Opening Hours

KCU operates 3 branches in Killarney, Kenmare, and Cahersiveen.

Killarney: Open 6 days a week (Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–2 p.m.).

Cahersiveen: Open 5 days a week (Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Kenmare: Open 4 days a week (Mon, Tue, Thu &
Fri 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.).

Members can make appointments outside normal branch hours when needed. Saturday openings provide extra convenience and flexibility.

Website/Online Access & Phone App

KCU’s website provides full details of all products and services. Members can access their accounts online for transfers, loan applications, withdrawals, and more. The phone app gives 24/7 access from anywhere.

The website, online services, and phone app are essential tools that support both day-to-day transactions and wider business activities.

Presence

Friendly and professional staff are always available in-branch to help members.

Members value face-to-face interactions and feel welcome when visiting branches. Online services continue to grow, showing that KCU is offering flexible access in ways that suit members’ preferences.

Loans

Loans are a core part of KCU’s services and often the main reason people join. KCU aims to be members’ first choice for financial needs. This year there were 2,842 loans issued totalling €27.1 million bringing the loan book to €64 million.

Loan growth increased by 11.88%, with an additional €6.9 million added to the loan book, bringing it to €64 million. KCU now lends an average of €2.25 million per month to communities in South and East Kerry.

Loan income supports financial stability and sustainability. By offering competitive loans, KCU helps members meet their goals while generating income to reinvest in services and community development.

Current Account

Current Account provided by KCU gives members a reliable option for everyday banking. It is a full service account designed for convenience, trust, and responsible money management.

With low, transparent fees (as little as €4 per month), the account is one of the most competitively priced options available on the market. Current Accounts are available for members aged 12 and over, including students and OAPs.

Financial Planning

Through a partnership with Irish Life Financial Services, KCU helps members plan for better financial futures and protect themselves from risk.

Members can receive a free financial review, covering pensions, savings, investments, and protection.

Bureau de Change

KCU provides a foreign exchange service in all three branches through Fexco Ireland.

This foreign exchange service is available free of charge to members.

Training

Training is available for volunteers and staff. Regulatory training provided.

Training is regularly provided. Mandatory training in Anti Money Laundering, Data Protection, and ethics is undertaken annually.

ECCU Loan Protection

Loan Protection Insurance is a service offered exclusively by credit unions.

It is designed to clear the remaining loan balance on the death of an eligible member. These claim payments help reduce the financial burden on the member’s next of kin during a difficult time.

€113,100 was paid out last year under this protection.

This unique service provides significant value by protecting members who borrow with the credit union. A benefit is paid in the event of a member’s death, helping their family manage financially. Terms and conditions apply.

ECCU Life Savings

Life Savings Insurance provides an extra savings benefit on top of a deceased member’s existing savings. This benefit is paid to the person(s) nominated by the member, with no direct cost to members.

€137,200 was paid out last year through this service.

Credit unions offer this service because they operate for the benefit of their members. Unlike many financial institutions, this protection is provided free of charge.

These benefits reward members for saving with their credit union and offer peace of mind that their loved ones will receive financial support.

Irish Life

Irish Life Financial Services offers a free financial review to KCU members. As a financial intermediary, they can assess
members’ needs around protection, retirement, savings, and investments.

Members can meet with a qualified financial adviser at no cost.

Financial decisions can be overwhelming, and planning ahead gives members confidence and peace of mind. This service helps members address the financial matters that are most important to them.peace of mind and helps take care of the things that matter.

Competitive Loan Rates

KCU offers a variety of loan products with competitive terms and conditions. Loan rates begin as low as 4.79% (4.9%) for unsecured lending and 3.85% (3.92% APR) for secured lending.

Members need financial flexibility, and our competitively priced loan products help them manage life’s changing demands. Our low-cost loans are designed to offer great value and adaptability.

Access to Low Value Loans

KCU provides small loans starting from €100. In the last financial year: 847 loans were issued Values ranged from €100 to €2,000. Total issued: €1,053,500. These loans accounted for 29% of all loans granted.

KCU offers Personal Micro Credit Loans such as the “It Makes Sense Loan”, aimed mainly at members receiving social welfare. These products provide a safe, fair alternative to high-cost moneylenders who often target small-loan borrowers. Many traditional lenders do not offer loans at these levels, but KCU ensures members have reliable access to credit.

Green Loans

To promote energy efficiency, KCU offers low-interest Green Loans for home upgrades, retrofitting, and transport improvements.

Members can borrow up to €80,000 for Home Initiatives and up to €60,000 for Transport Initiatives. Rates are among the most competitive available, starting at 4.79% (4.9% APR). These loans help members invest in a greener future while saving money.

SME Commercial Lending / Cultivate Farm Finance

KCU lends to local businesses and farmers. At year-end, there was €2,166,200 on the loan book given out to businesses and farmers in our common bond.

Supporting local business growth is an important part of our mission. By providing accessible credit to SMEs, we help strengthen the community and support local jobs and enterprise.

Cultivate is a nationwide Credit Union initiative providing quick, accessible farm finance. It offers short and medium-term loans tailored to the needs of farmers. KCU is proud to support the farming community through the Cultivate collaboration.

Mortgage Lending

Killarney Credit Union has just launched a new standard mortgage product aimed at new home buyers and switchers. The ‘Credit Union Mortgage’ offers a single variable interest rate of 3.85% (APRC 3.92%), which is among the lowest variable rates currently available in the market. This product is now live, and we hope to gradually grow this product over the coming year. Members can borrow for home purchases securely with KCU. Eligible members can apply for mortgages up to €400,000.

• Max Loan-to-Value: 80%
• 90% LTV available for First-Time Buyers.

KCU’s mortgage product often serves members who may not qualify with other lenders. As of 30/09/25, €6,555,312 million was on the mortgage loan book. Our mortgage solutions provide members with fair, accessible options for home ownership.

Charitable Donations, Clubs & Other Sponsorship

In the financial year ending 30 September 2025, KCU donated over €60,000 to local charities, clubs, community groups, schools, and educational initiatives.

We strongly support local charities, with many of our staff taking part in community fundraising events such as runs, walks, and fashion shows.

Our branches regularly provide space to local charities for events like Hospice Coffee Mornings, Daffodil Day and Down Syndrome Honey Day.

We’ve supported numerous charitable events including Down Syndrome Pancake Morning, Alzheimer’s National Denim Day, and Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness.

KCU takes our role in the community very seriously. Sponsorship is one of the many ways we give back to our members and the wider community.

We sponsor a variety of sports clubs and activities such as GAA, soccer, rowing, athletics, basketball, and rugby.

Our goal is to maintain a presence at as many community events as possible - either by attending, promoting, or offering sponsorship.

Local business support

CU Easypay strengthens our business relationships within our common bond.

Green Loans and Home Improvement Loans help create employment locally.

We are committed to using local businesses and service providers whenever possible (e.g., repair services).

CU Easypay makes it easier for members to support local businesses. Members can use the initiative to spread the cost of goods and services from participating local business partners. This initiative highlights the meaningful impact a credit union can have on the local economy.

Our green and home improvement loans further support job creation and economic growth across the community.

By choosing local suppliers ourselves, we are reinforcing our commitment to supporting local enterprise.

Surplus returned to members

A key aspect of the Credit Union Difference is that any surplus generated is reinvested into enhancing services for our members.

Unlike many financial institutions, as a not-for-profit co-operative we use surpluses to improve the supports and services available to our members.

Lower cost credit

We offer fair and ethical interest rates, and every loan application is assessed based on a member’s capacity to repay.

We encourage vulnerable members to avoid high cost moneylenders. KCU regularly reviews market rates and conducts research to ensure our loan offerings remain competitive.

Member Savings

KCU provides members with a secure and reliable place to save. All Credit Union savings in the Republic of Ireland are safeguarded by the Deposit Protection Scheme operated by the Central Bank, offering protection on savings up to €100,000. Additional cover is also provided through the ILCU Savings Protection Scheme.

Member savings are free from any fees or charges.

Dividend

This year the Board of Killarney Credit Union were delighted to be in a position to recommend a dividend of 0.15% to our members. The Directors carefully considered the current interest rate environment as well as measures to seek a fair balance to reward our members.

The Board feel that the level of dividend is prudent and represents a good return for “demand” or “on call” savings. Our goal is to continue strengthening our financial position so we can deliver even greater value to our members through competitive rates, enhanced services, and reinvestment in the community.

Community Loans

KCU offers a Community Loan product with the following rates:

• 0–2 years: 6.5% (minimum loan €2,000)
• 2–5 years: 6% (minimum loan €5,000)
• 5–15 years: 5.5% (minimum loan €20,000)

Enhancing the product and strengthening communication with community groups will help increase awareness of the loan. Our sponsorships and partnerships with local clubs also support this loan offering and make it more appealing for community borrowing needs.

Location

Our branches in Killarney, Kenmare, and Cahersiveen are centrally located, giving members easy access to in-person services. Being based in the heart of each town means we play an important role in local community life.

We also maintain an active presence on social media through Facebook and Instagram.

Although our online services continue to grow, we believe that maintaining a physical presence is vital for serving our members. Our common bond extends widely across South & East Kerry.We are proud to operate in towns where many other financial institutions have reduced services or closed their doors.

Social Media/ Media Activity

Social media is now an essential part of how we operate and grow as an organisation.

Our social media channels play an important role in our daily operations. We regularly share relevant updates, product and service information, promotional content, and details about sponsorships, community initiatives, and events.

Involvement in Youth Activities

Schools Quiz

We take part each year in the Credit Union Schools Quiz. More than 70 teams from over 30 schools within our common bond participate. This ongoing involvement helps us build strong connections with local schools.

Sponsorship donations relating to Youth

We sponsor various youth-focused groups, clubs, and organisations, with young people directly benefiting from this support.

Our sponsorships include a wide range of activities such as football, hurling, basketball, soccer, camogie, music groups, school bands, athletics, park runs, and rowing.

Member Open Day

Each branch hosts a member appreciation week, encouraging new memberships and promoting current accounts.

Members, clubs, and families are welcome to visit, meet our team, and sign up young people as new members.

Contribution of volunteers

Killarney Credit Union has 14 volunteers. 11 volunteers on the Board of Directors and 3 on the Board Oversight Committee. These volunteers bring varying skillsets and expertise to the decision making at KCU.

Credit unions wouldn’t exist without their volunteers. Our volunteers have given hours of their time at no charge working for the betterment of our credit union.

Training for volunteers

Killarney Credit Union provides and offers access to regular training and courses to volunteers.

Killarney Credit Union is committed to supporting our volunteers by providing adequate and appropriate training. By doing this we not only invest in the individual, but we see it as an investment for the entire local community.

Awards

Killarney Credit Union was awarded the prestigious “Members Choice Credit Union of the Year” at the 2025 All-Ireland Credit Union Awards in October 2025.

This national award recognises the credit union that has demonstrated exceptional service, community engagement, innovation, and – most importantly – unwavering support from its members. As the only award in the programme based solely on member nominations and votes, it is a true reflection of the loyalty and trust Killarney Credit Union has earned throughout the community.

Complaint resolution

We have very few complaints and any complaints are dealt with swiftly and professionally.

Overall members are highly satisfied with the services offered by KCU. In our last survey 97% of members said they were likely to recommend KCU to family and friends.

Other examples

We are at the heart of the community and we respond to our communities needs especially in times of crisis.

Social responsibility and care for the communities we serve is built into credit unions through our operating principles.

Loans to support green initiatives

Green Loan - In October 2022 KCU launched our Green Loan offering. This product was launched to provide accessible means for our members to access finance for green initiatives. These products are currently one of the most competitive loan offerings of their type on the market with rates from as little as 4.79%(4.9% APR).

In the last financial year these Green Loan products paid out €6,239,900 in 205 loans.

KCU green loan product offerings cater for Transport and Home Initiatives. They provide easy access to affordable credit for green initiatives.

Creation of a Environmental & Sustainability Brief

As part of our strategic plan implementation we developed an action plan for KCU for its Waste, Energy and Circular Economy. This plan incorporates internal procedures and practices and also member awareness programs, community education and provision of suitable services.

KCU was operating as a Linear Economy and our goal is to progress to a more sustainable circular economy. We are currently progressing through the next phase of our action plan.

Local CU Initiatives

We encourage our members at every opportunity where possible to sign up for online banking and go paper free by signing up for eStatements and AGM notices.

There is an information note on the counter receipts encouraging members to sign up for e-AGM and eStatements in an effort to reduce paper usage.