GCTFCU Blog | Auto Loans

Types Of Auto Loans

24. May 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Advantages Of Credit Union Auto Loans

18. May 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Buying the car of your dreams is a great achievement that can only be fulfilled if you get a good car loan from a trusted lender at a decent rate of interest. One of the best options is to apply for a car loan from a credit union.

Although there are numerous lending options available in the market, getting an auto loan from a credit union is easier. Credit unions have the funds as well as amicable relationships with car dealers. This makes them one of the most trusted lending organizations when it comes to providing car loans.

Below is a list of advantages associated with getting a car loan from a credit union:

Favorable rate of interest: Credit unions are non-profit organizations that work for the benefit of their members. Therefore, you will get a lower rate of interest on your car loan from the credit union. A favorable rate of interest can significantly affect loan repayment amount and contribute towards great savings for you.

Fewer formalities: When you apply for an auto loan from a credit union, there are fewer formalities and lesser paperwork involved during the whole process. All you need to do is become a member of the credit union and then work towards the loan application process. There are also no hidden charges or fees involved.

Better customer service: Credit unions offer an impressive standard of customer service and their only motive is to pass on the profits to their members. When you apply for an auto loan, all the financial information will be provided to you in a simple manner. The final approval also does not take much time and you can expect to get a loan without much delay.

Shorter loans: Credit unions provide their members with an option of choosing their loan term. A longer loan term is equivalent to more interest and can put a financial burden on you. But when you opt for a shorter loan term, the monthly installment might be high but you will have to shell out lesser rate of interest.

Relaxed membership requirements: It is very easy to become a member of a credit union. The membership requirements are not stringent and almost anyone can join. Another advantage is that credit unions are more in sync with the local communities and can make the auto loan process much easier for you.

Beneficial for members: The credit unions are always working towards providing incentives to their members in the form of lower interest rates on the loan and saving amounts. Since profit is not on their agenda, they take utmost care of their customers and provide optimum services.

For auto loans in Killeen, TX, look no further than Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We can be contacted at (254) 690 – 2274.

Car Loan Tips

29. April 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

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How To Apply For An Auto Loan

29. March 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

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Advantages Of A Credit Union

22. March 2017 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog, Home Loans (0)

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Auto Loan For Students: How To Get The Best Deal

19. January 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Owning a car is quite a big deal for students. It gives a sense of independence, freedom and a personal transportation to commute through the busy roads. However, owning a car comes with a lot of financial obligations. Though auto loans offer a good way to cover up the expenses, you must invest a lot of time and efforts to make sure that you get a suitable financing plan.

Given below are some tips that can help you get the best deal on an auto loan in Killeen, TX:

Choose The Right Car

Though you may be excited about buying your first car, it is important to make a well-informed decision about the right make and model. The price of the car is a prominent factor that determines the amount of loan you need to apply for. Make sure that you can easily afford the monthly loan payments along with additional expenses such as fuel, insurance and maintenance costs.

Research The Available Financing Options

Get quotes from multiple financial institutions to get the best possible rate on your auto loan. You can also visit a credit union as they offer loans at quite low interest rates. Make sure you completely understand the terms and conditions of different loan plans before you finalize anything. You can choose from a secured or unsecured auto loan, depending upon your requirements and budget.

Work On Your Grades

Credit unions in Killeen offer a lower interest rate to students who have a high grade point average (GPA). This is due to the reason that such students are considered responsible and are likely to be punctual in their monthly payments, thereby minimizing the risk for the lender. If you have a low or average GPA, you can consider working on improving it so that you are able to get a better interest rate on your car loan.

Pay A Higher Down Payment

The more money you can pay upfront for your car, lesser will the amount that you need to borrow. Making a large down payment will not only decrease your loan amount, but also the interest payments and monthly installments. Plan your car purchase well in advance so that you can start saving for the down payment. Borrowing a small amount of money will reduce the risk for the lender, allowing him to make a better offer on the interest rate.

Go For A Short Term Loan

Just like most students, you may consider buying an inexpensive or used car till the time you are able to afford a better model. Hence, it is quite likely that you would not want to keep on paying the loan for a span of 5 to 7 years. A better alternative is to choose a short term loan so that you can pay it off quickly and start saving for your next car. Though this may mean that you will have to pay larger payments every month, you can save a lot in terms of interest.

Know Your Credit Score

Though many students have never checked their credit score, it is important to do so when you are applying for an auto loan. Maintaining a good credit score will not only increase your chances of getting approval for a loan, you will also be able to secure a low interest rate. This, in turn, will allow you to make significant savings throughout the loan duration.

Get A Co-Signer

The credit rating of your co-signer can greatly impact the rate of interest quoted by the lender for your auto loan. Make sure you do not choose your parents or relatives as co-signer. Rather, opt for a person who has a good credit score and helps to lower your overall auto loan costs.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans from students in Killeen, TX. You can either choose from unsecured or secured car loans. Our staff will assist you with the loan application and all the paperwork involved in the process. For more details about the auto loan plans offered, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Things To Consider When Deciding On A Loan Term

19. December 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Home Loans (0)

Getting a loan has always been a daunting procedure. No matter you are a first timer or have prior experience in going through all the mortgage paperwork, there are a lot of things that need to be considered. You should perform a thorough research and evaluate all your options to ensure that you are making the right decision.

If you are planning to finance your home or vehicle purchase, one of the most important factors to keep in mind is the duration of the loan. There are both short and long term loans available. Here are some details on both types of loan plans:

Short term loan: A short term loan is usually for less than 3 years and is a good option if you want to save money in the long run. A smaller duration implies low interest rate and less amount repaid at the end of the loan tenure. However, you may need to pay more in terms of monthly repayments.

Long term loan: These can be defined as the loans that last for more than 3 years. These are generally preferred by borrowers who want to pay low monthly payments, despite of the fact that they end up paying more as the interest. Long term loans can either be secured or unsecured.

Things to consider when deciding the home or auto loan term:

Age: The age of the borrower has a major influence on loan term that he may be eligible for. Whether you are getting a loan from a bank or credit union in Killeen, make sure you inquire about any specific age criterion that they may have. Most lenders do not provide loan term loan to individuals who are nearing their retirement or have already exceeded that age. In such cases, you can either opt for a short term loan or inquire if you can allot a younger applicant to make the remaining payments post your retirement.

Your income: Your income is also an important factor in determining the amount of loan repayments you can conveniently afford every month. To select the most suitable loan tenure, keep in mind your total income from all sources and the financial liabilities you have to bear, i.e., insurance payments, kids’ education, home rent etc. Therefore, you should choose a plan that allows you to easily pay off the loan in the minimum time period while retaining sufficient savings for unexpected circumstances, such as a medical emergency.

Amount of loan required: The higher amount of money you borrow, more will be your monthly installments and interest payments. Hence, you should try to apply for a smaller loan so that you can pay the least amount of money at the end of the loan tenure. This way, you will not only be able to pay off the loan early, but also make considerable savings on interest payments.

Rate of interest: Comparing the interest rate quoted by the credit union is also important while deciding on the loan term. Depending upon whether you are opting for a variable or fixed interest rate, your overall loan payments may vary. For variable interest loans, you may have to pay higher monthly installments in case of a long term loan. This may be due to the fluctuations in the market rate over the span of years. Short term loans, however, may not be affected much in this case.

After evaluating all the factors, the general consensus is that you should opt for a home or auto loan that offers the lowest interest rate and for a shorter duration. However, make sure that you are able to pay the monthly installments without any sort of financial burden.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union in Killeen. We offer a wide range of home and auto loan plans at low interest rates. You can also avail many other financial services by being a member of the credit union. For more details about our services, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Unsecured & Secured Auto Loans: Which Loan Is Best For You?

24. November 2016 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

If you are planning to finance your next vehicle purchase, you may have come across the terms 'secured loan' and 'unsecured loan'. Though both the types of auto loans offer varied advantages, it is best to understand the differences between them to decide which one would be a better option for your particular situation.

Given below is a complete comparison of unsecured and secured auto loans to help you make a well informed decision:

Unsecured Auto Loans
In this, the lender approves the loan on the basis of the credit worthiness of the borrower. There is no need to provide any form of security to the lending institution. Once the borrower submits the loan application, the lender evaluates his current financial resources and previous credit records to determine if he will be able to pay back the amount along with the interest rate.

The typical characteristics of an unsecured auto loan are as follows:

Interest Rate: The rate of interest quoted for each borrower may vary. Depending upon the borrower's income, credit rating, other financial liabilities and the amount of loan, the lender may charge a reasonable interest rate.
Premiums: The borrower can either buy the loan at a fixed or variable interest rate. In the former one, monthly premiums remain constant throughout the duration of the loan. However, in a variable interest rate, the installments may keep on changing according to the current market conditions.
Borrowing Limits: The loan amount that can be sanctioned in this case depends upon the value of the car you are planning to purchase. Usually, you can get a certain percentage of the total cost and the remaining has to be paid by you.
Loan Tenure: Unsecured loans are available for both short and long term. Short term loans generally have high monthly installments but you end up paying less interest.

Secured Auto Loans
A secured loan can be defined as the one in which the borrower is required to put forward a collateral, usually the vehicle itself, against the loan amount. In case the borrower fails to pay back the loan and interest amount within the stipulated period of time, the lender has the legal right to sell the collateral to recover the money.

The typical characteristics of a secured auto loan are given below:

Interest Rate: The rate of interest quoted for a secured loan is comparatively less. Putting forward a valuable collateral minimizes the risk for the lender as he can easily recover the loan in case the borrower fails to do so.
Premiums: Secured loans are generally offered on fixed interest rates. Therefore, the premiums remain constant throughout the duration of the loan.
Borrowing Limits: If you are planning to purchase a luxury car, you should go for a secured loan as it has higher borrowing limits. You can borrow more money against a collateral of similar value, thus, minimizing the investment to be made out of pocket.
Loan Tenure: As the interest rates are quite low, you can conveniently repay the loan amount over a longer period of time. This implies that you would have to make lesser monthly payments, allowing you to save money for other financial liabilities as well.

How to decide between unsecured and secured auto loans:

Getting an auto loan can be a tricky process and with so many options available, you are quite likely to get confused. It is important that you evaluate your requirements as well as the loan plans to make the right choice. The following factors need to be considered while doing so:

The car you want to buy
Monthly installments you can afford to pay
Other financial liabilities
Amount of loan required
Interest rate quoted by the lender
Loan tenure

As compared to an unsecured loan, you can get quick approval for a secured auto loan, usually within a few days. This is because there is no need for the lender to conduct extensive background and income checks. Also, the terms and conditions for such loans are quite flexible which minimizes the financial burden on the borrower.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen. You can choose from both secured and unsecured loan plans with nominal rates of interest. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our credit union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Reasons To Choose A Secured Loan In Killeen

18. October 2016 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

When applying for a loan at credit union, you will come across two options - secured and unsecured loans. It is important to know about both these types of loans to make sure you make the right decision. Make sure you analyze your requirements such as income, debt, credit history and budget before choosing a loan plan at your credit union. Research thoroughly about various lenders so that you can get a loan at low interest rates.

What's The Difference Between A Secured And Unsecured Loan?

Secured Loans

These are backed by a collateral such as a car, property, stocks or any other valuable asset. If the borrower fails to repay the loan, the lender may take possession of the collateral. Secured loans can be a perfect option for those who require to borrow a large sum of money to meet their long term financial goals.

Unsecured Loans

An unsecured loan does not involve the use of collateral. As compared to secured loans, it generally has a shorter repayment term and a higher rate of interest. These types of loans are approved on the basis of income, credit history and various other factors.

Benefits Of Secured Loans:

Low Interest Rate: A secured loan is offered at low interest rate as the collateral serves as a ‘security’. If the loan is not paid on time, the value of the collateral is used to repay the amount. On the other hand, unsecured loans have a higher rate of interest as the lender lacks assurance of loan repayment. Secured loan can be a good choice if you are looking for easy financing options.

Longer Repayment Term: In case of secured loan, you get a longer time to repay the amount which can lower your monthly premiums and ensure financial stability. It also relieves the pressure of paying a higher amount of money. Such types of loans involve a highly valuable asset as a collateral. Thus, credit unions provide longer time for repayment. On the contrary, an unsecured loan has a shorter repayment term.

Higher Borrowing Limits: If you are looking to borrow larger amount for any major investment, you must opt for secured loans. The borrowing limits are usually proportional to the value of the collateral. For instance, you can choose a secured loan if you need to buy a home or a car. While in case of an unsecured loan, only a small amount of money can be borrowed as there is a risk of non-payment.

Easy To Apply: You can easily get a secured loan regardless of your credit history and employment status. Credit unions do not impose any strict rules for loan approval or check for any late payments. This also reduces the paperwork involved in the process. In case of an unsecured loan, having a good credit score is important to get qualified.

Greater Flexibility: A secured loan offers greater flexibility as compared to unsecured loans. It can help you to easily convert a fixed-rate loan to a variable-rate loan. You can also vary the premium amount according to your convenience. You will have to pay a fixed interest rate for the unsecured loans as they have no security.

Considering their various benefits, you can choose a suitable loan plan accordingly. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid any hassles later.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union provide quick and affordable secured loans to our members in Killeen. The staff at our credit union helps to choose a loan plan according to your requirements. We also offer direct deposit, payroll deduction and other online services to provide you a better lending experience. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our credit union at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542. You can also apply for a secured loan at our website.

Questions To Ask Before Getting An Auto Loan In Central Texas

14. September 2016 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Getting an auto loan from a credit union can take you one step closer towards buying your new car. However, you need to do a comprehensive research before choosing a credit union for your auto loan requirements in Central Texas. If anything is not clear, you can consider making a list of questions to clear your doubts. Below are some questions that you should ask before getting an auto loan from a credit union:

Q: What is the interest rate on the loan?
It is imperative to ask about the interest rate being charged on your loan. The interest rate should be competitive and the total cost of the loan should be in your budget. Be clear about the monthly installments because you should be able to repay them easily. Affordability is the key to decide the exact loan amount you should borrow.

Q: Is the interest rate fixed or variable?
A fixed rate of interest on your loan means the rate will remain the same throughout the loan term. On the other hand, it may keep on altering in case of variable interest rate. Before deciding on a specific type of interest rate, take a closer look at your budget and determine if you will be able to cope up with changing rates of interest.

Q: What is the loan term?
Although lower monthly installments may seem to be a bit easier to repay but they will increase the length of your loan term. On the other hand, a higher EMI will decrease your loan term but can be overbearing on your finances. Therefore, you need to decide what suits you best and only then settle for the loan term.

Q: Is there a possibility of any penalties being levied on my loan?
In certain instances, repaying the loan before the end of your loan term may entail penalties. Apart from this, there are many extra charges that you might have to pay during the term of your loan period. It is best to clarify all these aspects before signing the loan agreement.

Q: What about credit insurance?
You may be offered insurance by your credit union or you may have to get it on the insistence of your lender. Before opting for credit insurance, you need to have a thorough look at your finances. You also need to check if it is mandatory to get the credit insurance as per the state laws so that you can make the decision accordingly.

For affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We are located at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

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.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer complete financial services in Killeen, TX. We provide low interest home loans, checking accounts, savings account, payroll deduction, MasterCard, wire transfer and may other services to the clients. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

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.

Secured Loan Checklist Killeen, TX

13. January 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan (0)

A secured loan is the one where your asset is kept as collateral and can be taken into possession by the lender in case you are unable to pay back the loan. Secured loans have become really popular over a period of time because you can get them easily approved. Moreover, you can borrow huge sums of money at a lower interest rate.

It is important that you conduct a thorough research about the secured loan rates being offered by the credit unions in your area. This will help you select the most appropriate lender for your loan requirements. It is always beneficial to prepare for your loan well in advance to make the process hassle free and quick. Consider the following checklist before applying for a secured loan:

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.

For affordable secured loans in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer customized loan plans with low interest rates and easy repayment options. To know more, call at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Unsecured Vs. Secured Auto Loans

15. December 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan (0)

If you are contemplating on getting an auto loan, there are numerous options available for you. You need to thoroughly research and establish the background of the type of auto loan you want to opt for. Auto loans are basically divided into two categories: secured and unsecured. Before you select an option for yourself, it is better to understand the difference between the two.

Secured Auto Loan:

A secured auto loan is the one in which your asset is used as collateral in case you fail to pay back the mortgage amount along with the interest. In an auto loan, the security is generally your car. This means your lender can sell off your car if you do not return the loan amount.

Interest rate: In a secured auto loan, the interest rate does not vary over a period of time. The advantage here is that since secured auto loans are mostly given on a fixed rate and your repayment amounts do not get altered.
Loan term: A secured auto loan generally has a shorter repayment term. However, since the risk is minimal in this case, so you are likely to get a lower interest rate.

Unsecured Auto Loan:

If you opt for an unsecured auto loan, you will not be required to give any security from your side. The lender approves the loan on the basis of your current financial resources. Every lending organization has its own criteria to conclude if you are fit for an unsecured loan or not.

Interest rate: When it comes to an unsecured auto loan, the rate of interest can either be fixed or variable. This is unlike the secured auto loans where there is only a fixed rate of interest. Although the rate of interest is higher, you can choose between fixed and variable depending on your financial condition. While a variable rate of interest will give you more flexibility, you can also opt for the fixed rate of interest if you have complete control over your finances.
Loan term: The loan term for an unsecured auto loan can be short as well as long on the basis of individual assessment.

Both types of loans have their own advantages and you must choose what is best suitable for your individual situation.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer unsecured and secured auto loans in Central Texas. For more information, feel free to call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Low Income Auto Loan In Central Texas

14. November 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Having a low monthly income can make it challenging for you to secure an auto loan. You need a loan plan that suits your budget requirements. A number of credit unions in Central Texas provide auto loans and refinancing options to people in the lower income group. Do a thorough research and compare the interest rates offered by these institutions to choose the one suiting your requirements.

Here are the factors that you need to consider while applying for an auto loan in Central Texas:

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.

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