On the 21st October 2021 First Choice Credit Union will be joining credit union members around the world to celebrate International Credit Union Day®, an annual event to commemorate the credit union movement’s impact and achievements. This year marks the 73rd anniversary of this international event.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge the financial well-being of credit union members around the globe. The theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Building Financial Health for a Brighter Tomorrow’ captures the essence of credit unions who are working with their members to help them plan for the future. In good times and bad, credit unions have helped their members to build and maintain a brighter financial future for themselves and their families.
In Ireland, credit unions are more important and relevant today than ever, having continued to stay open and maintain the excellent face to face member experience with which they have become synonymous, despite the barriers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, north and south of the border.
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by, and operated for, the benefit of members they serve. Strong credit unions make strong communities. Credit unions genuinely care about their members and put them at the heart of everything they do.
In line with this year’s theme ‘Building Financial Health for a Brighter Tomorrow’, First Choice Credit Union staff will be on hand to discuss their exciting new arrangement with Irish Life Financial Services, an insurance intermediary that can review your protection, retirement, savings, and investment needs, and offer a full financial review with one of their Qualified Financial Advisers. Sound financial advice aids peace of mind and helps to take care of the things that matter, so you can plan for and build a better future, while ensuring your family is protected.
Staff will also be available to discuss general insurance options available to credit union members such as Car, House, and Travel Insurance. Discounts can be availed of by members when referred through the credit union, so be sure to call in to discuss. There may also be some goodies for members to take away on the day.
In addition, First Choice Credit Union have recently launched a Switcher Loan with the aim of providing additional money saving options to members who have personal borrowings. If you have an existing personal loan with a bank or another lender, the Switcher Loan may be just right for you. By switching your loan to First Choice Credit Union, you can avail of the low variable rate of 7.50% (7.76% APR)*.
If you’re not already a member, you can join in any of First Choice Credit Union’s branches or online here and apply for your Switcher Loan straight away. Applying for a loan is simple and can be done in branch, online here or by phoning the credit union on 094 9022969. The amount you can borrow is based on your repayment ability, not the amount of savings you have. For security and peace of mind we also provide FREE Loan Protection Insurance**.
Anne King, CEO at First Choice Credit Union said: “We rely completely upon our members and our community, and we are so proud here at First Choice Credit Union of the part we play in sustaining that community. Our goal is to remain a cornerstone of our catchment area by consistently going above and beyond to serve our members, offering sustainable and affordable financial services. We believe that First Choice Credit Union makes a real, positive impact on the lives of people in the communities we operate in. We look forward to celebrating with our members, and indeed the whole community, on ICU Day®.”
First Choice Credit Union, with a membership of circa 34,000, has five branches in Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar and Swinford. In the past year alone, they have provided almost €17 million in loans to the local community.
ICU Day® day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. It is an opportunity to reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognise the hard work, and share member experiences.
*For a €10,000, 5 year variable interest rate loan, with 60 monthly repayments of €200.39, an interest rate of 7.50%%, a representative APR of 7.76%%; the total amount payable by the member is €12, 022.75. Information correct as at 12/10/2021.
Loans are subject to approval. Terms & Conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.
**Terms and conditions apply.
First Choice Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Irish Life Financial Services is tied to Irish Life Assurance plc. for life and pensions business.
Irish Life Financial Services Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Irish Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.