Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Harp and Crown Credit union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Saving with Harp and Crown Credit Union can help you build financial security while becoming part of a member-owned organisation. Regular saving encourages good financial habits and can help you prepare for unexpected expenses, future goals or major purchases.

Credit unions and banks both provide important financial services, but they have different aims. Credit unions are member-owned organisations that put members before profits. At Harp and Crown Credit Union, 96% of members are very satisfied with our service, and over 95% of loan applications are processed on the same day. It's a personal approach that helps set us apart.

A Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial organisation owned and controlled by its members. Unlike banks, credit unions exist to benefit their members rather than shareholders. Members can save money safely and access affordable loans while benefiting from a community-focused approach to financial services. To join a credit union, members must share a common bond, such as working for a particular organisation, living in a specific area, or being part of an eligible group. At Harp and Crown Credit Union, our Common Bond is the Police family in Northern Ireland.

• Thursday 1st January (New Year's Day)

• Tuesday 17th March (St Patrick's Day)

• Friday 3rd April (Good Friday)

• Monday 6th April (Easter Monday)

• Monday 4th May (May Day Bank Holiday)

• Monday 25th May (Spring Bank Holiday)

• Monday 13th July (Bank Holiday)

• Tuesday 14^th July (Bank Holiday)

• Monday 31st August (August Bank Holiday)

• Thursday 24th December - early closure at 2pm

• Friday 25th December (Christmas Day)

• Monday 28th December (Boxing Day Bank Holiday)

• CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS TBC 8am - 1pm Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st December.

• Friday 1st January 2027 (New Year's Day)

Every Member has an equal say in running the Credit Union by making their views known at AGM and seeking election to the Board of Directors. Members can also put themselves forward as volunteers to carry out the other essential tasks of running the Credit Union. A wide variety of skills are required and welcomed.

Each Member of a Credit Union is an equal owner having one vote on decisions regardless of their savings or borrowings. The Credit Union is run by an unpaid Board of Directors elected by the Members and voluntary committees. The Board can in turn employ Management and Staff.

Credit unions and banks both offer savings and lending services, but they operate differently. Banks are usually owned by shareholders and aim to make a profit, while credit unions are owned by their members and operate on a not-for-profit basis. Any surplus made by a credit union is used to benefit members through services, fair lending, and supporting the financial wellbeing of the community and in Harp and Crown Credit Union's case, this benefits the wider Police family community in Northern Ireland.

The 'Common Bond' defines the field of membership of a Credit Union and is the factor that unites Members. Every Credit Union serves a group of Members that has a mutual interest. Our Common Bond includes the Police and wider “police family” in Northern Ireland. You can find more information about Harp and Crown’s membership criteria HERE.