About Us
Thistle Credit Union has been proudly serving the people of Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway for over 30 years.
We are proud to be an industry leader by putting our members at the heart of everything we do.
Our Story
Thistle Credit Union is a community owned financial co-operative providing affordable loans and secure savings to people living, working, studying and volunteering across the West of Scotland.
Founded in November 1991 under the name Blantyre Credit Union, we have over 30 years’ experience providing high quality financial services and are now trusted by over 14,000 members across Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Dumfries.
What is a Credit Union?
Credit unions were developed in the late nineteenth century by Friedich Raiffeissen, who founded the first credit union in Southern Germany. Since then the credit union movement has been at the centre of providing fair and affordable financial services to millions across the world.
In 2023, The World Council of Credit Unions’ published a report asserting there are over 74,000 credit unions who serve more than 400 million members in 104 countries.
Our Vision
To support the communities we serve to establish financial stability, resilience and promote responsibility
Our Mission
At Thistle Credit Union we aim to provide practical, reliable and ethical financial products and services to all who reside or work within the West of Scotland, delivering a high standard of member services at all times. This objective drives everything we do and every decision we make.
Our Values
At Thistle Credit Union our values set the standard for every decision made, help shape us into the credit union we want to be and provide a roadmap to building a fairer and more sustainable future for our members.
Members First
Our members are our main priority and their interest is what drives any decisions that are made.
Integrity
We work to a high standard of conduct and aim to earn trust by being responsible and accountable.
Caring
We are a caring organisation that respects and values our members, staff, volunteers and community.
Dedicated
We are dedicated to exceeding expectations in everything that we do to provide the best service.
Member Benefits
Part-Owner with
Full Control
Your voice matters and as a part-owner, have a say in how we operate.
Simplified Savings
Solutions
Easy deposits with standing order, card payment and direct debit
Loans Built
for You
Our member-focused, affordable loans are designed with your needs in mind
Life Protection
Included
Enjoy peace of mind with an extra level of financial security for your loved ones
Banking at
Your Fingertips
Manage your Thistle Credit Union account on our free mobile banking app
Safe and Secure
Savings
Your hard earned savings are protected under The FSCS Scheme
Exceptional
Member Service
Customer service that goes above and beyond, tailored to your needs
Share in
Our Success
Earn dividends on your savings whenever Thistle Credit Union turns a profit
Community
of Support
Join a community that values providing mutual aid and support to local people
Commitment to Responsible Lending
At Thistle Credit Union we are proud advocates of fair and sensible borrowing. Therefore, we assess every loan with care and consideration. We operate on a points based system in order to ensure fairness and that any loan taken out with us will not cause your financial situation to worsen. We assess all applications on a first come first served basis. Failure to repay your loan will impact your credit score and your ability to borrow from us and other financial institutions in the future. Please find the full list of terms and conditions on our website.
Our Commitment to Keeping Branches Open
At Thistle Credit Union we understand the important role local bank branches to with members of our community who find themselves financially isolated as a result of the growth of digital and online banking. Therefore, we have committed to keeping our six branches across the West of Scotland open and as accessible as possible.
Join The Financial Fight Back
Join the growing movement fighting for a fairer financial future by opening your Thistle Credit Union account today.