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?

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?


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Credit Union Savings Account


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Why Good Credit Is Important



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How To Apply For A Vehicle Loan Through A Credit Union

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



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Direct Deposit Services By A Credit Union



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Reasons Why Millennials Should Open An Account In A Credit Union

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



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Tips For Saving On An Auto Loan



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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

Checklist For Loan Application




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Choosing The Right Auto Loan




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Features Of A Savings Account


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How To Be Savings Smart?

How-To-Be-Savings-Smart.pdf (735.5KB)

Affordable Financial Services In Killeen, TX

If you are looking for convenient and affordable financial services, consider availing the services of a credit union near you. Credit unions are non-profit organizations that provide a variety of financial services and products to their members. They are committed towards providing the services at the earliest and are dedicated towards customer satisfaction. Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provides a wide array of affordable financial services to its members in Killeen, TX.

Listed below are the financial services and products that can be availed at a credit union:

  • Savings and Checking Accounts: Savings accounts are interest-bearing accounts that offer safety and reliability to fulfill short-term financial needs. Checking accounts are ideal for those in need of quick access to money for daily needs. Credit unions offer savings accounts such as share accounts, money market accounts, Vacation Club accounts, Christmas Club accounts, Certificate of Deposits and Individual Retirement Accounts.
  • Loans: You can avail affordable secured and unsecured loans at credit unions for unexpected expenses. The loans are available at lucrative rates and are approved within 24 to 48 hours upon receiving an application. For the convenience of clients, services such as direct deposit, automatic transfer services and payroll deduction are offered. Secured loans are granted against collateral whereas unsecured loans do not require collateral. Examples of unsecured loans are credit cards, student loans and personal loans.
  • Direct Deposit: A direct deposit is a payment that is directly made to a payee’s account electronically with the help of software. The service is convenient for businesses that have to pay employees and are also useful for tax refunds. Direct deposits are a convenient and safe method of transferring funds. They offer faster transactions, ensure timely payments of salaries and reduce bookkeeping.
  • IRA: Individual Retirement Accounts are for those who want to build up their retirement funds. These accounts can be opened by anyone working and below the age of 70 ½. IRAs offer tax advantages and are considered to be one of the best savings tools. IRA’s are of two types: Traditional and Roth IRAs. They are great for those starting their career, couples, growing families and those nearing retirement. Credit unions offer competitive rates to members interested in IRAs.
  • Other Services: Apart from the services mentioned above, credit unions also offer debit cards, credit cards, wire transfer, ATM services, payroll deduction, notary service, online access, skip-a-payment options, outgoing and incoming ACHs, gift cards, etc. GCTFCU strives to offer its members affordable financial services and convenient lending services.
To know about financial services and products offered at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542, call at (254) 690-2274 or check out https://gctfcu.net

Understanding Certificates Of Deposit




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What Are Credit Builder Loans

A credit builder loan is a type of loan that helps to improve one’s credit profile and resolve a low credit score. The loan consists of a small amount that can easily be repaid by an individual. This helps in establishing one’s credit worthiness and qualifying for higher loan amounts in future.

Following are some things to know about credit builder loans:

  • Types of Credit Builder Loans: The types of loans offered by most lenders include Pure Credit Builder Loan, Secured Credit Builder Loan and Unsecured Credit Builder Loan. In the first type, the amount of the loan is locked away in a savings account until the amount is paid. In the second, an amount in one’s savings account is used as security against the loan. The last type works as a normal loan and is easily available.
  • Where to Get the Loan: You can get these loans from financial institutions like credit unions. Such institutions offer a variety of loans at low interest rates. Consider researching credit unions in your area and contact an official for more information on the benefits of these loans.
  • The Process: A financial institution offering the loan will consider things such as your bank transactions, work contracts, financials, etc. to determine your credit worthiness. The amount of loan offered is usually a small one and lasts for a term of 6 months to one year. Upon the disbursement of the loan, one can start paying regular EMIs as in the case of normal loans.
  • How It Works: In this type of loan, the amount if loan offered is deposited into the borrower’s savings account. The amount deposited cannot be accessed till the amount of loan is paid back. So, on repaying the loan, one gets back the money deposited into a savings account. Ask your lender whether there is a provision for prepayment in case you need to access your funds for an emergency.
  • What to Consider: When buying a credit builder loan, some things to consider are administrative fee (for setting up an account), amount of money to deposit in a savings account, monthly payment, APR, whether the interest will be refunded, etc. Get in touch with the customer care department of a credit union in your area for these details.
  • Managing the Loan: When getting a credit builder loan, it is important to understand its terms and conditions before making a commitment. Pay attention to details like the term of loan, amount of payments to be made, due dates, APR and more. Also, consider the affordability of the loan and be disciplined with paying your installments in full and on time to improve your creditworthiness. 
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers Credit Builder Loans in Killeen, TX. To know more, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  - 76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.

How To Choose A Savings Account?



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Savings Tips For Youngsters

Youngsters are known to be strong believers of living in the moment! However, when it comes to finances, it is advisable to encourage them to plan ahead and keep a portion of their earnings as savings. This helps in securing their future and opens up opportunities for making investments early in life.

Here are some pro-saving tips for youngsters:

  • Make A Budget: The first step towards saving is to create a budget and stick to it. The purpose of creating a budget is to be watchful of income and expenses. It helps create a limit on the amount spent and to create savings for bill payments, entertainment, etc.
  • Practice Delayed Gratification: Youngsters need to work on self-control as far as expenses are concerned in order to save. Encourage them to save for a commodity or service instead of buying it on credit.
  • Keep A Tab On Expenses: Educate youngsters on financial management through personal finance books, online mediums and financial experts. This will help them understand how daily expenses can add up into huge amounts and their impact on savings goals. It will also help to minimize recurring monthly expenses.
  • Prepare An Emergency Fund: Teach them the importance of starting an emergency fund. Irrespective of how much they earn (from pocket money, summer jobs, part time jobs, etc.), encourage them to put away a certain amount as an emergency fund. They can make use of a money market account, certificates of deposit or a high-interest savings account for doing so.
  • Adopt Frugal Habits: Set an example for them by spending wisely by limiting expenses on housing, food, transportation, shopping and entertainment. Look for cheaper options wherever possible and tell them the amount you end up saving.
  • Avoid Lifestyle Inflation: Help them avoid falling into the trap of getting the latest gadgets and devices, cars, expensive designer wear and so on. Teach them to hang onto what they have for as long as they can, provided there is no depreciation in quality and utility.
  • Open A Savings Account: Encourage them to deposit a portion of what they earn into their savings account. It instills a sense of discipline every month and lays the foundation for healthy saving habits.
It is easier to develop a habit at a younger age, so encourage youngsters to start saving. Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers an array of savings accounts to assist savings. To know more about savings accounts in Killeen, visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  - 76542 or call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Secured Loan: Eligibility & Benefits



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