People First Credit Union Limited

People First Credit Union Limited is an Irish member-owned financial co‑operative regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland, operating a defined “common bond” that restricts membership to people connected to its local area in the Irish Midlands, including communities around Portlaoise and Abbeyleix. It focuses on core retail services typical of Irish credit unions: savings (member share) accounts, fixed or demand deposits where offered, and unsecured personal lending for purposes such as car purchase, home improvement, education, or small lifestyle expenses, with rates and lending limits set by the board and subject to affordability and credit assessment. Savings returns are not guaranteed and may be paid as a dividend or interest depending on policy and annual performance, and some credit unions apply caps on individual member balances and notice requirements for large withdrawals; People First publishes any such limits in its own schedule of terms. Access is through a local branch network supported by online and mobile banking for balance checks, payments, and loan applications, along with phone support during business hours. Membership requires proof of identity and address and eligibility through residence, employment, or study within the common bond; junior accounts are generally available for minors, and payroll deduction may be supported with participating employers. Deposits are protected under the Irish Deposit Guarantee Scheme up to €100,000 per person, per institution, and the credit union structure means governance is through an elected volunteer board with key decisions, including any dividend, approved at the annual general meeting. Typical ancillary features can include loan protection and death benefit insurance for eligible members, as well as direct debits and standing orders for bill payments, while international payments, credit cards, and broader investment products are limited or not offered compared with commercial banks. Fees may apply for certain payment services and account operations, opening hours are local-office dependent, and all rates, charges, and eligibility boundaries are published by People First Credit Union Limited and can change.