Many Credit Unions dont need to check your ICB or income details if you re borrowing less than your shares. Some do, as they are all independently run by their own board & management.
ICB is not the be all & end all of decision making. It's a guide, as is the payment history of the borrower, the savings history, and the current & future income to service any & all loan repayments . There is really no point in adding more debt to someones plate, if they cant service the debt they have already.
Credit Unions are there to HELP members, not just to blindly say yes every time. If you encounter any problem, just arrange to speak with a manager and see what you need to so in order to get the loan you want.
From the 1st October 2013, the CUCORA12 Credit Union act places much more emphasis on managers managing and Boards looking after Strategy. Managers do want to lend, and the staff will be guided by what they deem you can afford. Sometimes your credit rating will have a small blip that is not an issue. Other times your credit rating will show credit card debt written off or at legal collection, and clearly that is a signal to a lender.
From the little I know, Credit Unions say YES more often than any other lenders, and give you the decision as fast as you need it. Credit Unions know that they would not exist without their members, and they were set up to provide a service to members, and this is what they strive to do every day.
Its good to talk!!