Borrowing and saving money in a fair way

Dedicated to our members
Ethical loans with fair interest rates
Supporting members to save
Making money more inclusive

We’ve got a new look!

Discover why we’ve refreshed our brand and how we’re improving access, inclusion, and support for all our members.

Join a local credit union

Helping each other

Like all credit unions, GWCU is a mutual, financial co-operative. When we join forces as members, we lend, borrow, and save together. It's finance created by the community, for the community.

Join over 20,000 GWCU members

✕ Banks spend their profits on bonuses and advertising

✕ Banks charge loan customers as much interest as possible

✕ Banks make decisions to please shareholders

✕ Banks say “no” to people unless they have good credit

✔ GWCU shares profits with members and the local community

✔ GWCU makes loan interest rates fair and affordable

✔ GWCU prioritises our members and what they need

✔ GWCU tries to help members, even if they have poor credit

Making you better off, not shareholders

Fair finance starts here

Getting a loan

More money in your pocket

GWCU gives our members fair choices as they manage their money.

Ordinary people who need to borrow money can get taken advantage of. Some lenders have exploitative terms and unethical interest rates. When repayments are unaffordable or there are punishing fees, borrowers can become trapped in a cycle of debt.

Struggling with money makes day- to- day life overwhelming and stressful. We think this is wrong.

Unlike payday loans, doorstep lenders, and others like them, GWCU has fair interest rates.

GWCU members repay their loans and a small percentage extra. Our staff are real people who make careful decisions about loan applications. They understand your circumstances and make sure you really can afford repayments. We try to say “yes” as much as possible.

If we have to decline your application, we will help you reapply or find a better loan.

Apply for a loan

GWCU savers:

17% of savers are from Black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds
More than 50% work full-time, part-time, or are self employed
59% of savers are aged 55 and above
59% of savers liked the idea of their savings helping local people

GWCU borrowers:

15% of borrowers are from Black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds
37% of borrowers are single parents
30% of borrowers describe themselves as having a disability
Almost 90% of borrowers rent their home

Loans and savings for local people

Working for the local community

GWCU serves people in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset. If you live or work in any of these counties you are eligible to become a GWCU member.

Reinvesting in our local communities is a key GWCU promise.

Find out which areas we serve

“GWCU has helped me improve my credit rating, which has helped me get a flat. It's a great service.”

Richard

“I would certainly recommend GWCU instead of a bank or building society. I was treated fairly, and my application was treated on a completely individual basis.”

Jamie

“I’ve been using GWCU for many years. They are always there to help you. I recommend my friends and family to use GWCU.”

Maria

“Everyone I've spoken to either in person, online, or on the phone has been incredibly helpful and clearly has the region’s best interests at heart.”

“Friendly, empathetic and caring. Explains well and are always helpful.”

Aitch

“The process is straightforward, and transferring money to my account is very easy. I also have peace of mind knowing that my money is safe and secure.”

Chukwudumebi