St. Jarlath's Credit Union Limited

St. Jarlath’s Credit Union Limited is a member-owned financial cooperative based in Tuam, County Galway, serving individuals within a defined common bond that typically includes residence, employment, or study in its local area. It offers core credit union services, notably share (savings) accounts and personal loans for purposes such as car purchase, home improvement, and education, with loan approvals subject to affordability and credit checks and interest rates set by its board under regulatory constraints. Member savings are eligible for protection up to €100,000 per person under the Irish Deposit Guarantee Scheme, and the credit union is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Dividends on savings and any loan interest rebate are not guaranteed and, when applicable, are determined annually based on surplus and approved at the AGM. Governance follows the one-member-one-vote model with an elected volunteer board, and audited financial statements are produced in line with Irish credit union requirements. Access is provided through branch services and digital channels for account management and loan applications, though service scope and fees are defined by the credit union’s published schedules and may differ from those of commercial banks. Membership is limited to the common bond area, and internal policies or regulatory guidance can result in savings or lending caps.