Blantyre & South Lanarkshire Credit Union
Good:
Members area on site allows you to control your finances and loan from their website
Bad:
Must save with them for 8 weeks before applying for a loan
Verdict:
Small financial service that is a great option if you don't need money fast - must live or work in South Lanarkshire or Blantyre
You must live or work in South Lanarkshire or Blantyre to become a member.
Credit Unions offer a few different unsecured loans for any purpose. Their loans are fairly cheap and are based on your proven ability to repay, this is why they do a thorough check of your income and expenditures. You need to be a member to apply and you can only apply for a loan after you have been saving for 8 weeks. You can borrow anything up to twice your savings for your first loan and subsequent loans up to £5,000.
First you will need to become a member of the union. You can apply by visiting their office (see location below) or via the members section of their website. Your application will be reviewed by a Loan Officer or the weekly Credit Committee meeting. They will then let you know their decision and you will be asked to complete a loan agreement committing you to regular repayments.
The process may in some cases take up to 2 weeks so this is not a good option for you if you need your money quickly. They do offer a members section so you can view the status of your loan once it is granted. With credit unions, the money you are borrowing is the money of other members, so if you fail to make payments, they take this very seriously. Their opening hours are very limited, which makes it difficult for you to go in to organise all your documents and sign your agreement. On the other hand, they want to help you rebuild your finances if you haven't got a good history. Their rates are extremely low and their repayments are really small each month.
Monday-Wednesday: 9:15am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 9:15am - 6:00pm
Friday: 9:15am - 4:00pm
Tact Hall Wednesday: 11:30am - 12:30pm
Priestfield Hall Tuesday: 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Larkhall Office
Monday to Wednesday: 11:00am - 3:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Loan Calculator (Representative 12.68%APR)
Loan Amount £
Loan Term months
Monthly Repayment
Total Repayment
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The staff were very helpful and prompt in dealing with my loan application, with a rate of 12.68% APR this made the repayments very affordable.
Loans up to £5,000 - 10 years
BACS
- You do not need to have good credit
- It doesn't matter if you are employed, unemployed, on benefits, a carer, a homemaker or on Job Seeker's Allowance, anyone can apply
- You don't need to have been a UK resident for any specified length of time
- You don't need to have a bank account
- You need to be 18 years of age or older
- You need: proof of income (wage slips, bank statements), proof of identity and current address
- You must live or work in South Lanarkshire or Blantyre to become a member
