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

How To Select A Savings Account

24. February 2023 Administrator Blog (0)
A savings account is one of the safest ways of depositing money, earning interest and enjoying access to your funds at the same time. The right savings account is crucial for the growth of your money. Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers a number of savings accounts to provide financial freedom to its members. Its savings accounts include Share accounts, Money Market Accounts, Vacation and Christmas club accounts, Certificates of Deposit and Individual retirement Account (Roth and Traditional).

Listed below are some tips to help you choose the right savings account for your requirements:

  • Assess the Minimum Balance Requirements: This refers to the lowest amount of money that you need to have in your savings account, usually on a daily basis. Your credit union may impose a fee if the balance falls below the minimum amount required, so carefully review your choices and opt for an option that is manageable for you and in sync with your financial goals. At GCTFCU, the minimum balance requirement for a savings account is $25.00 and for Share Certificates of Deposit, the minimum deposit is $1,000.
  • Consider Liquidity: The accessibility of a savings account is another factor to consider. Check into the level of accessibility provided in terms of making deposits, transferring and withdrawing. Also, look for features like online transactions, ATM services, etc. At GCTFCU, we offer a variety of features for the convenience of members e.g. online access, direct deposit, wire transfer, ATM and more.
  • Consider Features: To make a sound choice, you need to figure out features that are important for you. For example, you may have to prioritize one feature over another from choices such as customer service, reasonable interest rates, accessibility, liquidity, statement frequency, etc. The right choice is one that meets your financial needs and goals.
  • Determine your Goals: Everyone has goals that are unique to their needs, so it is important to choose a savings account that meets these goals. Your goal may be to create an emergency fund, cater to short-term goals (vacation, major purchases, etc.), debt repayment and long-term goals like retirement, a child’s education, or a down payment for a new home. It is important to have a clear goal in mind when choosing a savings account. Interest Rate: When choosing a savings account, look for one that offers a competitive interest rate. Research on the interest rates provided by credit unions in your area. The amount of interest offered will determine how much you earn on your savings.
  • NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) Insurance: Savings accounts at GCTFCU are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000.

Choosing the right savings account maximizes the benefits of one’s savings and helps in easily meeting financial goals. For detailed information about different types of savings accounts offered at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, visit 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542, United States or call at 254-690-2274. You can also visit www.gctfcu.net or connect on our social media handles on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Instagram.
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GCTFCU Blog | How To Build And Maintain Good Credit
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

How To Build And Maintain Good Credit

27. March 2023 Administrator Blog (0)
Building and maintaining good credit is an essential part of personal finance. It can help you qualify for loans and credits cards, and even impact your ability to rent an apartment or get a job. With good credit, you can secure lower interest rates and better terms on loans, which can save you money in the long run. To build and maintain good credit, discipline, patience and a proper understanding of your financial situation are required. 

If you are new to credit or need to improve your credit score, the following tips will help you do so:

Understand Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. It's based on information in your credit report, such as your payment history, credit utilization, and length of credit history. The most commonly used credit scoring model is the FICO score, which ranges from 300 to 850. The higher your score, the better your creditworthiness.

Check Your Credit Report
It's important to regularly check your credit report to ensure that the information on it is accurate. Inaccurate information may affect your creditworthiness. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year. Upon receiving your credit report, review it carefully for any errors or inaccuracies.

Pay Your Bills on Time
Paying your bills on time is the most important factor in building good credit; late payments can negatively impact your credit score. To pay your bills on time and ensure that you never miss a payment, set up automatic payments or reminders.

Keep Your Credit Utilization Low
Your credit utilization is the percentage of your available credit that you're currently using. It's recommended to keep your credit utilization below 30% to maintain good credit. High credit utilization gives the impression of being heavily reliant on credit which can negatively impact your credit score.

Apply for Credit Sparingly
Each time you apply for credit, it results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Only apply for credit when you really need it, and try to limit your applications to once every six months.

Mix Up Your Credit Types
Having a mix of different credit types, such as credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages, can positively impact your credit score. It shows that you can manage different types of credit responsibly.

Keep Your Credit Accounts Active
Using your credit accounts regularly can help to keep them active and in good standing. Make small purchases on your credit cards and pay them off in full each month to keep your accounts active and show a positive payment history.

For professional assistance to maintain a good credit score and for other financial services, visit Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union at 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542, United States. You can also visit www.gctfcu.net or connect on our social media handles on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Instagram.

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