Why choose your credit union over a bank?

We’ve highlighted 10 reasons to choose YOUR credit union. 

1. COMMON BOND: Each credit union is governed by a Common Bond, that of the Harp and Crown is the wider "police family" in Northern Ireland.  We've been providing our members with safe, secure, flexible finances since 1998.

2. “HUMAN WAY TO GET A LOAN”.  You might want to just SAVE with us right now and not need to borrow.  BUT please know that should you experience an emergency situation and NEED to borrow, we will always try to find a way to say YES and help you in your time of financial need. Every member gets a fair hearing and decisions are based on more than credit scores. Flexible repayments are also available, with the option of restructuring should you no longer be able to afford.

3. BORROW FIVE TIMES YOUR SAVINGS:  Credit Union loans can be subject to the level of savings a member has.  Our loan products are based on 5 x your savings balance, except for our 3.9% Loyal Saver Loan (whereby 100% of the loan balance is “locked in” against your savings). Ts and Cs apply.  The maximum you can save and borrow with HACCU is £30,000 Ts/Cs apply.  More on our BORROWING BENEFITS here.

4. Opportunity to INVEST IN YOUR FAMILY’S FINANCIAL HEALTH:  Grandchildren and children accounts 0-15 years and Family accounts 16+ for grown up kids, spouses and partners.

5. INSTANT ACCESS to your savings (emergency pot) with no penalty.

6. YOUR SAVINGS & LOANS ARE PROTECTED: Unlike banks, credit unions such as the Harp and Crown provide free life cover for your loan, up to the age of 70 years old.  In the event of your death, any outstanding loan balances may be cleared and YOUR BENEFICIARY/LOVED ONE will receive ALL your savings (plus 1.5 times your savings balance - additional benefit capped at £5,000).  We have simplified this process as far as humanly possible to minimise the burden on your loved one.

7. NOT FOR PROFIT: Members investing in their credit union benefit ALL members such as community initiatives which benefit the wider police family; and lower interest loans to help families through education, making first home purchases, cost of living expenses and more. 

8. ANNUAL DIVIDEND and LOAN INTEREST REBATE - not every credit union is able to deliver on an annual dividend. Harp and Crown Credit Union is proud to confirm we consistently deliver and give back to our members annually.   When the bank interest rates start to fall, we will still be here offering you a competitive dividend and lower loan interest rates.  

9. FREE MEMBER PRIZE DRAWS:  ALL existing members are automatically entered in our FREE prize draws which take place quarterly (Easter, Summer and Christmas). 

10. FIRST CLASS SERVICE with option of calling in to office, phone or email. Whereas many banks have moved to online banking only with 387 bank branches set to close in 2024! We have just transitioned to a brand-new improved online banking platform and this is available to all members who wish to use our services in this way (not compulsory).  “DIGITAL when you WANT it.  HUMAN when you NEED it.”

We are NOT a bank. We are here to help YOU with your financial needs. 

Choose YOUR credit union today!

Email creditunion@harpandcrown.co.uk or phone 028 9068 5198 between 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday (closed on Bank Holidays).

“Save regularly and borrow only what you need.”

The Harp and Crown Credit Union provides safe, secure, flexible finances for the wider police family in Northern Ireland.