About Retail CU

If you work in retail, Retail CU is the easy way to save, and borrow when you need to, straight from your pay.

Retail CU is part of Voyager Alliance Credit Union and is a financial co-operative which provides savings, loans and a range of financial services to its members. Our members are our customers and shareholders and are at the heart of everything we do.

Want to know more about Retail CU? Then watch our Explainer Video now.

Nivo
App

Secure, instant messaging with members

Safely share personal information, discuss your finances, complete identity checks and send us photos of payslips and bank statements

Retail CU Roadshows

A great way to meet new Retail CU members

Throughout the year, the team visit offices and workplaces across the country.

Members Update

Monthly updates about our services and products.

 Retail CU is owned by and run for the benefit of members. Our members matter.

Free
Life Cover

Peace of mind in the event of a member’s death

The Retail CU Bereavement Fund is a FREE benefit for all Retail CU members

Saving by
Direct Debit

Make online loan repayments using a Debit Card

If your employer doesn’t offer payroll deduction, you can join Voyager Alliance and save by Direct Debit.

Who owns Retail CU?

Retail CU is part of Voyager Alliance Credit Union, and is owned by and run for the benefit of our members. When you join, you become a ‘member’ and a ‘shareholder’ in Voyager Alliance Credit Union.

Retail CU is your credit union. You have an equal say in how we are run, and you receive a share of any profits in the form of an annual dividend*. All adult members are invited to our Annual General Meeting, which is held each Spring. You can make your voice heard by electing our volunteer Board of Directors at our Annual General Meeting.

*Dividends are not guaranteed. The rate payable is dependent on financial performance and voted on by members at the Annual General Meeting.

How does a credit union work?

Members’ regular savings create a “pool of money” which is used to offer affordable loans to other members. The interest earned on loans covers the credit union’s administration, with any surplus being put into reserves or paid back to members as an annual dividend.

Credit union interest rates are capped by their regulators which makes them cheaper than many other lenders. Loan repayments are tailored to suit a member’s budget, and there are no hidden costs or penalties. Credit Unions promote responsible lending and do not lend more than a member can afford to repay.

As with banks and building societies, all savings up to £85,000 are protected under the government’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Our History

Retail Credit Union was created in 2016 with one goal – to boost the financial wellbeing of the UK’s 4 million retail workers.

In 2013, the leading retail charity, retailTRUST, identified mounting concerns among retailers about the number of employees reporting financial difficulties. This prompted retailTRUST to establish a credit union for individuals employed in retail and Retail CU is the result. All individuals employed in retail are eligible to join.

In September 2016, Retail CU received final authorisations from the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority and launched in May 2017.

In 2018 Retail CU became part of Voyager Alliance Credit Union, providing savings and loans to retail employees through payroll partnerships with a growing number of UK retailers.

On Tuesday 1st February, 2022, Voyager Alliance and Retail CU officially joined the Penny Post Group. This is a great opportunity for the combined membership of Voyager Alliance, Retail CU and Penny Post, and we’re looking forward to a bright future ahead. More information about Penny Post Credit Union and the Penny Post Group can be found here.

Retail CU App

Download the Voyager Alliance CU Mobile App to manage your money ‘on the go’, conveniently from your mobile, whenever you wish – securely request withdrawals, view account balances, transfer between accounts and view transaction history.

Find out more and download the App here

Online Banking

Manage your account, request withdrawals, apply for loans and so much more…

Members Quotes
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“Staff always helpful. You feel like you are speaking to a member of your family.”

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“The service is fantastic. Always very helpful. I can’t fault them.”

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“Very friendly staff, great opportunities to save or borrow money. All in all they are brilliant!”

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“The automatic deductions from my wages has allowed me to save and repay loan without planning.”

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“Nivo is a great service & really simple to use. Very clear instructions & seems very secure with ID face recognition. The response times are very quick, impressed with the service.”

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