We try to help people get on top of their finances by encouraging them to save money when they can, and we lend to them at affordable rates when they need to borrow Formerly Wiltshire Credit Union and driven by the needs of our members we work to maintain their financial well-being by providing approachable, easy to access finance.
With straight forward financial advice, we help members develop the financial habits for long-term financial security.
We aim to help all our members achieve financial health. We try to help people get on top of their finances by encouraging them to save money when they can, and we lend to them at affordable rates when they need to borrow.
We operate under the same rules and regulations as any other bank. But unlike high street banks, we are a cooperative, owned by our members and run for their benefit.
We work in the local communities in the counties of Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. You are welcome to visit us in our main office in Cavendish Square, Swindon, or at one of our community points.
How we protect your money
Just like your high street banks and building societies, the money you deposit into your credit union account is protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). This guarantees your money is safe: up to £85,000 for an individual account, and up to £170,000 for joint accounts.
FSCS protection is free to customers, so if anything happens to your bank, building society or credit union, and you cannot access your money, the FSCS will refund you up to the amount of £85,000.
For more information on how we protect your money please click here.
What is a credit union?
The first credit union in Britain began trading in 1964. Over the last 50 years, credit unions have grown steadily. There are nearly 300 credit unions in Great Britain, serving nearly 1.5 million people, making over £1.1 billion of savings. Acorn Community Bank is part of a global credit union movement. Around the world, well over 200 million people are credit union members in 105 countries.
Credit unions focus on the long-term financial well-being of their members and the wider community.
Credit union work to make high-quality finance assessible to all, with loans at rates that are realistic and fair.
Credit unions are owned by their members: they elect a board of volunteers to direct the way the credit union develops in response to members’ priorities.
Credit unions serve their members, listening to their needs, and developing services to meet those needs.