Plane Saver Credit Union celebrates 30 years of providing fair and affordable financial services and advice to those who need it most.
“Plane Saver has over 24,000 members and has lent over £100 million to date.”
Plane Saver Credit Union (PSCU) was founded by 15 British Airways engineers back in 1993 in the spirit of 'people helping people'.
Today, more than 24,000 members benefit from a wide range of flexible savings products and affordable loans. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, all profits are paid as dividends. The Platinum Saver, for example, has a targeted return of 3.25% on savings up to £30,000.
Each credit union has a common bond, such as where you work or live. You need to be a member before having access to savings or loan products. It is free to become a member.
In 2010 PSCU expanded its services to additional airlines (such as American Airlines) and other transportation industries, and in 2015 partnered with HM Armed Forces under the trading name First Defence Finance, providing fair and ethical financial services to the military, veterans, and their families.
Last year, PSCU merged with Harlowsave Credit Union, a community-based credit union rather than an industry-based one. Today membership is open to a range of industries (https://planesavercu.co.uk/who-can-join) making our products more accessible than ever, but with the same commitment to personal service you got 30 years ago.
“We have a social responsibility. Community-based credit unions do an important job but sometimes don’t have the money to even buy a computer,” says Ian Atkins, Chair of PSCU Board and one of the 15 founding members.
Through this merger, Harlowsave continues to operate in its original office with all the same employees, but it can plug into the long-term growth strategy and systems established by PSCU over the past 30 years.
“The difference of a credit union is that a loan is not automatically declined. Even if you have a poor credit rating there is still an option to speak to someone and we will find a way to help you,” explains Atkins. “We also have the ability to deduct monthly payments directly from your pay, so you don’t need to think about it and maybe you won’t even miss it.”
A frequently asked question for PSCU is: Is my money safe? The answer is yes. We are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), meaning your money is protected up to £85,000.
In the past 30 years, we’ve lent over £100 million - making us one of the UK’s largest credit unions - without ever compromising our values of putting our members first. Join our family to see how we can support you on your financial journey for the next 30 years and beyond.
For more information or to join our credit union visit planesavercu.co.uk
