Loans for holidays
Planning a holiday should feel exciting, not stressful. Our personal loans for holidays help people across the South West turn holiday plans into reality, giving them access to the funds they need to book with confidence.
✓ Borrow up to £15,000 with rates from 9.9% APR.
✓ Representative APR is between 14.9% and 42.6%.
✓ No hidden, early or late repayment fees
✓ Pay back over 1 month to 5 years
A simpler way to pay for your holiday
Planning a holiday is something to look forward to, but the costs can quickly add up. Whether you’ve spotted a great deal, found the perfect place to stay, or want the flexibility to plan your own trip, our personal loans for holiday expenses give you access to the money upfront, so you don’t miss out.
At Great Western Credit Union, we offer flexible personal loans of up to £15,000, with repayment plans designed to work around you, supporting people across the South West to enjoy their break without added financial pressure and spread the cost over time with clear, fixed repayments.
What is a credit union holiday loan?
Many people in the UK choose a holiday loan to help cover the costs of their trip or spread the expense over time. On average, people borrow up to around £3,000 for a holiday, depending on their plans and destination.
Holiday loans are often used to help pay for:
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Flights and other travel costs
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Accommodation, including hotels, resorts or holiday rentals
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Travel insurance and extras
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Spending money for food, activities and day trips while away
Prices for flights and accommodation can change quickly, and having access to funds upfront means you can act when the right deal comes along.
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
How do holiday loans work?
Taking out a holiday loan with GWCU is a simple process.
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Borrow anywhere from £100 to £15,000 to cover the cost of your holiday
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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 holiday loan cost?
Use our loan calculator to see how a GWCU holiday loan fits 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 holiday loan?
To apply for a GWCU holiday loan, 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 credit union holiday loan 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.
Should I get a credit union holiday loan?
A credit union holiday loan can be a simple and practical way to pay for your trip upfront, giving you access to the funds when you need them, 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.
Here are some things to consider:
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Ready to start planning your holiday?
A well-deserved break shouldn’t come at the cost of your financial wellbeing. Use our Personal Loan Calculator to see how a holiday loan could help you fund your next trip based on how much you need to borrow.
Frequently asked questions
Are holiday loans a good idea?
For some people, a holiday loan can be a helpful way to cover the cost of their holiday upfront, it can also give you a bit of breathing room for any unexpected expenses while you’re away.
It’s always important to make sure the repayments are affordable for you before you borrow.
Use our simple calculator for an estimated repayment schedule depending on how much you need to borrow.
Do people take out loans for holidays?
For many people, a holiday loan can be a helpful way to access the money upfront and book a trip without delay, especially if you’ve found a good deal.
But it’s important to remember that you’ll need to pay back what you borrow, plus interest, over an agreed period. This means you’ll pay back more than you borrowed, and missing payments could affect your credit.
Are credit union holiday loans secured or unsecured?
Holiday loans from credit unions are usually unsecured. That means you won’t need to put forward any collateral, like your home or car, to apply.
At Great Western Credit Union, our loans are unsecured, giving you more flexibility and peace of mind.
Can I get a holiday loan with a low credit score?
At Great Western Credit Union, we look at more than just your credit score. While we carry out a credit check, we also consider your individual circumstances when reviewing your application.
Take our quick eligibility check to see whether a holiday loan is right for you.
How quickly can I receive the funds from a credit union holiday loan?
Holiday loans can be a helpful way to get your trip booked sooner, giving you access to the money you need quickly if your application is approved.
Why did I receive a personal loan when I applied for a holiday loan?
A credit union holiday loan is simply a personal loan used to cover the cost of your holiday.
We don’t offer holiday-specific loans, so when you apply, your application will show as a personal loan. Our personal loans can be used for many different reasons, including paying for the costs of your holiday upfront.
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 for your holiday as planned.
Are credit union holiday loans better than using a credit card or travel finance?
Credit union holiday loans give you access to the money you need upfront, with clear repayments, fair rates and a more personal approach. There are no hidden fees, and you know exactly what you’ll pay each month.
It’s always worth comparing options to find what works best for your situation.