Applying for a secured auto loan can be a very confusing and deliberating task for many people. There are a number of terms and conditions that must be properly understood before you sign a contract.

Given here are some of the mistakes that people usually make while applying for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX.

For more information on secured auto loans in Killeen, TX, contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. You can call us at (254) 690 - 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E Elms Road Killeen, TX 76542.

A secured loan is one in which the borrower puts up a personal asset as collateral, based on which the value of the loan is determined. In most cases, the collateral is the same item for which the loan is being borrowed, which in the case of an auto loan is the car. This means that the lender can repossess the vehicle if the borrower fails to make the agreed-upon payments.

In some cases, the lender might also ask for additional security on top of vehicle for which the loan is being taken. This could be in the form of the borrower’s home, boat, or other property, which the lender holds against the loan. The legal document possessed by the lender in case of a secured loan is known as a lien, which the lender releases upon repayment of the loan. In case the borrower fails to repay the loan, the borrower can legally exercise the lien to take possession of the collateral.

The requirements for getting a secured auto loan in Texas are:

• Verifiable income: The primary requirement by most lenders for secured auto loans is a verifiable source of income. This could be in the form of paycheck stubs from several previous pay periods, bank statements showing regular monthly deposits from a certain source, or federal tax returns in case you are self-employed.
• Residency: The lender will usually want to know that you have been occupying your current residence for a sufficient period of time- usually 12 months. If you have recently moved into your present home, you might need to show that you have resided at a single address for a period of at least 12 months in the past ten years.
• Steady employment: The lender wants to ensure that you shall be able to make payments against your loan regularly, which usually comes with steady employment. You should be able to prove that you have been steadily employed for the past 12 months or more. Self-employed individuals or those with alternate sources of income need to prove that they have a steady source of income.

If you fulfill all the above requirements, you should be eligible to get a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX. Be sure to shop around and compare interest rates, penalties, and benefits offered by different lenders, before settling for a secured auto loan.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union has its origins dating back to 1957. We are a secure and sound credit union, based on a not-for-profit model, where all the proceedings from the credit unions go back to our members. The large number of financial opportunities and member services that we offer give us the reputation of being a highly trusted financial service provider. Here is a look at some of the key benefits that you can avail with a GCTFCU membership:

• Payroll deduction
• Direct deposit
• ATM
• Wire transfer
• Cash advance on your MasterCard and MasterCard gift cards
• Bill payments
• Online access to your account
• ACH origination
• Notary service

In addition to the aforementioned convenience services that we offer our members, you can also benefit from a wide range of savings and investment options. These are especially useful if you are planning to make a huge investment like a house or a car. As a GCTFCU member, you are entitled to open a regular share savings account, for which you need a minimum of only $25.00 to start with. You can benefit from our attractive dividend rates, which are paid on a quarterly basis.

Other popular saving options that our members can avail include Share Certificates of Deposit, IRAs, and club accounts. The SCD requires a minimum balance of $1000, and flexible terms ranging between 6 months and 36 months. The interest on these accounts is compounded quarterly. For those looking for a secured auto loan, getting a GCTFCU membership is a great idea, because we offer cheap interest rates and flexible loan terms, making it easy for you to convert your dream into a reality.

Our members are entitled to a wide range of options while getting an auto loan, which include pre-approval on the loan and refinancing. Other loans that we offer include boat loans, RV loans, home improvement loans etc. You can also enjoy low rates on our credit cards, which start from as low as 8.99% for our MasterCard Platinum. Our members are privileged to use these credit cards worldwide, without having to pay any annual fee.

You can also avail our exclusive skip-a-payment feature, which makes it easy for you to sail through a rough financial patch without having to worry about lagging behind on your loan payment. Our efforts remain to provide the best service and lending opportunities to each of our valuable members.

Shopping for new or used car loans from credit unions is a great idea to get a cheap auto loan, as these financial institutions offer attractive loan terms and significantly lower interest rates than banks. The Established in 1957, Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is one of the 7700 credit unions across America, which has been serving people across Central Texas to procure low interest loans. Here are some of the top reasons that make getting a credit union car loan a great idea:

• Greater flexibility: When you walk into our credit union, you are not just another number, but are a valuable member whom we shall make every effort to help. You are much more likely to have your case heard out and considered at our credit union than at a bank. This could mean getting approved for a car loan even if you do not fulfill all the requirements of such a loan. 
• Lower interest rates: This is probably the major reason why a vast majority of people looking for an auto loan in Killeen, TX and other cities across America opt for credit union auto loans. While the interest rates for bank auto loans average at around 4%, those at credit unions are as low as 2%, amounting to a significant saving over the life of the loan.
• Non-profit approach: Our credit union follows a “for the members” and “by the members” approach. All the proceedings gained through interest are put back into the credit union for the benefit of its members. This is usually in the form of low interest rates, savings accounts, and increased flexibility in loan terms.
• Financial education and resources: The Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union has a dedicated resource center for its members, where you can get valuable advice regarding your loan, repayment options, your financial situation, the real value of the car being considered, saving options, etc. At our credit union, you can always be sure of the lenders working in your best interest.
• Personalized service: You can be sure of getting the best customer service at our credit union, with a group of board members volunteering to make decisions regarding operation. This gives you a chance to openly discuss any issues you might be facing with your loan before or during the loan term, being sure of getting helped with the best solution for your problem.

For more information, visit us at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542 or call (254) 690-2274.

A secured auto loan is one in which there is collateral offered against the loan, which gives the lender higher security, hence resulting in better loan terms for the borrower. In most cases, the collateral in a secured auto loan is the car itself. That means that if, for any reason, the borrower is unable to make complete payments of the car, the car is repossessed by the lender. In some cases, the lender might require something more than just the car to be offered as collateral. This could include assets owned by the borrower, like a home, boat, land, etc.

A borrower has to fulfill certain basic requirements to get approval for a secured auto loan. These include:

• Proof of income- It is mandatory to have a verifiable income in order to be eligible for a secured auto loan. You could submit proof of income in the form of paycheck stubs, copies of tax returns, bank statements, etc.
• Steady employment- You must have had a steady source of income. If you do not have proof of steady employment, you might need to show proof of some other verifiable source of income, such as a personal business, inheritance, etc.
• Residency- You must have had lived in your current residence for at least one year. If you have just moved into your home, you need to show your prior residence proofs.

The greatest advantage of getting a secured auto loan is that the rate of interest for such a loan is significantly low, as compared to that for an unsecured loan. In addition to this, you can also expect to get more favorable loan terms, such as increased flexibility, on such a loan, since the lender has greater security in such a loan. Moreover, since the car is offered as collateral, the lender is generally more relaxed in terms of the amount of income of the borrower, or how well the income shows on paper.

When opting for a secured auto loan, you need to be sure not to default on your loan payments. By completing the loan payments till the end of the loan term, you can end up saving a lot of money as compared to if you had chosen an unsecured loan.

Buying a car is an absolutely exciting and refreshing experience for any individual. But when it comes to getting a loan for the same, you could find yourself in a dilemma over the multitude of auto financing options available in the market. Obviously, you are looking for something that gives you the best in terms of both savings and lower interest rates. So your best bet to get a cheap auto loan is through Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union.

Located in Killeen TX, this credit union is a non-profit financial organization, formed by a group of members who share a common bond, and belong to the same region. The members here share benefits with one another in the form of low interest rates on loans and similar such schemes.

• Read on to know more about the benefits of a credit union over other conventional ways of procuring auto loans, through banks for instance.
• If you choose a credit union while you hunt for the lowest used car loan, a credit union is the best way to go about it. The primary benefit of doing so is a favorable rate of interest that does not eat too much into your savings. This basically implies that you would be paying a lower EMI. In addition, you will also observe that over a period of time, you ultimately have to pay a lower amount of money as interest.
• Getting a loan through a credit union is also a very convenient option. Once you are a member of the union, getting a loan is a matter of a few simple steps. The entire procedure is secure as well. In addition, you can also be assured of the best customer service. You get a loan for your dream vehicle at very competitive rates. The best part is, a credit union would not charge any additional fees or hidden costs, as is the case with other financial institutions such as banks.
• A credit union also provides you with the flexibility of deciding upon the period for repayment of your auto loan. The lesser the duration in which you repay the amount, lesser would be the overall amount that you would be paying over the entire period. This can be attributed to the low interest that you would be required to pay back to the union.

So if you are looking for an auto loan in Killeen, then definitely go in for Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union to get the best interest rates, lower EMIs, and a user-friendly experience.

One of the most perplexing decisions that any car buyer is faced with at the beginning of his purchase, is whether to opt for a new car or a used one. While some people are very sure about which way they want to go, the following compilation of the pros of going either side should help the rest of you decide-

Pros of buying a new car-

• One of the major advantages of buying a new car is that you can get exactly what you want, custom-made to meet your needs. This saves a lot of time, along with ensuring optimal satisfaction for you as a buyer.
• Another obvious advantage is that you do not have to worry about where the car you are driving has been, or who owned it before you did. You are the first driver, and you decide how you wish to keep it.
• The warranty that you get with a new car is also an advantage, since it comes with the car and you do not have to pay extra for it.
• Chances of getting better financing rates with a new car are high, since the car has not yet depreciated, and hence inherently costs more.
• A new car is likely to be equipped with the latest gizmos, safety measures, and mechanical advances. This means better efficiency, increased safety, lower emissions, and a generally more pleasant driving experience.

Pros of buying used-

• The biggest advantage of choosing to buy a used car is the cost saving involved. Not only is the overall price of the car a lot lower than its new counterpart, but you can also easily get a cheap auto loan on a used car
• A used car also offers the advantage of undergoing minimal depreciation. While this might sound counterintuitive, it is true, since all cars undergo maximum depreciation in the first few years, losing as high as 40% of their value in the first year. 
• Chances of getting low insurance rates on used cars are high. All that you need to do is shop around and stay away from insurance sticker shock. 
• Used cars offer a wider range of financing options, and with some amount of research, you should be able to get a great deal on the lowest used car loan in your area. 
• Finally, choosing to buy a used car increases the options that fall within your budget greatly, making it possible to consider buying a dream car that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.

Joining a credit union is one of the best decisions anyone can ever make, and if you haven’t joint one yet, it is high time you did! After all, credit unions are among the few financial institutions in the modern world that function on a “users’ first” and “not-for-profit” model. While the principle aim of commercial banks remains to enrich their shareholders, credit unions aim at helping their members. The following list enumerates some of the top reasons to join a credit union-

• Better interest rates- Credit unions offer the best available interest rates, making them a great option for anyone seeking a cheap auto loan.
• Increased chances of loan approval- If you are looking to get a personal loan, the chances of you getting approved at a credit union are higher than at other financial institutions. This is because credit unions usually know profiles of most of their members, and hence can take non-financial factors into account.
• Personalized attention- While you are just an account number at a huge bank, you are treated as an individual at a credit union. This makes it easier to build relationships with the credit union staff, speeds up the process of getting a loan, and makes tackling issues like erroneous fees a lot more convenient.
• Lower fees- Right from minimum balance required in your account and compulsory monthly financial interactions, to ATM withdrawal, the fees imposed by banks can be huge. Credit unions on the other hand, have a lot more flexible terms, and whenever necessary charge minimal fees.
• Easier availability- Credit unions are a lot more accessible than most banks. You can find a credit union in nearly every neighborhood, and some of these have special opening hours, such as evenings or Sundays, for the convenience of their customers. It is also a lot easier to reach a credit union employee over the phone, as compared to a huge bank.
• Education for members- Credit unions makes an effort to educate their members through regular seminars, personalized financial counseling, and meetings for members. For instance, if you are a youngster looking for the lowest used car loan, not only are you likely to get the best deal for your needs and budget at a credit union, but you can also expect to get the right financial advice on whether you are ready for the loan, and how to manage your finances around it.

Buying a new car is a dream harbored by many, but when it comes to financing a car in the best possible way, not many are well-versed with the process of doing so. Car financing is a major decision, which usually has a bearing on the next few years’ finances of the buyer, which explains why it is important to carefully consider the dos and don’ts of the process before finalizing it. Contrary to common perception, it is possible to get a financially viable auto-financing deal even with a bad credit, and when shopping on a budget.

The following dos and don’ts of car financing guide you through the process, helping you to make a well-informed decision-

• Do have a clear picture of the complete price that you shall have to pay by the end of the process, including interest rates and any hidden costs.
• Do calculate your credit score using a credit calculator beforehand, so as to have a clear idea of what to expect. This can also be helpful in making amends to any flaws in your credit that can be corrected in the short-term.
• Do decide your budget and stick to it. One of the most common mistakes made by car buyers is that of walking into the car dealership without being sure of how much they intend to spend. This results in them financing a car beyond their budget, and hence ending up with monthly payments higher than they can afford, which puts them at a risk of bad credit.
• Don’t go to a buy here pay here dealer. While these dealers may seem favorable in the beginning, the usual case with them is that they do not report to the credit bureau unless you default on your loan, which means that they do not help in building your credit.
• Don’t buy a car in poor condition. No matter how small your budget, buying a car that is either too old or too problematic will simply increase your worries, with the high interest rates on such a car making it all the more difficult.

We at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide you with quick and reliable car financing. Whether you want to purchase a new car or a used one, we have solutions for all your car loan needs. For more details, visit us at 3305 E Elms Road, Killeen, TX 76542 or call us at 254-690-2274.

• Focus on the community: A credit union aims at uplifting the financial understanding and positioning of its members. They plough back the finances they raise for the improvement of the objectives, thus making them a viable social organization.

• Easier loans and lower interest rates: Accessibility of loans at competitive interest rates is one of the biggest advantages of a credit union. The application process is much easier and the loans are approved in a shorter period of time.  

• Lower banking fee: Their overdraft policies, minimum balance policies are competitive and designed keeping in mind the benefit of the members.

• Easy to join: It is easy to become a member of a credit union. Membership may be accepted depending on your area of residence, thus opening its gates to more and more members.

• Education: One can trust a credit union to offer the best advice when it comes to financial constraints and liabilities. They organize periodic seminars, panel discussions, lectures, and personalized financial counseling to make the members aware of latest financial tools available.

• Accessibility: Credit Unions are managed by representatives amongst the members and thus are more receptive to an individual’s concern. They are connected digitally, giving its members various windows to interact and exchange views, all round the day.

• More personal: You can strike personal relations with the staff as they are more forthcoming in attending to your queries than anywhere else. You can discuss your problems, raise queries and express opinions as these unions respond promptly to feedback.

• 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.
  

• 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.

• No alterations in the rate of interest irrespective of market conditions.
• Perfect option for people who have fixed budgets.
• It is a secure alternative.

• Loans are 1 to 2.5% higher than floating interest rate depending on the bank.
• If the interest rate decreases in the market, you will not get any advantage.
• In some instances the fixed rate home loan is fixed only for a few years and not the complete loan tenure.

• Cheaper than fixed interest rate home loans.
• If the floating rate increases than fixed rate, it is temporary and not for entire loan period.
• Can prove to be beneficial if you want to save money.

• Monthly installments are not constant.
• You can face difficulty in planning your budget.
• There has been a hike in floating interest rates in recent times.

• Age:  Age is an important consideration for home loan approval. Younger people are more likely to get a loan as compared to those who are nearing retirement.

• Source of income: Your source of income along with its stability is an important factor taken into account by a credit union. For instance, having a salaried job can fetch you a higher loan amount because of your job stability.

• Additional debts: If you have an existing loan repayment, it can affect your chances of getting a home loan from credit union. It is better to pay off all your smaller loans (if any) before applying for a home loan. Additionally, having a good repayment history may also increase your chances of getting a home loan.

• Proof of income: You will be required to show at least three of your recent pay slips to your lender. If not, you may be asked to submit a letter from your employer which states your annual salary. In case you are self-employed, you may be asked to provide the financial accounts for the past two years.

• Debt to income ratio (DTI): Your debt to income ratio is another factor considered by a credit union before approving a home loan. It is basically a measure of your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts as well. DTI is calculated by dividing total recurring monthly debt by gross monthly income. You should calculate it prior to deciding how much loan you want.

• Credit score: Having a good credit score increases your chances of getting a home loan approved easily. Therefore, it will be beneficial if you maintain a decent credit score by paying all your installments and loans on time.

• Ask for quotes from various credit unions: Different credit unions will offer you varied rates of interests on home loans. Make sure you ask for a quote to have an idea about your monthly repayment amount. Apart from the rate of interest, you should be able to know the limit up to which you can borrow. Compare quotes from different credit unions and finalize the one that offers the lowest rate of interest.

• Fixed or adjustable rate loan: You can choose to get a home loan at a fixed rate of interest or an adjustable one. In case you select a fixed rate, the repayment amount remains constant throughout the loan term. On the other hand, the interest charged on adjustable-rate mortgage fluctuates over the time period of your loan. This eventually means your repayments will vary as well.

• Choosing the loan term: You can get to choose a customized loan term from a credit union. Therefore, you can decide the amount of time it will take you to return the home loan. Depending on your income and expenditure, you can settle for a particular number of years within which you will be able to repay your loan. Though a longer duration can lower your monthly payments, it would eventually lead you to pay more interest.

• Fees and charges: Check if you need to pay any fees or additional charges before getting a home loan approval. These may include ATM fees, loan fees, wire transfer fees etc.

• Sale Agreement: Before you apply for a home loan with your credit union, it is requisite to have the sale agreement or evidence of deposit. You will need to provide the registered title and location of the relevant property for the pre-approval procedure.
• Salary Verification Letter: Whether you are a salaried person or self-employed, you need to provide your salary and income verification letter. You need to furnish pay stubs for at least a month’s period for the loan. You also need to attach the recent W-2 statements.
• Tax Returns: To apply for the home loan, the credit union requires you to provide your completed tax returns including schedules and statements. You need to offer certificate of payment of taxes.
• ID proof: You must add a copy of your date of birth certificates along with other ID proofs, as they are crucial for the verification of the identity.
• Attach Credit Report: Your credit score is an important deciding factor, as it will determine the amount of loan that you can borrow from the credit union and the rate of interest that you will have to pay. Check your credit file before applying for the home loan.

• 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.