Credit unions are savings and loans organisations; they are as safe as a bank but community-based.

It is easier to open an account with a credit union than with a bank. You will still need to provide identification but credit unions can accept a wider range of documents, and also accept a letter of referral from organisations which are helping you, or an employer. If you have a credit union account, this can help you open a bank account later.

Some credit unions can offer you a prepaid debit card (Maestro Card). There will be a small monthly charge, but you can use it in shops, for online shopping such as booking flights, and at cash machines. If you have been unable to get a bank debit card or credit card, this could be very useful, and you can even send one abroad if you want to send money to family at home. You can use the card at ATMs or shops with Mastercard/Maestro in the UK and abroad.

You can pay your wages, benefits, cheques or cash into the credit union, and use the debit card to get money out when you need to. Credit unions do not do standing orders or direct debits, but you can ask for a cheque to be made payable to a utility company, or pay bills with your card by phone or online.

Fair cost loans are offered to members, usually after you have paid money in for three months or longer, but sometimes a loan may be available sooner. Credit unions offer the following advantages:

- Safe place to put your savings, wages or benefits

- PayPoint cards available to deposit cash, or you can pay in by standing order or payroll from your employer, or you can pay in at a local community location

- Your employer can pay your wages into the credit union if you don’t have a bank account

- Fair Loans after a short qualifying period of membership

- Free Life Insurance for ages 18 – 79

- Rent Deposit Loans in some districts

- Some credit unions do international money transfer

- You can get experience and skills by volunteering at your local credit union branch