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Great Western Credit Union: Savings reviews

Name: Savings
Rating: 4.83 (198 reviews)

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4.71

Based on 198 reviews, last reviewed 5th Dec 2024

100% increase in 5 star reviews

in the past 90 days

100% decrease in 1 star reviews

in the past 90 days

88%

2 star

Latest highest rating:

5

I joined Great Western Credit Union a few years ago. I joined Great Western Credit Union a few years ago. They are freindly, polite and helpful. Could not wish for anything better. I have a loan every ch... Read more Reviewed on: 5th December 2024

Latest lowest rating:

1

They have turned into a payday lender to vulnerable... They have turned into a payday lender to vulnerable people and partners like Bristol city council should not be encouraging their staff to use them th... Read more Reviewed on: 21st September 2024

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About this product

Great Western Credit Union offer savings accounts to customers who live, work or study in Bristol and Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset or Dorset.

Great Western Credit Union savings accounts include the Fixed Rate Saver, Cash ISA, Easy Saver, Business Saver and the Christmas Saver.

Great Western Credit Union reviews help you find out what it’s really like to be a customer. If you’ve used Great Western Credit Union before, you can also leave a review and share your experience.

Great Western Credit Union Savings reviews (198)

Review of the Great Western Credit Union, Savings:

They have turned into a payday lender to vulnerable...

They have turned into a payday lender to vulnerable people and partners like Bristol city council should not be encouraging their staff to use them they use c and c collections who add on 300 pounds worst than any payday loans which are not around anymore keep clear. Reviewed on: 21st September 2024

Reply from Great Western Credit Union Hi Liz, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We take all comments seriously and are committed to addressing any concerns. We understand that personal circumstances can change, and our standard in-house practice is to engage with members to try to come to an arrangement. Unfortunately, this can lead to a loan being defaulted and further action taken to recover the money owed to GWCU. Recently, we have handed over a large portion of historic, defaulted debts to C&L Collections, who add a charge based on the size of the debt. As a not-for-profit financial institution, any loss is felt very keenly, and we must do what we can to mitigate those losses so we can continue to provide fairly priced loans to our members. We understand your frustration regarding the use of collection services and the associated fees. We are continuously working to improve our services and ensure they meet the needs of all our members, including the most vulnerable. Best regards, Monica Response date: 26th September 2024

There for me a a most difficult time

At a difficult time in my life I was introduced to Great Western Credit Union. I put what I could afford into a savings account. My circumstances improved and I decided to keep the funds in the Union as I realised they provided a financial lifeline for people with real long term financial difficulties. The staff I came into contact with in Dorchester and Weymouth were at the time so helpful and kind at a time I was vunerable and not in a good place emotionally and financially. Credit Unions are a life saver for so many people around the country. Thank you Great Western. Reviewed on: 5th April 2024

A very good introductory experience

My experience so far has been very pleasant. Good and timely customer service with a very clear and simple process. Reviewed on: 3rd April 2024

Always responsive and personal.

Always responsive and personal. A great service, like back in the day when everyone knew their bank manager. Reviewed on: 2nd April 2024

Good ethical savings products

Easy to follow website and good products to allow for ethical saving as well as some products that give some return as well. Reviewed on: 2nd April 2024

I have been a member for a very long time and found...

I have been a member for a very long time and found the services provided to have expanded with no loss of help. it's local character is encouraging even when expansion has taken place. Reviewed on: 31st March 2024

Bond holder and saver

I hold a lifelong bond and two eight year bonds . I would like more information from GWCU on saving with an ethical purpose. I also use the savings account to which dividends are paid as an occasional top up to my standard bank accounts while holding a balance as a low dividend but socially useful fund. Reviewed on: 30th March 2024

Reply from Great Western Credit Union Hi David, Thanks for your lovely review. We have recently launched a new savings account, the Fixed Rate Saver, which is a 12-month account offering 5% AER. This is a great account if you are looking to help support our mission in providing ethical, accessible and affordable credit to members across the South West. If this is something you are interested in, please visit our website (https://greatwesterncu.org/savings/fixed-rate-saver/) or email us at [email protected] for more information. - Great Western Credit Union team Response date: 23rd April 2024

Very patient with clear direction

They have been excellent in partnership with Bristol City Council Homelessness service. Enabling me to start the process of finding a flat for myself and my son on 'private renting scheme'. They were speedily responsive to me when I had problems signing in and logging on. Very patient with clear direction. Reviewed on: 29th March 2024

Payroll saving makes saving really easy for me.

Payroll saving makes saving really easy for me. Reviewed on: 29th March 2024

Really easy to setup and manage.

Really easy to setup and manage. I use the Christmas savings account and it’s working well for me. Reviewed on: 29th March 2024

Apart from providing a valuable social service...

Apart from providing a valuable social service, which alone is enough to justify using their savings accounts, I find it useful to just set up a standing order and forget it. Each month I save without knowing I have the money - no temptation to spend. Then I get the statement and rejoice. Reviewed on: 29th March 2024

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