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Frequenty Asked Questions
About the Credit Union
When was the Lascelles Credit Union Formed?
September 19, 1968.
What is the difference between a Credit Union and a regular commercial bank?
A Credit Union is owned by its members. One Member = One Vote. Every member has permanent shares of a certain amount that gives them ownership or represents their equity in the Credit Union. Nb. The permanent shares required for Lascelles Credit Union is $2,000.00
The Credit Union offers a wide range of products and services similar to that of the commercial banks but generally at better rates. Credit Unions also tend to be more flexible in assisting the members because we don’t see you as just another client, you are family.
There are also a few products that are unique only to the Credit Union movement, for example products offered by the Cuna Mutual Group. For more information visit https://www.cunamutualjamaica.com/
How often are the financials made available to the membership?
Our financials are made available yearly and can be viewed on our website or in the hall of the Credit Union office.
Is the Credit Union audited?
- External Auditors – yearly
- Internal Auditors – quarterlyIs the Credit Union audited?
When does the Credit Union normally convene its Annual General Meeting (AGM)?
AGM is usually held between the last week in May and the first 2 weeks in June. Alerts are normally sent out as to the specific date.
Does Lascelles Credit Union have guidelines?
Yes. there are guiding princples and rules that govern how we operate.
Read our rule book for more information
Membership Related
Who can join the Credit Union?
Open Bond. Open to You.
Now, We’re Open to Everyone.
The relationships that built Lascelles remain an important part of who we are, but membership is no longer limited to those connections.
Whether you’re an employee, entrepreneur, professional, business owner or simply looking for a financial institution where you can build, you can become part of Lascelles.
Lascelles has grown from strong relationships with employees, businesses and communities connected to our original partner companies. Today, our bond is open, giving more people the opportunity to become a member and access the benefits of belonging to Lascelles.
You don’t need to work for one of our partner companies to join. If you’re ready to build with us, there’s a place for you at Lascelles.
Our Partner Companies
Our journey began through relationships with companies connected to the former Lascelles deMercado Group of Companies and has continued to grow through partnerships across industries.
Our partner companies include:
- J Wray & Nephew
- Lascelles
- AJAS
- Carreras Ltd.
- Appleton Estate
- New Yarmouth
- Federated Pharmaceuticals
- Agricultural Chemicals Plant
- Kingston Industrial Garage
- Globe Insurance Company (now Guardian General)
…and the many businesses and organizations connected to them.
Join Lascelles. Build your future with us.
Can I retain my membership even after leaving my place of work?
Certainly. Once a member always a member!
Can my family members join this Credit Union?
Your immediate family members are welcomed to join our credit union family!
Can I open an account for my child?
We encourage members to do this. Open a child account for as little as $500. The account is an interest earning account and you will be able to use this account to assist you in getting loans for educational expenses relating to the child.
What documents do I need to open an account?
- Proof of Current and Mailing Address
- 2 valid picture-bearing identification cards (e.g. Passport, Driver’s Licence, Voter’s ID)
- $5,100.00
- $2,500 – Permanent Shares,
- $2,000 – Voluntary Shares,
- $570 – Entrance Fee +GCT
Special Services
Does the Credit Union have its own debit card?
Yes we do. Apply for one today, the process only takes 5 minutes. Avoid collecting cheques, just ask us to put the proceeds of your loan or withdrawal unto the debit card.
Does the Credit Union offer online banking?
Yes we do. To go online you will need to have one of our debit cards. Online application forms are available on our website www.lascellescreditunion.com (Tools/Forms ->Downloadable Forms)
Do I always have to come into your office to conduct business?
No. We have made provisions for you. With the signing of our indemnity form you can email or fax in your instructions and we will action your request be it loan or withdrawal.
Deposits: There are also alternate avenues for some transactions e.g. you may deposit monies to our bank account (online or visit the actual bank):
NCB #171191246 & Scotia # 838810 (Branch Code# 90175)
Loans: Also, you can request a preliminary mobile loan interview for urgent needs.
If I transact business with the Credit Union, how are the monies paid to me?
There are many ways to receive the proceeds of a loan or withdrawal transaction.
- On your access plus debit card – immediate access
- On a cheque payable to you or a payee authorized by you
- Lodged to your commercial bank account
Can I set up a standing order at the Credit Union to pay other institutions?
You can set up a standing order arrangement with the credit union for us to remit funds to other financial institutions on your behalf. Why stand in line to pay when we can do it for you?
Loan Accounts
How long do I have to be a member before I can access a loan?
Ready to borrow? There’s no waiting period.
Once you become a member and meet the requirements for your chosen loan, you can apply without having to wait three months. From savings-backed financing to mortgages, motor vehicle loans and unsecured loans, your next financial move can start when you’re ready.
What is the standard turn-around time for basic transactions?
- Loans secured by your own money – 24 hours
- Payday Loan – 2 days
- Motor Vehicle Loan – if you submit all documents, 5-7 days.
- Mortgage Loans – varies based on situation
- Loans backed by other security – varies based on situation and security being used
- Loans requested outside of Credit Union policy (requiring a waiver) – up to 14 days
What kinds of loans do you generally offer?
We offer loans for any wise or prudent purpose. Loans generally fall into one of two major categories- secured or unsecured. Secured loans are usually backed by acceptable form of security whilst unsecured loans generally require no collateral.
What are the acceptable forms of security?
- Property
- Land
- Motor Vehicle not older than 10 years old
- Cash / Shares / Deposits / Investment held by you
- Cash / Shares / Deposits / Investment held by others upon their authorization
How long do I usually get to repay loans?
This depends on the type of loan you take. Unsecured loans usually do not exceed 60 months of repayment, whilst a secured loan can go as long as 4-40 years depending on what is used as security and your age at the time of the loan application. Other factors not mentioned here can also affect the length of time given to repay the loan (e.g. the length of your employment contract)
Special Services
Does the Credit Union have its own debit card?
Yes we do. Apply for one today, the process only takes 5 minutes. Avoid collecting cheques, just ask us to put the proceeds of your loan or withdrawal unto the debit card.
Does the Credit Union offer online banking?
Yes we do. To go online you will need to have one of our debit cards. Online application forms are available on our website www.lascellescreditunion.com (Tools/Forms ->Downloadable Forms)
Do I always have to come into your office to conduct business?
No. We have made provisions for you. With the signing of our indemnity form you can email or fax in your instructions and we will action your request be it loan or withdrawal.
Deposits: There are also alternate avenues for some transactions e.g. you may deposit monies to our bank account (online or visit the actual bank):
NCB #171191246 & Scotia # 838810 (Branch Code# 90175)
Loans: Also, you can request a preliminary mobile loan interview for urgent needs.
If I transact business with the Credit Union, how are the monies paid to me?
There are many ways to receive the proceeds of a loan or withdrawal transaction.
- On your access plus debit card – immediate access
- On a cheque payable to you or a payee authorized by you
- Lodged to your commercial bank account
Can I set up a standing order at the Credit Union to pay other institutions?
You can set up a standing order arrangement with the credit union for us to remit funds to other financial institutions on your behalf. Why stand in line to pay when we can do it for you?
Loan Accounts
How long do I have to be a member before I can access a loan?
Ready to borrow? There’s no waiting period.
Once you become a member and meet the requirements for your chosen loan, you can apply without having to wait three months. From savings-backed financing to mortgages, motor vehicle loans and unsecured loans, your next financial move can start when you’re ready.
What is the standard turn-around time for basic transactions?
- Loans secured by your own money – 24 hours
- Payday Loan – 2 days
- Motor Vehicle Loan – if you submit all documents, 5-7 days.
- Mortgage Loans – varies based on situation
- Loans backed by other security – varies based on situation and security being used
- Loans requested outside of Credit Union policy (requiring a waiver) – up to 14 days
What kinds of loans do you generally offer?
We offer loans for any wise or prudent purpose. Loans generally fall into one of two major categories- secured or unsecured. Secured loans are usually backed by acceptable form of security whilst unsecured loans generally require no collateral.
What are the acceptable forms of security?
- Property
- Land
- Motor Vehicle not older than 10 years old
- Cash / Shares / Deposits / Investment held by you
- Cash / Shares / Deposits / Investment held by others upon their authorization
How long do I usually get to repay loans?
This depends on the type of loan you take. Unsecured loans usually do not exceed 60 months of repayment, whilst a secured loan can go as long as 4-40 years depending on what is used as security and your age at the time of the loan application. Other factors not mentioned here can also affect the length of time given to repay the loan (e.g. the length of your employment contract)
Saving/Investment Accounts
What are some of the saving/investment accounts offered at the Credit Union?
We offer a wide array of saving and investment type products to include Voluntary Share, Partner Plans, Child Account Saving, and Ordinary Deposit. There are other investment-type products available to include Fixed Deposits, Golden Harvest, Compounder investment and others.
Can my investment at the Credit Union be used as collateral/security for a loan?
Yes. All free and unencumbered deposits can be used as security for a loan being borrowed by yourself or one being borrowed by another member you are willing to stand security for.
Regular Transactions
How can I check my balances?
To know your account balances, simply call our office and speak to the representative who answers the phone. Any credit union employee can give you your balances. You may also login online to view your balances.
How do I apply for a loan?
Some loans may require your actual presence at the Credit Union for proper interviewing to take place (e.g. Mortgage Loans, Small business Loans etc.). Otherwise loan forms are available online (www.lascellescreditunion.com Tools/Forms -> Downloadable Forms).
How do I apply for a withdrawal from my account?
This is done on a ‘Withdrawal Form’. Providing that the monies you are requesting is available.
How do I transfer monies to my debit card?
This is done by way of a ‘Journal Form’ which is also available online. Note that all forms are also at the credit union office if you are not able to access our website.
Are there circumstances where I have monies in my account but yet it is not available for use?
Yes, this generally occurs when you have offered the monies as security/collateral for a loan you took out or a loan taken out by another member who you ‘stood security’ for.
There are also some major loans like mortgage and motor vehicle loans that consider shares as the first security and as such your shares is usually not available for withdrawal. Other deposits and saving however would still be available.
How can I make changes to my Salary Deduction?
This is a quick and easy process. Go to our website www.lascellescreditunion.comand download the ‘Deduction Forms’ (Tools/Forms ->Downloadable Forms) complete and return to our office via email or fax.
Please note that new deduction instructions supersede the first, as such, when writing please ensure that the deduction amount encompasses all transactions (loans, standing orders, saving, child account etc.)
Insurance Products
Are my loans and saving insured?
The Loan Protection and Life Saving Plan (LPLS) cover your loan and saving against death or total disability. All loans are insured for up to $2,000,000 JMD.
Loans exceeding this amount will require you to provide additional insurance for the difference between the $2M and the amount being borrowed.
Saving is insured up to $150,000, should you die your beneficiaries will receive all that is in your account plus the insurance coverage of the $150,000 subject to other conditions. For more information https://www.cunamutualjamaica.com/
How does the Golden Harvest Work?
This is a decreasing term life insurance that insures the saving goal you have set for yourself. With the interest we pay you on your saving, you are bound to increase your wealth. For more information visit https://www.cunamutualjamaica.com/
Do you offer any Health Insurance Coverage?
We do offer health insurance coverage both local and international. Both plans are offered through Caribbean Assurance Brokers.
Other Insurance Products?
There are also other insurance products available to suit your needs, you can get life insurance coverage for a little as $12,000.00 per annum
General Information
What are the Credit Union’s opening hours?
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m every weekday
If I have any commendations, queries or complaints to whom do I speak?
For all member-related complaints or queries please direct them to Member Services Manager or email them to feedback@lascellescreditunion.com
When is member appreciation day?
This is done on a ‘Withdrawal Form’. Providing that the monies you are requesting is available.