Problems saving money or getting a loan?

Why not join a credit union?

Credit unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and great value loans, plus they are local, ethical and know what their members want.

Bristol Credit Union

Bristol Credit Union can help you to save and borrow, while supporting your local community. It’s operated on a not-for-profit basis, with any surplus profits being returned to members, and people in the community can come together to save ethically and to borrow money at competitive rates.

Once you are a member (which costs£1.50), you can use any of the credit union’s services – you can deposit money by standing order, with a PayPoint card, or sometimes direct from your wages.

BCU offers a current account, which carries a flat weekly charge when you use it, with no danger of charges when something goes wrong. This can be the best way to manage your money, and help you to save by paying for utility bills by direct debit and standing order. You can also join the Christmas Savers’ Club, open an account for your children or invest in a Child Trust Fund.

If you need to borrow money, then once you’re a member you can apply for a loan. As long as you’re in receipt of a regular income, whether wages, benefits or a pension, then you can apply to borrow from £100 to £7,500.

Living in Wiltshire or Mendip?

For those tenants living outside the Avon area, there are also credit unions operating in Wiltshire and Mendip, but their services may differ slightly.

Here are some of them:

  • Mendip Community Credit Union: 0800 622 6036
  • North Wilts Credit Union: 07790 717930
  • West Wilts Credit Union: 01225 704907
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