Sponsor Profile: First Choice Credit Union serving the community for 50 years

A GOLDEN anniversary, a brand new headquarters, new services for customers, integration of other Mayo credit unions, and a new name – there’s a lot to celebrate at First Choice Credit Union. It’s no wonder this financial institution is thriving.

First Choice Credit Union, formerly Castlebar Credit Union, has offices in Castlebar, Balla, Achill, Ballyhaunis and Carnacon, giving a great geographical spread across the county.

The name might be different but the growing member base can expect the same excellent service from their local office. Each office has individual opening hours and at least one of them is open every day of the week. Together they encompass 30,000 members, five branch offices and in excess of €180 million in assets, making it one of the largest community credit unions in Ireland.

The name was chosen to better represent all its members in the expanded common bond.

Founded back in May 1966, 50 years ago, First Choice Credit Union is a competitive financial services cooperative, providing a broad range of services to its members.

Phase one of its renovated and extended head office in Castlebar opened earlier this year in Market Square, appropriately remaining in the heart of the community, where the credit union belongs.

First Choice Credit Union offers many tangible advantages over conventional financial institutions. They specialise in personal loans, from small to large. Their rates are fair and reasonable and interest is charged on the reducing balance – as the loan balance reduces so does the interest – so the cost to the borrower is less. Loans are protected by loan protection insurance at no direct cost to the member.

People borrow for all sorts of reasons and events. It could be household goods or home improvements, agricultural or travel, a car loan or for education, e.g. back to school and student loans.

Online and mobile banking are relatively new developments in the credit union, and are hugely popular amongst members. They are quick and convenient, extremely user friendly and becoming more mainstream by the day. Electronic transfer facilities, Billpay and ATM access 24/7 are two further examples of how First Choice Credit Union Ltd responds to industry developments and member needs.

When visiting the offices people have the opportunity to talk through their options and are expertly guided towards a solution that works best for them. It’s all about affordability, and not putting people under pressure with unrealistic repayment plans that don’t work out in the long term. First Choice Credit Union is interested in long term relationships with their members, not once-off interactions.

Whatever type of saver or borrower you are, the staff in First Choice Credit Union are always available to talk to potential new members of all ages.

First Choice Credit Union is a safe pair of hands and ‘first choice’ in Mayo for financial needs!