Why become a member?
When you join your local credit union, you’re not just opening an account, you’re becoming part of a community that puts you first. Here’s why more and more people are choosing us:
You're the owner
We’re owned and controlled by our members, so every decision we make benefits you, not outside shareholders.
Focused on you
Our mission is simple-provide the people of Wales with accessible, fair and affordable financial services
Your savings are safe
Every penny you save is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), just like any other bank or building society.
Convenient ways to pay into your account
There are many ways to pay into your account-cash, Standing Order, BACs payments, via your debit card and direct through your salary.
Profits come back to you
Surpluses are returned to members through dividends and lower loan costs.
Local impact
Your money stays in the community, helping friends, family and neighbours access fair financial services.
Fair and affordable lending
We provide loans at competitive rates with no hidden fees and decisions are made by real people who understand your needs.
Personal service
You’re never just a number, we offer friendly, personalised support every step of the way.
Join using your Phone
We’ve created an intelligent and secure method for you to become a member directly through your mobile phone. All you have to do is download our Mobile App to take full advantage of joining as you go.
Quick Online Access
Once your membership has been approved, we'll text you a temporary pin so you can have immediate access to your online account. You won’t have to worry about anything, we will do the rest.
In order to start your Online Membership journey, you will need to download our Mobile App. Download today and reap the benefits of becoming a member.
How to get started
Download Our Mobile App
Make sure you have valid ID ready
Complete the form
Verify your Identity
Upload required documentation
Sit back and wait for us to review and approve your membership
Membership FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Banks like Smart Money Cymru are not-for-profit financial organisations that are often set up by members who have what is a called a common bond to offer savings and loans.
A common bond can be anything from living in a particular town or county, or being part of a certain industry or trade union. For Smart Money Cymru Community Bank, our common bond is living in Wales – that means if you are a resident in Wales, you can join our Community Bank.
Community Banks like SMCCB are essentially ‘owned’ by their members – every member has an equal say and we encourage all of our members to vote in our Annual General Meetings.
Community Banks rely on their members. We help you take control of your finances in a smart way, by encouraging you to save what you can on a regular basis and borrow only what you can afford to repay. Members pool their savings together, to lend to one another and help run Smart Money Cymru Community Bank.
The more you save, the more we can help others in your local community. We can offer much lower interest rates on loans than other lenders too, and any interest made on loans goes right back into Smart Money Cymru to run the services we offer and to reward our members.
Here at Smart Money Cymru, we’ve given our members a dividend consistently for the past 20 years – every member benefits from being a part of our credit union.
Yes! Traditionally, people thought were only available to those struggling to get high street bank services, but that’s not the case – Smart Money Cymru is here for everyone! All Community Banks share a similar mission – to support their community, to help educate its members in the smart use of money and to help members manage their financial affairs.
Find out more about why you should join Smart Money Cymru Community Bank.
If we are unable to verify your identity through our online system, we will need you to provide 3 documents to us, 1 photo ID and 2 documents that have been sent to your home address within the last 3 months.
These can be brought into your nearest branch or clear photos can be sent via email to info@smartmoneycymru.co.uk.
ID we can accept:
Photo ID
- Driving Licence
- Passport
If you do not have a photo ID, please supply an extra document from below
Address Verification (must show date, name and address)
- Bank Statement
- Utility Bill
- NHS letter
- Council Tax letter
- DWP/HMRC letter
- Driving Licence (if not used as photo ID)
Yes, all Community banks have to have the same protection as any other high street bank.
If you’re a resident of Wales and looking to join Smart Money Cymru, sign up online today. We’re always available to help if you want to discuss our services.
