Credit Union Current Account

At Croí Laighean Credit Union, we realise the importance of providing our members with easily accessible current accounts that reflect the high-security needs of the modern user. With online banking, and quick, easy to use mobile apps becoming a necessity over the past number of years, the requirement for an accessible Credit Union current account has never been more important. It is with this in mind, that Croí Laighean Credit Union has partnered with currentaccount.ie to launch our current account which allows you to connect instantly with your current account, no matter where you are in the world.  As always, the team here at Croí Laighean Credit Union put you, the member first and we have taken the time to understand what you truly want from a modern current account. Our focus is on meeting and exceeding all of the expectations you may have, by concentrating on ease of use, authenticated security measures and in-app functions that make the management of your finances effortless in every way.

Fully mobile current accounts that are perfect for you:

Croí Laighean Credit Union is now fully mobile and compatible with all devices. Simply download the Croí Laighean app for Android or iOS and use this responsive platform to access the many functions available with your current account. You can even connect with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Fitbit Pay for a more seamless service.

Many of you will be familiar with instant personal banking apps that have come to market over the past 5 years, these apps have laid the foundation for other financial institutions and have paved the way towards a more accessible way of managing your money. Croí Laighean have completed extensive research prior to app development, and we believe that our app is on a par with other mobile banking applications. Split bills with friends on an evening out, transfer funds between accounts, set up separate digital wallets to manage your budgets and connect with a whole range of virtual payment options.

Whilst we are proud of our new App and all the functionality it brings to our members; we want to assure you that our credit union will always offer a personal service. Should you ever wish to meet with a member of the team or call in and chat about your financial future, we would be delighted to welcome you. The key to a successful credit union is in the relationships we develop with our members; we value these relationships so highly and we know the importance of face-to-face interactions in an ever-changing world.

We have no doubt that one of the main considerations for members is the cost of operating a current account. With banks up and down the country charging extortionate fees, many customers have taken to using virtual banks to cut down on costs. With a Croí Laighean current account, you pay just €4 per month, we don’t charge per transaction or per withdrawal, in fact we like to reward members by providing them with the following at no extra cost:

• Free contactless payments for all Euro users.
• Free Debit Card transactions in Euro.
• Zero extra costs for setting up a direct debit or standing order from your current account.
• Free internet and mobile banking.
• No cost for the first 5 ATM withdrawals per calendar month.
• Electronic payments from your account are free of charge.
• All electronic payments paid into your account are fee-free.

Our commitment to providing a personal service is what makes our current account so unique when compared to other options available on the market – pair this with extremely low current account fees and superior security and you have everything you need at your fingertips.

Seamless steps to getting a Credit Union Current Account with us

For those of you who are not currently Croí Laighean Credit Union members, we would like to welcome you with open arms. Switching accounts or opening a new current account could not be easier. Follow our three easy steps to open a current account today.

Credit Union Current Account features and benefits

Experience the personal service that only a community-focused credit union can offer. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have and to talk you through the many options available to you as a credit union member.

• Our current account comes with a globally accepted Mastercard ® debit card, at no extra cost to you.
• Connect your current account to Apple Pay, Google Pay or FitBit Pay for easy payments wherever you are.
• Your current account can be used to make payments online and in-store.
• Make 5 free ATM withdrawals per calendar month.
• Participating retailers will also allow you the option to receive cashback instore.
• Contactless payments through our App, with a connected device or with your Mastercard ® debit card.
• All of our fees have been brought down to the very minimum, you simply won’t find lower elsewhere. Any fees are communicated clearly and upfront, so you always know what to expect.
• Take control of your account at any time of the day or night, with our state-of-the-art mobile app, available for both iOS and Android users.
• 100% Paperless; reduce waste and become part of our sustainable movement with eStatements and eFee advice.
• Be confident in the knowledge that your online transactions are 100% secure.
• Should you misplace your card or need to report it stolen, you can avail of 24/7 support.

With a number of high-street banks closing their doors across Ireland, it has never been more important to be transparent; customers want to know that the financial institution they are dealing with is here to stay. Financial uncertainty can create very real stresses on families, individuals and business owners and we want to provide members with a service that is reliable and well-established.

Switching current account from Ulster Bank, KBC, or another bank

Perhaps you were a long-time customer of Ulster Bank or KBC and are now looking for an alternative account that you can rely on? With Croí Laighean Credit Union, switching couldn’t be easier and you can be guaranteed that you will benefit from the best value current account available. Need to set up an account to receive your wages or set aside some funds for a special occasion? Speak with a member of our team or read our article on the three easy steps involved in setting up a credit union current account today.

For those of you who may already have a current account with another bank, we recognise that switching accounts may seem like an unnecessary headache. This is a common misconception, and whilst we realise that you may feel a certain loyalty to your bank, have you ever asked yourself about their loyalty to you? Are you really getting value for the money you are paying each month? Have you ever received a personal service that has been tailored to meet your specific needs? You may have set up an account when you got your first part-time job after finishing school, or maybe your parents opened the account for you when you were younger, and you simply never paid it another thought. In a competitive market, it is important that you make savings wherever you can. We frequently see reports urging us to change electricity and gas suppliers regularly, in order to make savings, and we believe that the same approach should be taken with current accounts, why keep paying inflated fees and getting zero return for your savings when you can become part of a community that values your membership and helps your local community?

One of the major differences between a traditional bank and a credit union is your status as a member. You are not simply another customer or a number on a statement, your membership means you are making a very real difference to the many individuals, groups, and associations in your local community. At Croí Laighean Credit Union, our members are an integral part of the community and as a result we can offer free financial education, community inclusion and loans that are both fair and affordable for all. As with other credit unions up and down the country, we do not operate for profit, all excess income is used to enrich the lives of others in the community, we do this through a range of different schemes such as club sponsorships, student bursaries and community funding. In the past 5 years alone, we have donated over half a million Euro to local community groups and organisations – we are just certain that is something you want to be a part of! Join over 40,000 existing members in the Kildare and Offaly region and find a way to give back to the community whilst receiving all the benefits that a Croí Laighean Credit Union membership offers.

So what does membership mean? As a valued member of the credit union, your savings are regarded as shares in the Credit Union, which means you also get to have a say in the operations. Regardless of the number of shares you have, you get an equal vote with every other member. When we compare this model to traditional banks, the most beneficial trait is the lack of conflict – the customers and the board members are the same, therefore you and other members will never experience a conflict of interest with those who run the credit union.

Your credit union is local to you, so you share a common interest with the other members, whereas banks place no restrictions on customers based on place of work or where they reside. The board of directors that represents you at Croí Laighean Credit Union, is made up of other local members that have been elected and voted for by you, all of them working in a voluntary capacity. The sole purpose of a local credit union is to allow members a voice, strong representation, and financial independence, as well as investing profits back into the community and supporting local causes and organisations. There is simply no other financial model in existence that allows you the opportunity to take control the way a credit union does.

Did you know that Credit Unions have won the top accolade for best customer experience in Ireland for a phenomenal 7 years in a row? That’s right, every year at the CXi awards, Ireland’s official customer experience award, Credit Unions have topped the poll since 2015 – there’s simply no competing with that record. Find out for yourself and really get to know the people behind your local credit union, we guarantee you, you won’t ever look back!

With our new, highly secure digital banking option, we can now offer all members access to a range of high-security features that make managing your money so much easier. Our voluntary board of directors have asked members what they want most from a current account and they have delivered a solution that will leave users feeling secure in their choice of Credit union.

With a Croí Laighean Credit Union Current Account, you now have access to a number of digital wallets. These new Apps allow credit union members access to a range of flexible options, all of which are highly secure and instantly accessible. In our modern world, particularly over the last 2 years, there has been less of a focus on cash and more of a push towards card and virtual payments – our new digital App will allow members convenience of use at outlets right across the country. Whether you’re shopping online or doing a grocery shop at your local supermarket, you can simplify the checkout process and keep records of all your purchases right there on your smartphone. Perhaps you are out to dinner with friends and family and wish to split the bill in a quick and easy way? Google pay’s ‘split bill’ function means sharing the costs of a meal or a trip are now more secure and easier than ever. You can also forget about that pesky €50 limit when you use our app, your virtual card or any connected device to pay with your credit union current account. Leave the wallet at home and just bring your phone, or watch – now that is convenience with the touch of a button.

Your New MasterCard ® debit card

Each Croí Laighean current account comes with a globally accepted MasterCard ® debit card. This card can be added to the wallet on your phone or watch and used to ‘tap’ for purchases, or can be used to withdraw cash from any ATM. You can also use your card to make payments, both contactless and physically across a vast range of online stores and booking sites. All transactions are debited from your credit union current account, which means you can clearly see your spending patterns within the App. Use this information to budget for upcoming expenses or cut down on unnecessary spending, instant information can be so much easier to manage that receiving a once a month paper statement. See what you’re spending and where you are spending most, to truly gain a path to financial understanding. MasterCard ® is one of the world’s most respected card issuers and they understand the importance of reliability and high-security transactions. The people at MasterCard ® also offer users protection against fraud, no matter how the purchase was made, so you can feel secure when you are spending online, offline or in-App. 24 Hour assistance is also standard, should you wish to report your card lost or stolen.

Current Account for Students

Here at Croí Laighean Credit Union, we place great importance on supporting the youth in our community. We want those who are just starting out in their educational journeys to feel secure about their financial futures, and offer a range of day-to-day banking solutions for those getting ready to go to college or university.

We have revised the conditions to make it easier for individuals under 18 years of age to open a Current Account, and anyone aged 12 years or more can open a student current account.

The new current account for students, allows members to instantly access their money through a number of different portals. Use the physical MasterCard ® debit card, your virtual card on your phone, tap using the new secure App or login to the online portal on your laptop. Want to hear something even more exciting? There are no charges for day-to-day banking on any student accounts. Perhaps you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by this huge step you are about to take? Let the team here at Croí Laighean assist with budgeting, expense calculations and expert advice before you set off on your big adventure.

Speaking of adventures, did you know that all students now get full access to Priceless ® Cities? This incredible programme is available exclusively to MasterCard ® holders and allows you to access some of the most exclusive experiences available in all corners of the globe. You can also avail of truly useful everyday discounts that will enhance your life when you travel or stay at home.

To sign up for our new digital offerings, please take the time to register online and download the new mobile application for either Android or iOS. This process is secure and easy to navigate and we would encourage all existing members to put their trust in this new technology. For those of you who have yet to become a member, but are now considering the very many benefits a Credit Union can offer, this will be what you need in order to open an account:

• Current photo identification – this can be a passport or driving license.
• Proof of address – bank statement or utility bill no older than 6 months.
• Minors aged between 12 and 16 will require the consent of a guardian or parent.

For those of you who wish to switch from a traditional bank account to a Credit Union current account, you will first need to become a member of Croí Laighean Credit Union. Fill out the easy to use switcher form and let the team here look after the rest.

Join the Croí Laighean Credit Union today to become part of the movement towards social and economic strengthening in our wonderful community. As a member, you can feel good about your contribution towards growth in our youth projects, and support of our established organisations and groups. A credit union truly is at the heart of the community, and we welcome all that share the same values and hopes for the future of our incredible region.

Get in touch with a member of the Croí Laighean Credit Union team today to learn more about our ongoing funding of local projects and initiatives that support those who are most important to you.

Mastercard is a registered trade mark and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. This card is issued by Transact Payments Malta Limited pursuant to licence by Mastercard International. Croí Laighean Credit Union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Credit Union Current Account?

A Credit Union Current Account is a modern banking solution designed to meet the needs of today’s users. With the convenience of online banking and user-friendly mobile apps, managing your finances has never been easier.

Why switch to a Credit Union Current Account?

The Credit Union Current Account has one of the lowest service charges on the market – just €4 per month. It also has Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Fitbit Pay digital wallets for those who like to keep it digital! Our current account comes with a globally accepted MasterCard Debit Card and you can also manage your finances with our online banking portal or through our app. The real question is… why not switch to a Credit Union Current Account?

What are the main benefits of a Credit Union Current Account?

Lower fees, a full range of digital wallets, and best of all, the 5-star customer service you get from your local Credit Union!

What fees will my current account incur?

We charge a flat rate of just €4 per month and this includes chip and pin transactions, contactless payments, ATM withdrawals (5 per month are free), standing order/ direct debit setup, free debit card replacement, and much more!

What are the eligibility criteria for opening a Croí Laighean Credit Union current account?

To open a current account you must be a member of Croí Laighean Credit Union and aged 12 years or older. To join, please visit our dedicated join us page.

What debit card will I get?

You will get a globally accepted MasterCard debit Card. As a MasterCard Debit card holder, you will also get access to unforgettable experiences and unique digital content exclusively for Mastercard cardholders through the MasterCard Priceless portal.

Will you transfer my direct debits?

If you switch your current account to us, we look after the entire switching process including switching direct debits and standing orders. Visit our switching guide page to find out how easy it is to switch your current account to a Credit Union current account, or read our  5 reasons to switch to a Credit Union blog post to find out why you should support your local Credit Union.

I’m a student – can I open a current account with Croí Laighean Credit Union?

Yes indeed, and best of all, it’s free… no charges or fees. We know that being a student means money is tight so we waive all fees whilst you’re studying.

How can I get in touch with Croí Laighean Credit Union?

Call us on 1800 23 24 25, drop into one of our branches, or email welcome@clcu.ie and we will be happy to assist in any way we can.