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1st Class Credit Union: Personal Loan reviews

Name: Personal Loan
Rating: 4.02 (23 reviews)

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4.02

Based on 23 reviews, last reviewed 13th Apr 2026

No new 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

100% increase in 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

96%

4 star

3 star

2 star

Latest highest rating:

5

Good easy to follow Good easy to follow first class First choice for loan when you have a low-income Reviewed on: 16th July 2024

Latest lowest rating:

1

This experience has completely undermined my trust. This experience has completely undermined my trust in what 1st Class Credit Union claims to stand for. I am a working professional in public service,... Read more Reviewed on: 13th April 2026

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1st Class Credit Union Personal Loan reviews (23)

This experience has completely undermined my trust.

This experience has completely undermined my trust in what 1st Class Credit Union claims to stand for. I am a working professional in public service, and I approached the credit union for support to resolve a very specific, practical issue — securing a reliable vehicle to maintain my ability to work. This was not a luxury request; it was directly linked to protecting my income and stability. I have been a member since August and have maintained all repayments in full and on time. I was previously approved for borrowing and then encouraged into a debt consolidation loan, which cleared existing balances with the credit union itself. I accepted this based on guidance that it would strengthen my position. After meeting every condition set, I returned for support to address the one issue now impacting my financial stability — transport. Instead of being assessed on the full context, I was declined again. What makes this particularly difficult to accept is that the credit union was fully aware of the consequences. I explained clearly that without a reliable vehicle, my ability to maintain my employment is at risk. This was not hypothetical — it is a real and immediate risk. Despite this, no meaningful support or alternative solution was offered. The matter was escalated to senior leadership, including the CEO, and I spent over an hour providing full transparency around my situation, including recent housing disruption and unavoidable financial pressures. I demonstrated that, even through this period, I have continued to meet all financial commitments responsibly. Despite this, the outcome appears to have been driven purely by internal exposure limits rather than any genuine assessment of affordability or member conduct. In other words, support was withdrawn at the exact point it was most needed. The communication throughout was also poor. I was told I would receive a decision call on Friday, which did not happen due to a disconnected call and early office closure. I was then left over the weekend with no clarity, followed by further delays the next working day despite confirming availability. Credit unions position themselves as an ethical alternative to traditional lenders, built on supporting members through real-life situations. In this case, that principle did not translate into action. The reality is that a long-standing, up-to-date member, with a clear and manageable solution to stabilise their finances, was declined at the point where support could have prevented further hardship. This experience raises serious questions about whether member support is genuinely at the core of decision-making, or whether standard lending limits ultimately override the very purpose the organisation promotes. Reviewed on: 13th April 2026

Good easy to follow

Good easy to follow first class First choice for loan when you have a low-income Reviewed on: 16th July 2024

They're so reliable and trustworthy

They're so reliable and trustworthy Reviewed on: 19th January 2024

Friendly and affordable service

Cheap interest rates, and has that feeling of a local credit union whilst covering the whole UK. Generally very affable and helpful too, and helped me get my finances in order. Reviewed on: 31st July 2023

Excellent Service

Since the day I started my membership with 1st Class Credit Union I have had excellent service, the staff are really helpful and know their stuff, nothing is too much trouble and I had lots of questions! The application is easy and the communication is ace! Reviewed on: 26th July 2023

2st class

Never had any problems with getting a loan or with staff dealing with any issues I may have had Reviewed on: 25th July 2023

Life savers

When I couldn't get a loan anywhere else for a reasonable rate this company was there for me. I wasn't a bad customer I had just been through some circumstances out of my control that affected my credit score. Helped me get back on track cant thank them enough Reviewed on: 25th July 2023

Outstanding

I have been a member for 24 years and have always found them to be quick easy to use and informative but most important of all I find the staff to be so friendly and helpful when ever I've needed to use their services Reviewed on: 25th July 2023

Spiralling credit card debt saved by 1st Class Credit Union.

I had credit cards that were spiralling out of control and knew I needed to do something about it. I didn’t know where to start but my colleague advised to speak to 1st Class Credit Union. As I was a member of them already saving the odd £5 year and their when I could. I got in touch about my several thousands on credit cards. I had lots of questions and they were only too happy to help and explain things for me. 2 years later after paying an affordable amount and saving over £90 per month on interest. I am now free from those multiple credit cards and working towards saving for a deposit for a home. All thanks to the breathing space and patience of 1st class credit union. Reviewed on: 25th July 2023

Professional and friendly

Staff at 1st class credit union are very helpfull and friendly . Professional staff answered all questions amd made the whole process easy and stress free Reviewed on: 15th July 2023

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