As a Credit Union, the money we lend out belongs to other members in the Credit Union. Due to this, we have a responsibility to manage our members money and lend it out in an ethical way. This is why we must ensure that when we approve a loan, that the borrower has the capacity and ability to meet the repayments over the entire term of the loan.

Where a member cannot evidence the ability to meet their repayments as well as their other financial obligations, we may be unable to lend on the account.

As part of our loan assessment process, we conduct a credit check to review an applicant’s credit history. A member’s credit history is a key factor in our decision-making, as it provides insight into their financial affordability and ability to repay outstanding credit responsibly.

When taking out a loan, a member signs a credit agreement—a legally binding document that commits them to repaying the loan with interest.

If a member’s financial circumstances change and they are unable to meet the terms of the agreement, our highly skilled credit control team is available to assist in arranging an alternative repayment plan.

However, if we are unable to make contact with the member or reach an agreement, they may lose their credit union membership and its benefits, including access to future borrowing. The loan and any outstanding interest must be repaid in full before membership can be reinstated. In some cases, legal proceedings may be necessary to recover the outstanding debt.

If you have a debt-to-income ratio (DIR) which is over 35%, this may have an impact on getting any loans.

If you already have outstanding credit, taking on more debt could put additional strain on your finances.

However, in some cases, consolidating existing debts at a lower interest rate can be a practical way to regain control and manage repayments more effectively. It’s important to carefully consider your options and ensure that any new borrowing aligns with your financial situation.

Gambling is a legal activity, and we respect our members' personal choices regarding how they spend their money. However, as responsible lenders, we have a duty under regulations to ensure that loans are issued sustainably.

While occasional gambling transactions on a bank statement do not automatically result in a loan refusal, we carefully assess whether such spending is reasonable and responsible. Specifically, we consider:

• The frequency of gambling transactions
• The size of these transactions in relation to the member’s income

This evaluation helps us determine affordability and ensure that borrowing remains manageable for the member.

Our team need to be able to confirm your identity in line with legislation and regulatory requirements. We may ask you to provide further documentation to assist with this, such as proof of your address, photographic ID or name change documentation.