Opening An Account?
Joining Bristol Credit Union is the best decision you could take for your money.
Our credit union lets people in the community come together to save ethically and to borrow money at competitive rates, and is operated on a not-for-profit basis, with surpluses being returned to members.
To join you need to live, work, volunteer or go to school/university in our membership area which is any of the four local authority areas which make up the former Avon county (Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire). See the Common Bond map below to check if you qualify if you're not sure.
You also need to bring original documentation to confirm your ID and address (see the Membership & Loans checklist), along with £2.50 for your membership fee and £1 for your Membership Share deposit.
If you don't live in our membership area click here to see if there's a credit union near you in the South West, or here for the rest of the country.
Benefits of Membership
Membership has many benefits...
Flexible & Convenient Loans
Members can apply for our affordable, flexible loans after joining, and repay at tailor-made schedules. Different rates apply depending on the circumstances.
Attractive Dividend on Savings
Every year we aim to pay an attractive dividend on members’ savings, which are also placed in our Life Insurance scheme, offering free insurance on your savings (subject to conditions - ask for full details). Dividends are based on the credit union's financial performance and the rate of dividend, or even if one can be paid is not guaranteed. See here for previous rates.
Current Account - wages & benefits direct to your BCU account
Ask about our new BCU Current Account - have wages or benefits credited directly to your credit union account from almost any source by BACS, get ATM machine access to your cash and set up standing orders and direct debits.
Quality Service, No Transaction Fees
You can be assured of a professional service from Credit Union at all times. And you do not pay a transaction fee for saving with us, or for borrowing money. Some accounts such as the BCU Current Account do have a range of fees, and all members pay an annual membership fee.
Pay by Standing Order
Arrange a Standing Order payment from your bank and be sure of regular payments to your Bristol Credit Union account. We will send you a statement showing all transactions.
Member Services
Take advantage of a host of additional member services available. Ask any staff member for more details about joining the Credit Union, or for further information see the different sections of this web site. | 
Download Membership Application Form (59kb)