Here are some questions we get asked…
How do I apply for a loan if I am not an existing member?
You can apply for a loan without being a member of Northumberland Community Bank. If you decide to go ahead with the loan then as part of the process you will become a member.
To apply as a non-member download the following application form LINK. Limited appointments are available at our office in Ashington or can be arranged elsewhere – please contact us to If you would like to discuss your circumstances by emailing enquiries@ncbank.co.uk or calling 01670522779
How do I apply for a loan if I am a member?
If you are an existing member you can apply via our members area. Limited appointments are available at our office in Ashington or can be arranged elsewhere – please contact us to discuss your circumstances.
How long does it take?
A decision will be made normally within a few working days but depends upon your circumstances. We will work with you if there is an emergency. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
What % interest do I pay on a loan?
We charge between 0.5% (6.16% APR) and 3% (42.57% APR) per month, depending upon your personal circumstances and the amount you wish to borrow. Interest is calculated daily and applied monthly on the reducing balance. Our average rate varies but is normally around 1.5% per month (19.56% APR).
Is there a minimum or maximum loan amount?
£300 minimum. £15,000 maximum. Our loans are tailored to your requirements and your affordability. Terms are between 6 month and 5 years (60m).
Are there any set up or early settlement fees?
No.
For what purpose can I have a loan?
Loans can be used for a variety of purposes including household goods, holidays, emergencies and for consolidation of existing borrowing (e.g. credit cards and loans from other lenders). If you require a debt consolidation loan – please contact us to discuss this further.
Who can join?
Anyone living or working in Northumberland or employees of Northumberland County Council, Northumbria Health Care Trust, Bernicia, Northumberland Church Of England Academy, Northumberland Citizens Advice Bureau.
How do I join?
On line by clicking Apply Now or alternatively, call us on 01670 522779 and we can help you further.
When your account is opened, you will receive a Welcome Letter confirming your membership details and how to use your account.
Joint accounts can be opened once both parties have become a member. Please follow the account opening process and then contact the office to open the joint account.
What Identification do I need?
We perform an electronic Identification Search as a part of the account opening procedure. In the event that this fails we will require sight of two items of identification, one from each of the following groups:
Photo ID: Examples include: Passport, Driving Licence, Bus Pass.
Address Confirmation: Examples Include: Bank Statement, Utility or Council Tax bill.
These can be scanned and sent with an on-line application, or they can be photocopied and attached to the application form posted via Royal Mail or handed in through one of the NCC Information Centres. (Listed on our website)
We also need your National Insurance Number and details of your nominated bank account to receive withdrawals.
Is there a joining fee?
Yes, £2.75 and then we charge £2.75 annual administration fee at some point in the year, usually in April.
Who are you regulated by and are my details safe?
We are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the PRA, and are fully compliant with Data Protection Laws. Our Privacy Policy can be found here LINK and can be obtained from our Ashington Office. (Your details are not sold to anyone else and only be used for our purposes.
Do you have branches?
We have use of NCC’s Information Centres where you can collect/drop off application forms and ID, obtain help, make a general enquiry and have appointments. You can also pay into your account via the NCC Information Points machines. See our website for more details. Our administration work is carried out in Ashington.
How do I amend my details?
By using the Members Hub you can update your details and select your privacy settings.
How do I access my account?
Accessing your account is easy by logging into our Members Area or via our mobile app https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/incuto/id1450139509 which is provided by our technology partners.
What is the benefit of joining for me?
NCB offers easy, convenient and secure ways for you to both save and borrow money.
By saving with NCB you will also be helping the local community as money held with them is used for lending, often preventing people resorting to payday lenders, loan sharks and other high interest lenders including credit cards.
It also offers affordable loans (from £300 to £15,000) which can be paid back via flexible payment plans and it only encourages you to borrow what you can afford to. As an ethical banking service, loan applications are looked at by a person, not a computer. Interest rates are competitive, there are no hidden fees and no charges for early repayment. The bank will also be flexible with your repayments if your personal circumstances or income changes.
As a Payroll Partner employee you can also pay into savings or repay your NCB loan via payroll deduction. Deductions will be taken from your salary on pay day and shown on your payslip.
Is my money safe?
NCB is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). All savings up to £85,000 are automatically protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Can I do online banking with NCB?
When you become a member you will be sent a welcome email. This will include your membership number and details of how to join the ‘members area’ where you can access your online balance, withdrawals, apply for a loan and update your details. There is also a NCB smartphone app which can be found by searching forincutoin your app store.
Is there a minimum amount I need to pay into a savings account?
There is a minimum of £1 per month saving. You can decide the amount you want to pay per month and if you choose to save through payroll, this will be deducted from your salary.
How do I make a payment to my account?
To make a payment to your account with us, you can do so with the following details:
Account Number – 20161712
Sort Code – 60-83-01
Reference – Membership Number
Can I change the amount I save per month easily?
You can change the amount you want to save by emailing enquiries@ncbank.co.uk or sending NCB a message using your members area, or via the mobile banking app.
Do I have to do everything online?
NCB encourages people to join and apply for a loan online, however you can request an application form to be sent or emailed to your home address or arrange to speak to a member of the NCB team by ringing 01670 522779.
I am worried / stressed about my finances, who can help me?
You can access the following services to help:
Money Advice – https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en
Step Change – https://www.stepchange.org/
CAB Northumberland –energy@citizensadvicenorthumberland.org.uk,
CAB–Money Worries: Text DEBT to 81400 to receive a call Or call 01670 33 99 60 – Monday to Friday (9am -4.30pm)
If you are a member of Unison you can also access financial support through There for You (Unison Welfare). If you need help with this please call the branch office to make arrangements – 01670 529825 ext: 33347 / 33825.
Payroll faqs…
Who can join NCB?
As an employee of our payroll partners you can join the bank through payroll. You can do this by clicking “ApplyNow” above.
In addition, anyone who lives or works in Northumberland can join directly through NCB website.
Do I need to use my work email to join?
Your relationship is with NCB and as a member it is more appropriate to use your personal email address.
Do I need to pay via payroll deduction?
Lots of people find it easier to save if they put their money aside on pay day, that’s why the payroll deduction scheme is popular. You can however, pay via standing order through your own bank, or pay through electronic banking.
If I pay via payroll deduction will it affect my pension?
No, it will not affect your pension as it is taken from your pay after tax, NI and pension contributions have been made.
What happens if I pay by payroll deduction and I leave my organisation/workplace?
Your membership and relationship is directly with NCB. If you leave the trust, we will notify NCB of this and they will contact you directly to make alternative arrangements for your payments.
I don’t have a permanent contract and work as and when, can I join?
If you work on short term contracts or on our staff bank you can apply to join, however you will not be able to apply to be a payroll member as the criteria for salary deduction is that you receive a monthly salary from the trust.
I’m on a fixed term contract, can I join?
If you’re on a fixed term contract (12 months+) you can join NCB as a payroll member.
I work for the PAYROLL Partner, but my partner doesn’t, and we’d like to get a joint loan, is this possible?
You are entitled to apply for a joint loan, providing your partner is eligible to become an NCB member too. You will both be liable for re-paying the loan. If you are a payroll deduction member you can take advantage of applying for the loan through payroll and the repayments will be taken from your monthly salary.
Will my manager or colleagues need to know if I get a loan from the bank?
As with any other bank everything is completely confidential, the relationship is directly with NCB, your manager or colleagues will not be made aware of your financial situation.
How do I contact Northumberland Community Bank?
Postal Address: Northumberland Community Bank, 65 Station Road, Ashington NE63 8RX
Cash Transactions and Enquiries: Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Online Enquiries: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Phone: 01670 522779
Email: enquiries@ncbank.co.uk
“I’m proud to be a member of my community bank helping them to help others!”
Is it right for me?
There are many benefits to choosing a Community Bank, from free savings and loan insurance protection, to knowing that your banking is helping the local community…