How to join a credit union

To BECOME a member of a credit union you need to live or work in its catchment area, work for the same employer as other members or belong to the same church, trade union or other association, depending on the union.

For example, Scotwest membership is open to anyone living or working in the West of Scotland, while GCU members must live or work in Glasgow, or in the G postcode area.

You can also join a credit union if you have a relative living at the same address who is already a member.

To find your nearest union, visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk or call the Association of British Credit Unions on 0800 015 3060.