Our Story
Elevate Credit Union Limited was founded in 1964 as Douglas Credit Union Limited, with a clear purpose: to provide financial support to the local community and protect people from the loan sharks that were prevalent in Douglas at the time. From the outset, it empowered members to take control of their finances and access fair, affordable credit.
While Douglas has evolved significantly over the years, the core ethos of Elevate Credit Union has remained unchanged, to serve our members. As a not-for-profit financial institution, we exist solely for the benefit of our members. When you join Elevate Credit Union, you become a part owner, with a real stake in how we operate and grow.
As demand for services increased, a second branch was opened in Grange in 2007. This office has continued to grow and thrive, with a significant proportion of our membership now based in the area.
In 2016, Elevate Credit Union completed its first merger with Passage West/Monkstown Credit Union. This was a key milestone, expanding our common bond and allowing more people across a wider geographic area to access our services.
In 2024, Elevate Credit Union further expanded through a merger with Glanmire Credit Union, strengthening our presence in the region and enhancing the range of services available to members. As well as delivering improved services, this amalgamation has had a positive impact on the communities we serve, reinforcing our commitment to local initiatives, sponsorships, and community development across the greater Douglas, Glanmire, and Passage West areas.
Looking ahead, 2026 will mark another exciting chapter with the proposed merger with Synergy Credit Union. Elevate currently serves members across Douglas, Grange, Glanmire and Passage West, while Synergy operates in Fermoy, Watergrasshill and on the Lower Glanmire Road in Cork city. Together, the combined credit union will serve a population of over 141,000 people. This merger creates a stronger, more resilient organisation with greater capacity to invest in enhanced services, modern technology, and expanded lending opportunities for our members and communities.
Throughout every stage of our journey, our focus has remained the same. While the financial landscape continues to evolve, Elevate Credit Union continues to adapt and grow to meet the changing needs of our members, always keeping them at the heart of everything we do.
How are Credit Unions Different?
Not-for-profit democratic financial cooperatives owned by members
When you join a credit union you are a member not a customer
Loans and savings are insured at no direct cost to an eligible member
No penalty for lump sum repayments or early loan repayments
Our Credit Union offers a number of services to the members
Current Account available with low and transparent fees
CUs are the organisations offering the best customer experience in Ireland
We’re digital when you want it, but human when you need it
Our Common Bond
At Elevate Credit Union, our common bond is built on the shared community values and connections that bring people together. We’re proud to serve individuals who live, work, or have meaningful ties across our designated areas, which are listed below. Whether you’re a resident, an employee of a local business, or have family members who are already part of our credit union, you’re welcome to join our community.
Membership at Elevate Credit Union means access to financial services rooted in trust, cooperation, and a commitment to mutual success. Our common bond is more than a geographic connection—it’s a foundation that supports the financial well-being of all our members. Together, we’re building a stronger, more empowered community, one member at a time.
Douglas | Glanmire Village | Araglen |
Passage West | Woodville | Ballyduff |
Ringaskiddy | Ardbarra / Church Hill / Castlejane | Ballyhooly |
Shanbally | Glanmire Court | Castlelyons |
Monkstown | Barnavarra Hill | Castletownroche |
Grange | Lota | Conna |
Frankfield | Richmond (Townland) | Glanworth |
Donnybrook | New Inn | Glenville |
Maryborough Hill | Eastcliffe / Glanmire Bridge | Fermoy |
Rochestown | Caherlag / Glounthaune / Windsor Hill | Kilworth |
Hazelwood / Glencairn | Little Island | Kildorrery |
Riverstown / School Terrace / Riverstown Ballindenisk | Ballinglanna | Leamlara |
Springmount / Heatherview | Carberry Town | Rathcormac |
Poulnacurry / Heatherview | Lacken Roe | Watergrasshill |
Ballincrossig | Glyntown | Tivoli |
Meadowbrook | Dunkettle | Lower Glanmire Road |
Marble Park | Killacloyne / Kilcoolishal / Carrigtwohill | Middle Glanmire Road |
St Joseph's View | Corbally | Horgan’s Quay |
Brookville | Brooklodge Grove / Brooklodge Square | Patrick’s Quay |
Watergrasshill / Glenville | Butlerstown | McCurtain Street |
Killydonaghue | Brookhill / Beechwood Avenue | Leitrim Street |
Templeisque | Ballyvinny | Richmond Hill |
St Stephen's Hospital | New Line / Coppervalley Vue | Rathmore Park |
Killalough | Brooklodge | Pope’s Road |
Sarsfield Court | Upper Glanmire | Thomas Kent Park |
Marwood / Riverview | Whites Cross / Carrignabhearr | Old Youghal Road |
Oakfield | Ballyphilip | St. Luke’s and surrounding areas |
Edenbrook Old Avenue / Orchard Manor | Coole East | |
Riverstown Village | Knockraha | |
Sallybrook / Elm Grove / Hayville | Leamlara | |
Heatherview | Blossomgrove | |
Willow Gardens | Rougrane | |
Chestnut Meadows | Rathcooney / Knocknahorgan / Springhill | |
The Hermitage / Barrymore Court | New Inn | |
Richmond / Glenrichmond | Banduff |
FAQs
Elevate Credit Union is a not for profit co-operative, whose members can save money with and borrow from them.
A common bond defines the area from which we can welcome new members. To join Elevate Credit Union, you must either live or work within this designated region.
Our common bond extends from Douglas to Glanmire, including:
📍 Grange, Frankfield, Donnybrook, Maryborough Hill, Rochestown
📍 Passage West, Monkstown, Shanbally
📍 Little Island, Knockraha, Watergrasshill
Curious if you're eligible? Check our common bond.
Members are people who have an account with us.
The main benefit of being a member of Elevate Credit Union is that you are an owner of the credit union. We don't charge members maintenance fees for using our services. We also have Online Banking so members can access their account wherever they are. A full range of our services can be viewed here.
Shares are what we call savings. For example, every €1 saved is equivalent to 1 share in Elevate Credit Union. All shares are pooled together into a common fund.
A common fund is all the money that members have in savings. As the amount of shares builds up, the common fund grows. This is then available for providing loans to members. Saving regularly means that this pool grows and the amount available to members to borrow grows.
Every member over the age of 16 is entitled to nominate a person, or persons, to receive their shares in Elevate Credit Union should they pass on.
If you would like to become a member, you can find full details on joining here.
