The Retail Trust has partnered with Retail CU, a trusted not-for-profit credit union, to provide retail colleagues access to a simple and safe way to save and borrow.
Whether it’s building a rainy-day fund, saving for Christmas, or borrowing affordably when needed, Retail CU is here to support your financial wellbeing.
“I save for holidays, Christmas and the PrizeSaver account. Knowing it comes straight out of my wages makes it so easy - I never forget.” Claire W, 2025
Who are Retail Credit Union?
Retail CU deliver straightforward, supportive financial services to workers across the UK. With 22,000+ members across delivery, transport, and retail sectors, they’re trusted by workers across the UK to provide:
- Safe savings
- Affordable loans
- Personal, friendly support when it matters most.
They are fully regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and your savings are protected up to £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), just like a high street bank.
Credit union vs. bank — what’s the difference?
Unlike banks, credit unions are owned by their members, not shareholders. This means any profits are reinvested to improve services or returned to members as dividends. Credit unions also focus on people, not profit. They often offer more personal service, fairer rates, and a genuine commitment to financial wellbeing. For many, it’s a more human, community-minded alternative to traditional banking.
Why does it matter?
- One in three UK adults have less than £1,000 in savings.
- 77% of UK employees say money worries affect their sleep.
- Payroll savings can reduce financial stress by almost 50%.
This scheme is designed to help retail colleagues build long-term financial resilience easily and automatically.
Member benefits
- Savings – save directly from your wages (from just £10 per month).
- Ethical loans – apply for fair, affordable loans.
- Exclusive products – like prize-linked savings (with monthly cash draws!), a Christmas saver account or a homeowner loan.
- Secure and regulated – savings are protected up to £85,000 by the FSCS.
- Easy online access – manage everything via the CU app or member portal.
- Real support – friendly, human help when you need it most.
“Brilliant for being able to set aside a small, but regular savings amount to ‘forget’ about until a rainy day and see how it builds over a few years.” Caro Z, 2025
How it works
How to join
Joining Retail Credit Union couldn’t be easier.
1. Choose how much you want to save (minimum £2 per week, £10 per month). You can also apply for a loan straight away if needed.
2. Complete the quick online form. Have your National Insurance number and employee details handy.
3. That’s it! Payments will be made by direct debit, and you’ll be set up as a member.
4. Explore. There’s so much you can do with your account. Take a look at the Retail CU website to discover more.
