Blog Articles by Dublin Credit Unions

Win tickets to Forbidden Fruit

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:41:10 GMT

Win 2 tickets to Forbidden Fruit Festival

Dublin Credit Unions are offering you the chance to win 2 weekend tickets, for yourself and a friend, to Forbidden Fruit 2024!

In the heart of Dublin city, Forbidden Fruit is the capital's first and longest-running city-center festival. On the Bank Holiday Weekend June 1-2 2024, Forbidden Fruit will return as the first festival of the summer, for what will be a special celebration and back to the summer we know best. Now in our 11th year on the incredible grounds of the Irish Museum Of Modern Art at the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham…

To enter, head over to our Instagram page and fulfil the competition entry requirements. Closing date for entries is Wednesday 22nd of May.

Terms and conditions

Chloe Mustaki Teams Up with Dublin Credit Unions

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:35:29 GMT

Chloe Mustaki Teams Up with Dublin Credit Unions

Dublin Credit Unions are delighted to team up with Chloe Mustaki as their brand ambassador. This collection of Dublin based credit unions has welcomed Chloe onboard ahead of this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Chloe is a current Ireland international player and plays her club football with Bristol City FC. She will be a part of Vera Pauw’s Irish squad that looking to make an impact down under.

Speaking at the launch Chloe Mustaki had this to say “Credit Unions are a cornerstone of communities across Dublin, very much like local football clubs. When they got in touch, I was delighted to team up with such a well-known and trusted brand. It’s a partnership which has been in the working for a while but it’s brilliant to now be able to announce it.

Football fans throughout Dublin and the rest of the country for that matter, know that credit unions are there for them. A thing that stands out is credit unions providing loans for fans to travel to matches and tournaments. I’m sure there will be a few who’ve got in touch with their credit union to make the trip down under!”

Chloe’s role as an ambassador was launched on 16th June 2023. This will see here get involved in a number of activities with Dublin Credit Unions before, during and after the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Luke Casey, Dublin Credit Unions representative had this to say about the partnership from the launch:

“As a group we’re delighted to welcome a fantastic sportswoman like Chloe on board. It’s not often that Ireland feature at a World Cup so to be a part of one player’s journey is great. We felt that Chloe was a great match for Dublin Credit Unions, as she grew up in Dublin and started her career here. Credit Unions across Dublin look forward to getting behind the girls in green down under this summer. It’s fantastic to see the team playing in the opening match.”

Twenty-one credit unions have come together to create the Dublin Credit Union group, who look to work collaboratively on a number of projects. Every community across Dublin City and County is served by a credit union providing award winning financial services that people trust. Credit Unions have been providing financial services to the people of Dublin for over sixty years. Those involved offer services that range from small personal loans to mortgages.

www.dublincreditunions.ie

6 Reasons Why Joining a Credit Union Can Benefit You As a Student

lseth@palmerstowncu.ie (Lakshay Seth) — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 09:24:59 GMT

Managing finances can be hard especially with tuition, rent, groceries, and other expenses. But did you know that joining a credit union could make things easier? Credit unions offer many benefits that help you save money and manage your finances more effectively.

Let's explore why!

1. You can have affordable fees and interest rates.

Firstly, credit unions are not-for-profit organisations which means they exist to serve their members, not to make a profit for shareholders. This translates into lower fees and interest rates, which means more money in our pockets. Plus, it's nice to know that our financial institution has our backs. For current account services, students go FREE.

2. You become a member, not a customer.

When you become a member of a credit union, you become a part-owner. This means we have a voice in how the credit union is run and what services are offered. Unlike traditional banks, credit unions are owned and run by their members, it's like being part of a tight-knit community where everyone is looking out for each other.

3. You will be part of a supportive community

Credit unions are deeply involved in their local communities, which means you can give back while being members, supporting charities and events, and offering volunteer opportunities. As a student, joining a credit union can allow you to give back to your community while being a member of an institution that prioritises community involvement and impact.

4. Get free financial advice to achieve your goals.

As a member of a credit union, you get all the information to help you make informed financial decisions. Credit unions are dedicated to empowering their members with the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial choices.

5. You will get personalised services.

At credit unions, you're not just a number. We're very proud of offering personalised service to you as a member! The staff is friendly, approachable, and available to offer advice and support tailored to your individual financial situation. Our member service has been awarded for 8 years as the "Best in Ireland".

6. You can use online and mobile banking everywhere

Convenience is key when it comes to managing your finances. Credit unions may be smaller than traditional banks, but they still offer the same convenient banking services, such as online banking and mobile apps. With online banking and mobile apps, you can easily check your balances, pay bills, and transfer funds from anywhere, at any time.

So, if you're a student looking to take control of your finances, joining a credit union might be the way to go. It's a win-win situation: we get the financial services we need and become part of a community that cares about us. So go ahead, find your local credit union, and start reaping the benefits today!

Black Raven Credit Union Ltd.

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:07:23 GMT

We have loans for all purposes,

Green Loans for projects which have a positive effect on the environment.
Home improvement loans for those big or small projects.
Consolidation Loans which may help you to save money by streamlining your regular outgoings. Let us do the financial analysis and see if we can help with placing you on a better financial plan.
Holiday loans for that trip which is long overdue.
Competitive car loans for that new or upgraded car, or to exit a PCP agreement.

We are delighted to be working with other Dublin based credit unions and be a part of this great co-operative movement which is credit unions.

In the words of our President Michael D Higgins, “I can’t think of any more important organization then the credit union movement” we agree wholeheartedly !

Our members are based in the three Local Authorities in Dublin, Fingal, South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. Our members have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to support local communities too and we are so pleased that we are beginning to see the positive effects of the vaccine program and the re-opening of society.

Credit Unions need your support and as the economy opens, we want to remind all Members of credit unions that we are here for you. No request is too big or too small, reach out to us and we will do our best to assist.

Heritage Credit Union - Here For You And Yours Always

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:31:45 GMT

Becoming Heritage Credit Union

Heritage Credit Union Limited, originally known as Rathfarnham & District Credit Union, was founded in 1963. We became Heritage Credit Union four years ago, when we reached out to our members to help us choose a new name, a name that would reflect who we are and what we represent as a local Credit Union, in our growing community and common bond.

Trusted for Over 50 Years

Heritage was selected from a shortlist of member suggestions by our staff, volunteers and members across our common bond. This word represents the legacy of all things good and powerful about our past, and our people. All that we have accomplished as a Credit Union. Working together from all walks of life as members, staff and dedicated volunteers, with the common goal of helping all those in our community, and building a future together.

Our logo is a circle, which represents our ability to offer members services and benefits throughout every part of their life journey, every step of the way. Each stone in our logo representing the different stages of life, and is designed to reflect old Dublin cobble stones. A very important part of our Dublin History.

For over 50 years we have been trusted with the financial needs of our members. We now serve over 42,000 members, six days a week, through nine offices that stretch from the Dublin Mountains to Dublin City Centre.

Personal & Friendly Service

We provide our members with a safe, strong and secure alternative to the Banks. As a not for profit financial co-operative, we are always focused on offering a very personalised and friendly service to all who come through our doors.

Here for you and yours always is the line we use to express what we do and how we represent and support all in our common bond. We provide members with a wide range of services and benefits. We support and sponsor local clubs, groups and schools. We also support a number of national charities and causes that raise awareness of those most vulnerable in our society.

We work with our Dublin Credit Union colleagues, to raise the profile of local businesses, including the local Credit Union. We drive awareness about how important it is for people to shop and support their local community, now more than ever. In particular, we aim to remind communities across Dublin that Together Everyone Achieves More.

Supporting Our Members

We support members through every step of their life journey, when it comes to their financial needs. We have offices across nine locations. Rathfarnham Village, Nutgrove Shopping Centre, Harold’s Cross, Fortfield, Capel Street, Thomas Street, Rialto, Windy Arbour and Walkinstown.

There has never been a better time to talk to Heritage Credit Union. Now one of the largest Credit Unions in Ireland, Heritage Credit Union’s offering includes:

Flexible loans for all personal needs, including mortgages
The capability to transact on-line
A wide range of services including long term savings plans, protection and pension
Provision of loans and support through the complexity of grants when creating a more energy efficient and greener home

Our message to anyone who needs guidance and support when reviewing their financial needs is simple. Talk to your local Credit Union first! Where you are a valued member and not just a name or account number.

South Dublin Credit Union’s common bond and beyond

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:57:14 GMT

South Dublin Credit Union’s common bond and beyond

South Dublin Credit Union as we know it was established in 2017, when Stillorgan Credit Union and St. Mary’s Donnybrook Credit Union merged, offering both Credit Unions the opportunity to grow the products and services on offer to their members. At South Dublin Credit Union, we are proud of our local community. Not only do we provide the surrounding localities of Stillorgan, Mount Merrion and Donnybrook, with a safe and friendly place, to save and borrow with great value loans, but we also love supporting our community wherever we can. For this reason, we would like to dedicate this blog post to a small history of our local community. Both Stillorgan and Donnybrook, where our branches are situated, have a wealth of history, amazing restaurants, infamous pubs, historical churches, renowned schools, colleges, and universities.

South Dublin Credit Union are proud of our community and have loved supporting many local organisations and their events over the years, this includes, but is certainly not limited to, Kilmacud Musical Society, our local schools (Oatlands College, St Benildus, St Raphaela’s, St Laurence’s, Mount Anville), Kilmacud Crokes, Mount Merrion Football, Beechill United, Senior Citizens Society. The list goes on! Over the years, we also supported many different family days organised by local Resident Associations.

In 2021, South Dublin Credit Union were thrilled to share €40,000 in cash draw prizes to members of our Credit Union. There are six chances to win the cash prize of €10,000 throughout the year with just under 1,200 participants. If you are not a member of our Members Cash Draw and would like to join, application forms are available on our website and at the Donnybrook and Stillorgan Branches. Membership to the draw is limited so if you are not in, you can’t win! South Dublin Credit Unions Member Cash Draw has become a great source of enjoyment and excitement both in the community and in our Stillorgan and Donnybrook Branches.

Overall, South Dublin Credit Union thrives when our community thrives, therefore we believe in investing in the communities we serve, helping families and businesses to grow and succeed. We support community-based causes and local education. We believe in local support for local communities, and what an amazing community we have.

Know our CEO

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:46:59 GMT

Get to know our CEO!

We at SDCU are thrilled to introduce our new Acting CEO, Caitriona Kelly Puca. Caitriona has been working in South Dublin Credit Union for 11 years and has remarkable experience in both credit union operations and leadership. Caitriona’s appointment as CEO is a clear reflection of the credit union’s current status: ready to take on the future and embrace all the changes that come our way. Now let’s find out some more about the woman of the moment!

Tell me about your career so far, Caitriona.

Having enjoyed a rewarding and progressive 16-year career in the Financial Services sector to date, in both Credit Unions and the Banking sectors, I have a deep passion and understanding of the Credit Union movement and the dynamics and the challenges of the future. I have worked in South Dublin Credit Union for the past 11 years and am delighted with my appointment as Acting CEO. My hope is to drive the development, growth, and future success of South Dublin Credit Union.

What attracted you to work in the credit union?

Having become a member of a Credit Union as a child, the Credit Union has always been there for me from education about childhood savings up to my first loan and beyond. I strongly believe in the ethos of the Credit Union and the people behind it, that make it all work. It’s very rewarding work.

What have you found are the biggest differences in working in a bank and in a credit union?

The Credit Union is a fantastic place to work, unlike working in a bank you are never a number, and you can make a real difference in members’ lives. Working in a not-for-profit and community-based organisation is very important to me. I enjoy giving back to the community through sponsorships and donations and making the time to meet with our members.

What does South Dublin Credit Union have to offer our members?

At South Dublin Credit Union, we focus on offering savings and loan products with very attractive loan rates. We pride ourselves on excellence in member services and giving back to the community. We have a fantastic, experienced team of twelve staff over two branches (Stillorgan and Donnybrook). We also offer assistance over the phone as well as online services through our website.

How do you see South Dublin Credit Union changing in the next 2 years?

We are currently at the final stages of re-launching our phone app and plans are underway for a digital move to a full suite of online services for our members. We will soon launch DocuSign for members to collect loans without the need to call into a branch and a new Greener Home Loan with very attractive home improvement loan rates. I am excited about the future, SDCU will continue to be at the heart of the community as we have for over 54 years but with an added sense of embracing the future and the digital needs of our members.

What are the 3 biggest changes of the credit union in recent years?

Firstly, I would have to say the establishment of South Dublin Credit Union through the merger of St. Mary’s Donnybrook Credit Union and Stillorgan Credit Union in 2017.

It would be remiss not to mention the movement of credit unions to a highly regulated environment with increased levies and higher expectations and reporting measures.

Finally, for us we found that operating as an essential service during Covid 19 and adapting to an ever-changing environment whilst continuing to keep our doors open to our members, was a huge change. Introducing working from home measures, split teams and accommodating all our members’ needs during the pandemic.

With community at heart, we march on!

lseth@palmerstowncu.ie (Lakshay Seth) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 08:04:25 GMT

Established 53 years ago, Palmerstown Credit Union is proud to continue its excellent member service to over 9,100 members mainly in Palmerstown & Chapelizod in West Dublin.

A Welcome Surprise!

Our loans have supported everything from cars to college, holidays to home improvements. With 90% of our loans approved this year, our loans are easy and meant for everyone.

Our latest offering "Welcome Loan" allows members who have never borrowed with us, to borrow at a reduced rate.

If you wish to apply for this loan, simply

Visit the website and click the "Apply Now" button
Call us and quote "I AM HERE FOR THE WELCOME"
Visit the credit union and quote "I AM HERE FOR THE WELCOME"

Donore Credit Union is Something Special

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:05:22 GMT

Box Clever with Donore

This is our Credit Union

Donore Gets You Back to School

Welcome to Bray Credit Union, we love our community

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:58:10 GMT

Welcome to Bray Credit Union, we love our community

Our story begins in Bray in 1964 with our founding group of dynamic and forward thinking people who set up Bray Credit Union to assist our local community with a financial co-operative. The focus on savings and loans, improved the lives of our members and for the generations to come. Bray Credit Union is now 57 years old, with almost 25,000 members offering everyday banking ‘the credit union way’, while supporting our local community through education, sport and charities that reflect our values.

Members Come First

Bray Credit Union exists to offer financial services that improve people’s lives and not to make a profit. Our goal is to offer a personal service to our members face to face, over the phone or by digital, and in turn, members are loyal for this reason. Our Credit Union will be there for you during the good times as well as the more challenging times. We aim to assist members to become better educated consumers of financial services.

At the heart of our Community

As a local Credit Union, the local community is at the very heart of our organisation. In 2019 we committed to a donation and sponsorship budget of €15,000 to support and invest in local community organisations from scholarships, sports clubs, local organisations, societies and schools. We believe in investing in the members we serve, helping our members buy homes, purchase cars, educate their children and enjoy a financially secure life without high fees and charges. Bray Credit Union is at the heart of our community.

Talk to us today at

Your local credit union - here to stay!

lseth@palmerstowncu.ie (Lakshay Seth) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:22:27 GMT

As banks continue to close their Dublin branches, Dublin Credit Unions are here to remind you that we are here to stay!

Credit unions are not-for-profit, financial co-operatives that are embedded in the local community. We exist to serve our members needs and help them realise their ambitions.

Despite the unfortunate news about AIB closing 13 more branches in the Dublin area, and the loss of services that will mean for the local community, Credit Unions are there to support those affected.

In each of the 13 areas, there is a Credit Union to step in and look after members loans, savings, or any other financial services. Dublin Credit Unions, to name a few services, offer:

• 24/7 online banking

• Great value loans

• Other services like Car Draws and Insurance

See the full list of credit unions below and get in touch today to see how we can help you.

This article was first published on Credit Union

Talk to your local credit union today, we’re here to help.

A Message from Blanchardstown Credit Union

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 15:32:14 GMT

A quick message from our colleague Martina in Blanchardstown & District Credit Union

We Value Relationships and Believe People Come First

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:46:29 GMT

Welcome to Blanchardstown & District Credit Union

We Value Relationships and Believe People Come First

Blanchardstown & District Credit Union exists to help people, not to make a profit. Our goal is to serve all our members well, and in turn, members are loyal for this reason. Our philosophy extends to the communities in which we operate, by donating our time, money and resources. The Credit Union will be there for you during the good times as well as the more challenging ones. We aim to assist members to become better educated consumers of financial services.

Making things happen in our Community.

We believe in investing in the communities we serve, helping families buy homes, and assisting businesses to grow and succeed. As a local Credit Union, the local community is at the very heart of our organisation. In 2020 we committed to a donation and sponsorship budget of over €20,000 to support and invest in local community organisations from sports clubs, local organisations, societies and schools.

We support and promote education in our local community in many different ways: school saving scheme for local pupils, special lower rate loans for “Back to School” Expenses & Third level Education bursary. Our primary schools programme is a source of immense pride and we relish in the promotion of financial wellbeing from a young age.

We Will Make Your Dreams Happen

We are open for lending for whatever you need and over 95% of our loans are approved! We help finance adventures, cars, education and hobbies. You don’t have to save for ages before you can get a loan with us. You can join & borrow on the same day. Apart from personal loans we now offer range of business loans as well as mortgages and insurance products.

Find out more on our website www.blanchardstowncu.ie

Call us at 01 820 3495 or email info@blanchardstowncu.ie

Credit Union Car Loans

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 15:04:11 GMT

Are you thinking about your first car, trading up before that staycation, or even an electric car?

Consider a Credit Union Car Loan instead of a Hire Purchase or PCP option. With a Credit Union Car Loan you borrow the money, pay for your car, and own it immediately.

Hire Purchase / PCP, are they really that different to a Credit Union loan. Yes they are!

When you use a hire purchase or PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreement to buy a car, the agent sells the car to the finance company. The finance company then rents the car to you for an agreed period of time in return for a set monthly repayment over a number of years.
If it’s a motor dealer arranging the agreement, the motor dealer acts as an agent for a finance company and earns commission to arrange the finance for you. In this case, the motor dealer is acting as a credit intermediary and must be authorised to act on behalf of the finance company.
With a hire purchase / PCP agreement, there may also be a range of additional fees and charges which you may incur. This would include a documentation fee (for setting up the agreement) and completion fee (a fee charged to end the agreement).
If you run into difficulty in meeting the terms of the agreement, you may be charged a penalty fee for missed repayments, a rescheduling fee (if you need to change the terms of the agreement) and a higher rate of interest may be charged on any repayments which you missed.
The conditions of some agreements also result in monthly payments not being evenly spread out and you may pay less in the earlier months of the agreement. This can make your monthly repayments appear more affordable. However, you may have to pay a large final payment (known as a balloon payment) at the end of the term, a payment you may not have budgeted to meet.
Finally, while a HP contract covers the entire purchase price of the car, PCP does not unless you make the optional 'final payment’.

Why Choose A Credit Union Car Loan instead of a Hire Purchase or PCP agreement?

With a Credit Union loan its much more straightforward. You borrow the money. You agree a repayment schedule that suits your circumstances. You pay for the car and own it immediately. Also, should you be in the happy position of being able to repay the loan early, you may do so without any penalty charges. At your local Credit Union, you also get to avail of the wide range of member benefits, including various insurance services which protect your loan, without any fees or charges. You also get to deal with friendly people who are always available to talk to you about any queries you have.

And did we mention, when you borrow with your local Credit Union, the interest you pay goes back into your local community, through various sponsorships, community funds and club support! So borrowing with your local Credit Union means you are supporting your local community in lots of different ways!

Local, Loyal & Lending!

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 12:08:59 GMT

Three Words to Best Describe The Credit Union

"Local, loyal and lending", these are the words chosen by our staff, to describe their Credit Union. How do we know? We asked them. We reached out to all of our dedicated staff, across every Credit Union office in Dublin and asked “What words would you use, to best describe what the Credit Union movement and your own Credit Union offers members in the community?”.

This question started a lively conversation, debate and a discussion about the importance of the Credit Union in the community as a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to its members. A conversation about what makes the Credit Union stand out so much as a movement, that it’s been voted the most highly regarded financial organisation in Ireland.

At the Credit Union, the ethos of the movement is based around people helping people. For over 60 years, Credit Unions have been the corner stone of the local community and have been the voice of empathy, trust and care when dealing with every aspect of their members finances. It’s the genuine nature and dedication of staff and volunteers in the movement, which has seen the Credit Union thrive as the local and trustworthy choice for members. So choose your Credit Union first, because your Credit Union is local, loyal and lending!

The Peoples Bank

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 12:28:09 GMT

The Credit Union at The Heart of The Community

The Credit Union movement, widely regarded as the Peoples Bank , has always been at the heart of the community, through good times and bad. Not driven by profit and always putting its members first, its one of the few financial institutions that still offers a face to face customer experience and has been named as the organisation offering the best customer experience in Ireland - for five consecutive years - by CX Ireland.

The Credit Union understands the importance of borrowing and spending local, having lent 3 billion to its members in communities across Ireland in 2020, most of which went straight back into the local economy. "When you spend locally it keeps money circulating locally”, thats the message from your local Dublin Credit Union. For every €10 you spend locally it generates more than €40 of benefit in your local community and your local businesses need your support now more than ever.

During the last year of lockdown, we have all been very proud and aware of the explosion of community spirit right across the country, we need to keep driving that community spirit, and continue to show what can be achieved when we work together as a team. Remember, Together Everyone Achieves More .

Our local businesses are the back bone of our community, and by staying, borrowing and SPENDING local, we are supporting our towns and villages. We are keeping our local shopkeepers in business and also keeping our family, friends and neighbours employed.

#StayLocalBorrowLocalSpendLocal