Why CHOOSE to SAVE with YOUR Credit Union?

07 December 2023

credit union saver benefits

Whilst there are MANY benefits for CREDIT UNION BORROWERS (lower interest rates, flexible repayments and more)…WHAT exactly are the BENEFITS to members who SAVE only?

 We’ve highlighted 10 reasons to SAVE and STAY with YOUR credit union. 

  1. POLICE FAMILY FINANCES – safe, secure, flexible. Each Credit Union is governed by a COMMON BOND, that of the Harp and Crown is the wider "police family" in Northern Ireland.  We've been providing our members with safe, secure, flexible finances since 1998.

  2. HUMAN WAY TO GET A LOAN”.  You might want to just SAVE with us right now and not need to borrow.  BUT please know that should you experience an emergency situation and NEED to borrow, we will always try to find a way to say YES and help you in your time of financial need.  Every member gets a fair hearing and decisions are based on more than credit scores. Credit Union loans can be subject to the level of savings a member has.  Our loan products are based on 5 x your savings balance, except for our 3.9% Loyal Saver Loan (whereby 100% of the loan balance is “locked in” against your savings). Ts and Cs apply.  More on those BORROWING BENEFITS here.

  3. FIRST CLASS SERVICE with option of calling in to office, phone or email.  Many credit unions (including ourselves) offer members the option to call in to the office with their queries, whereas many banks have moved to online banking only.

  4. Opportunity to INVEST IN YOUR FAMILY’S FINANCIAL HEALTH:  Grandchildren and children accounts 0-15 years and Family accounts 16+ for grown up kids, spouses and partners.

  5. INSTANT ACCESS to your savings (emergency pot) with no penalty.

  6. YOUR SAVINGS & LOANS ARE PROTECTED: Unlike banks, credit unions such as the Harp and Crown provide free life cover for your loan, up to the age of 70 years old.  In the event of your death, any outstanding loan balances may be cleared and YOUR BENEFICIARY/LOVED ONE will receive ALL your savings (and up to a maximum £5,000 on top of your savings).  We have simplified this process as far as humanly possible to minimise the burden on your loved one. AND if you’re over 70?  You will still enjoy the many benefits your credit union has to offer.

  7. NOT FOR PROFIT: Members investing in their credit union benefit ALL members such as community initiatives which benefit the wider police family; and lower interest loans to help families through education, making first home purchases, cost of living expenses and more. 

  8. FREE MEMBER PRIZE DRAWS:  ALL existing members are automatically entered in our FREE prize draws which take place quarterly (Easter, Summer and Christmas).  We are just about to announce the winners of our special 25th Anniversary £3,000 Christmas Prize Draw!

  9. ANNUAL DIVIDEND and LOAN INTEREST REBATE - not every credit union is able to deliver on an annual dividend. Harp and Crown Credit Union is proud to confirm we consistently deliver and give back to our members annually.  In 2022-2023 (financial year Oct-Sept) we were beating the banks paying out 100 times more than the interest rate at that time. AND we’ve just announced our 2022-2023 DIVIDEND of 2%..DOUBLE the rate from last year and the HIGHEST in 6 years.  We are on the UP!  When the bank interest rates start to fall we will still be here offering you a competitive dividend and lower loan interest rates.  

  10. INCREASED SHAREHOLDINGS LIMIT:  we have just announced an increase of the share holdings limit.  Harp and Crown CU members can now save up to a maximum £30,000 (previously £25,000)!

We are NOT a bank.  We are so much more than that. We are YOUR credit union.

THANK YOU to our loyal “police family” members who value the importance of their CREDIT UNION and continually see the benefits of being part of the Harp and Crown.

We are here to help YOU with your financial needs.  Choose YOUR credit union today!

Email creditunion@harpandcrown.co.uk or phone 028 9068 5198 between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.

“Save regularly and borrow only what you need.”

The Harp and Crown Credit Union provides safe, secure, flexible finances for the wider police family in Northern Ireland.

 

Harp and Crown Credit Union Ltd are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number (FRN) 577113. For details visit http://www.fca.org.uk
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