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A Christchurch Credit Union

Save or borrow with us if you live or work in Christchurch.

Aerial View Of The Beach In Christchurch, England

Local community finance in Christchurch

Save your money safely with Great Western Credit Union, which reinvests profits into local communities and lends money at fair rates to people in Christchurch. With over 25 years of experience serving the community, we have empowered the people of Christchurch with safe and trusted credit union services that deliver long-term financial sustainability.

Personal loans in Christchurch

Our personal loans are designed to work for you. Whether youā€™re looking for a small emergency loan in Christchurch or a larger loan for a big purchase, our unsecured loans offer flexible options that work for everyone's finances.

  • Borrow from Ā£100 to Ā£15,000
  • Affordable interest rates
  • Personalised repayments
  • Everyone considered

Find out how much you could borrow with our personal loan calculator below.

Personal loans
Savings account in Christchurch

Start saving today with a savings account that gives back to the everyday people of Christchurch, while offering competitive interest rates.

  • Save from Ā£1
  • Instant access
  • Your money used for fair loans
Easy Saver
Christchurch Cash ISA

Enjoy tax-free savings with a purpose, helping us widen access to affordable loans across the West of England.

  • Save from Ā£1
  • Tax-free savings for up to Ā£20,000
  • 3.5% AER
Cash ISA

What is a credit union?

More ethical than traditional banks

A credit union is a financial organisation, originally created in the 1850's. Credit unions support a particular group of people to manage their money. The group might belong to a type of job, or a location. 

GWCU members all live or work in the South and West counties of England. This includes Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset.

Because weā€™re ā€œunitedā€ in a credit union, we all help each other. Savers and borrowers create a reserve of money which benefits everyone. Members get fair, competitive interest rates on savings and loans. GWCU reinvests any profits back into the credit union to share with members and the local community.

More about GWCU membership

Your local credit union

For people, businesses, and communities

For over 25 years, GWCU has looked after the savings and lent money to local people. Only people who live or work in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset can become a GWCU member. 

By focusing on one region, one economy, and one group of people GWCU creates real impact. This impact looks like:

  • Lending small- medium loans with great interest rates to local people

  • Offering competitive interest rates on savings accounts, saving as little as Ā£1

  • Supporting borrowers and savers, even if they have struggled with finances before

  • Working with local businesses to give their employees genuinely helpful benefits 

  • Providing resources and education to improve our membersā€™ financial wellbeing

Our mission is simple: we make you better off.

Apply for a loan and become a member Open a savings account and become a member

Our local credit union members

Your community is our community

Findings from our member survey

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

Already a member?

Log in to view our credit union member portal

Log in

FAQs

Still have a question that is not covered here? Browse our full list of FAQs for more information

Can I join the credit union from Christchurch?

Yes! We offer credit union services to those living or working across the West of England, including Christchurch.

Is it easy to get a loan?

Itā€™s quick and easy to apply for a loan with us, as long as you fit the following criteria:

  • Age 18+ and live, work or study in the Bristol and Bath region, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset or Dorset.

  • Or you're a UNITE and UNISON member from the South West, or a tenant of one of our partner housing associations

  • AND you have enough disposable income to meet the loan repayments
Do you offer home loans in Christchurch?

We offer personal loans to cover unexpected or large home expenses, such as bills, repairs, or home improvements.

Do you offer loans to cover car expenses?

Yes, our personal loans can be used for a variety of expenses, such as large or unexpected car, van, or vehicle bills or repairs.

Can I get a loan with you if I have bad credit?

Even if you have had difficulties managing credit or bills in the past, you may be able to qualify for a loan with Great Western Credit Union, subject to affordability.

We do carry out credit checks, but a poor credit history does not necessarily mean we wonā€™t lend to you. We take every applicantā€™s personal circumstances into account when we make our decision.

Do you offer unsecured loans in Christchurch?

Yes, we offer unsecured loans. You can find the full terms and conditions of your loan once your application has been successful.