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Who are Castle & Crystal?

Established in September 1993, Castle & Crystal was originally an employee based credit union, operating for the benefit of Dudley MBC employees. Twenty years later, its services have now become widely available to everyone living or working within the Dudley borough, the county of Worcestershire and to partner organisations included within its common bond.

What is a credit union?

A credit union is a financial co-operative owned and controlled by its members for the benefit of its members. They are an ethical alternative to banks, payday or doorstep lenders. By saving with a credit union you know that you are part of a community and that you are contributing to a scheme that values and pays back its members.

Money saved in interest by borrowing from Castle & Crystal as opposed to borrowing from a bank or other lenders helps to keep money in the community and has the wider benefit of boosting the local economy as people have more disposable income to spend in local shops.

What savings accounts are on offer?

Castle & Crystal offers a range of instant access saving schemes that help members to put their money aside for a specific purpose. All savings accounts attract a dividend. These include:

  • Regular
  • Holiday
  • Christmas
  • Junior
  • Cash NISA- 1.5% variable

All savings held with a credit union are protected under the governments Financial Service Compensation Scheme up to the value of £85,000.

Open a savings account online today by visiting www.castleandcrystal.co.uk

What about loans?

Castle & Crystal also offers safe, convenient and affordable loans ranging from £250 - £10,000.

Castle & Crystal is as flexible as possible when setting up repayment plans within certain legal limitations that apply to the length and amount of loans. The member will be advised on the best repayment plan to meet their own circumstances. There are no set up costs or penalties associated with clearing your loan quicker than agreed.

By law credit unions cannot charge any more than 3% per month on the reducing balance of a loan. Credit unions do not charge fees or transaction charges. Since the interest is charged only on the outstanding balance of the loan, you will pay even less if you repay in a shorter time than planned.

Representative example

Amount of loan 11 Monthly repayments of Final payment

£1,000 £89.79 £89.75

Total amount Representative APR repayable (fixed) Annual interest rate

£1,077.44 14.9% 14%

Repayment term over 12 months, interest calculated on the declining balance.

Apply for a loan online today by visiting www.castleandcrystal.co.uk/

Opening hours

Our opening times are Monday to Thursday 9.30am to 4.30pm and Friday 9.30am to 4pm.

For further information or to join, visit Castle & Crystal, call 01384 815771 or drop into our main offices at 25 New Street, Dudley.

Castle & Crystal Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Firm reference number 213711.

Supported by Dudley Council and the European Regional Development Fund