Membership FAQs
A credit union’s common bond is the total population eligible to apply for membership.
The common bond is the factor which unites the members of a Credit Union together i.e. those living or working in the same area may join a credit union. It defines the area in which a credit union can operate.
The common bond ensures that the savings of members of the community are available to fellow members as loans. The common bond is essentially people doing it for themselves.
It demonstrates effectively how a credit union is a credit co-operative with members working together to achieve a better life for themselves
If you fall within any of these criteria, you are eligible to join.
You can see a map of the SFCU Common Bond here.
Take a look at our membership page where you’ll find all the information you need to become a member of SFCU.
You can exit the cash draw by completing a withdrawal cash draw form and returning it to our offices.
We strive to deliver the best possible service at all times. However, things may go wrong from time to time. We welcome feedback and complaints from our members so that we can improve our service to you, our members.
If you wish to make a complaint, you can contact us by email at info@stfranciscu.ie or in writing to our any of our offices.
A full overview of our branch opening hours can be found here.
Outside of these hours, you can email info@stfranciscu.ie and we will respond to your query in due course.
From time to time these hours may change slightly to allow for staff training, bank holidays, or extenuating circumstances. If you are unsure if a branch may be open on a certain date, you can check the news section of our website. Any branch closures will be detailed here.
To get access to your St. Francis Credit Union account online, you’ll first need to register. Once you’ve completed the application, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you have provided.
With Online Banking you will be able to transfer funds, view and print statements, and check account balances.
Once you have signed up for Online Banking with St. Francis Credit Union, you can transfer funds to and from this account online. Please note that transfers can take up to 3 working days to be processed.
All St. Francis Credit Union accounts are eligible for free online access. You can register for online access to your account at the link below.
Please note that proof of ID and proof of address need to be up-to-date to allow members to transfer funds electronically.
Lending FAQs
We have excellent competitive loan rates for everything you need; a new car, holidays, home improvements, your children’s education, family events, your big day, dental work and so much more!
Our Agri-Loan is designed to help our farming members develop and future proof their business by providing quick and easy access to finance. We also offer mortgages for the purchase of private homes.
The amount will depend on the size of the loan you’re looking for. However you will need to have money in your shares account before you make an application. The Loan Officer will decide how much is needed and will discuss this with you. Every application is taken on a case-by-case basis.
You can make an application at any of our 9 offices in Co. Clare.
You can phone our friendly and experienced Loans Officers on 065 6828205.
Apply online by logging into the Member Login area or via the St. Francis Credit Union App.
Send an email enquiry to loans@stfranciscu.ie
- 3 Months recent Bank Statements up to date
- 3 recent Payslips or Social Welfare Slips
- Evidence of any other income e.g. rental income, maintenance
Self-Employed Members:
- 2 years most recent set of Trading Financial Accounts
- Notice of Assessment or Form 11 for the last 2 years
- Tax Clearance Certificate or Confirmation regarding Tax position
- 3 Months recent Bank Statements up to date (Personal and Business if applicable)
*Subject to terms and conditions. Additional Documents may be required.
Apply for the amount you need, and the Lending Officer will make their decision based on the information you have supplied. Your loan will be based on your affordability to repay the proposed loan amount. A credit check will also be carried out on the Central Credit Register to ensure you are not over-indebted or have a poor credit history. We will fairly assess your application and always look for reasons to say “Yes.”
Of course, you can. We are here to help all our members. Being on a lower income or a social welfare payment does not exclude you from borrowing; it just means you will be borrowing smaller amounts.
Some or all of your shares are pledged (locked in) as security on your loan. The amount will be discussed and agreed with you when you apply for the loan. This means you cannot withdraw your pledged shares while you are repaying the loan. If your shares are higher than the pledged amount, you can withdraw the surplus.
Yes. You can apply for a top-up loan on an existing loan at any time. You do not have to repay one loan in full before applying for another. However we urge our members to make a number of reasonable repayments before applying for top-up loans.
Always keeping your repayments up to date and never falling into arrears are the best way to ensure you can borrow again. Another way to improve your chances when looking for future loans is to continue saving. We always recommend that our members continue to save something, no matter how small, while making their loan repayments, if possible.
First thing you need to do is contact our Credit Control team on 065 6828305 as soon as your circumstances change. The sooner the better, so that we can come up with the best solution to help you get through this difficult period, whether it’s short or long term. We are here to help and work with you, not against you and there are always options.