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

Benefits Of Becoming A Member Of Credit Union



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Benefits Of Banking With Credit Unions


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Why Credit Unions Are Important For The Community

The choice of banking institution preferred by people has a direct impact on the local community. The way credit unions operate and the fact that they strive to give back to the community in one way or another makes them a good choice. Below are some of the ways in which credit unions benefit communities:

  • Credit Unions Do Not Operate For Profits: Credit unions are non-profit institutions that are focused on providing affordable financial services to their members instead of lone purpose of making profits. The profits earned by credit unions are given back to the community in the form of dividends, low fee for various services, lower rates on loans and higher interest rates on savings. Credit unions invest their capital back in the community to support home equity loans, car loans, home loans, business loans and more at competitive rates.
  • Lower APR Loans: People can benefit from low APR loans offered by credit unions. It helps low-income members of the community in achieving their financial goals.
  • Financial Security: Credit unions provide financial security as they are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Members are protected from losses on their savings accounts and share draft products.
  • Equal Rights: Created by members for members, credit unions do not discriminate amongst its members. Every member enjoys equal voting rights for important decisions like choosing board members of the credit union. Decisions made by members of credit unions in higher positions are focused on the benefits of all other members.
  • A Variety Of Services: Credit unions offer a variety of services such as online payment of bills, 24 hour account access, payroll deduction, notary service, free and unlimited check writing, ATMs, regular share savings accounts, MasterCard gift cards, MasterCard cash advance, IRAs, Share Certificates of Deposits, Club accounts, overdraft protection plans and more.
  • Community Involvement: Credit unions foster a spirit of community involvement by organizing programs and events for community welfare. Members and non-members are encouraged to participate in these events & programs and the money raised through such events is used for a noble cause.
  • Spread Financial Literacy: Credit unions organize special events aimed at teaching financial skills such as saving, budgeting, good spending habits and investing to members of the community. Some credit unions even organize fairs at schools in the community to provide real life financial management guidance to students. They are trained and counselled to understand financial matters.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers financial services like low interest auto loans, used car loans, savings accounts, checking accounts, etc. to its members. For more information on credit unions in Texas, call at (254) 690 – 2274. You can also visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542.

Credit Union Terms

A credit union is a financial cooperative that is created, owned and operated by its members. It provides credit at competitive rates in addition to a plethora of financial services to its members.

Following is a list of some terms that are commonly used in credit unions:

  • Account Agreement: The agreement that determines membership eligibility, conditions for share accounts and other banking operations.
  • Accrued Interest: Interest that is due but has not yet been paid to an account holder of a share account. It can also be due interest that has not yet been paid to the credit union by borrower of a loan.
  • Adjustable-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage without a fixed interest rate. The rate fluctuates on the basis of market conditions such as index rate.
  • Annual Percentage Rate: Percentage indicating the cost of credit on a yearly basis.
  • Annual Percentage Yield: A percentage indicating the total amount of interest paid on a share account. The amount is based on the interest rate and frequency of compounding for the year.
  • Annuity: Life insurance contract sold by brokers, insurance companies and other institutions as retirement investment.
  • Automatic Bill Payment:  An automated system for an account holder to pay recurring bills.
  • Available Credit: The remaining amount of funds in a line of credit or account that a member can borrow.
  • Closing Costs: Expenses incurred by sellers and buyers when transferring the ownership of property.
  • Collateral: Assets offered by a borrower for securing a loan or some other form of credit.
  • Drawer: A person/entity who writes a check or draft asking the drawee to pay another.
  • Drawee: The credit union or financial institution expected to pay a check or draft that is presented for payment.
  • Escrow: The act of holding money or documents by a neutral third party prior to closing the property.
  • Foreclosure: Legal process of selling property and using the proceeds for covering a mortgage debt.
  • Open-End Credit: A credit agreement allowing members to borrow against pre-approved credit line for purchasing goods and services.
  • Overdraft: When the amount in an account falls short of the amount being withdrawn from a checking account or share draft account.
  • Payee: A person or organization to whom a check, draft or note is made payable.
  • Payoff: Complete repayment of a loan.
  • Share Draft Account: Checking accounts are called share draft accounts by credit unions. They are transaction accounts.
  • Uncollected Funds: A part of a deposit balance that is due to be collected by the depository financial institution.
For more information, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX-76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.

The Rise Of Credit Unions



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Pathway To New Home


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Membership Privileges At Credit Union

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Banks Vs Credit Unions


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Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

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.

Home Loan Process At Credit Union