About Hillingdon credit union
Hillingdon Credit Union: Empowering the Employees of Hillingdon Council
Hillingdon Credit Union is a financial cooperative that serves the employees of Hillingdon Council. Established in 1991, it has been providing affordable and accessible financial services to its members for almost three decades. As a credit union, it is owned and controlled by its members, who share a common bond of employment with the council.
The mission of Hillingdon Credit Union is to promote thrift among its members by encouraging them to save regularly and borrow responsibly. It aims to provide an alternative source of credit that is fairer and more affordable than high-cost lenders such as payday loan companies or doorstep lenders. By pooling their savings together, members can access low-interest loans for various purposes such as home improvements, car purchases, debt consolidation or emergencies.
One of the key benefits of being a member of Hillingdon Credit Union is that it offers savings accounts with competitive rates of interest. Members can choose from different types of accounts depending on their needs and preferences. For example, they can open a regular savings account which pays dividends annually based on the credit union's performance. They can also open a Christmas savings account which allows them to save throughout the year for festive expenses without dipping into their other funds.
Another benefit is that members have access to affordable loans with flexible repayment terms. Unlike traditional banks or building societies which may require collateral or impose penalties for early repayment, Hillingdon Credit Union offers unsecured loans at reasonable rates without any hidden fees or charges. Members can apply online or in person for loans ranging from £500 up to £25,000 depending on their affordability and creditworthiness.
Moreover, Hillingdon Credit Union provides free life insurance cover for all eligible members up to age 70 as part of its commitment to social responsibility and community development. This means that if a member dies before repaying their loan balance in full, their outstanding debt will be written off and their family will not be burdened with the financial obligation. This is a unique feature that sets Hillingdon Credit Union apart from other financial institutions and demonstrates its ethos of caring for its members' welfare.
In addition, Hillingdon Credit Union offers a range of other services such as budgeting advice, debt management support, online banking, mobile app, payroll deduction scheme and prepaid debit card. These services are designed to help members manage their finances more effectively and conveniently. For example, the payroll deduction scheme allows members to save directly from their salary before it reaches their bank account, which can help them avoid temptation or forgetfulness.
Hillingdon Credit Union is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), which means that it operates under strict rules and standards to protect its members' interests. It is also a member of the Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL), which provides guidance and support to credit unions across the UK.
To become a member of Hillingdon Credit Union, one must meet certain eligibility criteria such as being an employee or pensioner of Hillingdon Council or one of its partner organizations. The membership application process is simple and straightforward, requiring only proof of identity and address. Once approved, new members can start saving immediately by depositing funds into their account via various channels such as direct debit, standing order or cash deposit at one of the credit union's branches.
In conclusion, Hillingdon Credit Union is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to take control of their finances in a responsible way while supporting a local community-based organization. Its commitment to ethical values such as transparency, fairness and inclusivity makes it stand out in today's competitive financial market where profit often comes before people. By joining Hillingdon Credit Union today you can enjoy all these benefits plus contribute towards building a stronger economy and society for everyone.