Welcome to your community credit union
Financial support that’s local, ethical, and built around you.
A partnership built around people, not profit
We know that many people accessing foodbank support are facing short-term financial pressure or longer-term challenges. That’s why we work closely with trusted partners who know their communities and understand the realities people face.
Together, we aim to:
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Provide access to fair alternatives to high-cost credit
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Encourage safe, manageable saving, even in small amounts
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Offer a supportive, respectful route into financial services
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Help people feel more confident about money over time
You don’t need a perfect credit history, and you don’t need to save large amounts to get started.
How we can support you
Whether you’re looking for a small loan to cover an essential cost, or a safe place to start saving, we offer products designed to support you.
Borrow from £500 to £1,000 with a fixed interest rate of 42.6%.
- This loan is for people who get child benefit
- Borrow a full year of child benefit in one lump sum
- A fair, fixed interest rate
Spread the cost of Christmas throughout the year.
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Have a debt-free December
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Access your money in November
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Safer than other Christmas savings schemes
Is a credit union like a bank?
Doing things differently for our 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
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 we’re “united” 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.
Keeping your money safe
When you save or borrow with GWCU, your money is:
Working for our members
Our friendly Member Engagement Team live and work in our communities. They're specially trained and ready to help you.