A lot of people who are not good with money fall into the trap of thinking that the Credit Union is a good way to borrow. The truth of the matter is that ethical financial institutions use credit scoring to protect the consumer, as well as their own interests. I had a substantial credit union loan with Pennine Community Credit Union. At one time they were taking £40 a week out of our tax credits to repay our loan even though I was on a low income and my job was pretty seasonal (gardener). When my wife and I split up last January their attitude towards me changed pretty quickly. When after a month I was no longer able to afford to repay the same amount they referred my account to a debt collection agency. They agreed to take £5 per week but they didn't always turn up. In February this year the Credit Union issued court proceedings against me and now thanks to the courts I am paying the loan back at a rate Ii can afford, £20 per month for the next ten or so years. BE WARNED! Think carefully before borrowing off Credit Unions. They are very friendly when things are going their way but if your circumstances change they may become very hard to deal with.