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

Unsecured & Secured Auto Loans: Which Loan Is Best For You?

If you are planning to finance your next vehicle purchase, you may have come across the terms 'secured loan' and 'unsecured loan'. Though both the types of auto loans offer varied advantages, it is best to understand the differences between them to decide which one would be a better option for your particular situation.

Given below is a complete comparison of unsecured and secured auto loans to help you make a well informed decision:

Unsecured Auto Loans
In this, the lender approves the loan on the basis of the credit worthiness of the borrower. There is no need to provide any form of security to the lending institution. Once the borrower submits the loan application, the lender evaluates his current financial resources and previous credit records to determine if he will be able to pay back the amount along with the interest rate.

The typical characteristics of an unsecured auto loan are as follows:

  • Interest Rate: The rate of interest quoted for each borrower may vary. Depending upon the borrower's income, credit rating, other financial liabilities and the amount of loan, the lender may charge a reasonable interest rate.
  • Premiums: The borrower can either buy the loan at a fixed or variable interest rate. In the former one, monthly premiums remain constant throughout the duration of the loan. However, in a variable interest rate, the installments may keep on changing according to the current market conditions.
  • Borrowing Limits: The loan amount that can be sanctioned in this case depends upon the value of the car you are planning to purchase. Usually, you can get a certain percentage of the total cost and the remaining has to be paid by you.
  • Loan Tenure: Unsecured loans are available for both short and long term. Short term loans generally have high monthly installments but you end up paying less interest.

Secured Auto Loans
A secured loan can be defined as the one in which the borrower is required to put forward a collateral, usually the vehicle itself, against the loan amount. In case the borrower fails to pay back the loan and interest amount within the stipulated period of time, the lender has the legal right to sell the collateral to recover the money.

The typical characteristics of a secured auto loan are given below:

  • Interest Rate: The rate of interest quoted for a secured loan is comparatively less. Putting forward a valuable collateral minimizes the risk for the lender as he can easily recover the loan in case the borrower fails to do so.
  • Premiums: Secured loans are generally offered on fixed interest rates. Therefore, the premiums remain constant throughout the duration of the loan.
  • Borrowing Limits: If you are planning to purchase a luxury car, you should go for a secured loan as it has higher borrowing limits. You can borrow more money against a collateral of similar value, thus, minimizing the investment to be made out of pocket.
  • Loan Tenure: As the interest rates are quite low, you can conveniently repay the loan amount over a longer period of time. This implies that you would have to make lesser monthly payments, allowing you to save money for other financial liabilities as well.
How to decide between unsecured and secured auto loans:

Getting an auto loan can be a tricky process and with so many options available, you are quite likely to get confused. It is important that you evaluate your requirements as well as the loan plans to make the right choice. The following factors need to be considered while doing so:

  • The car you want to buy
  • Monthly installments you can afford to pay
  • Other financial liabilities
  • Amount of loan required
  • Interest rate quoted by the lender
  • Loan tenure
As compared to an unsecured loan, you can get quick approval for a secured auto loan, usually within a few days. This is because there is no need for the lender to conduct extensive background and income checks. Also, the terms and conditions for such loans are quite flexible which minimizes the financial burden on the borrower.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen. You can choose from both secured and unsecured loan plans with nominal rates of interest. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our credit union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

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

Ways To Manage Auto Loan




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

Credit Unions For Affordable Home Loans

If you are looking for a home loan, then there are a number of reasons that you should consider home loan from a credit union. For all those who are not aware about this option, credit unions are financial, non-profit organizations that offer checking and saving accounts, accept deposits, and provide credits for buying vehicles, homes, etc. The credit unions are member owned financial cooperatives that are entrusted with the responsibility of building up the local community. These unions do not have to pay taxes or other operating costs like other profit earning organizations.

Credit unions are exempted from most of the federal and state taxes and are carefully regulated.  These unions do not have to pay taxes or other operating costs, unlike other profit earning organizations, which helps them provide better services to their members. The National Credit Union Administration keeps a watch on all the credit unions and insures that the interest of the members is safeguarded. Credit unions have minimum operating costs and this makes them offer home loans at low mortgage rates as well as low closing costs which provides them a competitive edge over other organizations.

There are a number of benefits of getting home loan from credit unions and some of them are

  •  No fee
  • Low mortgage interest rates
  • Quick closings
  • Personalized service

Most of the credit unions offer a full range of mortgage solutions for buying a home, refinancing and even renovating a home. The credit union does a credit check once you join it and if you have a consistent income and maintain good credit then you can easily qualify for a home loan. Unlike conventional loans, the credit unions do not indulge in many formalities and follow lenient underwriting guidelines. To avail home loan from a credit union, firstly you will need to find a union that can offer you a reliable banking experience. You should research extensively to find a union that can help you and suit your requirements. You can enquire and find out about all the services offered by the credit union. Once you become a member of the credit union you will be provided with financial support and personalized services. By applying for a loan at a credit union you can be sure of easier credit check, low interest rates and personalized customer interaction.

 To avail home loan from a credit union, first you need to find a union that can offer you a reliable banking experience. Research extensively to find a union that can help you and suit your requirements. Find out about all the services offered by the credit union. Once you become a member of the credit union, you can get financial support and personalized services. Unlike conventional loans, the credit unions do not indulge in many formalities and follow lenient underwriting guidelines.

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GCTFCU Blog | Reasons To Shop At A Credit Union For Auto Loans
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

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.

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