Link in the community
By Gemma Good
“We’re a ‘one stop shop’ for everybody’s banking needs,” said Ailbhe Curtis, Head of Lending and New Business at the Link Credit Union Ltd Kingscourt. It offers a wide range of financial services and products to members in the area, launching a current account service last year.
“Everybody considers the credit union for savings and loans but we actually do offer current accounts as well.
“Competition wise, it’s actually cheaper than the banks,” she said, explaining that they only charge €4 per month, which is inclusive of all facilities like standing orders, ATMs and a ‘tap and pay’ service.
“You’re not charged anything extra unless you go over five ATM withdrawals within the month,” she assured.
Their services include online banking, debit card and ‘tap and pay’ facilities, which can be used worldwide. Link CU also facilitates online loan applications and banking.
Members of team also remain available in the office “for all our members who want to come in and see us”.
“We can give you a full suite of banking facilities... we’ve loads to offer our members,” Ailbhe encouraged.
The credit union is running a summer loan promotion for the months of June and July where people can borrow at a competitive rate of 7.9%.
They also provide ‘Step Up’ grants for students who are transitioning from primary school to secondary school. This is a draw that people can enter by filling out an application form in the credit union. There are 10 €200 grants to be awarded. They also run a scholarship draw for students aged 17-24 years who are in third level education. This is a €1,000 scholarship with eight scholarships up for grabs.
The draws are for members of the credit union only and are free to enter.
“We are there to help support members who are in primary, secondary and third-level education.”
The credit union holds a car draw for members every two months in collaboration with Cabra Cars and Doran Motors. Members can pay €60 per year to be automatically entered into the draw or €10 each time. The next draw will take place on Tuesday, June 29, when one lucky winner will win a Skoda Fabia, which Ailbhe said is “brand new and just out of the wrapper.”
Link Credit Union also give donations to groups and organisations within the community.
The Credit Union is happy to see familiar faces coming in through the doors again. “It’s great... it’s good to see people and to chat, you just feel like things are returning back to normal.
“We’ve always had face-to-face dealings with members, it’s the core of the credit union,” Ailbhe said.
The team are delighted the town is re-opening, with staff members availing of the beautiful restaurants, café’s and ice-cream bars. “We’re spoiled for choice!”
The team at the Link Credit Union wish to thank their customers for their support throughout the pandemic and wish local businesses all the best for the future.