Welcome to The Castle & Crystal Credit Union Website
Mission Statement
The mission of Castle & Crystal is to provide fair and affordable financial services, equally accessible to everyone who lives or works in the Dudley borough.
To achieve this we are committed to providing a broad range of financial products including various types of savings accounts including the Castle & Crystal Cash ISA.
We also provide safe and affordable loans for any purpose including Car Loans at a very competitive APR of just 10%.
More information on the products and services we provide can be found on the navigation bar to the left of this page.
All the products we provide are supported by the excellent services of dedicated, well trained staff and volunteers so you can be sure of a pleasant, hassle free service.
The Castle & Crystal Story
Established in September 1993, Castle & Crystal is the savings and loans co-operative for everyone living or working in the Dudley borough. Initially, Castle & Crystal only operated for the benefit of Dudley Council Employees, but in 2003 we were able to extend our services to everyone within the borough.
In May 2007 we moved to a more central location in New Street, Dudley. Those of you who are frequent visitors to Dudley town centre will have seen our shop with its three service counters and large display window. Business has flourished since our relocation with increased membership.
We have a dedicated loans officer making it easier for you to book a loan interview and receive a faster turnaround on loan decisions.
We now have over 4000 active members. Our members come from all walks of life and all enjoy the same efficient, friendly and local service. We look forward to extending our services to new and existing members alike so keep an eye on the news pages within this website for new information.
And remember, when we are closed you can still check your account online. Once you have registered for a PIN you can view your account details at your convenience.
As part of our ongoing determination to improve services, we are currently offering the credit union pre-paid card. Money is loaded onto a card, which can then be used like a bank card to withdraw cash or purchase goods.
Why Castle & Crystal ?
Credit Unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and great value loans plus they are local, ethical, and know what their members want. Each credit union has a common bond which links all its members together. Our common bond is living or working in the Dudley borough.
As a financial co-operative operating for the benefit of residents and workers of the Dudley borough we offer a UNIQUE service. If you call us you will get to speak to a real person, and we offer a local, friendly, personal and non-automated service.
Your savings are safe with Castle & Crystal
The collapse of the national savings scheme Farepak in 2006 left thousands of people out of pocket in the run up to Christmas. Most recently, with the loss of huge amounts by many banks and other financial organisations, many have either already lost savings or are worried about their safety.
These unfortunate events only serve to reinforce the importance of saving with an organisation like Castle & Crystal. We do not have any exposure to sub-prime lending and only lend to our members. We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and are also covered by the Governments financial compensation scheme. All our members can rest assured that all their money is safe with us.
Introduction of Legislative Reform Order
Changes to the Credit Unions Act 1979 mean that credit unions can expand and offer its financial services beyond its original common bond. This means that credit unions are no longer limited to providing its fair and affordable financial services to just individuals who live or work in Dudley.
Links
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
