Membership Terms

1. Who Can Join
You can become a member if you meet the common bond at the time you apply. If your circumstances change later, you may remain a member unless our registered rules state otherwise. You must give accurate information when you apply.

2. Your Member Account
We open a member account in your name once your application is approved. You must keep your details up to date. We use these details to run your account and to meet legal checks.

3. Savings
Your savings are held as withdrawable shares. They remain your money. They are usually available for withdrawal straight away.
Under the Credit Unions Act 1979 we may apply a notice period of up to 60 days if needed to protect liquidity or if required by our regulators. We use this power only when necessary to protect all members’ interests.
We tell you if any notice period is applied, explain why, and confirm when normal access will resume.
A dividend may be paid each year, but it is not guaranteed. The board proposes a rate based on actual surplus and members vote on the rate at the AGM.

4. Loans
You may apply for a loan. Approval is not automatic. We assess each application using credit checks, affordability checks, and our lending policy. Your loan terms will be in a separate agreement. You must repay on time. If you miss payments, we may contact you, report arrears, or take action to recover the debt.

5. Payments and Withdrawals
You can deposit and withdraw money through the channels we provide. We may refuse or delay a transaction if needed to meet legal or security checks. We tell you if this happens unless the law prevents it.

6. Fees and Charges
We do not charge routine account fees.
The only charges we apply are:
• Interest on loans, set out in your loan agreement.
• A dormant account fee of five pounds per year if your account has less than one hundred pounds in it and has been inactive for more than one year.
We apply no other charges. If we change this, we will give you clear notice.

7. How We Communicate With You
We use digital channels for most communication. You agree to receive statements, notices, and updates electronically. You can ask for paper copies. We keep our communication clear and easy to understand.

8. Your Responsibilities
You must use your account lawfully. You must keep security details safe. You must tell us quickly if you suspect fraud, unauthorised access, or mistakes.

9. Our Responsibilities
We act in your interests and support good outcomes for all members. We provide clear information on products, risks, and costs. We design products that meet member needs. We monitor outcomes and fix issues when they arise. We treat all members fairly.

10. Financial Protection
Eligible savings are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the current limit. FSCS details are available on its website and in our FSCS information sheet.

11. Data Protection
We follow UK data protection law. We collect and use your data to run your account, meet legal duties, manage risk, and improve services. Our privacy notice explains how we use and store your data and how long we keep it.

12. Voting Rights
Each member has one vote regardless of savings. You can vote at general meetings and stand for election if you are eligible.

13. Account Closure by You
You can close your account at any time if you have no outstanding debts to us. We return your savings once checks are complete.

14. Account Closure by Us
We may close your account if you give false information, misuse the account, no longer qualify under our registered rules, or if required by law. We give notice unless the law prevents it. We return your savings after checks are complete.

15. Changes to These Terms
We may change these terms for legal, regulatory, operational, or service reasons. We give you clear notice and a summary of what has changed. If you do not accept the changes, you may close your account.

16. Complaints
If you are unhappy with our service, you can complain. We handle complaints in line with FCA rules. If you are not satisfied, you may take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

17. Governing Law
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales.