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

What Can You Do At A Credit Union?

26. March 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
If you are looking for financial services like opening a savings account, applying for a loan or paying bills without any hassle, you should consider visiting a credit union. These non-profit organizations are owned by their members/account holders. Credit Unions provide a plethora of financial services at attractive rates/fees and are federally insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund.

You can avail following services as a member of a credit union:

  • Savings Account: You can open a savings account to keep your cash safe while you earn interest. However, there are certain limitations on transfers from a savings account in a credit union.
  • Checking Account: Credit union checking accounts let members spend their money without any limits on payments. They can access cash from the credit union via debit cards, online bill payment, writing a check, etc.
  • Certificates of Deposit: These are a form of savings solution that pays members more than regular savings accounts. However, the pre-condition for this is that the customer has to leave his money in the account for a fixed amount of time. For customers who want some flexibility, some credit unions offer them money market accounts that allow them to access their funds throughout the month and enjoy high rate of interest.
  • Loans: Credit unions offer auto loans and various other secured loans to their members. Auto loans are popular amongst credit unions due to their competitive rates of interest and thriving relations of credit unions with local dealers.
  • Other Services: Most credit unions provide other services such as Direct Deposit, Payroll Deduction, Bill Pay, ATM, Notary Service, On-line access, Wire Transfer, etc. 
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of services to help it’s members reach their financial goals. The services offered to the members include secured loans, savings accounts, checking accounts and various online banking facilities. To know more about what can you do at a credit union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274. 

Why Choose A Credit Union?

23. March 2020 Administrator Blog (0)

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Credit Union Savings Account

29. February 2020 Administrator Blog (0)

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Why Good Credit Is Important

25. February 2020 Administrator Blog (0)


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How To Apply For A Vehicle Loan Through A Credit Union

22. February 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
Getting a vehicle loan from a credit union helps customers to save money in the form of interest and fees. Credit unions are known for offering vehicle loans at lower interest rates and charging minimal fees during the process of loan documentation and loan application. They also offer customer-friendly loan approval policies.

Some important points to keep in mind when applying for a vehicle loan via a credit union are:

  • Membership: In order to be eligible for a vehicle loan from a credit union, you should be a member of the same. Credit unions cater to a specific group of individuals i.e. those who have met the membership requirements. The membership criteria are simple e.g. work in a specific agency/company, members of a specific organization/group, residents of a specific municipality or location, or members of a specific ethnic group. Research on the requirements of the credit union and check how you can fulfill the same to enjoy the benefits of membership.
  • Credit: Credit unions offer affordable interest rates on new and used vehicles to members who exhibit creditworthiness prior to applying for a loan. If as a member of a credit union you can maintain good credit, you can enjoy competitive vehicle loan packages in terms of rate of interest.
  • Other Factors: The interest rates on vehicle loans by credit unions depend on the area, kind of vehicle, down payment, credit score and other eligibility criteria as stated by the loan officers.
  • Loan Application: When applying for a vehicle loan at a credit union, you will have to fill a loan application. The application will require information pertaining to your state of residence, type of application (individual credit, joint credit with spouse or with someone else), amount of loan required, purpose of the loan, whether it is a refinance, preferred method of payment, frequency and number of payments, information about collateral, personal information, etc. After filling the required information, you will be asked to review it before submitting.
  • Loan Processing: After applying, you will have to wait for it to be processed. You may have to pay a nominal processing fees.
Contact the loan officers at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to apply for a vehicle loan. The credit union offers vehicle loans on both new and pre-owned vehicles. Members of the credit union can enjoy low-interest on vehicle loans. For more details on how to apply for a vehicle loan through a credit union, visit at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.

How Credit Unions Operate

27. January 2020 Administrator Blog (0)


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Direct Deposit Services By A Credit Union

22. January 2020 Administrator Blog (0)


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Reasons Why Millennials Should Open An Account In A Credit Union

13. January 2020 Administrator Blog (0)
For millennials, financial management relies on cost reduction and higher financial rewards to a large extent. This could be the main reason due to which most of them gravitate towards credit unions for opening savings accounts and borrowing loans. 

Reasons due to which credit unions are ideal for the millennial generation are:

  • Good Returns: Most millennials seem to keep much of their assets in cash due to which they look for financial institutions that remain stable, in spite of market fluctuations. This ensures returns and favorable rates of interest on their deposits. 
  • More Personal Attention: Millennials love the personal attention bestowed on them in credit unions. They are able to enjoy this kind of attention because of the customer-friendly and member-oriented services of credit unions. 
  • Empowering: It is empowering to know that as a member of a credit union, one is also its owner. Each member contributes towards the growth and prosperity of other members via the funds deposited in the credit union. Millennials love such collaboration and also the freedom to take ownership of their finances.
  • Non-Profit: Credit unions operate for the welfare of the community than the sole purpose of making profits. Millennials seem to resonate with this mode of operation and view credit unions as a reflection of charity organizations that give back to the community in the form of affordable loans, higher interest rates on savings and better deals.
  • Operates Locally: The fact that the money of a community stays within that community goes well with millennials who look for ways to develop their local community. When the money stays within the community, it can be used for aiding in its growth and development.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a variety of financial services to its members. The range of services offered includes savings accounts, checking accounts, vehicle loans, online banking facilities, etc. For more details on reasons why millennials should open an account in a credit union, visit: 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542. You can also contact: (254) 690 – 2274. 

Requirements To Join A Credit Union

31. December 2019 Administrator Blog (0)


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Tips For Saving On An Auto Loan

23. December 2019 Administrator Auto Loans (0)


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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

The Rise Of Credit Unions

30. January 2019 Administrator Blog (0)


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Benefits Of Direct Deposit

25. January 2019 Administrator Blog (0)
In the age of emails, online banking, e-statements and mobile applications; the direct deposit system offers a convenient & fast mode of transferring payments. Direct deposit refers to an Automated Clearing House transaction in which payments are electronically transferred into one’s checking or savings account. The payments usually include pay checks, pensions, travel reimbursements, social security payments and more.                                                                                                                                                                         

Following is a list of benefits that direct deposit has to offer:

  • Easy To Set-Up: To activate direct deposit, inform your employer and fill out a direct deposit form. You will need your credit union account number, routing number and a voided check of the account in which you intend to receive the payment.
  • Fast And Convenient: With direct deposit, you are not required to wait in lines to deposit or cash a pay check. Your money is easily deposited to your account even when you are away on a business trip or vacation.
  • Good For The Environment: Direct deposit is environment-friendly as there is no paper involved.
  • More Secure: Direct deposit is a safe and confidential method of receiving payments. It reduces the chance of anyone sneak-peeking into your financial information as the funds are transferred discreetly into your account. Also, it eliminates the chance of your pay check being lost or stolen.
  • Digital Storage Of Financial Information: Online modes of payment like direct deposit have eliminated the need to keep a tab on your payroll history. You can easily access your financial information as it is digitally saved.
  • Facilitates Savings: Direct deposit makes you better at budgeting and saving. You can split the incoming payments between your checking, saving & retirement account. This set-up encourages savings. Also, it gives you time to pause and reflect on the expenses for a better budgeting.
  • Automatic Bill Payments: As you know when the payment will be directly deposited in your account, you can schedule automatic bill payments accordingly to avoid the hassle of remembering due dates.
  • Saves Costs And Energy: A lot of time and expenses are saved by relying on direct deposit for making payments. Preparing payrolls involves writing, signing, folding, delivering checks and expenses incurred on envelopes and checks. Sometimes checks have to be re-issued if lost or stolen. Direct deposits reduce such costs and channelize the energy of human resources towards more productive tasks.
  • Flexibility: Direct deposit is not just limited to pay checks but can also be used for expense reimbursements, unemployment benefits, receiving income tax returns, travel and cash advances, etc.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates for the common benefit and welfare of its member-owners. For more information on direct deposits, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX -76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Paying Your Bills Online

15. January 2019 Administrator Blog (0)

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Ways To Save Money In The New Year

31. December 2018 Administrator Blog (0)

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Financial Tips For Youngsters

27. December 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
Financial intelligence is paramount for youngsters who want to achieve success and financial freedom early in life. This is because youngsters who make smart financial decisions at the beginning of their career ladder have better savings, fewer debts, emergency funds and other financial perks as compared to their counterparts.

Following are some proven financial tips for youngsters:

  • Practice Budgeting: One of the most useful financial tip is to learn how to budget. Budgeting helps you keep a tab on your incomes and expenses. It makes it easier to allocate funds for important things such as education, bills, grocery, etc.
  • Open A Savings Account: A savings account is one of the best modes of saving money for future investments as well as for achieving both long-term and short-term goals. You may consider being a member of the credit union as you will be entitled to many benefits and privileges reserved for members only.
  • Plan Ahead For Retirement: Start saving for your retirement while you are still young. You can be a part of an employer’s plan for the same. Such plans require you to contribute a portion of your income towards retirement goal.
  • Pay Off Your Debts Systematically: Start paying off your debts by getting rid of the smaller ones initially and gradually building your way up to the larger debts. This is referred to as the ‘Snowball Method’ and is great for keeping you motivated and focused. Take on a new debt in extreme cases only.
  • Build An Emergency Fund: It is important to keep aside some money in your emergency fund. So, if you start building your emergency fund while you are young, it will ensure that you have a substantial amount down the road.
  • Reduce Expenses: A great financial rule that can do wonders for youngsters is to minimize unnecessary expenses. Start by trimming off expenses that are futile and repetitive in nature. Eventually progress to cutting down expenditure on more meaningful yet avoidable items.
  • Manage Raises: When you get a raise, use it judiciously. Instead of spending it for leisure, you can either use it to pay off a long pending debt or save it.
  • Educate Your Children: Teach your kids the value of money at an early age. Embed it in their malleable minds that saving is not an option but a necessity. You can even take them to a nearest credit union and motivate them to open their own savings accounts.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates for the common benefit and welfare of its member-owners. For more information, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX -76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Ways To Protect Your Credit While Shopping

18. December 2018 Administrator Blog (0)


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Taking A Secured Loan From Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union

28. November 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
Meaning of Secured Loan

When a borrower pledges an asset as collateral for a loan, such a loan is called a Secured Loan. The debt/loan is secured against the collateral. If the borrower fails to repay the loan amount, the creditor can sell the asset to get back a part of the money that was lent.

Secured Loans offer benefits such as lower rates of interest, high borrowing limits and long repayment terms.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers Secured Loans to its members at competitive rates. The loans provide members with a financial boost when sudden expenses crop up; for a vacation, home improvement, purchasing a new car or a pre-owned vehicle, etc.

A Secured Loan is granted against collateral that is either equal in value of the loan amount or greater (at least 20 percent greater).

For a shared Secured Loan, the loan is backed by a share account that is held with Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. This excludes an IRA. It is necessary for the balance in the share account to be equal to or more than the loans balance (through its life).

Benefits of taking Secured Loans from Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union:

  • Fast approvals: Loans are approved within 24-48 hours of receiving a completed application form and verification of income.
  • Convenience of payment: Services like direct deposit, payroll deduction and automatic transfer are offered to members to facilitate repayment of the loan.
  • Lower interest rates.
  • Promote savings.
  • Skip-a-payment option.
  • Higher borrowing limits.
  • Easy application process.
  • Flexibility: There is an option of converting fixed-rate loans to variable-rate loans. Even the amount of premium can be varied as per the convenience of the borrower.
  • Helpful and friendly staff.
  • Involvement of members to vote on new policies.
  • No minimum balance restraint.
  • Programs to help members manage their budget and unexpected expenses.
  • It is locally run.
  • Insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) – A Federal government agency.

GCTFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates for the common benefit and welfare of its member-owners. Its members consist of people from the local community’s churches, schools and also employers. All members are equal owners. For more information on availing Secured Loan from Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, call at - (254) 690 - 2274

Things To Do Immediately If Your Credit Card Is Stolen

21. November 2018 Administrator Blog (0)


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All About Credit Score

16. November 2018 Administrator Blog (0)

How Do Credit Unions Work

30. October 2018 Administrator Blog (0)
Credit unions are financial cooperatives comprising of members who pool their money which is further used to provide loans, financial products and services, and demand deposits to one another. The income generated by a credit union is used for various projects and services that are in interest of community and members of the union.
On the surface, credit unions have many similarities with other financial institutions, but they greatly differ in their working. To understand the working of credit unions, let’s look at the following points:
  • They are owned by their members. Anyone who opens an account with a credit union, albeit a small one, becomes a partial owner. So, every member has an equal right to vote for the leadership position of the union. However, to become a member, one needs to qualify. For this:
    • You should live, work or worship in a particular city or area,
    • Be a member of a certain group e.g. the same college, armed forces, a church, etc.
  • You will have to fill out an application form, prove your eligibility, provide the name of a relative, employer or organization you work for and personal information such as your place of residence and work.
  • Thereafter you will have to choose the financial services you are interested in.
  • Once you are eligible for being a member of the credit union, the next requirement is to open an account with it.
  • Credit unions are federally insured or protected by National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).
  • They consist of an upper management body which formulates strategies, makes policies and so on. This board generally comprises of elected volunteers.
  • Service precedes profitability in credit unions and this is the reason for which they offer competitive rates for their services and products.
  • Most credit unions offer savings and loan accounts to their members along with other additional products and services.
  • Credit unions provide services such as Checking Accounts, ATM Cards, Credit Cards, Auto Loans, Payroll Deduction, Direct Deposit, Notary Service, Mastercard Cash Advance, On-Line Access, Mastercard Gift Cards, Wire Transfer, ACH Origination, Bill Pay etc.
You can become a member of Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to avail the services offered. For more information, visit at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542. You can also call at (254) 690 – 2274.