Scotwest Credit Union

My wife was rejected for a small loan with Scotwest.

She has had historical problems with debt but has really worked hard to do better over the last few years. She now has a managerial job with decent regular reliable income, we have paid out house off, have good disposable income, but she is haunted by earlier mistakes that keep forcing her back into vampire loans, payday loans and exorbitant credit cards.

Had she access to a credit union 15 years ago she probably wouldn't have had the problems, and presently it seems Scotwest are not willing to help people escape the clutches of bad lenders, and cycle of bad loans, which seems contrary to the spirit of why they were set up.

I'm all for them being run responsibly, professionally etc, but if they are going to conduct themselves much like a high street bank, the case for being a member is less and less: the folk who can get good credit are already using the high street banks.

Very very frustrating.

So thanks a bunch Scotwest. I don't really understand why you exist anymore. You aren't breaking the cycle, you aren't helping the folk who really need a credit union.

Staff are generally friendly and nice, however gone are the days where Scotwest acted and behaved like a credit union. I built up a substantial amount of savings and asked for a loan 3.5x times the amount i had in savings. This was rejected with no hesitation, went to my bank and accepted for a higher amount, although i only took what i needed. Like other reviews around the site, it seems as though they have lost the Credit Union spirit of helping working class folk with attractive rates, however its my bank who has came out on top here. So will be switching back to my bank permanently.

Totally agree with fireman49. Been a member with Scotwest since the very beginning when it started out as Strathclyde Credit Union. In over 15 years have made consecutive monthly payments and never missed a single payment. Unfortunately this counts for nothing. It would appear that they use selective rather than objective scoting criteria and if you have any sort of negative transactions on your ceedit score they'll find a reason to decline your application. It is a bank in all but name.

The best way to save and manage your finances! Saving is easy with direct debit or salary deduction and once you have been a member for a few months you can get loans so cheaply while still saving. Not for profit and run by members, they don't push credit cards, insurance, loans at you and there's no big bonuses for the staff either. It's free to join - do it today!

I much prefer using my credit union than going to the bank! (who know what they do with my money!!) And your part of their community. I always feel like I'm important when I phone or visit them, althought the APR isn't alwasy the best out there I know thats the deal I will be getting before I apply! So no hidden catches or surprises. MY credit union is the place I turn to first when I need anything regarding money! If your not in a credit union, you should really see about joinning one!

Very few good points now, staff seen friendly enough. But this seems to be a bank in all but name. The values of a credit union have been lost as this so called credit union has grown.

People with an impeccable and lengthy relationship with this institution are not being treated as such, beware!

Scotwest Credit Union is a great way of saving, they have no share holders so no big fat cats wanting to make profits from the company, so all profits made go right back into the members pockets! they offer savings, loans, current accounts and mortgages. The sensible way to save!