Halton Credit Union is a live or work Credit Union, with a common bond encompassing the whole of Cheshire, plus a few additional post codes.
Where a part of a post code is a part of Cheshire, such as ST7, Halton Credit Union covers all of that post code. Halton Credit Union also covers all non Cheshire WA post codes, such as St Helens.
For a full list of post codes covered, please see the bottom of the page. To be eligible to become a member of Halton Credit Union, you must Live or Work within our common bond.
There is an entrance fee of £2.00 to join Halton Credit Union, plus in order to activate your account, you must also pay a minimum of £1 in to your share (savings) account.
All members are given an individual membership number and a photographic membership card. All membership applications must be made in person at either our Runcorn branch or either of our Widnes branches.
Members are entitled to have nominees, people who may benefit from the no cost life savings cover provided by Halton Credit Union. Visit our Life Insurance page to find out more.
Proving Your Identity
Anyone wishing to become a member of Halton Credit Union must prove their identity, using at least two forms of I.D.
One form must prove who you are, the other must prove where you live. Proof of address must be addressed to the person applying to be a member, must have been delivered by post to their address and be dated within 13 weeks of the joining date.
Acceptable I.D. to prove your identity (must be current and signed)
- Passport (Current and Signed)
- Current Full UK Driving Licence
- EU National ID Card
- HM Revenue & Customs Document
- Benefit Agency Notification
- Evidence of Current State Pension
- Buss Pass (Photographic)
- Blue Parking Card
I.D. to prove your address
- Utility Bill (Gas, Electric, Water, etc)
- Council Tax Bill/Statement
- Bank/Mortgage Statement
- Mail Order Statement
- Doctor/Hospital Letter
- Rent Card/Tenancy Agreement
- TV Licence/Letter/Direct Debit Schedule
- Wage Slip
Other forms of I.D. may be acceptable, please contact us to find out more.
Postcodes
This is a list of all post codes covered by Halton Credit Union
CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, - CHESTER
CH64 - NESTON
CH65 – DEESIDE
CH66 – ELLESMERE PORT
SY13 – WHITCHURCH SY14 – MALPAS
CW1, CW1, CW3,CW4, - CREWE
CW5 – NANTWICH
CW6 – TARPORLEY
CW7 – WINSFORD
CW8, CW9 – NORTHWICH
CW10 – MIDDLEWICH
CW11 – SANDBACH
CW12 – CONGLETON
WA1, WA2, WA3, WA4, WA5 – WARRINGTON
WA6 – FRODSHAM
WA7 – RUNCORN
WA8 – WIDNES
WA9, WA10, WA11 - ST HELENS
WA12 – NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS
WA13 – LYMM
WA14, WA15 – ALTRINCHAM
WA16 – KNUTSFORD
SK9 – ALDERLEY EDGE
SK10, SK11 – MACCLESFIELD
SK12 – STOCKPORT
SK23 – HIGH PEAK
ST7 – STOKE ON TRENT
L24 - LIVERPOOL DISTRICT
Name Change
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From Tuesday 1st October, Halton Credit Union will be trading as Beacon Savings & Loans, read on to see why we are changing our name.
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Why has Halton Credit Union changed its name
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Halton Credit Union is now trading under the name Beacon Savings & Loans
In 2019, Halton Credit Union extended its common bond i.e. the thing that links us all together as members, to cover a larger area. Formerly members had to live or work in Halton but with the extended common bond people who live or work in the whole of Cheshire, plus the adjacent WA postcodes are now able to join our credit union.
Therefore, it was envisaged that having a geographical place name, Halton Credit Union, would hinder our expansion as location names do not travel well. The need for member connection is vital and any potential members in our extended common bond may not be familiar with the location, Halton, therefore it would it not evoke a ‘sense of belonging’ to them.
Additionally, individuals in these other regions may be unaware that they can join.
Therefore, the most important thing was to make our credit union relevant to the members, both potential and existing and to the communities in which we will operate.
The new name ‘Beacon’ emotes reliability and security and ‘Savings & Loans’ gives clarity to what we do – it is clear and straightforward. The name is also easy to remember and recognise and will appeal to a more diverse range of potential members, avoiding terms that might feel exclusive or limiting, such as the place name Halton.
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Who chose the name Beacon Savings & Loans?
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Our existing members inadvertently helped to choose the trading name Beacon Savings & Loans
A working group shortlisted several suitable and available names. Existing members were then asked to complete a survey about their credit union, without being informed of its true purpose. Their responses were used to help select the new name. The survey was conducted blind to ensure that the chosen name would reflect the essence and values of the organization, rather than simply being selected based on popularity.
The new brand is fresh and modern and as ‘Beacon Savings & Loans’ feels more authentic as it accurately reflects some of the members comments:
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Who we are: ‘a beacon of light’ for those that need our services, a ‘lifesaver’ who people can turn to and a ‘light at the end of the tunnel.’
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What we do: ‘provide a safe place for people to save as well as offer affordable loans to members.’
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Does that mean Halton Credit Unions brand/logo change?
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The new branding will now feature a modern, fresh design with a more professional appearance.
Our original brand is also outdated and not really what we are about as an organisation. The logo was designed over 20 years ago and incorporated a pound sign – today HCU is less about money and more what we can do for members.
The recent changes align with our mission which is... ‘People and Planet before Profit.’ At Beacon, we aim to shine a light on the changes needed in our communities, but much more than that... we also want to actively participate in creating the solutions
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Does that mean that you are no longer a credit union?
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We will also be a credit union, we are proud to be a credit union
When you know what a credit union is, you know they are the best thing. Many people do not know what a credit union is and the name can feel misleading to some people. Whilst we are a union, given that we all come together for the greater good of everyone involved, we're not a trade union. Credit unions are a part of the cooperative movement, meaning that we are owned by our members. In fact we are a Savings & Loans cooperative.