What does this mean for you?
If you’re a Northumberland Community Bank member, you won’t need to do anything. Your savings and loan accounts will move safely over to NEfirst Credit Union, and you’ll be able to take advantage of more services and benefits than before.
Why are we doing this?
By bringing the two organisations together, we can strengthen our support for members, widen our services, and build an even stronger credit union for the future.
When will it happen?
The merger is scheduled for 1 October 2025. From that date, Northumberland Community Bank will officially be part of NEfirst Credit Union Ltd – becoming part of one of the largest credit unions in the North East.
The Credit Union is not closing
Northumberland Community Bank isn’t closing – it will continue to serve members under its new name, NEfirst Credit Union, and the Ashington branch will remain open as usual.
If you’re a Northumberland Community Bank member, you’ll receive a letter with your updated account details. To access NEfirst’s online services, you’ll need to register – but don’t worry, we’ll send you registration details and simple step-by-step instructions in the post to make sign-up quick and easy.
By joining NEfirst, you will become a valued member of one of the largest credit unions in the North East, with a combined membership of over 15,000 people.
What you can expect from the Merger
Enhanced Benefits and Services
- Access to fair and affordable loans with lower interest rates
- Free insurance cover on your savings up to £10,000 (subject to terms)
- Annual dividend
- Eligibility for promotional cash gifts
- Real-time access to your money through NEfirst online services and mobile app
- A secure place to grow your money and plan for tomorrow, allowing you to save up to £85,000
- Improved security to protect your account
Financial Stability and Growth
Stronger Financial Foundation: The merger improves financial stability, enabling more investment in member services and community projects.
Opportunities for Growth: As we grow together, we expect to create more opportunities for members to get involved and benefit.
We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Money Safe?
All savings and deposits up to £85,000 are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Will My Loan Terms Change?
The interest rate and terms of any existing Northumberland Community Bank loans will remain the same until the loan is fully repaid. New loans will be subject to NEfirst’s current terms and conditions.
Will My Account Details Change?
Yes – you will receive a new member number. You can pay money into the Unity bank account using your new member number. You must enter your new member number as the payment reference.
Will My Member Number Change?
Yes – New member number will be in your welcome Email – please use your new number when contacting us.
Will the Ashington Branch Stay Open?
Yes – the Ashington branch will remain open with the same friendly staff. Opening hours will be confirmed in your member letter.
Standing Orders & Other Payments
When setting up standing orders or other payments to your new NEfirst member account, remember to mention your NEFIRST member number as the reference and transfer money to the Unity bank account, Name- Credit Union For South East Northumberland Ltd, Sort Code: 60−83−01 , Account Number: 20161712
How Will Online Banking Work?
Online banking will now be through the NEfirst website and mobile app. The existing Northumberland Community Bank online service will close on 30 September 2025, with NEfirst online banking available from 02 October 2025. Sign-up details will be sent to you in advance.
Will My Payments Be Affected?
All Standing orders need to be updated with your New member number as the reference. You can send the money to the Bank details:
Name- Credit Union For South East Northumberland Ltd, Sort Code: 60−83−01 , Account Number: 20161712
You must include your new member number as the payment reference.
Will the Name ‘Northumberland Community Bank’ Still Exist?
The Northumberland Community Bank name will no longer be used from 01st October 2025, but the organisation will continue as part of NEfirst Credit Union Ltd.
Phone Numbers and Email Addresses
The current Northumberland Community Bank contact details will work for a while, but members can also use NEfirst’s main contact number and email:
📞 03300 553 666
📧 [email protected]
Can I Top-Up My Loan?
With NEfirst, you can apply for a top-up loan (subject to affordability checks and lending policy).
Maximum Savings Limit
You can save up to £85,000 with NEfirst Credit Union.
Savings Returns
NEfirst currently pays annual dividends on savings instead of interest. Dividend rates vary by annual profit and board decision.
Membership Areas
NEfirst’s common bond covers the same area as Northumberland Community Bank, so the merger will not affect any existing members, and the service area will remain unchanged.
Mobile App Configuration
If you had set up any personal app configuration or savings goals with Northumberland Community Bank’s online service, you will need to recreate them in the NEfirst app.