Category Archive

***MEMBER NOTICE *** We will be performing routine updates and patching to our website on 22nd July from 8am - 9am. This means our website will be offline during this period. Thank you for your understanding and apologies in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

30th June 2025: SEPA Instant Update We are updating our Framework Contract to reflect the upcoming launch of SEPA Instant, a new payment feature that allows you to send and receive euro payments in under 10 seconds, available 24/7 across participating European banks. An explanation of key changes is contained in our SEPA Instant Explanatory Booklet available here: SEPA Instant … Read More

First Choice Credit Union, along with credit unions across Ireland, are delighted to partner with Volunteer Ireland to celebrate National Volunteering Week. The week, which takes place from the 19th to the 25th May, is dedicated to showcasing the enormous contribution of volunteers and their impact on our communities. This year’s theme is Building Community Together, with a specific focus ... Read More

First Choice Credit Union is delighted to launch their 2025 Community Fund, inviting local clubs, groups, and societies to apply for a share of the €150,000 fund, an increase of €50,000 on 2024. This fund is open to a diverse range of organisations involved in social, cultural, sporting, environmental, educational, and charitable activities within the Credit Union’s ‘common bond’ area. ... Read More

IMPORTANT MEMBER NOTICE DELAYED SEPA PAYMENTS PROCESSING The European Payments System will be closed Good Friday 18th April & Easter Monday 21st April 2025.   WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? This means payments will not occur during this period. Normal SEPA processing will resume on Tuesday 22nd April.   PAY EARLY You may want to make your payments on ... Read More

Key points: Cultivate Credit Union’s 2024 annual review reveals that the value of Cultivate loan applications has increased by 27% on 2023 to €64,326,580. When compared to 2019, the value of loan applications has increased by 338%. Off-farm income continues to be a major factor for beef farmers as 88% of applicants had some form of off-farm income, compared to ... Read More

As more farmers enter dairy-beef systems and view it as a viable business, financial backing to invest in herd quality and relevant infrastructure is critical. Luckily, that’s exactly what Cultivate offer with flexible loan repayments that are tailored to farmer’s needs. As Irish dairy-beef farmers navigate rising input costs and market fluctuations, First Choice Credit Union provides financial loans which ... Read More

Most first-time drivers, or a young driver, are eager for the freedom and privilege that comes with getting out on the road, but organising car insurance for young drivers can sometimes be confusing, and let’s face it, costly too. High-risk factors, limited driving experience and lack of previous insurance can push the price of premiums up. However, if you are … Read More

The 2025 First Choice Credit Union Schools Quiz took place on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th February in front of a huge crowd in St. Mary’s Hall, ATU Mayo Campus, Castlebar. With a record 62 teams competing, participants battled it out in two categories: Competition A (Under-11) and Competition B (Under-13). The competition did not disappoint, with questions covering a ... Read More

The SEPA instant payments regulation comes into effect in 2025. This means you will be able to receive money into your account instantly from 9th January 2025 and be able to send instant payments in the coming months certainly by 9th October 2025. Payments will be made instantly and received within 10 seconds, 24 hours a day, 7 days a ... Read More