The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Your local Credit Union continues to offer best-in-class service for its members
CHAPTER 23 Credit Unions which comprises of 9 credit unions located in Kerry and West Limerick who have been proudly serving their members for many decades. Membership of the 9 credit union stands at 134,000 members and holds assets of over €615 million.
Those interested in becoming a member of the credit union are invited to do so by providing two forms of identification (photo ID (passport/driver’s license and recent address ID such as utility bill or bank statement). Depending on the rules of your local credit union, to be a member there will be an entrance fee and you may need to hold a minimum savings.
“Members who joined and haven’t been in for a while are also welcomed back for a “credit reunion” with their local branch” says Helen Courtney Power, Chairperson, Marketing Committee, Kerry and West Limerick Credit Unions. Many credit unions have a number of inactive members who maybe joined years ago and haven’t been in for a while; we are encouraging those to call in with current photo and address ID and reactivate their accounts. With many credit unions now offering full electronic banking services, members can now transact easily and efficiently without having to call in regularly” she concluded.
The provision of loans is the key business of your local credit union with a wide variety of loan products on offer such as car, home improvement, education and personal loans. These loan products are often discounted and more competitive than many of the high street banks.
Helen added “One of the key advantages of borrowing from the credit union, is that we offer loan protection insurance at no added cost (subject to t&c), something that you have to pay for elsewhere. There are no fees or charges applied on your account and you can repay your loan early without a penalty. Finally, by supporting your local credit union, you are supporting your local community, after all the credit union is owned by its members” she concluded.
Chapter 23 Kerry and West Limerick Credit Unions are very supportive of local projects and initiatives. The group has been the sponsor of the Kerry County Hurling and Football Leagues for the past 15 years. More recently, it has sponsored the Donal Walsh Live Life Foundation, Kerry ETB Padraig Pearse Hardship Fund for students and the KDYS Youth Day.
Putting its community and members first is evidence by the credit union movement winning the number one spot for the best customer experience in Ireland last year. The Credit union has topped the 2017 CXi Ireland Customer Experience League Table for the third year in a row and was ranked “the most trusted brand” by 42,000 customer experiences.
John Long, Chairman, of Chapter 23 Credit Unions (Kerry and West Limerick) said “We are proud to be part of a movement that is regarded so highly across the country for customer experience. Your Credit Union has always provided the highest standard of member service, because we genuinely care about each and every one of our members. We have forged a strong bond with our members – a bond that is built on trust. We have always put our members first and we will continue to do so.” For further information on your local credit union see www.creditunion.ie