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

Refinancing Your Auto Loan

14. September 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
When you refinance your car, the present auto loan is replaced with a new one having an entirely different set of terms and conditions. You need to repay your loan to the new lender within the stipulated time period while keeping your vehicle as collateral. Refinancing your auto loan is a simple and quick process that has many benefits to offer. You have to pay an almost negligible amount as fees to refinance your auto loan.

In order to speed up the process of refinancing your auto loan from a credit union, ensure that you have the documents ready beforehand. All the application forms must be duly filled and it is essential to keep the car loan account number handy. Also, have all the information pertaining to your vehicle such as the car model, year of manufacturing, VIN etc.

The benefits of refinancing your auto loan are:

  • Reduced loan term: If you are looking to pay off your loan faster in short period of time, refinancing your auto loan is the best option available. This can happen if you have some major positive changes in your financial situation. Although this will lead to an increase in the monthly payment, the overall interest rate will come down. This will eventually lead to financial gains and contribute towards your savings.
  • Lowers the monthly payments: If you are finding it difficult to pay the monthly installments for your auto loan, it is good to opt for a refinance. This can happen if you have suffered a financial setback and need to bring down the monthly payments. A refinance will increase your loan term and provide you more time to repay. This extension in the loan period can help you manage your finances in a better manner.
  • Decreases the interest rate: A lower rate of interest is beneficial as it can reduce your total interest charge and help in repaying the auto loan at a faster pace. Therefore, if you think you did not get a competitive rate of interest in the first time, it is probably good to consider refinancing your auto loan.
  • You can own a car previously on lease: In case your car lease is about to expire, it can be easily purchased by using the option of auto loan refinancing. The loan you get from refinancing can be used to buy out the lease and hand over the payments to the lender. The advantage here is that you can own the car at the end of your loan term.
  • Handle your finances easily: Refinancing an auto loan can help you in managing your finances more efficiently. The amount you get from the refinanced auto loan can be utilized for repaying other smaller personal loans. Therefore, you get to pay only a single EMI instead of multiple EMIs that you were paying previously.
For refinancing options in Killeen, TX, get in touch with Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We can be contacted at (254) 690 – 2274.

Credit Score: Do's And Don'ts

28. August 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

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Banks Vs Credit Unions

23. August 2017 Administrator Blog (0)

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Reasons To Get A Loan From A Credit Union

20. August 2017 Administrator (0)
A credit union is a financial co-operative that provides loans at competitive rates. The non-profit lending organization works for the benefit of its members. All you need to do is sign up for the membership of the credit union in order to gain all the benefits. Below is a list of certain reasons why you should get a loan from a credit union:

  • 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.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable loans to our members in Killeen, TX. To know more about the interest rates, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Important Questions To Ask When Getting A Car Loan

26. July 2017 Administrator Car Loan (0)
When you are looking to get an auto loan, it is important to go to multiple lenders as each will offer different mortgage products. In order to get the best finance deal for your car, make sure you ask lots of questions. The questions could range from simple ones such as what model of the car to buy and go on to complex ones such as credit history etc.

Below is a list of certain important questions that you need to ask when getting a car loan:

Q: How much can I afford?
Getting a new car can be a great addition to your assets. However, you need to sort out your finances well in advance before embarking on this purchase. Take a good look at your monthly expenses and other loan repayment amounts before arriving at the decision of buying a new car. Make a detailed list of your monthly budget and think how you are going to cut off unnecessary expenses in case you buy a new car.

Q: What interest rate I need to pay?
Every credit union will offer you varied rates of interest that can change on a daily basis. However, one of the most important deciding factors for concluding the interest rate that you will be offered is credit history. All the loan options and fees will be decided based on your credit score. Apart from this, there are many other factors such as loan term, the model of the car you are buying and down payment are also taken into consideration while finalizing the interest rate.

Q: Are there any penalties on my loan?
Before getting an auto loan, you need to confirm from the credit union if repaying your loan earlier than the stipulated time period can fetch you some penalty. Also, make sure you ask about any extra charges or fees that you may have to incur during your loan term. It is important to be clear about any hidden charges so that you are not taken aback by any surprise later on.

Q: Should I opt for fixed or variable rate of interest?
 If you opt for a car loan with a fixed rate of interest, your repayment amount as well as interest rate will remain constant throughout the loan term. On the other hand, a variable rate of interest will keep on changing making your repayment amount increase or decrease during the loan term. This can affect your budget as you will not know what rate of interest you will be required to pay every month. Depending on your financial situation, choose a suitable option.

Q: Do I need extra protection apart from insurance?
It is important to have car insurance if you want to legally become the owner of a vehicle. However, it is up to you to decide if you want to have comprehensive car insurance to add more protection. It is best to talk to your lender and discuss your insurance requirements.

Apply for cheap car insurance at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. To know more about the financial services provided, feel free to call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Benefits Of A Secured Loan

21. July 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

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Common Home Loan Mistakes

19. July 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)


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Guide To Home Loan Process

24. June 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)

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Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

20. June 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
Buying a home is a dream for everyone as you can customize it according to your lifestyle and taste. However, buying a home is a task that should not be done in haste without prior planning. It is imperative to buy at the right time so that the purchase does not have any serious consequences on your present lifestyle. In order to know if you are ready for buying a home, you need to ask yourself certain questions. These are listed below:

What is your financial standing?

Without a doubt, your financial status needs to be strong before you embark on the journey to buy your own home. You need to look at factors such as consistent monthly income, a stable job, savings as well as your credit history. Since your finances will be finely scrutinized by the credit union and real estate agents, it is wise to be prepared well beforehand.

How much can you afford to pay every month?

If you are looking to buy a high-priced home, be prepared to shell out a high monthly payment. Even if you get a loan approval, consider having a re-look at the price range. You must be easily able to pay the EMI without affecting your monthly expenditure. Create your monthly budget and jot down your expenses for payments as well as luxuries. Always finalize your mortgage payments depending on your budget so that you don’t face any financial issues later on.

Which location do you prefer?

Once you buy a home, you can make numerous alterations in the property but the location will remain the same. Therefore, pay attention to this important aspect before buying a home. Decide whether you prefer to live in the city or countryside. Weigh the pros and cons of both and don’t limit yourself to a particular area. Conduct a thorough research on the Internet to discover good places where you can buy an affordable home.

What are the things you absolutely need in your home?

While conducting your home search, you will come across certain properties that will have all the features you desire but with a higher monthly payment. Therefore, you need to make a prior list of ‘must-haves’ in your property. For instance, a backyard or a specific number of bedrooms etc. could be on your wish-list. Decide on a particular home only after calculating the monthly installments and do your home search accordingly.

Whose names will be mentioned on the lease?

You will be made to sign a lease agreement in order to complete the home buying formalities. It is the most important document declaring the owner of the property. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a joint property, it is best to talk about that with your partner in advance. In certain instances, it may be beneficial to have your parent as your co-signer.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable home loans. To know more about the interest rates and membership benefits, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274.
GCTFCU Blog | Credit Union Killeen TX | Home Loans, Secured Auto Loan in Central Texas
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Direct Deposit Services By Credit Union

16. December 2020 Administrator Blog (0)

Credit Union: An Affordable Financial Institution

26. November 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit unions are cooperative financial institutions that are owned and managed by their members.  They are preferred by many due to their affordable financial services and products. They offer a variety of convenient personal services, attractive rates and fees, shared branching and flexible terms & conditions.

Let us delve deeper into understanding the working of credit unions and what they have to offer:

  • They are Non-Profit Organizations: Credit unions accept deposits from members and offer loans without any intention of making profits. Due to the fact that they are non-profit organizations, they offer loans at low interest rates and higher rates for deposits.
  • Operating Principles: Credit unions operate with the intention of pooling financial resources for the benefit of members. Their operating principles revolve around voluntary membership, non-discrimination, serving members, building financial stability, social responsibility and democratic control.
  • Services Provided: Some of the services offered by most credit unions include but are not limited to payroll deduction, online access, MasterCard Gift Cards, ACH origination, ATM, Bill Pay, Wire Transfer, Direct Deposit, Notary Service, savings and investments, lending services (secured and unsecured loans), Traditional and Roth IRAs, Club accounts (Christmas and Vacation), Overdraft protection and more.
  • Reasons For Joining A Credit Union: Credit union members enjoy benefits such as low fees, higher interest rates, excellent customer service, member-centric services, community support, security of deposits (regulation by the National Credit Union Administration; every account is insured up to $250,000), financial literacy and independence, easy qualification, easily approachable in spite of a low credit score etc.
In conclusion, the fact that credit unions are member-owned non-profits plays a prime role in making them affordable financial institutions. Their member-centric approach as opposed to a profit-centric one makes it possible to offer loan products at lower rates, higher rates of interest on savings, access to low-fee checking accounts and more. They are the best option for millennials who are just starting to make financial decisions and require guidance to manage and control their funds without spending much on fees and interest.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of financial services including savings accounts, secured/unsecured auto loans, etc. to its members. For more details on credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Reasons To Save Money In A Credit Union Account

17. November 2020 Administrator Blog (0)



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Steps To Open A Credit Union Savings Account

28. October 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
A savings account is an important financial tool that assists the account owners in managing their financial goals in an effective manner. The interest earned on a savings account makes it a preferred way of saving funds. It also allows the account owners in availing the benefits of a variety of account services such as automated payments, direct deposit, etc.

Credit unions are a popular choice among people considering to open a savings account. Some common reasons behind this choice are higher interest rates, variety of account services, better member services, etc.

Here is a list of steps required to open a savings account at a credit union:

Check Eligibility: Every credit union has some eligibility criteria for members. Common eligibility criteria include area of living, profession, place of work, etc. For example, Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union requires a person to live, work or worship within the portion of Bell County, Texas, west of Interstate 35. So, before opening a savings account in a credit union, it is important to check the eligibility for becoming its member.

Choose An Account Type: A credit union offers a wide variety of savings accounts to its members. Some common types of savings accounts include Share Savings Account, Money Market Accounts, Christmas Club, Vacation Club, Certificates of Deposit, and Individual Retirement Account. Ask the credit union staff about the features of every savings account type to choose an account type that meets your needs. Points to consider include:

  • Interest Rate
  • Minimum Balance
  • Monthly Fees
  • Account Services
Fill The Application: Ask the staff about the application process, opening balance and required documents. Provide the details required in the application. Credit unions may require identification proofs such as original Social Security Number and a picture id. Complete the application and recheck the filled information before submitting the application.

Make The Deposit: The credit union verifies the documents and application details. Once the details are verified, make the opening deposit as per the account requirements.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of savings accounts to its members. The staff helps the members in choosing a suitable account type and understanding the application process. For more details on steps to open a savings account in a credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Benefits Of Opening An IRA With The Credit Union

21. October 2020 Administrator Blog (0)



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Checklist For Getting An Auto Loan From A Credit Union

23. September 2020 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
Are you looking for an affordable and convenient source of credit for a vehicle? If yes, you should consider visiting a nearby reputed credit union for a better and detailed insight into auto loan financing. Credit unions are convenient and time saving financial institutions catering to all sorts of financial requirements of their members.

Listed below is a checklist for anyone interested in an auto loan from a credit union:

  • Determine Your Budget: Start with making a budget so as to choose the right auto loan in terms of pricing (monthly payments).
  • Get Pre-Approved: Even though your credit union will conduct a credit score check on its own, it is advisable to get the loan pre-approved from the credit union. This helps in determining the APR, amount that you can borrow and the duration of the loan. Pre-approval improves negotiation and increases the chances of getting the most appropriate deal for your budget.
  • Identity Proof: This includes a driver's license, a government-issued I.D. with your name and photograph.
  • Income Proof: This is required to see whether you will be able to repay the auto loan. A credit union assesses one’s assets, income, credit history, monthly expenses, employment, etc. You may be required to show your pay stubs of the previous month, tax forms, W-2 or W-4.
  • Residence Proof: Credit unions are required by the Federal law to provide information about a client’s residence proof. For this, you may be required to produce documents such as a utility bill, medical bill, tax bill, cell phone bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, renters or homeowners insurance policy, etc.
  • Credit And Bank History: The credit union will review your credit history along with your credit accounts, credit limits, account balances, etc.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: Late payments and total debt obligations, unpaid bills and collections, foreclosures, etc. are considered by credit unions to determine debt to income ratio.
  • Down Payment: An important part of preparing for an auto loan is to determine the mode by which you will pay the down payment. This could be by cash, credit card, debit card, personal check, etc.
In conclusion, credit unions are a convenient means of financing with limited qualification requirements. They offer a variety of financial services in addition to auto loans e.g. personal and home financing options. When approaching a credit union for an auto loan, it is recommended to go prepared as per the checklist provided above for faster initiation of the loan process.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provides affordable auto loans to its members. Members can borrow auto loans from the credit union on both new and pre-owned vehicles. For more details on the checklist for getting an auto loan from a credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  - 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Advantages Of Borrowing A Secured Loan From A Credit Union

11. September 2020 Administrator Blog (0)

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Steps For Getting A Secured Vehicle Loan

25. August 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
Buying a vehicle requires a lot of research, test drives, and finding the right fit for your lifestyle and requirements. But, another factor that is equally important is to decide the financing option to purchase the vehicle itself. A secured vehicle loan from a credit union fits every borrower’s needs and comes with a lower interest rate.

A secured car loan requires the borrower to pledge collateral against the loan. As with any loan, the borrower will need to qualify for the secured loan as per the requirements of the credit union.

When you are looking to buy a vehicle loan, here are a few important steps that you should consider to get the loan:

  • Check Your Credit: Having a good credit score is of high importance for borrowing a secured vehicle loan. With a higher credit score and a good credit history, the borrower may be entitled to lower interest rates and convenient loan terms. As long as the borrower pays bills on time, settles his debts, and avoids penalties, he can have a good credit score.  Also, it is important to review the credit report to look for any unusual activity. Check for incorrect balances and late payments. If credit score is low, take steps to improve it before applying for the vehicle loan.
  • Know The Budget: It is essential to have a predetermined budget and know how the budget for buying a car. The borrower should be sure that the vehicle’s cost is aligned with other financial goals. To determine the budget subtract usual monthly expenses from monthly income after deducting taxes. Also, include intended monthly savings in the expenses.
  • Determine Affordability: After understanding current financial situation, it is required to decide on a reasonable monthly vehicle payment. Check with the loan officer to figure out the maximum loan amount that can be afforded. It should include the monthly payments, interest rate, and the loan period.
  • Get Preapproved: It is important to research for the terms of the loan and get preapproved from the credit union. Getting preapproved for a vehicle loan will help expedite the process, determine eligibility, and find the right price.
Contact the loan officers at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to apply for a secured vehicle loan at an affordable rate. For more details on steps for getting a secured vehicle loan, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX - 76542, or call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Benefits Of Online Payment Facility By Credit Union

28. July 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit unions are community-based financial institutions that offer additional advantages for their members. They focus on community, attractive and affordable loan rates, and other added perks. Members are offered a variety of financial services for added convenience. One of the most attractive features is the ability to make online payments.

Credit unions offer a safe and secure online payment facility. Benefits of using online payment facility offered by a credit union are:
  • Convenience: Online bill pay service makes it easier to organize bills and pay them before they are due. If an individual juggles rent/mortgage, cable, electricity, credit card payments and more; online bill pay can save time and help to avoid late fees. There is no requirement to log into several websites and remember multiple passwords. Credit unions also offer an option to pre-schedule payments on their due date. Whether the bills are received electronically or by mail, members can utilize an online facility to schedule payments.
  • Security: Credit unions use the most suitable security protocols to keep their online transactions secure. Several methods are incorporated to keep member information safe including security layers, etc.
  • Simplified Money Management: Making online payments can help members check account balance and determine whether the bill payment has been scheduled and paid. Other benefits may include searching for specific payments online, access to online payment history, setting up email alerts for payments, etc.
  • Environmental Advantage: One of the biggest benefits of paying bills online is eliminating paper waste. Paying bills online will reduce the use of paper checks. In addition to eliminating paper waste, it also eliminates the costs of postage and envelopes.
  • Easy Consolidation: Using an online payment facility will allow consolidating bills in one place as they are posted from one account each month.
  • Organization: It is certainly possible to lose track of finances, but online bill payments help individuals to organize their records. With all the bills and payments organized at one single place, members can easily know if something is posted incorrectly.
  • Saves Time: Once the electronic bill payment service is set up online, it takes just minutes to pay the bills. Increasingly people are shifting to electronic statements and making use of online bill pay, thus saving themselves time and money.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers online bill payment facility to its members. The Bill Pay member service helps to conveniently make online payments in a safe and secure manner. For more details on the benefits of online payment facility by credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.