Therefore, it is crucial that you check your credit file before applying for a secured loan. This will help you know whether you stand any chance to be approved or not.

Ensure that you can repay

Before applying for a secured loan, it is advised that you should assess your ability to repay the loan amount. Failing to repay the amount can lead to heavy penalty charges.  It will also have adverse effect on your credit file. By not repaying your loan amount on time, you also put your asset, which you have used as security, at risk. You should calculate your monthly repayment amount by using loan comparison tables to know whether you will be able to afford the repayment amount or not.

Decide the loan period

It is important that you choose the right loan period depending upon your budget. A longer repayment time will reduce the monthly payments but increase the interest amount. Similarly, having a shorter repayment time will involve less interest rate but increase the monthly installment manifolds. Thus you should determine the loan period carefully.

Compare the price

When applying for a loan you need to pay certain costs such as initial valuation and legal fee that are included in your interest rate (APR). You must confirm the costs and compare the prices to get the best deal.

Documentation

Depending upon your credit union and the type of secured loan you are applying f GCTFCU Blog | Blog
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Credit Union Glossary

30. May 2017 Administrator Blog (0)

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Advantages Of A Credit Union

22. March 2017 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog, Home Loans (0)



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Credit Union: Benefits Of Membership

27. December 2016 Administrator Blog (0)
Since many years, credit unions have become a preferred choice of people who are looking for affordable and reliable financial services. Though they seem similar to other organizations, membership at a credit union comes along with many additional benefits to maximize benefit for the clients. Whether you are looking for an affordable home/auto loan or looking for beneficial savings and investment options, credit unions can offer you the most liable solution.

Given below are some of the benefits of becoming a member of a credit union in Killeen, TX:

Low interest financing options

The most significant benefit of joining a credit union is that you can avail home and auto loans at low interest rates. Being a non-profit organization, credit unions are exempted from paying the state and federal taxes which allows them to offer affordable financing options. Also, there are no stakeholders to share the returns and all the profits are directly returned back to the members.  

Easy application process

The process of applying a loan at a credit union is quite simple and straightforward. It does not involve extensive paperwork and the staff provides complete assistance through the entire process. You just need to fill out the form and submit the necessary documents. The processing charges and other fees are also minimal.

Quick loan approval

When you apply for a loan at a credit union, you can expect to get approval within a few days. In case of a secured auto loan, there are no rigorous background checks to be performed. The collateral provided by the borrower serves as a security against the loan amount. Therefore, such loans are usually approved within 48 to 72 hours.

Quality customer service

The staff at the credit union works with the sole purpose of providing convenient and superior services to the members. They provide personal attention to each client and help in resolving their queries regarding financial transactions. The customer service representatives are very knowledgeable and responsive to the clients’ concerns as well as feedback.

Volunteer board of directors

Unlike banks, credit unions are member owned and operated organizations. The board of directors are elected and nominated by the members every year. The board then formulates the policies and monitors the working of the credit union.   
Equal rights

Being a member of a credit union makes you a part-owner along with the right to say in the governance matters. All members can share their opinion and provide suggestions regarding new policy, irrespective of the amount of money in their account.

No stringent rules on minimum account balance refinance your auto loan, a credit union in your locality might be the best option. Switching to a credit union can bring you major savings and can help you get your finances in order while you can still enjoy the benefits of your dream car.

How Credit Unions Can Help

Credit unions are nonprofit organizations and with that status they are in a position of strength when it comes to offering members deals of great value. Credit union members can save thousands of dollars when they choose to refinance their car loans. The procedure involves simple steps and a hassle-free agreement, and you could be on your way to making large savings on your auto loan. Re-financing your auto loan works exactly like re-financing any other kind of loan – you borrow the money from your local credit union to pay off your auto loan, with terms and rates which are remarkably more favorable and friendly.

The application process is quick and easy, and there is not even the need for your car to be appraised for you to get approval. If you are simultaneously paying off other loans, refinancing will almost certainly lessen your financial burden. Savings can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars- money that you can productively use elsewhere. Also, the earlier you refinance your auto loan with a credit union, the more you can save.

If you want to cut down on your monthly payments, you can change the terms of your loan when you refinance, and spread it out over a wider duration of time which gives you the option to pay lower EMIs. All things considered, switching to a credit union for refinancing your car loan can well be a smart move which brings home major savings.

To refinanace your auto loan in Killeen, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at (254) 690 - 2274.

Dos And Don'ts For A Home Loan

16. July 2014 Administrator Blog (0)

Before considering applying for a home loan, there are a few things that need to be understood to get the loan you want. Carefully thinking about what might adversely affect your home loan can save you from a lot of hassles like irregularities in payment of installments, unpaid balance on credit cards etc.  Applying for a loan for home can be very stressing and therefore, after carefully analyzing your financial position and credit history should one consider applying for a home loan. Below are some of the do's and don'ts that must be followed to make the home loan process smoother.

Dos

  • All the loan and debt payments should be made on time to keep your credit history clean. Not adhering to this rule deliberately reduces the credit score. This credit score determines what amount of home loan you will get if you manage to get one.
  • Credit card payments can be missed but payments of installments of other mortgages like auto loan should be prioritized. It shows that you pay installments on time. After looking at the performance of similar mortgage loans, the credit scoring system will assign you the score. Credit card payments can be made later as they have fluctuating balances.
  • To avoid raising any red flag, your credit card transactions should be normal like before and should not be stopped immediately.
  • Any inconsistencies, inaccuracy and missing information should be removed from the credit reports to make it clean of negative data.
  • Unpaid balance in credit cards should be paid off to the point that  balance ratio becomes less than 30%.

Don'ts

  • Loan approval process can be impacted by your job stability. If you are constantly changing jobs and changing positioning in a company it might hurt the approval of your home loan.
  • Any major purchases like car, lines of credit for furniture, expensive gadgets should be avoided. This also impacts your credit score and hamper your chances to get your loan approved.
  • Purchase of clothes for family should be limited. Instead of buying clothes at every occasion, they can be bought at one or two occasions.
  • A new credit card should not be opened. New credit card adds additional inquiry into your credit score which kills chances of getting a home loan.
  • Previous credit card accounts should not be closed either. It has a negative impact on your credit score.
  • Some people get a new loan while applying for a home loan. It looks bad with the underwriters and must be avoided.

Home loans applications can be rejected if the borrower doesn't comply with some of the tips mentioned above. No change in number, accounts, address should be made to avoid getting the applications rejected.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer home loans at very low interest rates. Interested individuals can contact us at (254)-690-2274 for more information or visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Benefits Of Getting A Home Loan From A Credit Union In Killeen TX

9. July 2014 Administrator Blog (0)

Credit unions are non-profit organizations that provide savings, credit and financial services to their members including savings and checking accounts, loans, mortgages etc. Rather than depending on outside capital, they pool deposits from their members and finance loans to their borrowers. They are different from other institutions in the way that they are member owned institutions. Getting a home loan from a credit union is a better option for those looking out for low interest rates. They provide affordable financial services to their customers.Credit unions keep their mortgage loans in their own investment portfolios and do not have to follow any regulations about keeping those loans. They are a great way of saving money and offer some of the best loan packages in the industry. The following points discuss why using a credit union for a home loan can be enormously beneficial -

  • As a member owned institution, their focus is different than other institutions and look for the best interest of their credit members.
  • They have been exempted from paying any taxes because they do not invest their borrower’s money in the market which makes them non-profit. This gives them an edge as they provide competitive rates and due to this, the borrowers can get low interest rates when financing through a credit union on home loans, mortgages and higher rates on savings accounts.
  • Credit Unions charge low or no fee from their customers for applying for a home loan.
  • They are more service oriented towards their customers. They offer personalized services to their borrowers and help them conveniently apply for a home loan. They maintain communication with them by responding to their phone calls, emails/letters and understanding their requirements. 
  • Credit Unions set their own income requirements and there is a higher possibility of approving home loans for those who have minimum income but wish to apply for a home loan. As a member of a credit union, chances of approval of a home loan are high.
  • They offer a full range of mortgage solutions while applying for a home loan. There is a variety of conventional home loans options available and borrowers can choose whichever applies to them.
  • Credit Unions help make applying for home loans faster, especially if the borrowers have a history with them. Securing a home loan becomes easier and good financial relationships are made.

Moreover, there are no penalties for paying the home loan amount early and home loans can be paid back through a variety of channels, like direct from your salary via payroll deduction.

Blog, Car Loan (0)
If you are planning to purchase a new or used car, financing it must be on your mind. A credit union is one of the safest and easiest ways to procure a car loan. You can choose from a wide range of loan plans, depending upon your budget and financing requirements.  

Here are some benefits of first approaching your local credit union in Killeen, TX for an auto loan:

  • Chances of approval are more: Credit union is open to listening to the back stories of its members and then deciding on the loan terms. If you are worried about little or no credit history, you may discuss your concerns with the staff and figure out the best way to get the desired loan amount.
  • Convenience: The inter-personal approach of the credit union makes it convenient to apply for the loan even before you make the purchase. A pre-approved loan in your hand helps you to fix the budget for the car and spend prudently.
  • Competitive interest rate: Credit union offers low interest rates which keep your monthly payouts on lower side. Since they know credit history of their members closely they are likely to keep their interests in mind before sanctioning the loan.
  • Bundling: If you have an ongoing loan with the credit union , such as for your home, your interest rate may further be lowered, making it a better deal for you as they encourage bundling.
  • Personal touch: A credit union is a non-profit organization that works for the community. You can get proper knowledge and education about all financing tools in a personal manner at a credit union. The staff takes the time to help clients understand the loan details in order to make a well-informed decision.
  • Educated advice: Credit union has dedicated financial experts who are committed to provide information about financial products to the members. Their aim is to keep everyone informed of new policies and rates. This non-sales approach helps the members to build confidence.
  • Provide stability: Credit union is operated by the members and for the members. They plough back all their profits back in to improving the services for members. This gives them stability and they are not likely to be affected by profit motives.
Research all available options thoroughly before making up your mind. Compare interest rates and terms of loan by reading all documents carefully.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Document Checklist For A Secured Auto Loan In Killeen

14. March 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)
When you need to apply for a secured auto loan, having the required documents at hand can help to get a faster approval for your application. It is important for the credit union to be sure that you will be able to repay the loan on time. This information will help to determine the interest rate that you may be charged on the loan amount.

Given below are some documents that you may need to submit while applying for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX:

  • Income Proof: This is the most important document to be presented by the loan applicants. If you are a salaried individual, you may need to submit at least two of your recent pay stubs from the employer. For self-employed applicants, a copy of the tax returns of the last two financial years may be required. A bank account statement for the past 6 months may also be needed. If you have any source of sizeable income, such as rental properties, alimony, legal settlements etc. do provide the documents for validation.
  • Identity Proof: You must submit a valid identity proof and a recent photograph along with the application for the secured auto loan. The ID proofs that may be accepted include social security card, birth certificate, passport, driver’s license etc. It is recommended that you confirm the identity proof required by your credit union beforehand to avoid any trouble later. 
  • Proof Of Residence: You may also need to submit proof of present and permanent address to apply for the loan. The document you provide should have an address consistent with that on your proof of identity as well as the loan application. 
  • Vehicle Information: If you are buying a new vehicle, you may need to give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the lender. You may also be asked to submit he sales agreement from the dealer which may include the type, make, model, year and purchase price of the vehicle. For buying a used vehicle, get information about the original title, vehicle model and disclosure of no pending liens from the dealer. 
  • Proof Of Insurance: The credit union may also want to ensure that you have a valid insurance policy for your vehicle. The coverage options that you have chosen may also be considered while approving your loan application and deciding the interest rate.
For affordable secured auto loans in Killeen, feel free to contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at (254) 690 – 2274.

Your Killeen Credit Union Is The Best Place For Auto Loans

6. February 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)
Whether you are looking for a loan for a used or new vehicle in Killeen, a credit union can be a great option to consider. Being a non-profit organization, it offers easy financing options to the clients. Also, the loan is approved in much lesser time as compared to other financial institutions.

Given below are some of the reasons you should choose a credit union for auto loan in Killeen:  

  • Higher chances of approval: If you have a lower income, you stand a higher chance of getting an auto loan approved at a credit union than at a bank. The staff at a credit union is inclined towards adjusting the terms of the loan to suit the needs of each client. Pre-approved auto loans may also be extended to make your vehicle purchase a hassle free exercise.
  • Competitive rate of interests: The biggest benefit of getting an auto loan from a credit union is that the interest rates are quite competitive. As these institutions are not liable to pay any state or federal taxes, they are able to offer loans at much lower interest rates.
  • Non-Sales Approach: Since a credit union works for the benefit of its members, the staff does not compel the clients to purchase the loan. Instead, they help the clients compare different loan plans and choose the one that best suits their requirements.
  • Profits are ploughed back: All the profits earned by the credit union are returned back to the members by way of low interest rates, higher dividends and more returns on savings accounts.
  • Friendly service: The management team of a Credit union comprises of members from the organization itself. You may have one to one sessions with loan officers and discuss your queries while your loan is being processed. Unions are flexible and comforting to their member’s concerns.
  • Membership is easy: Becoming a member at a credit union is quite easy. The eligibility criterion to be approved for an auto loan is also not too stringent at a credit union.
If you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer low interest auto loans with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Benefits Of Getting A Car Loan From A Credit Union

6. August 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)
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 loan