• Know Your Repaying Capacity – Do not borrow an amount which you cannot repay. Check if you have enough monetary and income sources to make sure you make no defaults on repayment of interest and loan amount.

• Take Loan From A Credit Union – It is a wise decision to opt for loans from credit unions. To apply for loan, a credit union membership is quintessential. From liberal policies to low interest rates, they offer a wide range of home loan options to their members.

• Start Saving For The Down Payment – No matter what type or amount of loan you opt for, saving early for the down payment is imperative. Saving and planning for your down payment helps you to take advantage of better options and to meet your financial commitments on time.

• Avoid Long Term Loans – Longer the period of loan, more the interest rates. To avoid shelling out dollars, it is highly advisable to take loans for a shorter tenure which are affordable and easy to repay.

• Ensure Complete Paperwork – To get qualified for home loan promptly, make sure that you possess all the necessary financial documents that your lender asks for.

• Plan Your Budget – If you are planning to take a home loan in near future, plan your budget accordingly. Cut down on other expenses to make sure that you save enough to fulfil your financial commitments that shall arise when you opt for a loan.

• Choose An Ideal Loan Option – Thoroughly research for all the available loans options and select that one whose terms and conditions suit you the best. Carefully choose the loan type after considering your financial status and requirements. Focus on all the aspects of the loan rather than just taking into account the low interest rates.

• Improve Your Credit Score – You must have a good credit score to secure the best deal. The lender would certainly consider your credit records to ensure himself whether you would be able to repay your loan or not.

• Use A Mortgage Calculator- It requires you to enter some basic details like price of home, your down payment savings, payments per year etc. The easy to use calculator allows you to calculate mortgage payments you would need to pay on the basis of the information you fill in.

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• Competitive rates of interest: A credit union offers loans at viable rates of interest that makes it easier for the members to get one. Even the loan terms are favorable due to which they can repay the loan along with the specified interest rates at a very comfortable pace.
• No hidden charges: Credit unions have a small upfront fee when it comes to lending formalities. Apart from this, there are no hidden charges, security deposits or penalties that you are required to make. Not only this, even the paperwork for a loan is not a lengthy process and can be completed within no time. This makes the overall loan process faster and is beneficial for the borrower.
• Hassle-free membership requirements: It is easy to become a member of a credit union. Whether you are working in a certain company, business or government organization; you can apply for the membership of a credit union. After becoming a member, you get to enjoy all the advantages associated with the membership of the credit union.
• Works for the benefit of members: Credit union is member and community-oriented. It is formed to provide loan benefits to the members. Even if you default on a loan payment, a credit union is likely to stand with you and offer other possible options.
• Reasons To Get A Loan From A Credit Union: Nowadays, credit unions offer user-friendly loan options wherein borrowers can simply go online and apply or call over the phone to discuss the details and formalities. This saves the time of actually visiting the credit union premises and talking face-to-face with the loan officer.
• Additional bonus for members: The members of credit union can get additional bonus offers which are not open for general consumers. The unique perks are promoted by credit unions and this helps in providing extra benefits for those who are a part of the credit union. This is another important reason why you should become a member and get a loan from the credit union.

• Checking: The online checking accounts make it easier for members to conveniently manage their financial affairs on a day-to-day basis. Credit unions require a minimum daily balance to be maintained in the account and also charge a nominal monthly fee. However, there are no transaction charges. Members can sign up for E-Statements even with low minimum daily balance. They are also offered a free Debit Card and Overdraft Protection.
• Savings: Credit unions offer online access to savings accounts such as a Share Account, Money Market Accounts, Vacation Club, Christmas Account, Certificates of Deposit and IRAs. To open any of these accounts, members are required to present 2 types of identification proofs i.e. social security card and a recent picture ID. In addition to this, a nominal amount is usually charged for opening the account.
• IRA: Credit union members can opt for a Variable Rate Traditional or Roth IRAs. IRAs are beneficial for youngsters who are starting a career, couples, growing families and retired members. Online services have simplified the process of starting an IRA in a credit union or transferring an existing one to it.

• Payroll Deduction
• MasterCard Cash Advance
• Wire Transfer
• Direct Deposit
• ATM
• Bill Pay
• Regular Share Savings Account
• Checking Accounts
• Share Certificates of Deposit
• Loan Services: New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Loans

• Membership Process: The prerequisite for applying for a car loan from a credit union is that the borrower should be its member. The membership eligibility requirements are based on where a prospective member lives, works or worships. Once you find a credit union that you are eligible for, all you need to do is submit a duly filled application form with required documents and make a small deposit to open an account. Being a member of a credit union, you are eligible to apply for a loan from that credit union.
• Low Interest Rate: Credit unions offer highly competitive interest rates on car loans. The underlying reason is that credit unions are non-profit organizations which reinvest their profits to benefit their members.
• Quality Customer Service: Members of credit unions enjoy personalized services. They are encouraged to discuss any concerns they may have about the loan, inquire about flexible repayment options and review their financial situation with professionals.
• Non-Sales Approach: Credit union’s aim is to offer members high quality financial products and services without focusing on profits. Instead of trying to sell a service, credit unions try to help members make the best financial decision as per their individual requirements and financial status.

• 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.

• They are owned by their members. Anyone who opens an account with a credit union, albeit a small one, becomes a partial owner. So, every member has an equal right to vote for the leadership position of the union. However, to become a member, one needs to qualify. For this:
  • You should live, work or worship in a particular city or area,
  • Be a member of a certain group e.g. the same college, armed forces, a church, etc.
• You will have to fill out an application form, prove your eligibility, provide the name of a relative, employer or organization you work for and personal information such as your place of residence and work.
• Thereafter you will have to choose the financial services you are interested in.
• Once you are eligible for being a member of the credit union, the next requirement is to open an account with it.
• Credit unions are federally insured or protected by National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
• They consist of an upper management body which formulates strategies, makes policies and so on. This board generally comprises of elected volunteers.
• Service precedes profitability in credit unions and this is the reason for which they offer competitive rates for their services and products.
• Most credit unions offer savings and loan accounts to their members along with other additional products and services.
• Credit unions provide services such as Checking Accounts, ATM Cards, Credit Cards, Auto Loans, Payroll Deduction, Direct Deposit, Notary Service, Mastercard Cash Advance, On-Line Access, Mastercard Gift Cards, Wire Transfer, ACH Origination, Bill Pay etc.