GCTFCU Blog | All posts by admin

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

Things To Consider While Applying For Car Loans?

25. January 2018 Administrator Car Loan (0)

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Ways To Build Your Credit Score

19. January 2018 Administrator (0)

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Benefits Of Availing Online Service Offered By A Credit Union

28. December 2017 Administrator Blog (0)

Credit unions are a favorite amongst masses due to the services and convenience they offer to their members. Not only do they offer online tools and facilities which save a member’s precious time and money but they also provide some of the best secure online services free of cost. Examples of such online services are payment of bills, banking, offering e-statements, mobile banking and so on.

Here we have listed certain benefits of availing online services of a credit union.

Keeping Up With Your Accounts 24/7

Availing the online banking services that credit unions offer makes it convenient and easy for members to access and manage their money at any hour of the day. There are no forms to fill, no queues, etc. Your money is just a tap away. You can also get details about previous transactions and current balance by click of mouse though online panel provided by credit union.

Easy Transfers

This is a person to person service which makes it easy to send and receive money securely. No need to write a check to send someone money. The Electronic Transfer service lets you carry out these transactions in less than a day’s time.

Fast And Secure Monthly Statements

Online services save on a lot of time by offering members the facility to access e-Statements. It becomes very easy to manage finances as per ones convenience. The e-Statements and forms are available on PC’s and smartphones. All you have to do to sign up for these statements is to log on to your credit union’s online banking account.

Protection Of Personal And Financial Information

With more people leaning towards transacting online, the security of one’s personal and financial information is crucial. When availing online services offered by credit unions, you are completely safe. Information of each and every member of the credit union is highly secured.

Timely Payment Of Bills

Credit unions offer online bill payment through which you can make quick and secure payments, anywhere and at any time. In a flick of a second, you can view your bill details, history, make payments etc. You would never forget to make important payments as Credit Unions offer you a convenient service through which you can pre-schedule them.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer various online services to our members in Killeen, TX. For more information call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Secured Loans v/s Unsecured Loans

20. December 2017 Administrator Blog (0)

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Guide To Understanding Credit Unions

13. December 2017 Administrator (0)

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Things To Know Before Joining a Credit Union

25. November 2017 Administrator Blog (0)

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How To Determine The Value Of Your Car Loan

14. November 2017 Administrator Car Loan (0)

Car loans on new and used cars are a boon for those who are hesitant to shell out a large chunk of money instantly. Before getting a car, do get an idea of the value of your car loan. This gives you a hint of what your monthly payments would likely be and whether it will be easy for you to comply with them.

Let’s take a look at some strategies to help you determine the value of your car loan well in advance:-

Credit Score - Credit score of a person is an important factor in deciding the amount of car loan they will get. Check out your credit score to calculate as to what amount of loan you would be able to qualify for. Also a good credit score can help you save on interests.

Down-Payment - The amount you pay for down payment decides the amount of loan you would further need. If you have enough savings in your hand then you can easily pay more amount as down payment initially. Higher the amount, the lesser will be the amount of loan you would need, thus making it easy for you to qualify and get approved for a car loan. You can easily calculate the amount of loan and the interest thereon after considering the amount of down payment.

Monthly Instalments - An important aspect while determining the value of your car loan is the amount of monthly instalments. Plan your budget and calculate what amount of money you can easily pay. You want a loan with monthly instalments that will blend with other expenses you might have. Stick to the rule of not spending more than half of your monthly income on financial obligations towards other parties. Aim for a low budget as you will have an auto insurance to cater to on the purchase of a new car.

Tenure - Do the rounds with lenders in your area and tell them your preferences based on where you stand financially. For clients with a good credit score, lenders usually recommend short-term loans. These loans have lower interest rates and higher monthly instalments. If you are looking for lower monthly payments and don’t mind higher rates of interest, then long-term loans are your best bet.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide car loans. The loans offered by us are flexible and customized to suit the financial interests of our clients. For more information about our services, visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

Ways To Manage Auto Loan

8. November 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

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Home Loan Tips

28. October 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Buying a home is indeed a dream come true and the experience is completely surreal. Today, one can take loan and pave their way to home-ownership. However, buying an ideal home involves huge finances that can put a burden on your pocket if not planned well. Here we have listed certain tips which must be considered before taking a loan.

Know Your Repaying Capacity – Do not borrow an amount which you cannot repay. Check if you have enough monetary and income sources to make sure you make no defaults on repayment of interest and loan amount.

Take Loan From A Credit Union – It is a wise decision to opt for loans from credit unions. To apply for loan, a credit union membership is quintessential. From liberal policies to low interest rates, they offer a wide range of home loan options to their members.

Start Saving For The Down Payment – No matter what type or amount of loan you opt for, saving early for the down payment is imperative. Saving and planning for your down payment helps you to take advantage of better options and to meet your financial commitments on time.

Avoid Long Term Loans – Longer the period of loan, more the interest rates. To avoid shelling out dollars, it is highly advisable to take loans for a shorter tenure which are affordable and easy to repay.

Ensure Complete Paperwork – To get qualified for home loan promptly, make sure that you possess all the necessary financial documents that your lender asks for.

Plan Your Budget – If you are planning to take a home loan in near future, plan your budget accordingly. Cut down on other expenses to make sure that you save enough to fulfil your financial commitments that shall arise when you opt for a loan.

Choose An Ideal Loan Option – Thoroughly research for all the available loans options and select that one whose terms and conditions suit you the best. Carefully choose the loan type after considering your financial status and requirements. Focus on all the aspects of the loan rather than just taking into account the low interest rates.

Improve Your Credit Score – You must have a good credit score to secure the best deal. The lender would certainly consider your credit records to ensure himself whether you would be able to repay your loan or not.

Use A Mortgage Calculator- It requires you to enter some basic details like price of home, your down payment savings, payments per year etc. The easy to use calculator allows you to calculate mortgage payments you would need to pay on the basis of the information you fill in.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer home loans to our members. For more information call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Avoid Additional Car Loan Costs

25. October 2017 Administrator Car Loan (0)

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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.

Home Loan Tips: Credit Union Killeen, TX

6. October 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Buying a house is a huge and one time investment for most people. Therefore, it is important to choose a home loan provider wisely so that this liability can be eased to some extent. With so many financing options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. A credit union is a reliable option that can provide you the loan amount at affordable interest rates, the lowering your monthly repayment amount.

Read on to know about some tips for getting a home loan from a credit union.

Research thoroughly: It is suggested to carry out complete research before applying for a home loan. Compare the interest rates of various financial institutions so that you are able to find a plan with affordable interest rates, making it easier to repay the loan. Acquaint yourself with the jargons used in home loan agreements so you can understand the terms and conditions properly.

Check your credit score: Your credit score is an important point of reference when it comes to getting a home loan approval. It helps to determine your consistency in repaying loans, paying taxes etc. The interest rate you are likely to be quoted depends a lot upon your credit score.

Decide the monthly installment: It is advisable to apply for a loan that fits your budget. Evaluate your monthly income from all sources and the necessary expenditures to determine the amount that you can spare towards your home loan repayment.

Prepare documents: Make sure you have all the required documents at hand before applying for the home loan. The lender may ask for the closing disclosure from previous home sale (if applicable), alimony funds, relocation agreement and retirement statement etc. You should be prepared with all the documents beforehand in order to make the process hassle-free

Read the agreement: You must read each and every point mentioned in the home loan agreement thoroughly. The loan tenure, interest rates, EMI amount, due date for payment and other important details should be clearly mentioned therein. Clear all your doubts and if there is anything that you do not understand, make sure you ask the agent to avoid any confusion later on.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, provide affordable home loans in Killeen, TX. We offer low interest rate, easy repayment options and flexible loan plans to suit the requirements of the clients. 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.

Before You Apply For A Home Loan In Killeen, TX ‬

8. September 2015 Administrator Home Loans (0)

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest investments that a person makes in his lifetime. Getting a home loan can reduce the financial burden involved in the process. However, the costs involved in premiums and interest can take up large amount of all total monthly expenses. Therefore, it is important that you are familiar with the basic factors that can help you get an affordable home loan.

Here are some points to remember before applying for a home loan:

Loan Eligibility: The home loan amount depends on your income and previous loan record. There may be a significant difference in the online quoted amount and the actual loan sanctioned. Thus, you should have a clear idea about the loan plan you are eligible for.

Budget: You must evaluate your budget before applying for a home loan. This will help to determine the amount you can pay upfront for the home and the remaining can be applied for as loan. The budget also assists in deciding on a monthly amount that you can afford.

Credit Score: You should maintain a clean and dependable credit score. Maintenance of bank accounts, credit card usage, existing loans, payment of bills, all these can affect the interest rate charged on your home loan.

Interest Rate: The type of interest rate determines the amount you would have to pay every month. You can select between fixed rate and floating rate home loan. You can make the choice depending on your financial condition and current market rates.

Loan Duration: This will determine the interest amount and its portion that you will have to pay every month. A longer tenure will reduce the monthly payments but will eventually result in more interest payments.

Documents: You must ensure that you read the documents carefully before signing. All verbal contracts and negotiations must be in written. You should check the applicable charges, processing fee, late charges etc.

Research: It is essential to get quotes for different home loan policies and choose the one that best suits your needs. You can consider a credit union for low interest home loans.

Extra Charges: You must be aware of any extra charges that may be incurred during the course of the loan repayment. It is important to clarify the queries during the initial stage to avoid paying processing fee at a later stage.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable home loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.