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What are credit unions?

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Leanne Macardle

Freelance Contributor
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At a glance

  • Credit unions offer a range of savings accounts, current accounts and loans to members, much like traditional banks and building societies.
  • The key difference is that it’s a not-for-profit setup that’s run for members who have something in common (e.g. locality or industry).
  • To be eligible to join a credit union, you typically have to have the same “common bond” with other members, though some credit unions have relaxed their criteria.

What is a credit union?

A credit union is a form of co-operative. It's "run by the members, for the members".

Credit unions are not-for-profit, and are formed by people who have something in common. This 'common bond' could be the same:

  • Locality
  • Industry (the police have a credit union for instance)
  • Trade union, club or church

You can only join a credit union if you meet its eligibility criteria. Usually this means that you must share the same common bond with the other members.

In 2012, credit unions became free to extend their memberships beyond those that have a common bond, but you should still check eligibility criteria as this is a choice, rather than an obligation.

Credit unions are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), meaning that they are also covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

The FSCS will protect the first £85,000 that each individual has with a credit union.

What services do credit unions offer?

Broadly speaking, credit unions offer three main types of financial product: current accounts, savings accounts and loans.

Current accounts

  • Some credit unions provide a kind of basic bank account. They don't offer an overdraft or a chequebook, so you can't get into debt.
  • You get an ATM/debit card (usually a Visa debit card and access to the LINK network of cash machines).
  • They offer the ability to set up direct debits and standing orders, and to have your wages, pension or benefits paid in directly.

Savings accounts

  • The savings accounts offered by credit unions are essentially ethical accounts, whereby your deposited money is lent to other members in your credit union.
  • You have the flexibility to save how much you like, when you like.
  • You can make deposits in branch, in certain shops, collection points or by direct debit. You can even save directly from your wages!
  • Until 2012, credit unions paid a dividend, not savings interest. They now have the option to pay interest although many still choose to pay a dividend.
  • Some credit unions include built-in life insurance. This means that if you die your savings are doubled and can be paid to a person you specify (subject to certain terms and conditions. Check with the individual credit union to find out more).

Want to bank in a traditional way? Find the best savings accounts, current accounts and loans for your needs using our handy search tools.

Loans

  • Credit unions offer loans to members only. Some may accept an application from a new member, but others will insist that you save with the union for a set period of time before being eligible to borrow.
  • As well as offering bigger loans, they can lend smaller amounts than a bank or building society, more akin to the amounts lent by a doorstep or payday lender.
  • Interest rates can vary, but are capped by law at 42.6% APR, which is considerably less than many short-term loans, including a payday loan.
  • No charges for early repayment.
  • Credit unions can offer secured loans for larger amounts and longer terms.
  • Life insurance is built-in so that if you die, the loan is fully repaid.

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Disclaimer: This information is intended solely to provide guidance and is not financial advice. Moneyfacts will not be liable for any loss arising from your use or reliance on this information. If you are in any doubt, Moneyfacts recommends you obtain independent financial advice.

Credit Union written on a chalkboard

At a glance

  • Credit unions offer a range of savings accounts, current accounts and loans to members, much like traditional banks and building societies.
  • The key difference is that it’s a not-for-profit setup that’s run for members who have something in common (e.g. locality or industry).
  • To be eligible to join a credit union, you typically have to have the same “common bond” with other members, though some credit unions have relaxed their criteria.

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Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will never contact you by phone to sell you any financial product. Any calls like this are not from Moneyfacts. Emails sent by Moneyfactscompare.co.uk will always be from news@moneyfacts-news.co.uk. Be ScamSmart.