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

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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Home Loan Process At Credit Union

22. April 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)





How To Apply For An Auto Loan

29. March 2017 Administrator Auto Loans (0)


Advantages Of A Credit Union

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



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Steps To Applying For A Home Loan

17. March 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
A credit union is a non-profit cooperative that provides home loans at low interest rates to its members. The organization aims at passing on the profits to the members and therefore adds a lot to their savings. It is important to be clear about the home loan requirements so that you can easily purchase the home of your dreams.

Below are some steps that you need to follow while applying for a home loan:

  • Get pre-approval: In simple terms, pre-approval is a written application that states how much amount the lender will let you borrow. This document is necessary so that you know exactly how much you can borrow and how much money you need to put from your side. This will help you divide your budget according to the monthly expenses. Various factors such as employment history, credit score, down payment etc. are taken into account while pre-approving a home loan.
  • Make the offer: After zeroing down a particular property, you need to prepare an offer in consultation with your real estate agent. Offer contains details such as purchase price, closing date and the time period for which the offer holds good for you. This is given to the seller who can accept or reject it. If your offer is accepted, you need to get home inspection done from a qualified professional. 
  • Complete the loan application: After coming to a conclusion regarding the price, you need to complete the loan application formalities. The lender will determine the terms and conditions of your loan, ask you to complete the loan documents and may also demand additional documents. These can include: pay stubs for the past few months and tax return details etc.
  • Get the interest rate locked: Locking the interest rate with your lender ensures that it does not go up while your loan is still getting processed. This is imperative because home loan interest rates can fluctuate on a daily basis and you would want the lowest interest rates for big financial savings.
  • Go through loan processing: In this step, your home will be evaluated to judge its market value. Apart from this, the lender will review your loan application, cross-check the documents, verify the financial information and also check the title details to ensure that all the legalities are in place.
  • Closing: During the last stage, your home loan documents will be sent to a title company so that you and the seller can duly sign them. A photo identity proof along with the down payment amount is required for closing. Apart from this, many other documents such as loan note and deed etc. need to be reviewed and signed.
We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union offer affordable financing services in Killeen, TX.  To know more about our credit union, call us at (254) 690 – 2274.

Steps To Get A Home Loan

28. February 2017 Administrator (0)

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Ways To Pay Off Your Car Loan Faster

17. February 2017 Administrator Car Loan (0)
Applying for a car loan seems like a ‘cake walk’ with credit unions. In addition to low interest rates and less paperwork, these lending institutions offer various benefits to make the deal more profitable for the clients. However, a loan comes along with a huge responsibility of repaying the borrowed amount with added interest.

If you are looking for efficient ways to save some money on interest and pay your loan before time, you may consider the following points.

Round up your payment – To shorten your loan term and save money on interest, you can round up your payments. For example, if your monthly loan payment is $384, consider paying $400. This may look a small amount in the beginning but it can help to reduce your loan period several months than expected. Apart from this, a round payment is easy to calculate and you do not feel overburdened by paying a little extra from your pocket.

Pay after every 2 weeks- You may strike a deal with your credit union to allow biweekly payments, instead of paying at the end of every month. This will offer the following benefits:
  • Since you will pay more often, less interest will be added on your money
  • You will be able to pay extra amount every year
  • Tenure of your loan payment will reduce
Pay extra at least once a year - If you cannot afford to pay biweekly payments, you can pay at least one extra payment every year. This can be done by adding a certain additional amount, say for instance $30, which may become equivalent to one month's payment. This will help you to stay ahead in your repayments and shorten the mortgage period.

Avoid skipping a payment- Option of not paying a payment may seem lucrative at first, but it does not provide any long term benefits. It will eventually extend your loan period for months and increase the rate of interest. Therefore, you must not skip a payment until and unless there is an extreme urgency to do so.

Save extra bucks – In order to pay your loan quickly, you can always save some extra money. If you have a part time job or any other source that gives you money, try to put it towards repaying your loan. Even if you collect $100 every month, you’ll be able to save $1200 every year.

Refinance your loan – A credit union may offer extremely low rates on auto loans, which can lower your repayment amount and decrease the loan period to almost half. Eventually decreasing the overall cost of your car loan.

Pay bill online – Credit unions offer discounts on signing up for paperless statements, as it saves the time of the lender as well as the payer. 

Some of the advantages offered by paperless billing procedure are–
  • There are no checks to write
  • No paper statements filling up your mailbox
  • You get timely payment reminders
  • 24 hours access to your account
  • You can pay from anywhere at any time
  • Security of your data
  • Provision for automatic payments
Paying your auto loan early gives incredible benefits. You can save a lot of money and utilize it to upgrade your home, pay off other debts, save for your retirement etc.

We, at Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union, offer affordable car loans with minimal rate of interests.  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, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

Pros And Cons Of Home Loan Modification

25. January 2017 Administrator Home Loans (0)
Home loan modification can be a good option for borrowers who find it difficult to pay their monthly mortgage installments. It is also sometimes helpful in avoiding a foreclosure and saving the lender from having to deal with the process. Lenders also suggest applying for a loan modification, particularly if the borrower is experiencing a temporary financial crunch. It provides the assurance that he will resume making timely payments over time.

What Exactly Is Home Loan Modification?

Home loan modification refers to the process of altering the terms and conditions of a mortgage agreement. It is usually requested by the borrower and on being approved by the lender, the loan repayment is then governed by the new contract. The lender may either approve or reject the application for home loan modification, depending upon the current financial condition of the borrower.

If you are planning to apply for a home loan modification, given below are certain pros and cons that you must consider before making the final decision:

Pros

Extended Loan Term

A shorter loan term implies higher monthly installments. This is the reason why most borrowers opt for a longer loan duration. However, when you extend the repayments to several years, you ultimately tend to pay more as interest. Home loan modification provides a convenient alternative to increase the loan term, without changing the rate of interest. The lender may extend your loan term initially, making it convenient for you to make the monthly payments.

Reduced Interest Rate

In a home loan modification, the lender may also reduce the interest rate for a short time period. This may be done to reduce the monthly installments and allow the borrower to recover from the financial crisis. In such situations, the loan conditions are re-evaluated to determine the amount you can easily pay according to the current debt-to-income ratio. The interest rate may then be temporarily reduced and gradually increased according to the market conditions.

Save Money For Other Liabilities

If you have another pending loan, such as an auto loan, student loan or credit card bill, getting your home loan modified may help you to save money to pay for these. With lower mortgage payments and lesser interest rate, you will have significant money to pay down each month towards other financial liabilities.

Cons

Strict Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for home loan modification, you need to convince the lender that you are genuinely facing difficulty in making the monthly mortgage payments. He may verify your credit rating, current financial position, other liabilities etc. to ensure that you are eligible for the program. You may need to provide a number of documents stating all your sources of income and monthly expenses, Due to the extensive paperwork involved in the process, getting a home loan modified may take approximately 30 to 180 days.

Negative Impact On Credit Score

People who apply for a home loan modification would obviously have some sort of financial crisis, which may be perceived as a risk by the future lenders. Applicants with a good credit rating and a flawless record of loan repayments are generally preferred by most lenders. Thus, modifying the home loan may greatly affect your future borrowing abilities, specifically if you are planning to get a higher amount.

Can Be A Risky Proposition

Home loan modification can be a real risk, particularly if you have not done your research. If the lending institution has proposed modifying the home loan, it does not necessarily mean that they will not initiate the foreclosure process. Though it may be true in some cases, you may have to leave your home while the loan modification application is still being reviewed by the lender.

Considering the above pros and cons, it is important to evaluate all your options before applying for a home loan modification.

Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union is a leading credit union in Killeen, TX providing comprehensive financial services to the clients. We offer flexible home and auto loans at low interest rates and with easy repayment options. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit our office at 3305 E. Elms Rd., Killeen, TX  76542.

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.

-of-using-a-credit-union">Benefits Of Using A Credit Union
26. October 2016 Administrator Blog (0)
Over the years, credit unions have emerged as a safety refuge for people who wish to save money as well as earn interest out of their savings. These are not-for-profit institutions that aim at keeping the members first. They offer a wide range of financial services, membership benefits and attractive policies which sets them apart from other financial institutions.

Discuss below are some benefits of using a credit union:

Superior service that keeps members first
Credit unions are financial cooperatives that are owned by the members. Their aim is not to make big profits for stockholders, but to provide financial assistance and customer service to the shareholders. The credit unions take an extra step where they involve the members to vote on the new policies and take account of the suggestions.

Credit unions offer lower interest rates
Owing to their not-for-profit status, credit unions offer high rates on savings account and lower rates on loans as well as credit cards. These rates are competitive and promote savings. Thus, you can enjoy lower rates on your credit cards, house loans and auto loans while you can earn a higher rate of interest on savings and cash deposits.

No minimum balance constraint
Unlike other financial institutions, a credit union does not have to maintain a minimum balance or cash reserve ratio. Thus, it is not mandatory for the account holders to maintain a minimum balance in their financial account. This feature allows customers to withdraw all or keep no money in their account.

Flexible fees
Credit unions are very flexible when it comes to charging fees. They usually aim at charging less and keeping the costs low for the members. They prefer to eliminate a few products and services in order to cut costs, rather than piling up on the fees.

Easier access to cash
Credit unions have come up with the CO-OP ATM network and a shared branch alliance. This includes surcharge-free cash machines and shared branching that gives members the ability to conduct in-person transactions at a larger number of branches across the state. Also, these CO-OP ATMs do not charge any transaction fee.

Friendly and cooperative staff
The staff at credit unions is friendlier and more cooperative as compared to other financial institutions. They are also easily accessible to address your queries and concerns regarding any financial matter. They only invite members who are local and thus are comparatively smaller. This allows them to be well connected with their surroundings and better at giving feedback.

Provides loan regardless of credit history
This is another major benefit of being a member at a credit union. These institutions are willing to provide quick loan approval to people regardless of their credit history. They also offer programs that help you manage your budget and unexpected expenses.

The Add-Ons
A more attractive feature of opting for a credit union is the additional products and services they offer, besides financial services. You may come across some credit unions that have provisions like individual health insurance and financial advisory services. They aim at community service and providing financial education.

All in all, credit unions prove to be community friendly and more welcoming when it comes to providing financial services to the local people. They offer a lower interest rates, and fee -free ATM transactions. Thus they work on a different and more welcoming business model, which makes them customer friendly.

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.

Tips To Find The Best Home Loan In Killeen

20. September 2016 Administrator Home Loans (0)
The home loan market of Killeen, TX has become quite complex in the recent years. With numerous lenders offering a wide range of loan plans, you need to be careful and informed about your needs while going down that road. Though it may seem great to have so many loan options to choose from, it is quite likely that you may get confused and make the wrong decision. Therefore, it is important that you stay fairly selective so that you are able to get the best deal on your home loan.

Given below are a few tips that can help you find the best home loan in Killeen:

Find A Reliable Loan Provider

The foremost decision you need to make is regarding your home loan provider. You can either consider taking loan from a bank or a credit union in Killeen. Make sure you do not choose the first lender whom you contact. Meet at least 3 to 5 lenders, compare the plans offered by them and calculate the overall cost of the loan before you finalize anything.

Know About The Associated Costs Of The Loan

While calculating the cost of your home loan, there is a lot more than the principle amount and interest payments. There are many other costs included in the process, such as application fees, loan processing, credit evaluation, title search etc. Make sure you are familiar with all these charges and inquire about these from the lender. This will help you gauge the affordability of the loan in a better way.

Gain Knowledge About The Interest Rate Options

The rate of interest is also an important factor that will influence your monthly payments and the total amount repaid by you. Make sure you choose a home loan with the most competitive interest rate. Also, you need to decide between fixed and variable rate of interest for the home loan. In the former one, the monthly repayment amount will remain fixed throughout the loan tenure. On the other hand, floating interest rates keep on fluctuating according to the market conditions.

If you are looking for a home loan in Killeen, TX, consider Greater Central Texas Federal Credit Union. We offer a wide range of loan plans with flexible repayment options and affordable interest rates to help you buy your dream home easily. For more information, you can call us at (254) 690 – 2274 or visit 3305 E Elms Rd, Killeen, TX 76542.

Questions To Ask Before Getting An Auto Loan In Central Texas

14. September 2016 Administrator