Camden Plus Credit Union

Good:
Members area on their website allows you to control your loan and other finances without visiting an office

Bad:
You will need to be a member to apply and be able to prove you can afford the repayments

Verdict:
One of the larger credit unions with a low APR - must be living, working or studying in the London Borough of Camden of the three Brent wards of Kilburn, Queen's Park and Brondesbury Park

You must be living, working or studying in the London Borough of Camden of the three Brent wards of Kilburn, Queen's Park and Brondesbury Park.

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 apply as long as you can show them your bank statements covering the last 90 days (including all savings and current accounts you hold).

First you will need to become a member of the union. In order to apply for a loan, you need to call 020 7482 3505 and arrange an interview with a member of staff, who will check the information you present and your completed application form. Once the member of staff feels the information is suitable, they will confirm your application and it will be passed to a loans officer for assessment. They will then call you and tell you their decision.

The process may in some cases take up to one week so this is not a good option for you if you need your money quickly. You cannot manage your loan online so every time you need to make a change, you need to contact them in writing. 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 & Thursday: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Tuesday:10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm - 7:00pm