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

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union- Members Benefits

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union has its origins dating back to 1957. We are a secure and sound credit union, based on a not-for-profit model, where all the proceedings from the credit unions go back to our members. The large number of financial opportunities and member services that we offer give us the reputation of being a highly trusted financial service provider. Here is a look at some of the key benefits that you can avail with a GCTFCU membership:

  • Payroll deduction
  • Direct deposit
  • ATM
  • Wire transfer
  • Cash advance on your MasterCard and MasterCard gift cards
  • Bill payments
  • Online access to your account
  • ACH origination
  • Notary service

In addition to the aforementioned convenience services that we offer our members, you can also benefit from a wide range of savings and investment options. These are especially useful if you are planning to make a huge investment like a house or a car. As a GCTFCU member, you are entitled to open a regular share savings account, for which you need a minimum of only $25.00 to start with. You can benefit from our attractive dividend rates, which are paid on a quarterly basis.

Other popular saving options that our members can avail include Share Certificates of Deposit, IRAs, and club accounts. The SCD requires a minimum balance of $1000, and flexible terms ranging between 6 months and 36 months. The interest on these accounts is compounded quarterly. For those looking for a secured auto loan, getting a GCTFCU membership is a great idea, because we offer cheap interest rates and flexible loan terms, making it easy for you to convert your dream into a reality.

Our members are entitled to a wide range of options while getting an auto loan, which include pre-approval on the loan and refinancing. Other loans that we offer include boat loans, RV loans, home improvement loans etc. You can also enjoy low rates on our credit cards, which start from as low as 8.99% for our MasterCard Platinum. Our members are privileged to use these credit cards worldwide, without having to pay any annual fee.

You can also avail our exclusive skip-a-payment feature, which makes it easy for you to sail through a rough financial patch without having to worry about lagging behind on your loan payment. Our efforts remain to provide the best service and lending opportunities to each of our valuable members.

Cheap Auto Financing Loan Calculator

As exciting as it is to buy a new car, it is increasingly important to pay heed to the financial intricacies involved in this purchase, and make sure that you understand how your car loan is going to impact your personal finances. These financial calculations can be intimidating, which is where the role of a car loan calculator comes into play. Such a calculator is a useful tool for a layman to understand how a car loan works, and decide the best option to get a cheap auto loan that fits within their budget.

The car loan calculator at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union can help you calculate factors like how much your monthly car payment will be, how much you can comfortably afford as per your income and expenditure, etc. Car loan calculators help you to achieve accurate figures by taking into account loan terms like the trade-in value of your car, sales tax, down payment, etc.

Here is a look at some of the ways in which you can benefit from an auto loan calculator:

  • The process of using an auto loan calculator is simple and straightforward, making it a lot less time consuming than a personal consultation with different car dealers and agents. You can try out different possibilities, altering the down payment, interest rate, monthly payments, loan period, etc. to know how each of these factors will impact your overall car loan.
  • Making use of a car loan calculator helps you to be a better-informed customer when you actually go to buy a car. If you have all the knowledge of how different loan terms will impact your EMI, your chances of landing the lowest possible new or used car loan go up significantly.
  • You can use a car loan calculator not only before, but also during the process of buying a car. For instance, if the dealer offers you a loan option that you hadn’t considered earlier, you can compare it to an option that suited you, instantly, by using a car loan calculator.
  • In the end, the greatest benefit that you, as a car buyer will get from using an auto loan calculator is that you shall get the best possible deal on your car loan. It is almost like having a personal consultant with you wherever you go, willing to answer questions on as many possibilities as you can conjure for your car loan.

To obtain quick and affordable auto loans in Texas, you can count on Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. You can visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Instant Car Loans At Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

Shopping for new or used car loans from credit unions is a great idea to get a cheap auto loan, as these financial institutions offer attractive loan terms and significantly lower interest rates than banks. The Established in 1957, Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is one of the 7700 credit unions across America, which has been serving people across Central Texas to procure low interest loans. Here are some of the top reasons that make getting a credit union car loan a great idea:

  • Greater flexibility: When you walk into our credit union, you are not just another number, but are a valuable member whom we shall make every effort to help. You are much more likely to have your case heard out and considered at our credit union than at a bank. This could mean getting approved for a car loan even if you do not fulfill all the requirements of such a loan. 
  • Lower interest rates: This is probably the major reason why a vast majority of people looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX and other cities across America opt for credit union auto loans. While the interest rates for bank auto loans average at around 4%, those at credit unions are as low as 2%, amounting to a significant saving over the life of the loan.
  • Non-profit approach: Our credit union follows a “for the members” and “by the members” approach. All the proceedings gained through interest are put back into the credit union for the benefit of its members. This is usually in the form of low interest rates, savings accounts, and increased flexibility in loan terms.
  • Financial education and resources: The Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union has a dedicated resource center for its members, where you can get valuable advice regarding your loan, repayment options, your financial situation, the real value of the car being considered, saving options, etc. At our credit union, you can always be sure of the lenders working in your best interest.
  • Personalized service: You can be sure of getting the best customer service at our credit union, with a group of board members volunteering to make decisions regarding operation. This gives you a chance to openly discuss any issues you might be facing with your loan before or during the loan term, being sure of getting helped with the best solution for your problem.

For more information, visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542 or call (254) 690-2274.

Cheap Auto Loans In Killeen TX

Financing your next car through a credit union is a great option if you are looking for a cheap auto loan. With more than 7,700 credit unions across America, credit unions are the financial institutions of choice for car buyers, thanks to the favorable loan terms and low interest rates offered by these lenders.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union (GCTFCU) is a credit union based in Texas, which has been serving Texans since its establishment in 1957. The great thing about getting a credit union auto loan is that these institutions are owned by the members, making them not-for-profit organizations.

All the proceedings that are earned by way of interest are returned back to the members in the form of low-interest rates. GCTFCU does not charge any monthly service charges from its members, and has no minimum balance required for membership. If you are looking for the lowest used car loan in Texas this could be just what you need, with interest rates on used cars being as low as 5.99%. This credit union offers competitive interest rates on new cars as well, with interest rates averaging around 3.99%.

While the process followed to obtain a car loan from this credit union and a bank is very similar, the major advantage that the former offers is being community-oriented. This means that if for any reason you are unable to make a payment at some point during the loan period, you can expect the credit union to work with you to find a way around it, which is contrary to the rigid approach followed by banks. For instance, GCTFCU offers a “skip-a-payment” option to its members, whereby they can skip a single loan payment in case of a rough financial patch.

In addition to getting a cheap auto loan with flexible terms, being a member of GCTFCU also comes with several added advantages. These include payroll deduction, direct deposit, ATM, wire transfer, online access, MasterCard cash advance, notary service, etc. We also make an effort to help you in achieving your financial goals through a variety of easy saving and investment options. Choosing to get a used or new auto loan from us puts you at the advantage of having pre-approval for the loan, flexible terms (48-72 months), the option of refinancing, and competitive interest rates.

Secured Auto Loan In Killeen TX

A secured auto loan is one in which there is collateral offered against the loan, which gives the lender higher security, hence resulting in better loan terms for the borrower. In most cases, the collateral in a secured auto loan is the car itself. That means that if, for any reason, the borrower is unable to make complete payments of the car, the car is repossessed by the lender. In some cases, the lender might require something more than just the car to be offered as collateral. This could include assets owned by the borrower, like a home, boat, land, etc.

A borrower has to fulfill certain basic requirements to get approval for a secured auto loan. These include:

  • Proof of income- It is mandatory to have a verifiable income in order to be eligible for a secured auto loan. You could submit proof of income in the form of paycheck stubs, copies of tax returns, bank statements, etc.
  • Steady employment- You must have had a steady source of income. If you do not have proof of steady employment, you might need to show proof of some other verifiable source of income, such as a personal business, inheritance, etc.
  • Residency- You must have had lived in your current residence for at least one year. If you have just moved into your home, you need to show your prior residence proofs.

The greatest advantage of getting a secured auto loan is that the rate of interest for such a loan is significantly low, as compared to that for an unsecured loan. In addition to this, you can also expect to get more favorable loan terms, such as increased flexibility, on such a loan, since the lender has greater security in such a loan. Moreover, since the car is offered as collateral, the lender is generally more relaxed in terms of the amount of income of the borrower, or how well the income shows on paper.

When opting for a secured auto loan, you need to be sure not to default on your loan payments. By completing the loan payments till the end of the loan term, you can end up saving a lot of money as compared to if you had chosen an unsecured loan.

Avoiding Pitfalls In Secured Auto Loan

Getting a secured auto loan can be a confusing and overwhelming process for many, and there are several things that can go wrong in such a loan. You need to be very sure about the terms and conditions of such a loan before you sign your auto loan contract. Feel free to ask questions, carry out research, and explore all your options before you seal the deal. Here’s a look at some of the most common pitfalls while applying for a secured auto loan, and how to avoid them:

  • Sitting across the desk from your financier with your fingers crossed as you wait to hear your credit score is not a good idea. You need to be very sure about where you stand, and make an effort to improve your credit rating, before walking in to get an auto loan. Contact a credit bureau for information on how you can rectify errors in your credit report. Even a small change in your credit can have a big impact on your loan and the interest rate you get.
  • One of the easiest ways to ruin your auto loan is to end up spending more than you had set out to. If you are sure that you want a cheap auto loan, it is important to know exactly how much you can afford to spend towards monthly car payments (no more than 20% of your net monthly income) and stick to this figure.
  • Take time out to carry out some basic research on the going interest rates on secured auto loans in the market, before visiting the dealership. This way, you will know whether the rate being offered to you is a fair one.
  • Do not let the loan officer drift to insignificant aspects of the deal, by intertwining them with what really matters. Your primary focus at all points should be the APR being offered to you, as this is what shall actually matter in determining how much you end up paying in the long run.
  • Signing the papers under pressure in a rush to finalize the deal is another common pitfall that most buyers make. If you feel that you are losing control and succumbing to the seller’s pressure, a better idea would be to walk out and return, if you must, once you have cooled down.

Keeping your head cool and doing your homework before entering the loan agency office can help you get that lowest used car loan that you have been looking for, leaving you with a loan that you’ll be happy about for as long as you drive the car. 

Why Shop At A Credit Union For Car Loans

Getting a car loan that fits into your monthly budget with favorable loan terms could be a cumbersome task in the present financial scenario. However, credit unions offer much relief in these conditions, as these financial institutions function on a not-for-profit model, making them user-friendly for car loans. If you are considering getting a secured auto loan from a credit union, here’s a look at why this is a great idea-

  • A key reason to opt for credit unions for car loans is the favorable interest rates offered at these institutions. All the earnings that are made through interest by credit unions are returned back to the members in the form of low interest rates. Low interest rates on car loans translates into lower monthly payments, a shorter loan period, and hence an overall cheap auto loan.
  • Applying for a car loan at a credit union is a convenient and customer-friendly process. Not only are the fees involved a lot lower than what one would expect to pay at a bank or a car dealership, but the overall process is also a lot less time-consuming. It is simply a matter of sitting with a financial agent and having your paperwork evaluated, after which the loan is usually approved on the same day. In most cases, the process is further simplified by enabling carrying out all the proceedings online or over the phone.
  • Even if for any reason your loan does not get approved the first time, you can expect to get some great financial advice on how you can strengthen your personal case, and what you can do to get approved the next time you apply. This level of personal concern is something that one can only expect at a credit union, owing to the relatively low number of members.
  • The fact that a credit union is committed to serving its local community means that you can expect a lot more support from a credit union in the event that you face difficulty in repaying your loan, than you would at say, a bank.
  • The regular member perks offered by credit unions can go a long way in making the terms of your car loan more favorable to you. It is a good idea to ask the officials at your credit union if any such perks are around the corner, before applying for your loan.

To avail cheap and quick car loan in Killeen TX, 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.

Buying A Car- Should You Buy New Or Used?

One of the most perplexing decisions that any car buyer is faced with at the beginning of his purchase, is whether to opt for a new car or a used one. While some people are very sure about which way they want to go, the following compilation of the pros of going either side should help the rest of you decide-

Pros of buying a new car-

  • One of the major advantages of buying a new car is that you can get exactly what you want, custom-made to meet your needs. This saves a lot of time, along with ensuring optimal satisfaction for you as a buyer.
  • Another obvious advantage is that you do not have to worry about where the car you are driving has been, or who owned it before you did. You are the first driver, and you decide how you wish to keep it.
  • The warranty that you get with a new car is also an advantage, since it comes with the car and you do not have to pay extra for it.
  • Chances of getting better financing rates with a new car are high, since the car has not yet depreciated, and hence inherently costs more.
  • A new car is likely to be equipped with the latest gizmos, safety measures, and mechanical advances. This means better efficiency, increased safety, lower emissions, and a generally more pleasant driving experience.

Pros of buying used-

  • The biggest advantage of choosing to buy a used car is the cost saving involved. Not only is the overall price of the car a lot lower than its new counterpart, but you can also easily get a cheap auto loan on a used car
  • A used car also offers the advantage of undergoing minimal depreciation. While this might sound counterintuitive, it is true, since all cars undergo maximum depreciation in the first few years, losing as high as 40% of their value in the first year. 
  • Chances of getting low insurance rates on used cars are high. All that you need to do is shop around and stay away from insurance sticker shock. 
  • Used cars offer a wider range of financing options, and with some amount of research, you should be able to get a great deal on the lowest used car loan in your area. 
  • Finally, choosing to buy a used car increases the options that fall within your budget greatly, making it possible to consider buying a dream car that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.

Reasons To Join A Credit Union

Joining a credit union is one of the best decisions anyone can ever make, and if you haven’t joint one yet, it is high time you did! After all, credit unions are among the few financial institutions in the modern world that function on a “users’ first” and “not-for-profit” model. While the principle aim of commercial banks remains to enrich their shareholders, credit unions aim at helping their members. The following list enumerates some of the top reasons to join a credit union-

  • Better interest rates- Credit unions offer the best available interest rates, making them a great option for anyone seeking a cheap auto loan.
  • Increased chances of loan approval- If you are looking to get a personal loan, the chances of you getting approved at a credit union are higher than at other financial institutions. This is because credit unions usually know profiles of most of their members, and hence can take non-financial factors into account.
  • Personalized attention- While you are just an account number at a huge bank, you are treated as an individual at a credit union. This makes it easier to build relationships with the credit union staff, speeds up the process of getting a loan, and makes tackling issues like erroneous fees a lot more convenient.
  • Lower fees- Right from minimum balance required in your account and compulsory monthly financial interactions, to ATM withdrawal, the fees imposed by banks can be huge. Credit unions on the other hand, have a lot more flexible terms, and whenever necessary charge minimal fees.
  • Easier availability- Credit unions are a lot more accessible than most banks. You can find a credit union in nearly every neighborhood, and some of these have special opening hours, such as evenings or Sundays, for the convenience of their customers. It is also a lot easier to reach a credit union employee over the phone, as compared to a huge bank.
  • Education for members- Credit unions makes an effort to educate their members through regular seminars, personalized financial counseling, and meetings for members. For instance, if you are a youngster looking for the lowest used car loan, not only are you likely to get the best deal for your needs and budget at a credit union, but you can also expect to get the right financial advice on whether you are ready for the loan, and how to manage your finances around it.

 

Is A 72-Month Auto Loan Right For You?

With 3 and 5 year loans dominating the car financing market, most buyers know little about lesser popular 72-month auto loans. While these loans make a car buyer pay a greater amount of interest eventually, they are of advantage to those who can’t afford to pay high monthly installments. If you are considering the 72 month auto finance, the following list of pros and cons will help you decide whether such a loan is right for you or not.

  • The most obvious advantage of a 72-month loan is the low monthly payments on such a loan. Since the loan has to be repaid over a longer period of time, the monthly payments are low and hence affordable.
  • If you want to buy an expensive vehicle, such a loan can help you in achieving this dream even if the car is not quite within your budget.
  • A good question to ask yourself before opting for a 72-month auto loan is whether you are the kind of person who likes to trade in the old car for a new one every few years. If you are likely to get tired of your new car in a couple of years, this loan is not the right option for you, since the chances of you ending up with a negative equity are high.
  • Another disadvantage of such a loan when compared with car loans of a lesser duration is the higher interest rate that you shall end up paying. While such a loan appears to be cheaper while taking the monthly payments into account, the fact is that you eventually pay a high overpayment amount.
  • If you have an irregular pay cycle when in some months you earn more than the other months, such a loan would be perfect for you. The low monthly payments make it possible for you to keep up with your payments and even make higher payments on certain months when you have a lump-sum of money.
  • Such a cheap auto loan is a great option for students who work part-time and make better money during the summer. As long as you are willing to make the payments for the 6-year period of the loan, such a loan can be very affordable and convenient.

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.