5 WEOKIE Federal Credit Union Features That Save You Time
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By: WEOKIE Federal Credit Union on Oct 19, 2017
A credit union might not be the first place you’d think of when considering an auto loan. In fact, you might apply right there at the dealership. But in reality, credit unions can take the hassle out of the entire process.
According to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), over 100 million Americans are using 6,900 credit unions across the country. That number continues to rise as credit unions compete with big banks, having increased by 4.1% in 2016 alone.
With roughly a third of Americans using a credit union, should you be one of them? In our blog today, we’ll be unveiling the hidden perks of refinancing with WEOKIE Federal Credit Union.
One of the most reputable perks of working with credit unions, is they exist to serve their members. And because they’re not as concerned with the profit they’re making on each transaction, they can typically offer lower interest rates.
In a 2015 survey, the NCUA found that in almost every case, credit unions offered better deals on common loans and products each quarter. This is possibly because unlike banks, credit unions are structured as member-owned cooperatives or non-profit corporations. Meaning, they reinvest all their funds back into their consumer programs.
Another benefit you’ll experience as a member is flexibility when approving loans. This is a huge perk for applicants with less-than-perfect credit. Banks often process larger volumes of applications, filtering out applicant’s solely based on credit score. A credit union takes a more holistic look at your finances and works with you to improve your credit and positioning you for a better loan.
Because credit unions operate for the members’ benefit, they often have unique programs you might not otherwise get from a traditional bank.
For example, if you bought a brand new car, you’re likely to have lost value on it as you drove it off the lot. If it gets totaled in the first year of ownership, you could be on the hook for the difference of its worth and what the insurance company will pay. Some credit unions like WEOKIE offer Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) which covers the difference, so you won’t have to pay for a car you can no longer drive.
Another program some credit unions offer is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI), also known as an extended warranty. This protects you from expensive car repairs that aren’t covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. This prevents you from having to pay for costly repairs out of your savings which could be a huge setback for your budget.
Another perk of joining a credit union is the personalized attention you’ll receive as a member. Credit unions often provide resources to guide borrowers through the loan process, clarifying the steps in involved, catering rates and payment plans to your specific needs.
In addition to competitive rates and personalized guidance, credit unions offer unique promotions exclusive to members you wouldn’t find elsewhere. For example, some of our members have qualified for half off their first auto loan rate. You’ll most likely feel supported in your financial efforts, not to mention you’ll usually save more money compared to a traditional bank.
Now that you’ve explored some of the hidden perks of refinancing with WEOKIE, you may be wondering, “When’s the best time to refinance?” Here are a few instances where refinancing is helpful for lowering your interest rate or monthly payment:
Contact your current lender and find out your payoff amount, then check the value of your vehicle. If it’s worth more than you owe, refinancing your auto loan should be fairly simple. If you owe more than the current value, a quick conversation with one of our lending specialists will help sort things out.
Because of the way loans are typically structured, you pay more interest towards the beginning of the loan than later. So, even if you’ve only had your vehicle for a few months, refinancing may work in your favor. In most cases, the earlier you refinance, the more you can save in the long-term.
Whether you’re looking for more information on refinancing or ready to take the plunge now, it’s always good to do a little digging (especially if it’s going to save you money). Doing your homework can mean the difference of thousands of dollars each year.
Getting the refinancing process started is something we can help you with here at WEOKIE Federal Credit Union. If you have any questions or are still unsure, give us a call at (405) 235-3030 and we can help point you in the right direction.
In our latest ebook, we share five stories from people like you and how they reduced their auto loan rates and escaped financial stress.
Federally Insured by NCUA
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