Website Terms of Use
Effective date: 17 April 2026 | Last reviewed: 17 April 2026
Who we are
This website is operated by Hoot Credit Union, a not-for-profit, member-owned co-operative financial services provider based in Bolton. Hoot Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority. We offer savings accounts, personal loans and related financial services to our members.
Regulatory information
Hoot Credit Union is registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: wisewithmoney.org.uk
Using this website
You may use this website for lawful purposes only. You must not:
- Use this site in any way that breaches applicable local, national or international law
- Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of the website, the members area, or any connected systems
- Introduce viruses, malware or any other harmful or disruptive material
- Use automated tools to scrape, harvest or extract content or data from this site
- Reproduce or redistribute any content from this site without our prior written permission
- Impersonate any person or misrepresent your identity or membership status
- Use this site to send unsolicited commercial communications
We reserve the right to restrict or suspend access to this website or the members area at our discretion and without notice, including where we have reason to believe that the terms of membership or applicable law have been breached.
The information on this website
The content on this website is provided to help members and prospective members understand the savings and loan products available from Hoot Credit Union, and to access our online members area. We take care to keep information accurate and current.
Product information, interest rates, loan eligibility criteria and terms are subject to change. Nothing on this website constitutes a formal offer of financial products or a guarantee of membership, loan approval or savings returns. All financial products are subject to eligibility, affordability assessment and our current lending criteria at the time of application.
If you are unsure about any aspect of our products or services, please contact us directly before applying.
Membership
Membership of Hoot Credit Union is open to individuals who meet our common bond criteria. Applying for membership through this website does not guarantee acceptance. Membership is subject to our rules, which are available on request, and to the completion of our membership application process including identity verification and any other checks required by law or regulation.
Once accepted, members are bound by Hoot Credit Union’s rules and any terms and conditions applicable to the specific products and services they use. These are provided separately at the point of application or account opening.
Savings
All members are required to save a minimum of £10 per month. Savings held with Hoot Credit Union are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) up to the applicable limit. Details of current savings rates and product terms are available through our members area or on request. Rates and terms are subject to change with appropriate notice.
Loans
Borrowing money carries risks. All loan applications are subject to an affordability assessment and a credit check. Approval is not guaranteed. Loans must be repaid in accordance with the agreed repayment schedule. Failure to maintain repayments may affect your credit score and your standing with Hoot Credit Union. If you are struggling with repayments, please contact us as soon as possible — we are here to help. The maximum interest rate charged by a credit union is 3% per month (42.6% APR representative).
Information about loan products on this website is for general guidance only. Specific loan amounts, rates and repayment terms will be confirmed at the point of application and are subject to our current lending criteria and your individual circumstances.
Online members area
Registered members can access their accounts, apply for loans and manage their savings through our secure online members area. You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential and for all activity carried out through your account. If you believe your account has been accessed without your authorisation, please contact us immediately at [email protected].
We will never ask you to share your password or full login details by email, phone or any other channel. If you receive a communication asking for these details, please do not respond and contact us immediately.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
FSCS protected
Eligible deposits with Hoot Credit Union are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS can pay compensation to depositors if a credit union is unable to meet its financial obligations. Most depositors — including most individuals and small businesses — are covered by the scheme.
For further information about the FSCS, including the current protection limit, please visit fscs.org.uk.
Financial advice
The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute regulated financial advice. Hoot Credit Union is not a financial adviser. If you need personalised financial advice, we recommend speaking to an independent financial adviser regulated by the FCA. Free and impartial money guidance is also available from MoneyHelper, backed by the government.
Intellectual property
All content on this website — including text, product information, logos and design — belongs to Hoot Credit Union or is used with permission. You may not reproduce, redistribute or use any content from this site for commercial purposes without our written consent. You may print or save pages for your own personal, non-commercial reference.
Disclaimer and limitation of liability
We take care to ensure the information on this website is accurate and up to date, but we cannot guarantee this at all times. Product information, rates and eligibility criteria are subject to change.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Hoot Credit Union will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your use of this website or reliance on its content. This does not affect any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law, including our obligations under financial services regulation and consumer protection legislation.
Third-party links
This website may include links to external websites — for example, MoneyHelper, the FCA register or partner organisations. These links are provided for reference only and do not represent an endorsement. We are not responsible for the content or availability of any external site.
Privacy and data protection
Your use of this website and our services is governed by our Privacy & Cookie Policy and our Data Protection Policy. As a regulated financial services provider, we handle personal and financial data with the highest standard of care. Please read both policies carefully before applying for membership or using our online services.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about our services, please contact us in the first instance at [email protected]. We operate a formal complaints procedure and will acknowledge your complaint promptly and aim to resolve it within 8 weeks. If you remain dissatisfied, you may have the right to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service:
- Website: financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the website after changes are posted means you accept the updated terms.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from your use of this website will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.