From time to time we all need to borrow, and Retail CU is here to help. With great rates from just 2.9% APR and cheaper than most credit cards, our straightforward loans are easy to apply for, with options for everyone! And … with save as you borrow, you’ll have a lump sum when you’ve repaid your loan too.
As a responsible lender, it’s important we only lend what a member can afford.
We consider each loan application carefully. As part of the loan assessment, we use a licensed Credit Reference Agency, Equifax, and follow current credit union policies regarding your income, expenditure, spending habits and lending history.
We look at your income and expenditure to see how much disposable income you have available (what’s left over after you’ve paid your essential living expenses) and can therefore afford to repay each week/month.
Remember, we are lending money that is members’ savings, and it would be irresponsible to lend to those who are unable to repay.
For more about our loan assessments, and why we unfortunately decline some applications click here.
* If your address (or name) is different to the one on our system, we will need to see a recent, official proof of address document like a bank statement or utility bill before considering your loan application.
With your consent, we use Open Banking to review your income and expenditure, speeding up the assessment process and saving you time. Open Banking is safe and secure, quick, and the easy way to allow us to view your last 3 months income and expenditure. It’s an alternative to asking for copies of bank statements. For more information on Open Banking, click here.
If we cannot use Open Banking, you will need to supply us with copies of your last 3 months bank statements, before we can consider your application. The bank statements must cover the 3 months up to the date of your application, and must include your name and address*. Poor quality or incomplete copies cannot be accepted, and will delay your application. Open Banking is therefore the quickest, easiest and most secure way to provide us with the required income and expenditure information.
* If your address (or name) is different to the one on our system, we will need to see a recent, official proof of address document like a bank statement or utility bill before considering your loan application.
Its now even easier to apply for a Retail CU loan! With options for everyone, you can now apply online by completing our easy, mobile friendly Online Loan Application, apply on Nivo from your mobile, or login to online banking and apply there.
Alternatively, contact us and we can post you a paper application form, although this takes a little longer.
We will contact you via the Nivo App. It’s useful to download this by clicking here as the quicker we are able to receive required documents from you, the quicker we may be able to make a decision!
Through the Nivo App, we may ask you for any of the following:
Our loans are straightforward so if you don’t have a smartphone, or would prefer us to contact you through email or over the telephone, please let us know, we have options for everyone!
Once we have received all the information requested, your application will be carefully considered. In most cases, we make decisions within 3 working days, but at busy times, it may take a little longer.
As soon as a decision has been made, we will message you through the Nivo App.
Our loans policy includes some restrictions to help protect our members.
Members must have repaid at least 20% of their first Personal loan, and 10% of the original loan value thereafter, before applying to top up their loan. It is important you are comfortable with your repayments and do not overstretch yourself, financially.
You are able to pay off a loan early without incurring penalties. However, if you are applying to top up a loan, lump sum repayments do not qualify, unless you can prove the sum has been built up through regular savings.
A County Court Judgment is a type of court order in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that a creditor can apply to have registered against you if you fail to repay money you owe. A CCJ shows on your credit report and can negatively affect your ability to get credit for up to six years.
Unlike some lenders, we do consider lending to members with satisfied CCJs or with low value active CCJs which are being repaid. In such cases, our Loans Team would consider any CCJs as part of the loan assessment and make a decision on an individual basis.
If CCJs are subsequently removed from your record, or if you can provide us with a letter of satisfaction, we would be willing to reassess an application from you.
For more advice on CCJs, click here.
No, our current lending policy does not permit lending to any member who is currently in an active Debt Management Plan.
For further advice on Debt Management Plans, click here.
Our current lending policy does not permit lending to any member who has an active Individual Voluntary Arrangement, Bankruptcy Order or Trust Deed (in Scotland only) recorded against them.
If you have a Retail CU loan and are struggling with repayments, talk to us before considering any of these options. We may be able to help you, and prevent you from incurring fees charged by an Insolvency Practitioner.
An IVA or Bankruptcy Order will stay on your credit report for 6 years or until you are discharged if it takes longer, and will considerably reduce your chances of getting credit.
Retail CU loans are repaid straight from your pay, on a weekly or monthly (salaries) basis. We will work with you to make sure your repayments are affordable and suit your budget.
If your circumstances change, or you have difficulties in meeting your loan repayments, contact us immediately and explain the situation. We will treat the matter sympathetically and in total confidence. Depending on circumstances, we will work with you and renegotiate the loan if possible. Talk to us, we are here to help if we can.