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Here you can find all of our most frequently asked questions.

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General
Loan Application
Loan Repayments
Online Banking
What is MFCU’s common bond?

A credit union’s common bond is the total population eligible to apply for membership.

Member First Credit Union’s common bond is as follows;

– The total population of Artane, Ayrfield, Beaumont, Coolock, Donaghmede, Donnycarney, Drumcondra, Marino, Raheny, Swords, North William Street and their immediate surrounding areas.

– Employees of local companies situated within the common bond area of Member First Credit Union

– Local schools within the common bond area of Member First Credit Union including primary, secondary and third level colleges

– The existing members of Member First Credit Union and their immediate family

If you fall within any of these criteria, you are eligible to join.

How do I get access to Online Banking?

To get access to your Member First Credit Union account online, you’ll first need to register. Once you’ve completed the application, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you have provided.

Your new PIN number will be sent to you by secure SMS, so it’s important that you have your contact details up to date. Once you have received your PIN, you can login to CU Online right away. You will also receive a One-Time Passcode (OTP) to your mobile number each time you login for enhanced security.

With Online Banking you will be able to transfer funds, view and print statements, and check account balances.

What are your branch opening hours?

A full overview of our branch opening hours can be found at the link below:

Our Phone Lines are also open Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday from 9.30 am – 4.30 pm, Thursday & Friday from 9:30 am – 5.30 pm,  and Saturday from 9.30 am – 1.30 pm. You can reach us on (01) 851 3400.

Outside of these hours, you can email info@mfcu.ie and we will respond to your query in due course.

You can also contact us using the live chat button at the bottom. From time to time these hours may change slightly to allow for staff training, bank holidays, or extenuating circumstances. If you are unsure if a branch may be open on a certain date, you can check the news section of our website. Any branch closures will be detailed here.

Can I transfer funds between my MFCU account and bank account online?

Once you have signed up for Online Banking with Member First, you can transfer funds to and from this account online. Please note that transfers can take up to 3 working days to be processed.

All Member First Credit Union accounts are eligible for free online access. You can register for online access to your account at the link below.

Please note that proof of ID and proof of address need to be up-to-date to allow members to transfer funds electronically.

Can I only use the branch in my area?

MFCU members can use any of our branches. We have a network of branches in North Dublin. See our full list of branches at the link below:

Who can borrow from Member First Credit Union?

To apply for a loan from Member First Credit Union you will need to be a member. But once you join, you can apply for a loan straight away. You are eligible to join once you are part of our common bond.

You don’t need to have any savings with us to be approved for a loan. Loan approval is based solely on your ability to repay the loan.

How much can I borrow?

Member First Credit Union will consider loan applications from members for any worthwhile purpose. Each application is treated in the utmost confidence and will be considered on its own merits. With each application, we take into consideration your income and outgoings, and base your ability to repay the loan on these figures.

Open our Loan Calculator to view the repayments necessary for different loan amounts and loan types. This can give you a good idea of how much you can afford to borrow.

Can I only borrow multiples of my savings?

At Member First Credit Union, loan approval is solely based on your ability to repay a loan. There is no limit to the amount you can borrow based on your savings.

With each application, we take into consideration your income and outgoings, and base your ability to repay the loan on these figures.

The maximum Personal Loan amount is €75,000. Mortgages are also available which have a larger limit.

How can I apply for a loan?

There are 3 ways to apply for a loan from Member First Credit Union.

1. Online

You can apply for a loan directly from our Loan Calculator. Enter the amount you’d like to borrow, choose your repayment period and input your details to apply.

2. Over the Phone

The fastest way to get a loan from Member First is with our eLoans facility. To get started, call us on (01) 851 3400. We’ll bring you through the application, and you can email the required documents to eloans@mfcu.ie.

Learn more about eLoans

3. In Branch

You can also apply for a loan from any Member First Credit Union branch. You’ll find your nearest branch here.

What documents do I need to apply for a loan?

While some loan applications require more documentation than others, below is a general idea of what you will need to provide before we can process your loan application.

– Three months bank statements (if you have a bank account)
– Photo Identification

– Evidence of PPS Number (Public Services Card not accepted)

– Proof of Income*

if you’re employed: three concurrent recent payslips

if you’re self-employed: Tax returns for the last 2 years and Tax Clearance Certificate

if you’re retired: proof of pension (receipt or bank statement)

if you’re unemployed: proof of social welfare payments (receipt or bank statement)

*additional paperwork may be required

Once your loan is approved, upon collection you may need to present;

Current Proof of Identity & Current Proof of Address

Why are Guarantors used?

Generally, loan applicants use guarantors if they believe that they will be unable to secure a loan on their own. This might be the case for applicants who have poor credit or no credit history. Individuals can serve as guarantors or can have guarantors for their loans.

The use of a guarantor on a loan application does not ensure that the loan will be approved, because the person who guarantees the loan is considered part of the loan application, so the credit rating of that person must be evaluated along with the loan applicant or applicants. If MFCU believe that the guarantor cannot make good on the debt if the primary applicant defaults on the loan, then MFCU will not approve the loan. When seeking a guarantor, someone who needs a loan should keep this in mind.

When will I receive a decision on my loan application?

We aim to contact members about a loan decision within 24 hours of receiving the application. This varies depending on the type of loan application.

Can I appeal against the loan decision?

Yes, although we cannot give you any assurances that our original decision will be overturned.

You should submit your appeal in writing and supported by any additional relevant information that was not taken into account at the time of our original decision. Full details of our appeals process can be obtained from your local branch.

How soon will I receive the money?

As soon as you receive a successful loan decision, we will send the money straight to your bank account. The funds should be with you within 3-5 working days.

What should I do if I can’t make my repayments?

If you are struggling with repayments, speak to MFCU as a first port of call as we may offer ways to help. Find your local branch here, call us on (01) 851 3400, or email info@mfcu.ie.

Can I repay my loan early?

Yes, you can repay your loan at any time without penalty (excluding Mortgages). You can also increase your repayments and pay lump sums off the loan balance if you wish.

I have other borrowings with MFCU, why have you refused my request at this time?

Your individual circumstances change over time. Our assessment takes into account any current information that is available to us. It may, therefore, be inappropriate to offer you additional credit on this occasion.

How do I receive my One Time Passcode via Push Notification?

In order to receive your OTP via Push Notification, Android users must change their notification settings on their device. To enable push notifications on Android phones:

  1. Download the MFCU app here
  2. Go to ‘Settings’ on your phone and navigate to ‘Notifications’
  3. Select ‘View All’ to view app notifcation settings
  4. Click ‘MFCU’ and allow all badges/notifications
I need help with Online Banking

If you’re having trouble with Online Banking, you’ll find a full library of FAQs at the link below.

How do I get access to Online Banking?

To get access to your Member First Credit Union account online, you’ll first need to register. Once you’ve completed the application, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address you have provided.

Your new PIN number will be sent to you by secure SMS, so it’s important that you have your contact details up to date. Once you have received your PIN, you can login to CU Online right away. You will also receive a One-Time Passcode (OTP) to your mobile number each time you login for enhanced security.

With Online Banking you will be able to transfer funds, view and print statements, and check account balances.

Can I transfer funds between my MFCU account and bank account online?

Once you have signed up for Online Banking with Member First, you can transfer funds to and from this account online. Please note that transfers can take up to 3 working days to be processed.

All Member First Credit Union accounts are eligible for free online access. You can register for online access to your account at the link below.

Please note that proof of ID and proof of address need to be up-to-date to allow members to transfer funds electronically.

Online help

Need help with our Mobile App and Desktop? We have Online Tutorials available to help you manage your MFCU online account.

Other Services

Downloads

Find our downloadable forms here.

Insurance and Nominations

As a member of MFCU you have access to some great insurance deals from various suppliers for.

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