Latest news

The financial resilience of mothers central to family budgeting

December 21 2022

Recent research conducted by GWCU and University of Bristol highlights the financial lives of mothers and barriers to their financial resilience to develop solutions.

Why has my loan been turned down? 

November 02 2022

We're here to support you through the cost of living crisis

October 27 2022

News archive

Community News

April 29 2021

Stylish home improvements on a budget

4 steps to express your personality without spending too much
April 15 2021

Is this spring the dawn of new hope?

The UK economy is projecting new confidence after a difficult year
March 01 2021

Meet the Bristol Credit Union Board: Louise Eaton-Terry

Louise brings vast experience to BCU, having worked in financial services for over 15 years.

Tips on how to save

April 26 2019

Tips for buying a secondhand car

Our top tips to make sure you get the car that's right for you. 
August 10 2017

Cut the cost of school kit

Save money on school essentials with our 3-step back-to-school action plan. 
May 11 2017

How to avoid these top 3 holiday mistakes

Follow our tips for avoiding these common -and costly- mistakes before you book your next holiday. 

BCU News

May 22 2023

Is the wealth divide continuing to grow?

What we are doing for our community during the uncertain economic period.
May 19 2023

GWCU nominated in 2023 Consumer Credit Awards

Vote for GWCU as 'Best Credit Union' (South) in 2023 Consumer Credit Awards.
May 02 2023

Launch of our Bond Offer film

Check out our new Bond Offer film to find out how we plan to use the new investment.
April 25 2023

Family-friendly events near you during the May bank holidays

A list of family-friendly events that are happening near you throughout the May bank holidays.
April 24 2023

May bank holidays opening times 2023

GWCU’s operating hours during the 2023 May bank holidays. 
April 19 2023

GWCU's Bond Offer now live!

Investment will help make purpose-driven finance more accessible
March 31 2023

Easter timings for 2023

How you can reach us over the Easter period
March 28 2023

Cuppa Club with Ethex

Find out more about our upcoming Bond Offer
March 22 2023

How GWCU is set for growth

Read about how we are serving our communities and why we are well placed for significant growth over…
March 21 2023

GWCU reveals growth and launches new 2023 plans at AGM

Find out about our last AGM where we outlined our growth and our future plans. 
March 15 2023

Saving for a rainy day when money is tight

Ideas to help you build a financial buffer for when the unexpected happens
February 23 2023

GWCU Annual General Meeting 2021/22

Thursday 16 March, 6pm
February 02 2023

Half-term survival guide

The perfect guide of activities and deals to help you survive half-term
February 02 2023

Ideas to spark romance on Valentine's Day 2023

It is the season of love and we are here to help you out. 
January 24 2023

We're recruiting an Admin Co-ordinator

We're looking for a natural organiser and communicator to support the GWCU team
January 11 2023

Reach your New Year goals in budget friendly ways

New Years goals that you can reach without hurting your budget
December 21 2022

The financial resilience of mothers central to family budgeting

Recent research conducted by GWCU and University of Bristol highlights the financial lives of mother…
December 15 2022

How credit unions are helping people in their time of need

Credit unions are seeing 12% yearly increases on new borrowers.
December 14 2022

GWCU Christmas and New Year opening hours

How you can reach us over the Christmas and New Year period
December 07 2022

Changes to face-to-face services in Bristol

Our Cheltenham Road branch will be closing on 23 December
December 06 2022

GWCU has released its 2021 Social Impact Report

GWCU helping vulnerable members through cost-of-living crisis
December 05 2022

Ways to give back this Christmas

GWCU's guide to giving back to your community this Christmas
November 30 2022

Cheap or free things to do during the Christmas holidays

Ideas to get into the Christmas spirit on a budget!
November 29 2022

Scam alert! How to spot and avoid scam attacks on your money

Know the red flags of the most common scams, and how to protect your info
November 23 2022

How to have a big Christmas on a smaller budget

Top tips for bringing the festive cheer while spending less this Christmas
November 22 2022

Autumn Statement 2022

What the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement means for UK households.
November 17 2022

The St Monica Trust joins GWCU's Money@Work scheme

The scheme will help to build the financial resilience of its workforce
November 08 2022

Cost-of-living crisis - what can employers do?

95% of workers feel their employers should be doing more to support them 
November 02 2022

Why has my loan been turned down? 

We explain why we decline loans and how you can improve your chances for future applications
October 27 2022

We're here to support you through the cost of living crisis

If you’re feeling the strain financially, we're here to support you
October 04 2022

Cut your energy bills with GWCU’s Solar Loan

Lower your energy bills and cut carbon emissions amid the cost of living crisis
September 29 2022

Notice of office closure for staff training and development

Monday 3 October 
September 29 2022

Mini budget response

We look at the effects and how households, businesses, and individuals can survive the impact.
September 20 2022

GWCU Service Update 20 September

Systems issue this morning
September 14 2022

Changes to opening hours at our branches  

Latest opening times for Bristol, Dorchester and Stroud
August 12 2022

How spending has changed post-pandemic

A look at how spending has changed in light of the upcoming recession
August 11 2022

Summer opening hours

Changes to opening hours at our branches to accommodate staff holiday
July 28 2022

Join GWCU's Board of Directors

We are looking for an additional non-executive Director to join our Board
July 27 2022

GWCU expands services to Stroud

The merger with SVCU will increase membership and improve services for people in Gloucestershire
July 21 2022

Make your home greener with GWCU’s Advantage Loans

Three in four people want to implement green home improvements
July 18 2022

Things to do in the summer holidays

Affordable ways to keep your little ones entertained this summer
July 15 2022

Service Update

Temporary disruption to website and member portal access
July 13 2022

Welcome to members from SVCU

How to manage your membership and accounts with us
July 06 2022

Socio economic effects of another recession

Almost all households have been affected by the rising cost of living  since the start of 2022
June 22 2022

Is it time to invest in a greener car? 

Electric cars are on the rise. Read our guide to choosing a greener set of wheels. 
June 16 2022

Why purpose driven finance is more important than ever

There's an appetite for purpose driven solutions post-pandemic
June 15 2022

We're recruiting Member Services Advisers

We're looking for someone who can provide excellent customer service
June 06 2022

Green upgrades for your home

From better insulation to solar grants and smart plugs, 2022 is all about energy efficiency
May 31 2022

June opening hours, including Bank Holiday Weekend

Opening times for our Bristol and Dorchester branches
May 30 2022

GWCU receives £1.63m investment from Fair4All Finance

The investment is part of Fair4All's Affordable Credit Scale Up Programme
May 26 2022

GWCU reaction to the Chancellor's extra support measures

The new measures announced today will go some way towards offsetting the rising cost of living
May 24 2022

GWCU nominated for 'Best Credit Union' (South) award

Vote for us in this year's Consumer Credit Awards!
May 20 2022

What to do if you’ve missed a payment

Our Member Support Team are here to give you help and advice
May 16 2022

How has the first month of the cost of living crisis affected people?

Households across the UK are focused on the tips they can implement to help save money
May 02 2022

Money saving tips for holidaying abroad

How to cut costs without compromising on fun (or sun)
April 25 2022

Our lemon-free guide to buying a used car

Time for a new motor? Read our top tips for buying secondhand
April 12 2022

Easter 2022: Egg hunts, crafting and caring for wildlife

Things to do with the kids as Easter approaches
April 11 2022

Easter 2022

How you can reach us over the Easter period 
April 04 2022

Planning a UK holiday? Let’s talk holiday money!

How to have an economical, fun-packed family staycation
March 31 2022

GWCU outlines recent successes and future plans at latest AGM

GWCU is in a strong position to support and adapt to the needs of our members
March 29 2022

Cost of Living Crisis - What should the Government do?

There’s no doubt that everyone's monthly outgoings have seen a noticeable increase
March 21 2022

Keeping costs down during the UK energy crisis

How to reduce your usage and get help with your energy bills
Image of a ring of a gas hob with gas flames
March 16 2022

How do rising energy costs affect financial wellbeing?

James Berry, CEO,  explains what financial support is available
February 25 2022

GWCU Annual General Meeting 2020/21

Tuesday 15 March, 7pm
February 21 2022

Half term ideas for February 2022

Activities to keep young minds engaged 
February 09 2022

Taking the efficient approach to home improvement

From quick, affordable fixes to bigger upgrades that save you money in the long run 
February 07 2022

4 ideas for Valentine's Day that cost £20 or less

Stuck for ideas? We've got a few that could help
February 03 2022

Is ethical finance possible? We say yes!

Our principles are guided by having a positive impact on the world we live in
February 02 2022

Welcome aboard! SS Great Britain Trust joins GWCU’s MONEY@WORK scheme

Supporting SS Great Britain Trust’s ambitions as an inclusive and Living Wage Foundation employer 
January 31 2022

Could debt consolidation give you a healthy financial start to 2022?

How a personal loan can help you manage your outgoings
January 27 2022

Has the pandemic increased the appetite for employee benefit schemes?

Easy ways for employers to improve wellbeing at minimal cost
January 25 2022

GWCU Service Update 26 January

Bristol branch closed on Wednesday 26 January 
January 19 2022

Improve your finances in 2022 and create a brighter future

These four actions can help you achieve better finances and bring you closer to your goals
January 13 2022

Prepare for a brighter year ahead by saving with GWCU

Even the smallest amounts will add up, giving you security and spending power later on
December 17 2021

Why are so many people less financially secure than before 2021?

Does more need to be done to improve financial wellbeing in the UK?
December 13 2021

Christmas opening times

How you can reach us over the Christmas and New Year period
November 30 2021

Ways to avoid blowing your Christmas budget in a last minute rush

It’s easy to feel the pressure and spend more than you’ve budgeted for
November 15 2021

Make your Christmas spend go further without losing any festive sparkle

Our top tips for a joy-filled, wallet-friendly Christmas
November 08 2021

Unusual Christmas gift ideas for under £20

Stuck for affordable gift ideas this Christmas? 
October 28 2021

Providing ethical and affordable finance without geographic barriers

73% of the UK's population has now moved to online banking
October 15 2021

Great Western Credit Union provides a new flexible way to borrow

Employees of GWCU's MONEY@WORK partners can now access new Flex@Work accounts
September 02 2021

We're recruiting a Member Services Adviser

We're looking for someone who can provide excellent customer service
August 23 2021

Q & A with Jonquil Cairns GWCU Board Member

In our latest interview, we talk to Jonquil Cairns, one of our longest-serving Board members
August 10 2021

Credit union supports the financially vulnerable during the pandemic

Our latest social impact report for 2019-20 uncovers the financial impact that members experienced a…
July 28 2021

Staff Shortage Service update

Disruption due to staff shortage on 29th and 30th July
July 22 2021

Let’s build back better for a post-Covid world

The economic impact of lockdown has seen the wealth divide grow wider
July 08 2021

There’s a new Great Western!

Great Western Credit Union currently has almost 20,000 members 
Image of an old fashioned pink telephone
June 28 2021

Service update 28 June 2021

Information on how our services are running 
Image of a wallpaper scraper , paintbrush and tape measure on a blue background
June 22 2021

Avoid high-cost home repairs

4 easy ways to prevent unexpected bills
text based graphic which reads Vote for Us, Consumer Credit Awards, Smart Money People
June 21 2021

GWCU nominated for 'Best Credit Union' (South) award

We need your votes in this year's Consumer Credit Awards
June 18 2021

Meet the board: Paul Handford

Paul Handford talks about his nine years as a Board Member for Bristol Credit Union.
May 26 2021

Introducing Great Western Credit Union

More information on our growth and change of name
April 29 2021

Stylish home improvements on a budget

4 steps to express your personality without spending too much
April 15 2021

Is this spring the dawn of new hope?

The UK economy is projecting new confidence after a difficult year
March 31 2021

We're recruiting a Member Services Adviser

We're looking for someone to provide excellent  customer service to existing and potential members o…
March 30 2021

Merger creates South West England’s largest credit union

Bristol Credit Union (BCU) and Wyvern Savings & Loans (WSL) have completed a full merger
March 29 2021

Easter 2021: Crafting, Garden DIY and Afternoon Tea

Family-friendly ways to keep everyone happy this Easter
March 16 2021

Spotlight on BCU's Member Support Team

Our new arrangements mean we can offer more seamless help and advice to our members
March 15 2021

Delay in processing payments (15 March)

This issue has now been resolved.
March 15 2021

Annual General Meeting 2019/20 and Special General Meeting

Online, Tuesday 23rd March 2021, 7.00pm
March 01 2021

Meet the Bristol Credit Union Board: Louise Eaton-Terry

Louise brings vast experience to BCU, having worked in financial services for over 15 years.
February 18 2021

What does 2021 need?

Almost a year on the reality of the COVID-19 situation is growing ever more present.
February 16 2021

Local businesses support staff wellbeing with GWCU's Money@Work scheme

The MONEY@WORK scheme is available for employees of our employer partners
February 08 2021

5 affordable ways to celebrate Valentine’s day at home

Our five best ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2021
Quiet Bristol harbour at night to illustrate economic impact and financial recovery
February 04 2021

Securing Bristol’s Financial Recovery

What strategies are being put in place to secure Bristol’s future and economic recovery?
February 01 2021

Service update

Latest update on how our services are running
January 25 2021

Achieve your short term financial goals with Bristol Credit Union

Money@Work partners can save up to 25% off interest rates on loans from £100 to £15,000.
January 21 2021

We are recruiting for a Head of Marketing role

We are looking for the right person to lead our marketing and sales team as we grow. 
January 18 2021

Building Financial Resilience in 2021

5 ways to get your year off to a great start
December 17 2020

First Steps Bath joins Bristol Credit Union’s Employer Partnership Scheme

Bath-based nursery signs up to affordable employee loans from Bristol Credit Union
December 15 2020

Christmas opening times

Here are our opening times throughout the Christmas period
December 15 2020

Gifts by local makers and businesses for under £20

Our picks for businesses to support in Bristol whilst doing your last-minute Christmas shopping
December 14 2020

Nine months of big impact

Covid-19 has given us the chance to re-evaluate how our society works for us
December 08 2020

Ideas for your last-minute Christmas budget

Top tips from the author of Real Life Money - Clare Seal (@myfrugalyear)
December 04 2020

Bristol Credit Union sees increase in members’ saving balances

Total savings balances grew 7% from March to September
December 01 2020

BCU celebrates lockdown heroes this Christmas

Christmas campaign celebrates Bristol heroes who went the extra mile this year
Woman's hands tying a striped bow on a small gift
November 25 2020

Small gift ideas to show your gratitude this Christmas

Ways to show you care without damaging your finances
November 19 2020

GWCU Service update

Latest update on how our services are running
Durdle door with a warm glow
November 09 2020

Bristol Credit Union and Wyvern Savings & Loans to merge

Bristol Credit Union announces expansion into Dorset.
November 02 2020

Live - BCU's new Website launched, Member Portal very soon

Important information about BCU's new digital platform
October 26 2020

We’re officially in a COVID-19 recession

UK in recession for the first time in 11 years. What does this mean for you?
October 21 2020

Who is your Bristol Christmas hero?

Take part in our Christmas Campaign
September 29 2020

Bristol Credit Union wins Financial award

Family Finance Plan recognised at Bristol Life Awards
September 17 2020

Bristol Credit Union welcomes Better Food

Better Food joins the growing list of Bristol Credit Union's Employer Partners
September 14 2020

An interview with Denis Lindsay

Part of a series of interviews with Bristol Credit Union's Board Members
September 01 2020

Is it time to prioritise housing security?

Housing security needs to be high on the agenda as we build back better post-Covid
August 27 2020

Get ahead for Christmas

Things you can do now to help fund the festive period
August 24 2020

How credit unions are rising to the alternative finance challenge

Credit unions will play a vital role to help people manage crisis debt now and access the advantages…
August 04 2020

Bristol Credit Union welcomes four new board members

They bring a wide range of additional expertise.
July 30 2020

BCU launches first ever Social Impact report

The 2018-2019 report details how the Credit Union has provided social value to the region. 
July 10 2020

UK Government provides a cautious budget - what else is needed?

Our CEO, James Berry provides his thoughts on the latest financial statement. 
July 02 2020

We're finalists in the Consumer Credit Awards 2020

We're up for two awards:'Best Credit Union' (South) and 'Treating Customers Fairly Champion'.
June 12 2020

Bristol and West Athletic Club receives funding from Bristol Credit Union

The sponsorship will be used for bursaries for young athletes to get to race meets.
June 10 2020

Uncertainty can be a gateway to resilience in trying times

What businesses can learn from the financial models of co-ops and credit unions. 
June 04 2020

Change of platform for the Bristol Pound scheme

Following Bristol Pound CIC’s announcement about their partnership with Payji Limited to develop the…
May 12 2020

Bristol Credit Union prepares for exciting digital upgrade

Mapping our digital future.
May 07 2020

Financial impact of Covid

How we're supporting our members through the Covid-19 pandemic.
April 15 2020

Service Update

How we are supporting our members who have been impacted by Covid-19.
April 02 2020

NHS workers can get an interest free loan

New service to help those helping save lives. 
April 02 2020

Coronavirus

Resources for advice and support.
March 12 2020

Budget 2020

BCU welcomes Chancellor’s first budget supporting prevention of financial hardship.
March 02 2020

Home Truths - Shelter Bristol

Get involved in Shelter's Home Truths campaign. 
February 28 2020

Bank Workers Charity invests in Bristol Credit Union

Helping us do more for our members. 
February 25 2020

Pancakes, pancakes, pancakes!

Three pancake recipes to try today. 
February 07 2020

5 meaningful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

Easy, thoughtful ways to say you care. 
January 28 2020

Family Finance Plan

A new way to access funds when you need it. 
January 23 2020

Members forum cancelled

Unfortunately, we've had to cancel the Members' Forum meeting on Tuesday 28 January. We apologise fo…
January 16 2020

The future of Bristol Pound

Important information for members and supporters. 
January 14 2020

Making Bristol a Living Wage city

Employers' recognition helps city achieve new status. 
January 08 2020

Clear your debts for less

Clear your debts quicker and save money with our 3-step action plan. 
December 17 2019

No stress guide to last-minute Christmas shopping

Save yourself time, money and stress! 
December 12 2019

5 festive twists on Christmas food

Put your own stamp on Christmas and impress your guests with our five ‘festive food twists'.
November 27 2019

3 affordable ways to make Christmas your own

What makes it Christmas time special for you?
November 06 2019

5 Christmas budget hacks

You don't have to overspend to make Christmas special.
July 15 2019

20 years of Bristol Credit Union

CEO, James Berry, looks back on Bristol Credit Union's history.
June 20 2019

Home makeover for less

7 easy ways to spruce up your home.
May 15 2019

BCU wins 500k investment from BCC

The investment will help the credit union to triple in size over the next 5 years.
April 26 2019

Tips for buying a secondhand car

Our top tips to make sure you get the car that's right for you. 
March 07 2019

Spend less on your spring clean

Try our budget and eco-friendly tips.
December 06 2018

Biting back against Loan Sharks this Christmas

Bristol Credit Union supports national campaign led by the Illegal Money Lending Team
October 31 2018

Bristol Credit Union launches Solar Loan

This will help householders take advantage of the Feed-in-Tariff before it ends in March 2019.
June 27 2018

The rise of alternative finance

James Berry on our role as one of the city’s largest alternative finance organisations. 
June 21 2018

Investor Q&A: GWCU Deferred Shares Offer

We catch up with Helen,who tells us why she chose to support our Deferred Shares offer.
June 20 2018

New service point opens in Bath

Residents of Bath will be able to access credit union services from the Weston Hub
June 19 2018

Deferred Shares Offer: What's it all about?

Our CEO, James Berry, tells us more about this investment opportunity, and our plans for growth.
June 07 2018

Investor Q&A: Deferred Shares Offer

One of our recent supporters shares what they're hoping to get out of their investment. 
June 06 2018

Deferred Shares Offer leaps past 10k mark milestone

Milestone reached in the first ten days since the launch. 
May 31 2018

Deferred Shares Offer: Investor Q&A

Member and volunteer, Colin, tells us what attracts him to our Deferred Shares Offer.
May 16 2018

Bristol Credit Union launches Deferred Shares Offer

The investment raised will help us achieve our growth plans 
May 01 2018

10 ways to save money on your family holiday

Read our top tips to help plan your next getaway. 
Fairbanking logo
January 31 2018

Bristol Credit Union achieves 5-star Fairbanking Mark

The highest possible rating for our ethical loans. 
January 11 2018

How to be a better saver

Do you want to save more? Read our tips to get your year off to a great start. 
December 20 2017

5 ways to save money on your Christmas food shop

Our top 5 tips for cutting the cost of your festive dinner. 
November 30 2017

Bristol Credit Union proud to be a Living Wage employer

Bristol Credit Union is the latest organisation to become an accredited Living Wage Employer.
August 10 2017

Cut the cost of school kit

Save money on school essentials with our 3-step back-to-school action plan. 
June 21 2017

How to save money on your UK holiday

Top tips to have a truly brilliant (and cheap) staycation. 
June 15 2017

Cut the cost of your holiday abroad

3 ways to save money on your next adventure
May 11 2017

How to avoid these top 3 holiday mistakes

Follow our tips for avoiding these common -and costly- mistakes before you book your next holiday. 
April 30 2017

How to turn a no into a yes on a loan application

Top 5 reasons why we turn applications down - and what you can do to turn that ‘no’ into a ‘yes’.
April 16 2017

Buying a car

Get on the road with these four essential tips to help you avoid costly mistakes. 
April 13 2017

Decorating your home on a budget

Three low-cost ways to restyle your home.
March 17 2017

Avoid costly home renovation mistakes

Follow these guidelines to minimise risk and help you get the results you'll love.
March 16 2017

Budget-friendly ideas for Mother's day

5 affordable ways to celebrate Mother's Day. 
January 11 2017

Savings habits: the good, the bad and the ugly

Are you a super saver? Or is your ISA in danger of ending up empty? Let's find out. 
December 01 2016

Christmas Countdown Tips

24 money-saving tips to help you enjoy Christmas and save money.
November 16 2016

How to avoid the pitfalls of Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Follow our tips for safer shopping. 
November 05 2016

Get ahead this Christmas

Plan ahead and save money with our tips and ideas for getting ready for Christmas
July 21 2016

Planning a family holiday abroad

Our top tips to ensure a stress-free holiday.
April 20 2016

Bristol Credit Union invests in South Bristol Sports Centre

Our £15,000 investment will help create six new all-weather five-a-side football pitches.
January 03 2016

4 tips to start saving money

Our top tips for funding your new-year dreams. 
January 01 0001

Service update

Temporary interruption to member portal access and transfer requests