Loans for emergencies
✓ Borrow up to £15,000 with rates from 9.9% APR.
✓ No hidden, early or late repayment fees
✓ Pay back over 1 month to 5 years
A simpler way to cover unexpected costs
Life doesn't always go to plan. When an unexpected expense arises, finding the money quickly can be stressful, especially if you don't have savings to fall back on.
Whether it's a broken washing machine, urgent car repairs, a damaged boiler, dental treatment or another essential cost, our personal loans for emergencies provide access to funds upfront, helping you deal with life's surprises with confidence.
At Great Western Credit Union, we offer flexible personal loans of up to £15,000, with repayment plans designed to work around you. With clear, fixed repayments and no hidden fees, you can spread the cost in a way that works for your budget.
What is a loan for an emergency?
An emergency loan is a personal loan designed to help cover unexpected or urgent expenses when you need financial support.
Emergency loans are commonly used for:
- Emergency car repairs
- Broken boilers and heating repairs
- Essential household appliances
- Urgent home repairs
- Medical or dental costs
- Family emergencies
- Unexpected costs
Having access to funds upfront can help you deal with urgent situations without delaying important repairs or purchases.
Get a quote before you apply
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Find out how much you will need to repay.
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We'll also tell you how likely you are to be approved.
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Getting a quote won't affect your credit score.
You can borrow up to £15,000. Representative APR 14.9% to 42.6% based on the amount you borrow and individual situation. Repay your loan over 1 to 5 years.
Loans are subject to status.
We will show you:
- your personalised interest rate
- how much your repayments will be
- how much the total loan would cost
Key details
Taking out a personal loan with GWCU is a simple process.
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Borrow anywhere from £100 to £15,000
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Pay back your loan with a fixed interest rate
The specific rate you receive depends on the amount you borrow and individual situation.
£100 - £15,000
14.9% to 42.6% APR representative on loans between £100 and £15,000.
Your rate is personal to you. It’s based on things like your credit score, income, and loan amount, so it might not match the Representative APR.
The rate you see in your quote is an estimate and not a guarantee.
Representative APR: 42.6%
Representative example: Borrow £1,000 over 12 months, and repay £100.46 per month, total amount payable (including interest of £205.52) is £1,205.52.
Your actual rate will depend on your credit profile. Rates range from 9.9% to 42.6% APR.
Other examples:
Borrow £2,000 over 24 months, and repay £116.07 per month, total amount payable (including interest of £785.68) is £2,785.68. 39.9% APR representative.
Borrow £4,000 over 36 months, and repay £152.06 per month, total amount payable (including interest of £1,474.16) is £5,474.16. 23.9% APR representative.
Borrow £6,000 over 48 months, and repay £177.25 per month, total amount payable (including interest of £2,508.00) is £8,508.00. 19.9% APR representative.
Borrow £10,000 over 60 months, and repay £232.73 per month, total amount payable (including interest of £3,963.80) is £13,963.80. 14.9% APR representative.
1 month - 5 years.
There are no fees for paying your loan off early.
Why choose Great Western Credit Union?
As a credit union, we do things differently. We’re a mutual, member‑owned financial organisation, which means our focus is always on our members’ financial wellbeing, not making profits for shareholders.
As a co-operative, we care deeply for our local communities in the South West. That’s why every penny stays right here in the region with any profits reinvested to benefit our members and the communities we’re proud to serve.
We always take your current circumstances into consideration, not just your credit history.
No hidden costs, no late fees, and no penalties for early repayments.
We pride ourselves on being responsible lenders, meaning we only approve a loan if we’re sure you can safely repay it.
With plans stretching up to 5 years, repayment schedules are adapted to your lifestyle so you’re never caught out.
How much could a credit union loan for emergencies cost?
Use our loan calculator to see how a GWCU loan for emergencies could fit your budget.
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This example is an estimate. The actual rate you're offered could be higher or lower than the rate in this example depending on your personal situation, the loan amount and the term you choose when you apply. You'll see your personal rate before you decide to go ahead.
Am I eligible for a loan for emergencies?
To apply for a GWCU personal loan for emergencies you must:
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Be aged 18 or over
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Live or work in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset
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Have a regular income of £450 or more a month
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Have enough disposable income to comfortably make your repayments
Optional: You are a tenant of one of our partner housing associations (if your postcode is outside of our usual area)
Can I get a personal loan for emergencies with bad credit?
While we do perform an initial credit check, it’s not the only thing we look at. We also consider your personal circumstances and income when reviewing your application to make sure the loan is right for you.Â
Should I get a loan to cover an emergency cost?
Taking out a personal loan for an emergency can be a simple and practical way to cover unexpected costs. Whether it's a broken boiler or urgent car repairs, a loan for emergencies can give you access to the funds you need, with clear, fixed repayments to help you stay on track. But it might not be right for everybody.
Taking a moment to understand the pros and cons can help you choose what feels right for you and your budget.
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Need help covering an unexpected expense?
Frequently asked questions
Is it a good idea to get a loan for an emergency?
For some people, an emergency loan can be a helpful way to cover urgent costs when they don't have savings available. Whether it's a car repair, boiler breakdown or another unexpected expense, having access to funds can help you deal with the issue quickly.
Use our simple calculator to see what your repayments could look like based on how much you'd like to borrow.
What emergencies can I use my loan for?
Your loan can be used for a range of unexpected expenses, including urgent car repairs, essential household appliances, boiler repairs, home maintenance costs, emergency travel and more. Whatever the emergency, a GWCU personal loan can help cover costs.
Do people take out loans to cover emergencies?
Many people take out loans to help cover unexpected costs but it’s always important to understand you need to pay back the money you borrowed and the interest added up over a set time period.
This means you’ll pay more than you initially borrowed and may have your credit at risk if the installments are not paid on time.
Are credit union loans for emergencies secured or unsecured?
Personal loans for emergencies from Great Western Credit Union are unsecured loans. This means you won't need to use your home, car or other assets as security when you apply.
Can I get a loan for emergencies with bad credit?
At Great Western Credit Union, we consider more than just your credit history. While we do conduct an initial credit check to make sure you can safely repay your loan, we also take into account your personal circumstances when reviewing your application.
Take our quick eligibility check to find out whether a personal loan for emergencies is right for you.
How quickly can I receive the funds from a loan for emergencies?
Personal loans from GWCU are a great way to help cover unexpected costs as you can get the money you need straightaway if your application is approved.
Why did I receive a personal loan when I applied for an emergency loan?
A credit union emergency loan is simply a personal loan used to cover the cost of your rent deposit or moving costs.
When you apply, your application will show as a personal loan. Our personal loans can be used for many different reasons, including covering unexpected costs.
That means nothing’s changed about what you’ve applied for. It’s simply the type of loan we offer, and you can still use it as planned.