What Makes Us Different?

Credit Unions serve groups that share a common bond, such as where they work or live. We offer many of the services of a bank but the difference is you are in control.

Who controls the Banks?

• Banks exist to make money for their shareholders. We don’t have external share holders to pay so we don’t have to make them profit. The money that we save from being ‘not-for-profit’ we give back to you.  When we make an operating profit ALL of it is given back to our members.

• We are a truly ethical, socially responsible service for the people of Hampshire. 
  

Who controls us?

• Only the members. We were initially financed and supported by the organisations listed below, but now we are independent and owned and run by our members.
• We are regulated by the same organisation that regulates all financial institutions, The Financial Services Authority (FSA) 

Can anyone open an account and use our services?

• No. Membership is available to those who live or work within the county of Hampshire.  
• All account holding customers are equal members. 
• No Fat Cats! Unlike most companies, our leadership or ‘Board of Directors’ are all volunteers from the Portsmouth community and they earn nothing from the work that they do for us.
• Members vote on how we are run and could even vote out the Board of Directors if they do not agree with the way we are run. Our members have control.