GCTFCU Blog

Benefits Of Using A Credit Union

26. October 2016 Administrator Blog (0)

Over the years, credit unions have emerged as a safety refuge for people who wish to save money as well as earn interest out of their savings. These are not-for-profit institutions that aim at keeping the members first. They offer a wide range of financial services, membership benefits and attractive policies which sets them apart from other financial institutions.

Discuss below are some benefits of using a credit union:

Superior service that keeps members first
Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned by the members. Their aim is not to make big profits for stockholders, but to provide financial assistance and customer service to the shareholders. The credit unions take an extra step where they involve the members to vote on the new policies and take account of the suggestions.

Credit unions offer lower interest rates
Owing to their not-for-profit status, credit unions offer high rates on savings account and lower rates on loans as well as credit cards. These rates are competitive and promote savings. Thus, you can enjoy lower rates on your credit cards, house loans and auto loans while you can earn a higher rate of interest on savings and cash deposits.

No minimum balance constraint
Unlike other financial institutions, a credit union does not have to maintain a minimum balance or cash reserve ratio. Thus, it is not mandatory for the account holders to maintain a minimum balance in their financial account. This feature allows customers to withdraw all or keep no money in their account.

Flexible fees
Credit unions are very flexible when it comes to charging fees. They usually aim at charging less and keeping the costs low for the members. They prefer to eliminate a few products and services in order to cut costs, rather than piling up on the fees.

Easier access to cash
Credit unions have come up with the CO-OP ATM network and a shared branch alliance. This includes surcharge-free cash machines and shared branching that gives members the ability to conduct in-person transactions at a larger number of branches across the state. Also, these CO-OP ATMs do not charge any transaction fee.

Friendly and cooperative staff
The staff at credit unions is friendlier and more cooperative as compared to other financial institutions. They are also easily accessible to address your queries and concerns regarding any financial matter. They only invite members who are local and thus are comparatively smaller. This allows them to be well connected with their surroundings and better at giving feedback.

Provides loan regardless of credit history
This is another major benefit of being a member at a credit union. These institutions are willing to provide quick loan approval to people regardless of their credit history. They also offer programs that help you manage your budget and unexpected expenses.

The Add-Ons
A more attractive feature of opting for a credit union is the additional products and services they offer, besides financial services. You may come across some credit unions that have provisions like individual health insurance and financial advisory services. They aim at community service and providing financial education.

All in all, credit unions prove to be community friendly and more welcoming when it comes to providing financial services to the local people. They offer a lower interest rates, and fee -free ATM transactions. Thus they work on a different and more welcoming business model, which makes them customer friendly.

Benefits Of Refinancing Your Car Loan: Credit Union Killeen

5. August 2016 Administrator Blog, Car Loan (0)

In simple terms, refinancing your car loan corresponds to replacing your present loan with a new one with a completely different set of terms and conditions. The eligibility criterion for getting a new auto loan is not very difficult to fulfill. You only need to be regular with your previous payments to make the refinancing process extremely simple. Considering the benefits of getting your car loan refinanced from a credit union in Killeen, TX, it is definitely an option worth considering.

Listed below are some of the advantages of refinancing your car loan:

Reduces the monthly installments: Refinancing can significantly bring down the monthly payments towards your car loan. Having low monthly payments allows you to manage your household finances more efficiently and make savings at the same time. You can even invest your money to receive significant monetary returns in the long run.

Can decrease the interest rate: Apart from low monthly payments, car loan refinancing can also help in decreasing your interest rate. You can get the new loan at a lower rate of interest from another lender. The lower rate of interest brings down your overall repayment amount you owe to the lender.

You can alter the length of loan: Though long term loans equate to lower monthly payments, you end up paying more interest to the lender. However, if you opt for refinancing your car loan, you can change the loan term and the monthly payments that go with it.

You can own a car previously on lease: If there is an instance where the lease on your car is about to finish, you can purchase it by choosing the option of auto refinancing. The loan obtained from refinancing can be utilized to buy out the lease and give the payments to the lender. You will be the owner of the car when the loan term ends.

If you are looking to refinance your car loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. For more details, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Benefits Of Getting Loan From A Credit Union

10. June 2016 Administrator Blog (0)

A credit union is a financial cooperative for the people of a community. Since the purpose is to work for the benefit of the members, it offers home and auto loans at fairly simple terms that can efficiently work in everyone’s interest. Following are some upsides of getting loan from a credit union:

Willingness to give loans: Credit unions understand their members‘ needs to take loans and patiently assess their credit history and financial ability to provide them the required amount. The loan eligibility requirements are not so stringent at a credit union which increases the likelihood of getting an approval.
Low fee and rates: The purpose of a credit union is not to make profits but to offer financial aid to the members to its members. Thus, they offer low interest rates and processing fees on all loan plans.
Personalized service: The credit union board of directors consists of the members and thus you can expect to receive personalized services. The staff reviews your concerns regarding loan term, repayment flexibility and financial needs to offer a customized loan plan.
Provide proper education: Credit unions provide complete assistance to the members regarding the financial tools and resources available. Thus, you can seek guidance regarding how much money you should borrow or the premium amount you should settle on as per your financial position. Credit unions have professionals to guide you through the loan process.
Unions are stable: Market fluctuations do not make your monthly repayments volatile when you have get a loan from a credit union. This is because the source of their finance is the deposits of other members. This make the credit unions a stable source to finance your home or vehicle purchase.
Other benefits: Besides simplifying the loan process, the credit unions also offer many other services for the benefit of its members. These may include wire transfer, savings and checking account, MasterCard, ACH origination etc.

A credit union provides the required convenience and stability that every loan seeker looks for. You may compare the terms and rates from other available options too before making up your mind. It is not a problem if you aren’t a member of a union yet. It is easy to gain membership and reap the benefits of the financial services offered by a credit union.

If you are looking for an auto or home loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. For details about our loan plans, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Financing Your Car With Credit Union In Killeen

8. April 2016 Administrator Blog, Car Loan (0)

If you are planning to purchase a new or used car, financing it must be on your mind. A credit union is one of the safest and easiest ways to procure a car loan. You can choose from a wide range of loan plans, depending upon your budget and financing requirements.

Here are some benefits of first approaching your local credit union in Killeen, TX for an auto loan:

Chances of approval are more: Credit union is open to listening to the back stories of its members and then deciding on the loan terms. If you are worried about little or no credit history, you may discuss your concerns with the staff and figure out the best way to get the desired loan amount.

Convenience: The inter-personal approach of the credit union makes it convenient to apply for the loan even before you make the purchase. A pre-approved loan in your hand helps you to fix the budget for the car and spend prudently.

Competitive interest rate: Credit union offers low interest rates which keep your monthly payouts on lower side. Since they know credit history of their members closely they are likely to keep their interests in mind before sanctioning the loan.

Bundling: If you have an ongoing loan with the credit union , such as for your home, your interest rate may further be lowered, making it a better deal for you as they encourage bundling.

Personal touch: A credit union is a non-profit organization that works for the community. You can get proper knowledge and education about all financing tools in a personal manner at a credit union. The staff takes the time to help clients understand the loan details in order to make a well-informed decision.

Educated advice: Credit union has dedicated financial experts who are committed to provide information about financial products to the members. Their aim is to keep everyone informed of new policies and rates. This non-sales approach helps the members to build confidence.

Provide stability: Credit union is operated by the members and for the members. They plough back all their profits back in to improving the services for members. This gives them stability and they are not likely to be affected by profit motives.

Research all available options thoroughly before making up your mind. Compare interest rates and terms of loan by reading all documents carefully.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Document Checklist For A Secured Auto Loan In Killeen

14. March 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)

When you need to apply for a secured auto loan, having the required documents at hand can help to get a faster approval for your application. It is important for the credit union to be sure that you will be able to repay the loan on time. This information will help to determine the interest rate that you may be charged on the loan amount.

Given below are some documents that you may need to submit while applying for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX:

Income Proof: This is the most important document to be presented by the loan applicants. If you are a salaried individual, you may need to submit at least two of your recent pay stubs from the employer. For self-employed applicants, a copy of the tax returns of the last two financial years may be required. A bank account statement for the past 6 months may also be needed. If you have any source of sizeable income, such as rental properties, alimony, legal settlements etc. do provide the documents for validation.
Identity Proof: You must submit a valid identity proof and a recent photograph along with the application for the secured auto loan. The ID proofs that may be accepted include social security card, birth certificate, passport, driver’s license etc. It is recommended that you confirm the identity proof required by your credit union beforehand to avoid any trouble later.
Proof Of Residence: You may also need to submit proof of present and permanent address to apply for the loan. The document you provide should have an address consistent with that on your proof of identity as well as the loan application.
Vehicle Information: If you are buying a new vehicle, you may need to give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the lender. You may also be asked to submit he sales agreement from the dealer which may include the type, make, model, year and purchase price of the vehicle. For buying a used vehicle, get information about the original title, vehicle model and disclosure of no pending liens from the dealer.
Proof Of Insurance: The credit union may also want to ensure that you have a valid insurance policy for your vehicle. The coverage options that you have chosen may also be considered while approving your loan application and deciding the interest rate.

For affordable secured auto loans in Killeen, feel free to contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at (254) 690 – 2274.

Your Killeen Credit Union Is The Best Place For Auto Loans

6. February 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)

Whether you are looking for a loan for a used or new vehicle in Killeen, a credit union can be a great option to consider. Being a non-profit organization, it offers easy financing options to the clients. Also, the loan is approved in much lesser time as compared to other financial institutions.

Given below are some of the reasons you should choose a credit union for auto loan in Killeen:

Higher chances of approval: If you have a lower income, you stand a higher chance of getting an auto loan approved at a credit union than at a bank. The staff at a credit union is inclined towards adjusting the terms of the loan to suit the needs of each client. Pre-approved auto loans may also be extended to make your vehicle purchase a hassle free exercise.
Competitive rate of interests: The biggest benefit of getting an auto loan from a credit union is that the interest rates are quite competitive. As these institutions are not liable to pay any state or federal taxes, they are able to offer loans at much lower interest rates.
Non-Sales Approach: Since a credit union works for the benefit of its members, the staff does not compel the clients to purchase the loan. Instead, they help the clients compare different loan plans and choose the one that best suits their requirements.
Profits are ploughed back: All the profits earned by the credit union are returned back to the members by way of low interest rates, higher dividends and more returns on savings accounts.
Friendly service: The management team of a Credit union comprises of members from the organization itself. You may have one to one sessions with loan officers and discuss your queries while your loan is being processed. Unions are flexible and comforting to their member’s concerns.
Membership is easy: Becoming a member at a credit union is quite easy. The eligibility criterion to be approved for an auto loan is also not too stringent at a credit union.

If you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer low interest auto loans with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

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.

Member Services At Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

11. June 2015 Administrator Blog (0)

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading organization serving the financial needs of our clients in Killeen, TX. We, being a non-profit entity, work solely for the benefit of our members. All the services offered at our credit union are designed keeping in mind our members’ needs and economic requirements. We understand how important it is to make our clients banking tasks convenient and simplified.

Some of the member services offered at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union are:

Payroll Deduction: We provide our members with the most convenient way to make loan payments, save money, deposit money into children’s account etc. We will automatically deduct a specified amount every month from your paycheck without you having to visit the branch personally.
Direct Deposit: When you sign up for our direct deposit service, you can get your payroll, pension, social security, tax refunds or retirement benefits check deposited directly into your credit union account. You need to fill up a form to avail direct deposit and specify the account details where payments need to be sent.
Notary Service: This is a service provided to all our members to easily get their documents attested and certified. We provide notary services for all types of affidavits, title transfers, power of attorneys, deeds etc.
MasterCard Cash Advance: At the credit union, we aim to make it easier for you to obtain cash, whenever you need. Hence, we offer Cash Advance service at minimal interest rates on your MasterCard credit card. You can avail the service at any of our ATMs or at the branch itself.
On-Line Access: We offer several options to our members to manage their finances and access their account online, at any time of the day. You just have to log in with your username and password to avail a host of banking services.
MasterCard Gift Cards: Our MasterCard Gift Cards are a wonderful option to make your loved ones celebrate their special day the way they want.
Wire Transfer: Transferring funds from one financial institution to another is safer and convenient with our wire transfer service.

For more details about the member services offered at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Checklist Before Getting A Secured Loan

12. March 2015 Administrator Blog (0)

Secured loans are a type of loan, which require the borrower to mortgage a valuable asset as a security for the loan. People prefer secured loans, as they are easier to obtain as compared to the unsecured loans. The secured loans often come with lower interest rates and allow the borrower to get tax deductions. However, it is crucial to do your homework before applying for secured loans with a credit union.

Here is the checklist that you must consider before getting a secured loan:

Check your credit file before applying

Your credit score is a major deciding factor when you apply for secured loan. It will decide the amount that you can borrow and the amount of interest rate that you will pay. Therefore, it is crucial that you check your credit file before applying for a secured loan. This will help you know whether you stand any chance to be approved or not.

Ensure that you can repay

Before applying for a secured loan, it is advised that you should assess your ability to repay the loan amount. Failing to repay the amount can lead to heavy penalty charges. It will also have adverse effect on your credit file. By not repaying your loan amount on time, you also put your asset, which you have used as security, at risk. You should calculate your monthly repayment amount by using loan comparison tables to know whether you will be able to afford the repayment amount or not.

Decide the loan period

It is important that you choose the right loan period depending upon your budget. A longer repayment time will reduce the monthly payments but increase the interest amount. Similarly, having a shorter repayment time will involve less interest rate but increase the monthly installment manifolds. Thus you should determine the loan period carefully.

Compare the price

When applying for a loan you need to pay certain costs such as initial valuation and legal fee that are included in your interest rate (APR). You must confirm the costs and compare the prices to get the best deal.

Documentation

Depending upon your credit union and the type of secured loan you are applying for, you may be required to submit some financial and legal documents such as lease agreements, articles of incorporation and your financial reports. You should make sure that you have all the documents required to be eligible for applying.

The Perks Of Credit Union Membership

20. January 2015 Administrator Blog (0)

Although credit unions may seem to be almost similar to other financial institutions, but the people having its membership can easily see the difference between the two. Being a non-profit organization, credit unions offer a lot of benefits to its members that are usually not provided by the banks.

Given here are some of the perks you can enjoy with a credit union membership:

Lower Fees And Better Rates: Credit unions operate with the sole objective of working for the welfare of their members. All profits that they earn are returned in the form of lower rates of interests, better services, and minimum fees.
Volunteer Board of Directors: Unlike banks, the functioning of credit unions is administered by a volunteer board of directors. When a member opens an account, he/she is immediately given certain share in the credit union. Every member has an equal say in the governance matters, regardless of the size of their account.
Board Elected By Members: Every year, the credit union conducts elections where the members are free to choose who would be serving on the board of directors. The elected members, then, formulate and implement the policies of the credit union.
Flexible And Convenient Loans: Members of a credit union can avail convenient home and auto loans with easy repayment options. Also, filing for and getting approved for a loan is a very easy process. It does not involve much paperwork and the application is approved within a few days.
Dividend On Savings: The profits earned by a credit union are usually returned by way of attractive dividends on the savings account of the members. The dividend rate may vary from year to year.
Members Have Common Interests: Members of the credit union share a common bond of owning a share in the union. To be a credit union member, the individual must fulfill certain eligibility criteria, such as area of employment, place of residency or affiliations with other institutions. This implies that each of them holds something in common.
Convenient Access To Your Money: Most credit unions offer online account access so that the members can easily view complete summary of their financial transactions. Thus, you either opt for 24X7 access or personalized services during the office hours.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union offering affordable financing services to the people of Killeen, TX. To know more about our credit union, call us at (254) 690 – 2274.