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

Things To Consider When Shopping For An Auto Loan

When planning to purchase a new car the most important factor to consider is financing option. Although auto loans have made it easier to buy a car, there are various factors that one must keep in mind to ensure that you get the best deal.

Here are some points to consider when applying for an auto loan:
  • Check Your Credit Score: This is an extremely important criterion to get approval for an auto loan. Make sure you have a good credit score, as it affects the interest rate that you will be charged for your loan.
  • Budget: Get a clear estimate of how much you can afford for the initial down payment as well as the monthly repayments. Calculate your monthly income from all sources and the indispensable expenses to know the money you can spare for the car loan.
  • Check The Interest Rates: Before deciding on your loan policy, compare the rates of interest quoted. Even a slight change in the interest rate could make a huge difference in your monthly payments. You must also decide between fixed and floating interest rates.
  • Select Loan Repayment Period Wisely: When you are shopping for a car loan, make sure you take the loan repayment period into consideration. Although long tenured loans may seem attractive in the first place, you may end up paying a lot more as part of the interest rate. Hence, it is always advisable to choose a short-term loan with 3 to 5 year repayment duration.
  • Skip a payment: You should confirm with the agent if you would be offered the option of ‘ skipping a payment’. You may be offered to skip one payment a year but it is helpful in times of a financial crunch. 
  • Secured Or Unsecured Loan: You also have the option to choose between secured or unsecured auto loans. In the former one, you have to put up collateral equivalent to the loan amount which, in most cases, is the car itself. The interest rates and monthly payments are quite low in these types of loans.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable auto loans in Killeen, TX. Our application process is simple and the loan is approved usually within a few days. For more details about our auto loan products, you can call at (254) 690 - 2274 or visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.
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GCTFCU Blog | Why Credit Unions Are Important For The Community
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union,
3305 E Elms Road
Killeen, TX 76542
Telephone: 254-690-2274
www.gctfcu.net

Why Credit Unions Are Important For The Community

The choice of banking institution preferred by people has a direct impact on the local community. The way credit unions operate and the fact that they strive to give back to the community in one way or another makes them a good choice. Below are some of the ways in which credit unions benefit communities:

  • Credit Unions Do Not Operate For Profits: Credit unions are non-profit institutions that are focused on providing affordable financial services to their members instead of lone purpose of making profits. The profits earned by credit unions are given back to the community in the form of dividends, low fee for various services, lower rates on loans and higher interest rates on savings. Credit unions invest their capital back in the community to support home equity loans, car loans, home loans, business loans and more at competitive rates.
  • Lower APR Loans: People can benefit from low APR loans offered by credit unions. It helps low-income members of the community in achieving their financial goals.
  • Financial Security: Credit unions provide financial security as they are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Members are protected from losses on their savings accounts and share draft products.
  • Equal Rights: Created by members for members, credit unions do not discriminate amongst its members. Every member enjoys equal voting rights for important decisions like choosing board members of the credit union. Decisions made by members of credit unions in higher positions are focused on the benefits of all other members.
  • A Variety Of Services: Credit unions offer a variety of services such as online payment of bills, 24 hour account access, payroll deduction, notary service, free and unlimited check writing, ATMs, regular share savings accounts, MasterCard gift cards, MasterCard cash advance, IRAs, Share Certificates of Deposits, Club accounts, overdraft protection plans and more.
  • Community Involvement: Credit unions foster a spirit of community involvement by organizing programs and events for community welfare. Members and non-members are encouraged to participate in these events & programs and the money raised through such events is used for a noble cause.
  • Spread Financial Literacy: Credit unions organize special events aimed at teaching financial skills such as saving, budgeting, good spending habits and investing to members of the community. Some credit unions even organize fairs at schools in the community to provide real life financial management guidance to students. They are trained and counselled to understand financial matters.
Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offers financial services like low interest auto loans, used car loans, savings accounts, checking accounts, etc. to its members. For more information on credit unions in Texas, call at (254) 690 – 2274. You can also visit 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX – 76542.

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