GCTFCU Blog | Auto Loans

Tips When Buying A Luxury Car Loan In Killeen, TX

21. March 2016 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

Owning a luxury car is a dream for many in Killeen, TX. However, buying an expensive vehicle is not within reach many a times and getting a loan is a convenient way to fulfill that dream. Getting a car loan is not difficult but you need to be sure that the loan amount can be repaid easily. Analyze your budget and calculate if you will have enough money for your expenses after paying for the monthly installment along with the interest rate.

Below is a list of some tips that can be utilized when getting a luxury car loan in Killeen:

Research: It is important to conduct a thorough research regarding the loan plans being offered by various credit unions. Browse through the internet and read the reviews to decide from which lender you want to get a loan. Compare the plans from at least three providers before making a decision.
Interest rate: Interest rate is a crucial factor when applying for a car loan as it eventually decides the EMI that you need to pay every month. A minimal increase in the interest rate can cause a major jump in the monthly installments. Identify the best deal and it is better to opt for a floating rate of interest if you want a loan for a short period of time. On the other hand, go for a fixed rate of interest if you want to opt for a longer tenure loan.
Processing fee: Every credit union has its own method of calculating the processing charges for a car loan. Some credit unions use fixed percentage of their loan as processing fee. On the other hand, many lenders also have flat rate processing fee. Decide on what suits your requirement and the amount you can easily afford to repay.
Down payment: Down payment is the lump sum money that needs to be paid at the commencement of the loan term. Therefore, you need to have some amount of cash ready for down payment. Take note that lesser down payments will eventually increase your monthly EMIs. So, you need to decide according to the financial resources available to you.
Loan term: It is best to avoid long term loans as this can lead to an increase the interest payments made during the loan tenure. On the other hand, a short term will help you in saving on the interest cost. Depending on your financial standing, you can decide on the car loan term.
Prepayment charges: The lender can levy prepayment charges if the borrower is able to return the complete or partial loan amount before the end of the loan term. Therefore, you need to be aware if your credit union levies any such charges.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable car loans in Killeen, TX. For more information, you can call at (254) 690 – 2274.

Document Checklist For A Secured Auto Loan In Killeen

14. March 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Blog (0)

When you need to apply for a secured auto loan, having the required documents at hand can help to get a faster approval for your application. It is important for the credit union to be sure that you will be able to repay the loan on time. This information will help to determine the interest rate that you may be charged on the loan amount.

Given below are some documents that you may need to submit while applying for a secured auto loan in Killeen, TX:

Income Proof: This is the most important document to be presented by the loan applicants. If you are a salaried individual, you may need to submit at least two of your recent pay stubs from the employer. For self-employed applicants, a copy of the tax returns of the last two financial years may be required. A bank account statement for the past 6 months may also be needed. If you have any source of sizeable income, such as rental properties, alimony, legal settlements etc. do provide the documents for validation.
Identity Proof: You must submit a valid identity proof and a recent photograph along with the application for the secured auto loan. The ID proofs that may be accepted include social security card, birth certificate, passport, driver’s license etc. It is recommended that you confirm the identity proof required by your credit union beforehand to avoid any trouble later.
Proof Of Residence: You may also need to submit proof of present and permanent address to apply for the loan. The document you provide should have an address consistent with that on your proof of identity as well as the loan application.
Vehicle Information: If you are buying a new vehicle, you may need to give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the lender. You may also be asked to submit he sales agreement from the dealer which may include the type, make, model, year and purchase price of the vehicle. For buying a used vehicle, get information about the original title, vehicle model and disclosure of no pending liens from the dealer.
Proof Of Insurance: The credit union may also want to ensure that you have a valid insurance policy for your vehicle. The coverage options that you have chosen may also be considered while approving your loan application and deciding the interest rate.

For affordable secured auto loans in Killeen, feel free to contact Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at (254) 690 – 2274.

Reasons You Must Join A Credit Union In Killeen, TX

12. February 2016 Administrator Auto Loans, Home Loans (0)

Credit Union is a not for profit institution that works collaboratively with its members to ease the financial liabilities of the clients. It lays emphasis on customer service and working for the benefits of the members. As the good word is spreading, more people are showing interest in joining credit union in the Killeen area as it offers various benefits.

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.

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.

The Pros Of Secured Auto Loan

20. October 2015 Administrator Auto Loans (0)

A secured auto loan is a good alternative for people looking for an affordable financing option. In this, the borrower needs to put forward collateral in exchange of the loan amount. In most cases, the collateral offered is the item for which the loan is being taken. For instance, the security in an auto loan is the recently bought vehicle itself.

Here are some of the benefits of a secured auto loan:

Flexible loan conditions: As a secured auto loan requires the borrower to present a collateral, it minimizes the risk for the lender. Hence, the terms and conditions of the loan are quite flexible which eliminates any sort of financial burden on both the parties involved. The borrower need not have a high income to be eligible for a secured loan.

Lower interest rates: Pledging an asset by the borrower subsequently brings down the interest rates on a secured auto loan. The lender is assured that he can take over the possession of the vehicle in case the borrower is unable to repay the loan. Lower interest rates imply easier and regular monthly payments, which in turn, improves your credit rating.

Quick Approval: Compared to other types of loans, it is much easier to get approval for a secured loan. Due to minimal risk, there is no need for the lender to conduct through background checks or income verification. Thus, secured auto loan applications are approved much faster, usually with 48 to 72 hours.

Economical repayments: The interest rates are much lower when it comes to a secured auto loan. This eventually means that the borrower has to give out less money for monthly repayments. You can even request to increase the term of loan repayment to make it even simpler to pay back the capital along with the interest.

More Reliable: By keeping a guarantee with the lender, there are minimal chances of the borrower defaulting on the loan. Also, knowing that the vehicle will be confiscated if he fails to repay the credit encourages him to be regular in his payments.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offers affordable secured auto loans in Killeen, TX. Being a non-profit organization, our credit union works solely for the benefit for the members. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX 76542.

Borrowing From A Credit Union: The Benefits

13. October 2015 Administrator Auto Loans, Car Loan, Home Loans (0)

A majority of people looking for easy financing options are turning to credit union these days. A credit union is basically a member owned and operated non-profit organization working solely for the benefit of the clients. When you are looking for a home or auto loan, you must consider applying at a credit union to get an affordable deal.

Here are some of the benefits of borrowing from a credit union:

Competitive Interest Rates: Working with a customer centric approach, a credit union offers loans at significantly low interest rates as compared to other financial institutions. As they are not liable to pay any state or federal taxes, all their profits are given out to the members in the form of low interest rates.

Excellent Customer Service: A credit union always keeps customers’ benefit as their topmost priority. They formulate customized loan products, policies, terms and conditions according to the client’s requirements. Their staff even assists the clients in the loan application process.

Lower Fees: The loan application fees charged by a credit union tend to be lower so as to benefit the customers. The transfer fee is also less and usually, there are no ATM 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.

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.