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

Bank Vs Credit Union- Which One Is Better?

Once you decide to buy a car, the first question that is likely to pop in your mind is what the best loan option for you is. With a number of institutions offering auto loans, you need to smartly evaluate your options, and ensure that you settle for the best possible deal. For most people, these options boil down to two options- banks and credit unions, and that is where the age-old dilemma begins. If you are confused by this dilemma, and aren't sure which of these institutions is right for you, we will tell you how credit unions are a better option than banks for auto loans.

  • Lower rates of interest- The interest rate that you get as a borrower is the prime consideration that needs to be made while applying for an auto loan. Credit unions have always offered favorable interest rates, which are significantly lower when compared to those at banks. Lower interest rates translate into lower monthly payments. This is because credit unions function as non-profit organizations. In fact, along with the low interest rates, credit unions also charge a lower fee for loan applications.
  • Utmost customer convenience- A credit union works for the benefit of the community, and being a member of a credit union, you can be assured of getting the best service at each step of your loan application. You are spared from all the red tape and elaborate paper work that goes into applying for an auto loan at a bank. You get to talk to a real person, receive a speedy response, and in case of rejection are offered with a clear explanation of why you cannot receive the loan.
  • Shorter loans- By applying for an auto loan at a credit union, you can repay your loan much faster than in case of a conventional bank loan. This is because of the low interest rates, which reduce the total payment that you need to make.
  • Not-for-profit model- The not-for-profit model of credit unions works greatly in favor of the borrowers, since it eliminates the possibility of hidden costs and divided profits among shareholders. As a credit union member, you are essentially a shareholder, which means that every little profit to the organization, whether in the form of hidden fees or service charges, will come back to you as lower interest rates.

For cheap auto loans in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. We can also be contacted at 254-690-2274.

How To Choose The Right Term Length For A Car Loan

When going for a car loan, one of the most important factors to take into consideration is the term of the loan. Going for a short-term loan or a long-term loan is a personal choice that has to be made as per your current financial position. If you are able to pay higher rates of interest over a short period of time, then short term loans are a good option for you. On the other hand, if you earn a fixed income every month and feel you cannot pay huge amounts of interest every month and would prefer to pay smaller installments over a long period, then long term loans are the way to go.

Short-term loans are generally those that stretch from 12 months to 36 months whereas long-term loans are those that go up to 72 months. Nowadays, considering that the prices of cars are escalating due to better technology and durability, it is advisable to go for 72 Month Auto Financing as an economical option. These loans also let you set your hands on some of the most expensive cars in the automobile market as you can easily pay them off without affecting your day-to-day life.

Benefits of opting for 72-month car loans:

  • These loans significantly cut down on your monthly payments as they are spread over a long period with low interest rates.
  • You can always re-finance such a loan to reduce your costs, as it will cut down on the interest payments you have to make.
  • Today’s cars are far more reliable than those of the yesteryears and come with longer warranties than before. This means that even after five to six years, your car will be in great shape even if you are still repaying your car loan. This is a great relaxation for those under the misconception that long-term loans extend beyond a cars useful life.
  • Another great advantage of opting for these loans is that you get to buy the car of your dreams without worrying about whether you can afford it or not. The reason for this is the ease with which you can make your payments by installments spread over up to 6 years.

So,  next time if you are confused as to which term length to choose for a car loan, you can safely opt for a long-term one as it is economical and comes along with many more benefits. If you are interested in procuring 72 month auto loan, visit us 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.

Auto Financing Jargons For Your Convenience

Anyone who has ever applied for a car loan knows how confusing and intimidating the terminology used can be. The jargons used by auto financiers are terms they find convenient for putting across their points to the consumer. Most of the consumers find these terms very complicated and fail to understand the working of the auto loan due to which they end up striking deals, the consequences of which they might not be aware of. This is the reason for which anyone intending to get a vehicle financed should at least be aware of what commonly used auto financing jargons mean.

Here is an explanation of common jargons used in the world of auto financing:

  1. Annual percentage rate (APR)-  This rate refers to the fixed or variable interest rate at which the lender is prepared to lend the loan amount over a specific period of time. A low APR does not necessarily mean a cheap loan especially if the term of the loan is a long one. A long term of loan will mean you have to pay a higher number of monthly installments, which will lead to more interest.
  2. Loan term- This refers to the total period before your loan matures and is usually stated in months ranging from 24 to 84 months at the most. The significance of letting you know the loan term is to give you an idea as to when you are expected to pay off the loan.
  3. Down payments- Down payment refers to an initial deposit that you make to your car seller and it is usually in the form of cash, a check, or a trade-in. It has an impact on your loan as the bigger the amount of down payment you make, the smaller your auto loan will be, and the more you will end up saving.
  4. Trade-in- This term is used when you trade-in your old vehicle with the seller as a down payment for the new vehicle that you wish to purchase. However, it is subject to the condition as to whether the seller is ready to accept a trade-in or not.
  5. Upside down- This term is used to describe a situation in which you owe more on the car you are purchasing than its fair market value. The cause for such a situation is the depreciation a car goes through within the first few months of its usage. The best way to avoid an upside down situation is to deposit a good amount of down payment.

To know more about Auto Financing in Texas, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Buying A Used Car: A Smart Move

Everyone loves buying a new car but very few consider the option of a used car as a smart move. Of course, nothing compares to the feeling of driving a new car out of the showroom, but the moment it is out, it has already depreciated in value. A used car on the other hand holds longer to its value thus giving you much more value for your money. It is an economically viable option as you can get it financed for much less as compared to a new car without compromising on the features and its life.

However, buying a used car can be a tricky choice to make, as you will have to ensure the dealer you are dealing has high credibility. You should also be good at negotiating, as this will help you strike a deal that will be beneficial to you in terms of the cost. When it comes to buying used cars, your assessment of its condition is very important and for this, you should have at least some basic knowledge about vehicles. You may also need to ask your dealer a number of questions to clarify any doubts that you have without any hesitation knowing that it is your right as a buyer,

After you have finally settled for a car, it is important to get it checked thoroughly by a mechanic for any defects. Sometimes, a vehicle might look spic and span from the exteriors, but within, it could be having a host of problems that are difficult for a layman to assess. You should also ask for the vehicles history as such details will give you an insight into who owned the car previously, whether it had an accident or any other problem. If your mechanic passes the vehicle and you have no problem with its history, you will now have to bargain to the best of your ability.

In economic times as unpredictable as today’s, it is a smarter choice to opt for a used car as opposed to a new one in every respect. Car dealers these days stress a lot on the condition of the car and make the most of the latest technology to ensure that a used car looks as good as a new one. For you as a buyer, it is a win win situation as you get the best for a very reasonable amount of money.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide cheap and quick secured car loans, for used car as well as the new ones. For more details, kindly visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Credit Unions For Cheap Auto Loans

Credit unions are financial institutions that are formed by a group of people with some similar interests. This group might be of business partners, members of a church, etc. Such a group pools in its assets to form capital that can be lent to members of the union as a loan. Many people prefer credit union loans to loans from regular financial institutions because their interest rates are very competitive, making them a cheaper option in the long-run. Low interest rates are a boon for borrowers especially when it comes to auto loans.

Auto loans from credit unions are very convenient for the borrower due to the following reasons:

  • Easy availability of money: Most of the financial institutions make their terms and policies stringent especially when the economic conditions are not favorable and this becomes a major handicap for borrowers. Credit unions do not suffer from such issues as they have enough funds at all times and enjoy good relationships with most of the car dealers making them a reliable source of loans. The process of getting loans from credit unions has been further simplified as you can now get a loan online or even over the phone.
  • Flexibility: Credit unions are very flexible when it comes to the terms and conditions for offering loans. It lets the borrower switch from a long-term loan to a short-term loan at his convenience and he can even extend the period of the loan in case of non-payment. You can also negotiate on the interest rates and settle for one that is comfortable for you.
  • Lower interest rates: This is probably the biggest advantage of opting for auto loans from credit unions as it cuts down on your expenditure in the long-run. Credit unions are non-profit organizations due to which their main motive is to help those in need of money without focusing on how much they end up gaining. This is the main reason for which auto loans offered by them have very reasonable interest rates as compared to those of other financial institutions.
  • Easy membership and perks: The process of becoming a member of a credit union is uncomplicated and once a member, you get additional perks that non-members do not enjoy. Members enjoy a further slash on the interest rates coupled with other offers that make it easier for them to clear their loan.

For more information on how to secure an Auto Loan in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union located at - 3305 E. Elms Rd. Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

72 Month Auto Financing: Pros And Cons

72 month auto loans come as a welcome option for those who wish to have low monthly installments, and wish to keep the same car for a long period of time. The duration of auto loans ranges from an average of 36 months to as long as 120 months. Even though, most of the Auto Loan companies only provide 60 month auto loans, you can avail a low EMI 72 month auto loan with financial institutions like Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. If you aren’t sure about what to expect from a 72-month auto loan, we have put together a list of pros and cons of such a loan, from a buyer’s perspective-

Pros-

  • The most obvious advantage of a long-term loan is the low monthly payments. If you have a steady, yet low monthly income, and would not like to spend 2-3 years on a meager income due to loan payments, this option might be the right one for you.
  • If you have a strong credit and income that shows well on papers, you might even get low interest rates on a 72-month auto loan, making it a win-win situation for you.
  • A 72-month auto loan is ideal when you badly want a dream car but cannot afford it just yet. The long period of repayment might be the price that you’ll have to pay, but it’s eventually worth it, especially considering that your financial condition might improve over the years.
  • Another scenario in which such a loan is favorable is when you are buying a vintage car, the value of which will not depreciate over the years.

Cons-

  • As the loan is of longer tenure the total interest paid in 72 months would be more in comparison to 2 years or 3 years auto loan.
  • It is important to check the terms and conditions of such long tenure loans as you might want to pre-pay the whole loan amount before 72 months.

To procure instant 72 Month Auto Loan in Central Texas, 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.

Questions To Ask When Applying For A Car Loan

Car loans are a great way of getting the car of your dreams regardless of whether you have the cash or not. The only arduous phase in getting such a loan is the preliminary one where you need to do some homework on the financial institutions offering loans and what their terms and conditions are. It is very important to be clear about the fundamentals of a car loan and for this, you might have to ask your lender some crucial questions. Those taking such a loan for the first time might not even be aware of the intricacies of a car loan, and could end up in complications later on.

Anyone opting for a car loan should ask questions relating to the following points:

  • Interest rate: You must ask about the rate of interest being offered on the loan to assess what your total costs will be at the end of the loan term. Credit unions are known to offer loans at very competitive interest rates, which make them a cheaper option in the long run.
  • Term of the loan: Do inquire about the term of the loan, as a longer term will mean you will have to pay a lower amount of installments each month. On the other hand, a shorter term will require you to pay larger installments, which might become burdensome for some. Information on the term of the loan is very important to help you judge how much you will be comfortable paying each month.
  • Down payment: A larger down payment will cut down on your interest charge thus lowering your costs while a smaller down payment will mean a higher interest. It is good to clarify how much the lender expects and what scheme of things will suit you the most.
  • Prepayment of the loan: Ask your lender about the terms and conditions related to prepayment of loans. In some cases, the lenders charge a penalty from the borrower for paying back the loan before the stipulated period. Others do not charge penalties but refrain from refunding you any finance charges that you might have incurred.
  • Late charges: Ask about the late charges that you will have to incur in case of a delay in the payment of an installment. The late charges are usually a percentage of the unpaid amount regardless of whether you have paid off a partial amount.

For all kinds of auto loans, contact us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542 or give us a ring at 254-690-2274.

The Benefits Of Credit Unions Over Banks

With banks gaining a notorious reputation for charging obscenely high amounts of interests and being money-minting organizations, most people are seeking more economical avenues for getting auto loans. What better organization could there be for this purpose than an institution owned by the very people who need the loan- the local credit unions. Credit unions are rampant in Texas, and are emerging as an ideal option for borrowing money as they offer better loan terms.

Another key feature that sets credit unions apart from banks is the fact that they operate as member-oriented institutions. As a member of a credit union, you will have a say in its operation and the major decisions made in the credit union. This is widely contrasting to banks, in which the members have no ownership rights, and are simply workers of the shareholders running the bank. In addition, credit unions are exempted from various taxes, which make them even more affordable with much lower interest rates on auto and other loans.

Even though it might be initially difficult to secure membership in a credit union, it definitely is worth it once you do. The way a credit union works is distinctly different from a bank, since these unions generally have a small membership, making the service much more efficient and personalized. You might be surprised to find that the staff at the credit union recognizes you by your face in just a few visits, and you might even have one person completely dedicated to your service.

Another major advantage of credit unions over banks is that these organizations are more flexible in the terms and conditions of accepting a loan. While a bank might simply strike out your name if you do not match the criteria for an auto loan, a credit union is much more likely to work out a way to get your loan through.

For more information on how to secure an Auto Loan in Central Texas, visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union located at - 3305 E. Elms Rd.Killeen, TX 76542.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Auto Financing

Purchasing a vehicle is a major event in the lives of many and involves a huge sum of money that is usually not easy to pay instantly. Auto financing is an option that you can adopt by which you get to take home the car of your choice on the very day of purchase irrespective of whether you can pay the whole amount or not. It eases of the burden of making lump sum payments and lets you pay for the vehicle as per your comfort within a span of time that suits you best. If you are considering getting your vehicle financed, the following are some steps that will help you go about it easily:

  • Determine your mode of action: The first step is to decide whether you would like to get the loan from a financial institution or from a dealer. Both methods of financing are equally good provided you understand the terms and conditions of each.  Financial institutions are great for those who have prior associations with them as they will help through all the formalities and make the whole process easier. Dealer financing is good for those who want everything to be dealt with by those selling the car as it takes less time and can be quite convenient.
  • Understand the concepts: Before leaping into the realm of financing, be very clear about everything it encompasses. Understand the concepts of down payment, interest rates, the terms of loans, etc, as they are the foundation stones of the whole deal. It is best to settle for larger amounts of down payments and consequently lesser installments. Compare the interest rates of various dealers before settling on one as you can greatly save by cutting down on this expense and also try bargaining for a slash in the rates.
  • Formalities: When getting a vehicle financed, you may be asked to furnish some important documents and adhere to some requirements such as producing sources of identification, bank statements, income tax returns, etc. It is best if you keep all this ready beforehand, as it will make the whole process less confusing for you. After this, you will be required to sign a couple of documents and paperwork to seal the deal and it would be wise to thoroughly go through what you are signing. Do not hesitate to ask about anything that you are not able to understand so as to avoid complications in the future.

To avail cheap and quick auto loans in Texas, kindly visit us at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We have amazing deals on auto loans for our customers. We are located at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call us at 254-690-2274.

72 Month Auto Financing For Used Car

If you are ready to make the big purchase of a car, but aren’t sure whether you will be able to pay the loans, a 72-month used car loan is an option worth considering. This loan is particularly useful for those who have a low monthly income, and would not mind a prolonged repayment period. Since it’s a 6-year period that we are talking about, this is not a decision to be plunged into without careful deliberation. It is more important than ever to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate of interest in a 72-month loan, as this will make a big difference to the final amount that you end up paying over the loan’s period.
Benefits-

  • Low monthly payments- Since the loan is being distributed over a long period, the result is lower monthly payments, which are likely to be easy for you to keep paying on a low income. The budgeted installments make the eventually higher long-term payment worth it, decreasing the likelihood of overdraft fees.
  • Option to generate an income- Over the long period of a 72 Month Auto Financing, you can use the car to run a lucrative business, hence generating enough income to compensate for the extra cost incurred in the loan.
  • Refinancing- If the changes in the US prime lending rate are favorable down the lane, you might benefit from refinancing your used car after a few years.

It is thus evident that a 72-month auto loan is a great option for a buyer with a low monthly income, for whom a used car is going to be the major investment over the next few years. The fixed rates of interest on such a loan, when combined with the low monthly installments, take the pressure off the borrowers, helping them to navigate a plan for the future.

Requirements-

  • Credit history- Since this loan relies on you being able to make regular payments over a long period of time, a good credit score will work in your favor to get a low rate of interest on such a loan.
  • Down payment- It is advisable to make as high a down payment as possible, as not only does this lower your monthly installments, but it also helps in getting a more favorable rate of interest.
  • Proof of income- In order to be eligible for a 72-month auto loan, you shall have to submit proof of a regular source of income, so that the lender can be assured of your ability to make the monthly payments in time.

To procure instant 72 Month Auto Loan in Central Texas, 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.

GCTFCU Blog | How Car Financing Works
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

How Car Financing Works



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