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

Secured Loan Checklist Killeen, TX

13. January 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan (0)
A secured loan is the one where your asset is kept as collateral and can be taken into possession by the lender in case you are unable to pay back the loan. Secured loans have become really popular over a period of time because you can get them easily approved. Moreover, you can borrow huge sums of money at a lower interest rate.

It is important that you conduct a thorough research about the secured loan rates being offered by the credit unions in your area. This will help you select the most appropriate lender for your loan requirements. It is always beneficial to prepare for your loan well in advance to make the process hassle free and quick. Consider the following checklist before applying for a secured loan:

  • Prepare your credit report: Check your credit report for any errors and make sure you do not have any pending debts. Also, make sure that all your credit card payments have been duly made on time.
  • Save regularly: Establish a good saving record by saving regularly so that you can build up security for your loan. Increased savings make it easier to borrow from a credit union.
  • Get insurance: It is imperative to have insurance prior to applying for a loan. For example, if you are applying for a secured auto loan, you need to show that you are insured to drive a car.
  • Income and employment verification: You will be required to provide details of your income during the last three months, wage and tax statement from your employer, latest tax return details as well as recent bank account statements. Keep all these documents ready beforehand so that you do not face any difficulty when applying for a secured loan.
  • Ask for pre-qualification: Whenever you go to a credit union to apply for a secured loan, you should ask them about the estimate of the loan that you can be given and the interest rate for which you are pre-qualified. For this, you need to show your employment and income verification documents.
  • Other documents: Apart from the above mentioned documents, you also need to submit a photo identity proof, your residential address, contact details of your insurance agent etc.
For affordable secured loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. To know more, call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Unsecured Vs. Secured Auto Loans

15. December 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan (0)
If you are contemplating on getting an auto loan, there are numerous options available for you. You need to thoroughly research and establish the background of the type of auto loan you want to opt for. Auto loans are basically divided into two categories: secured and unsecured. Before you select an option for yourself, it is better to understand the difference between the two.

Secured Auto Loan:

A secured auto loan is the one in which your asset is used as collateral in case you fail to pay back the mortgage amount along with the interest. In an auto loan, the security is generally your car. This means your lender can sell off your car if you do not return the loan amount.

  • Interest rate: In a secured auto loan, the interest rate does not vary over a period of time. The advantage here is that since secured auto loans are mostly given on a fixed rate and your repayment amounts do not get altered.
  • Loan term: A secured auto loan generally has a shorter repayment term. However, since the risk is minimal in this case, so you are likely to get a lower interest rate.
Unsecured Auto Loan:

If you opt for an unsecured auto loan, you will not be required to give any security from your side. The lender approves the loan on the basis of your current financial resources. Every lending organization has its own criteria to conclude if you are fit for an unsecured loan or not.

  • Interest rate: When it comes to an unsecured auto loan, the rate of interest can either be fixed or variable. This is unlike the secured auto loans where there is only a fixed rate of interest. Although the rate of interest is higher, you can choose between fixed and variable depending on your financial condition. While a variable rate of interest will give you more flexibility, you can also opt for the fixed rate of interest if you have complete control over your finances.
  • Loan term: The loan term for an unsecured auto loan can be short as well as long on the basis of individual assessment.
Both types of loans have their own advantages and you must choose what is best suitable for your individual situation.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer unsecured and secured auto loans in Central Texas. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Low Income Auto Loan In Central Texas

14. November 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
Having a low monthly income can make it challenging for you to secure an auto loan. You need a loan plan that suits your budget requirements. A number of credit unions in Central Texas provide auto loans and refinancing options to people in the lower income group. Do a thorough research and compare the interest rates offered by these institutions to choose the one suiting your requirements.

Here are the factors that you need to consider while applying for an auto loan in Central Texas:

  • Period of job: In order to get a quick approval for the loan, you must have spent at least one year in your present job. However, if you did not stick to a job for a year, a credit union may check for at least three years of uninterrupted employment. At the most, you should have changed only 2-3 employers within this period.
  • Down payment: If you are applying for a low income auto loan, you will be required to pay some form of down payment to the lender. In case you don’t have any money at your disposal, you may inquire from your lending organization about the alternatives they can offer.
  • Credit profile: If you have a higher credit score or a longer credit profile, you can get a better rate of interest for a low income car finance program.
  • Duration of the loan: You can get your loan approved at a faster pace if you choose to repay within a shorter period of time. However, loans with shorter durations usually entail higher monthly premiums.
  • Debt to income ratio (DTI): Most of the lenders prefer a maximum DTI ratio between 40 to 50 percent. To calculate your DTI ratio, add up all your bills and divide the total amount by your monthly pre-tax income.
  • Payment to income ratio (PTI): For approving a low income auto loan, most lenders prefer a PTI ratio between 15 and 20 percent. In order to compute the PTI ratio, divide your new car payment by your pre-tax income.
  • Co-signer: There are a few lenders who approve convenient interest rates for low income auto loans in case you get a co-signer and have a good credit rating.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer low interest auto loans in Central Texas. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

The Pros Of Secured Auto Loan

20. October 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
A secured auto loan is a good alternative for people looking for an affordable financing option. In this, the borrower needs to put forward collateral in exchange of the loan amount. In most cases, the collateral offered is the item for which the loan is being taken. For instance, the security in an auto loan is the recently bought vehicle itself.

Here are some of the benefits of a secured auto loan:

  • Flexible loan conditions: As a secured auto loan requires the borrower to present a collateral, it minimizes the risk for the lender. Hence, the terms and conditions of the loan are quite flexible which eliminates any sort of financial burden on both the parties involved. The borrower need not have a high income to be eligible for a secured loan.
  • Lower interest rates: Pledging an asset by the borrower subsequently brings down the interest rates on a secured auto loan. The lender is assured that he can take over the possession of the vehicle in case the borrower is unable to repay the loan. Lower interest rates imply easier and regular monthly payments, which in turn, improves your credit rating.
  • Quick Approval: Compared to other types of loans, it is much easier to get approval for a secured loan. Due to minimal risk, there is no need for the lender to conduct through background checks or income verification. Thus, secured auto loan applications are approved much faster, usually with 48 to 72 hours.
  • Economical repayments: The interest rates are much lower when it comes to a secured auto loan. This eventually means that the borrower has to give out less money for monthly repayments. You can even request to increase the term of loan repayment to make it even simpler to pay back the capital along with the interest.
  • More Reliable: By keeping a guarantee with the lender, there are minimal chances of the borrower defaulting on the loan. Also, knowing that the vehicle will be confiscated if he fails to repay the credit encourages him to be regular in his payments.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offers affordable secured auto loans in Killeen, TX. Being a non-profit organization, our credit union works solely for the benefit for the members. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Borrowing From A Credit Union: The Benefits

13. October 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan, Home Loans (0)
A majority of people looking for easy financing options are turning to credit union these days. A credit union is basically a member owned and operated non-profit organization working solely for the benefit of the clients. When you are looking for a home or auto loan, you must consider applying at a credit union to get an affordable deal.

Here are some of the benefits of borrowing from a credit union:

  • Competitive Interest Rates: Working with a customer centric approach, a credit union offers loans at significantly low interest rates as compared to other financial institutions. As they are not liable to pay any state or federal taxes, all their profits are given out to the members in the form of low interest rates.
  • Excellent Customer Service: A credit union always keeps customers’ benefit as their topmost priority. They formulate customized loan products, policies, terms and conditions according to the client’s requirements. Their staff even assists the clients in the loan application process.
  • Lower Fees: The loan application fees charged by a credit union tend to be lower so as to benefit the customers. The transfer fee is also less and usually, there are no ATM charges levied from the clients. This in turn, implies that you can save a lot of money and add to your savings substantially.
  • No Hidden Charges: All the rules and regulations of credit unions are very clear as well as explicitly stated. There are no hidden charges or fines in case you pay back the loan before the stipulated time period.
  • Fewer Income Requirements: In order to be eligible for borrowing from a credit union, you do not need to have a considerably high income. People who have a low income can also get approval for their loan application. The staff at a credit union is more amenable to the clients’ needs and willing to make minor alterations in terms of the loan.
  • Repay Loan Through Various Channels: A credit union allows you to repay the loan through various channels, such as payroll deduction or direct deposit. You can even skip-a-payment once a year in case of a financial crisis.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union in Killeen, TX. We offer low interest secured and unsecured loans for homes, vehicles, etc. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Questions To Ask Before Applying For A Secured Auto Loan

21. September 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
With so many financial institutions offering secured loans and financing options for vehicles, choosing one can be a daunting task. To make the process less confusing, it is better to understand the stages of the loan process, right from submitting the application to its final repayment and hence, planning well in advance for your financial liabilities.

Seeking answers for the following questions can help you make an informed decision while applying for a secured auto loan:

  • What is the applicable nature of interest rate: You may borrow a loan under fixed or variable interest policy. In the former, the amount you need to pay each month will be fixed and thus enables you to plan your expenses. In the latter, the monthly payment may differ as interest rate may fluctuate based on market trends.
  • Am I required to buy my vehicle from a licensed dealership: Some lenders insist that you buy your vehicle from a particular dealer. Ask them if there is any such pre-condition so you can decide beforehand if you are willing to be flexible regarding the dealer’s choice.
  • Are there any penalties on my loan: You should ask the lender if there are any additional charges levied if you pay off the entire loan amount ahead of its tenure. Also, in case you are facing some temporary financial crisis, verify if they allow you to skip a payment. Do inquire about the terms and conditions for all such conveniences.  
  • What is the precise price that I will be paying at the end of the loan term: It is advisable to know the exact amount that you will end up paying (including the rate of interest) at the termination of loan term. This will help you determine if the loan is reasonably priced or not.
  • What is the exact amount that is being financed: You must know the correct breakup of the amount, both which is being financed and that required from your end as down payment. Some financial institutions require a fixed percentage of the vehicle’s value as down payment.
  • What are the finance charges: Another important part of the loan amount are the additional charges like handling fee, paperwork fee etc. Ask your lender if they have included all the charges in the amount quoted or you need to pay them separately.
If you are looking for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Tips To Save On Auto Loan

14. September 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
Purchasing a new car requires a huge financial input that can be shared by an auto loan. However, to ensure that you get the best deal, it is essential that you keep certain tips in mind. You can consider applying at a credit union to get competitive interest rates for your auto loan.

Here are some tips that can help to save on auto loan:

  • Refinance: If you get a better interest rate, you should consider refinancing your auto loan. You should avoid extending the tenure of the loan lower the monthly payments as it incurs higher interest rates.
  • Research: You should evaluate the different loan amounts, tenures and interest rates offered to get the most affordable auto loan. You can consider a credit union to get the best interest rates and easy approval for the loan.
  • Additional payments: If possible, you can consider making additional payment for your auto loan. This will shorten the overall loan tenure and subsequently lower the amount of interest that needs to be paid.  
  • Do not skip a payment: It is imperative that you make the payment before or on its due date to avoid any late fees. Delaying a payment incurs more interest and increases the cost of the loan.
  • Credit score: You should maintain a clean credit record to ensure a lower interest rate. Previous loans, bank accounts and all other financial transactions should be genuine. The agent will conduct a complete credit check to ensure that you will be able to pay back the loan amount and interest rate.
  • Read the terms: It is advisable to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you are getting the best deal. You should be acquainted with the exact loan amount, interest rate, monthly due dates and any other clauses that may affect your loan amount.
  • Negotiate: You can consider discussing your budget and requirements with the agent to get the best deal. You can also inquire about any factors that can assist in reducing interest rates for the loan amount.
If you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX, contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 - 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542.

Steps To Qualify For An Auto Loan In Killeen

20. August 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
When planning to buy a car, the most important thing that you need to consider is about financing it. Auto loans are a great option to meet the expenses of a new or used car. However, you must keep yourself fully prepared so that you do not face any problems in getting the loan. A lot of people end up financing the car from the dealer but this may make you to pay a huge amount of interest. Instead, you should consider getting pre-approved for auto loan from a credit union.

Here are some tips that can help you qualify for an auto loan:

  • Determine The Loan Amount: Firstly, the most important thing is to determine the amount that you need to borrow from the credit union. Depending upon the price of the car, interest rates and monthly installments, you must figure out the funds that you would be able to pay off easily.
  • Decide The Term Of Loan: Ideally, the duration of an auto loan should be around five to six years. Although a longer tenure can help to lower the monthly payments, but you will end up paying more interest in due course. Therefore, you should settle on a loan term that allows you to manage repayments easily while saving on the interest payments.
  • Know Your Credit Score: Your credit rating has a great impact on the interest you will be charged on your auto loan. Hence, before applying for the loan, you must look at your credit score to check if it reflects any unpaid loans, credit card debt, late payments etc. If possible, devote some time to improve your rating by paying off all the debts and making timely payments. This will help you get a better interest on your auto loan.
  • Get Pre-Approved: Getting a pre-approval for an auto loan will help you decide the price range in which you can buy the car. You should also make allowance for other costs associated with car buying such as taxes, insurance, initial down payment and maintenance expenses.
  • Close The Deal: When you have finalized the amount, tenure and negotiated a fair interest rate, you must now submit the loan application. You may need to provide your proof of income, residence, identity, social security number and other important documents along with the application.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates as well as easy repayment options. For more information, call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Benefits Of Getting A Car Loan From A Credit Union

6. August 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)
If you need financing for your new car, an option that you can explore is credit union. Getting loan from a credit union is a great idea because of the various benefits that it offers over other financial institutions. Owned and operated by the members, credit union provides a number of financial services, including loans, free ATM, savings accounts, online banking, etc.

Here are some benefits of applying a car loan from a credit union:

  • Lower interest rates: Credit unions, being non-profit organizations are not liable to pay any taxes to the state or federal government. As a result, they offer considerably lower interest rates on car loans. This means that your monthly payments will be low and you can save more.
  • Flexible terms and conditions: The terms and conditions of car loans are usually flexible at a credit union. Working with a client centered approach, the credit unions are more considerate towards the financial needs of the members. Their policies are flexible enough to adjust the repayment options and loan duration according to the convenience of the clients.
  • Better customer services: The credit union is easy to approach and there are lesser formalities involved in the car loan application process. Their staff provides complete assistance to the clients in filling out the application form and getting the paperwork ready.
  • Convenient loan process: The process of getting loan is more relaxed at credit unions. The clients can even apply for a car loan through the credit union’s website. This eliminates the need to be physically present at their office.
  • Membership benefits: The credit unions also offer various other banking and financial services to their members. This includes wire transfer, payroll deduction, notary service, savings accounts, direct deposit, ATM, ACH origination, MasterCard Gift Cards etc.
  • Members have a say: All the members are stakeholders and part owners of the credit union. Therefore, they are given the right to choose the board of directors and vote on the important matters concerning loan rates, terms and working of the credit union.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide low interest loans for both new and used cars. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Reasons To Shop At A Credit Union For Auto Loans

14. July 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)
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.