Ecology Building Society Reviews 56

TrustScore 4 out of 5

4.0

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Had accounts with Ecology in the past and was not very impressed at all. This morning opened a double access account and wow. What a change. Incredibly impressed. Easy to open the account. Deposit i... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I want to close an account as the interest rate is now really poor. I have sent a withdrawal form and a follow up email but, after over two weeks, have had no response. They seem to be deliberately ev... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

When my mum died I inherited some money and knew she'd prefer me to invest it ethically, where the money is put to good use and not to just make some rich city folk richer. Ecology BS provide an easy... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Setting up a new bank account can be complex with User IDs, passwords, memorable phrases etc etc.I got a bit stuck when I first tried to log in when setting things up, but the phoneline help person w... See more

Company details

  1. Building Society
  2. Bank
  3. Financial Institution
  4. Mortgage Lender
  5. Savings Bank

Written by the company

Ecology Building Society is dedicated to building a greener society by providing mortgages for properties and projects that respect the environment and support sustainable communities, funded through our range of simple, transparent savings accounts. We operate across the UK including Northern Ireland.


Contact info

4.0

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

56 reviews

5-star
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1-star

No history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited their customers, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 80% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I keep getting emails to update or I…

I keep getting emails to update or I won't be able to use the account! I have already updated with the new account number and each time I try to log in, nothing happens. Now I have to ring them again to get the account reactivated. Saving the planet is great but you need to be competent too.

13 June 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Unbelievably good experience

Had accounts with Ecology in the past and was not very impressed at all. This morning opened a double access account and wow. What a change. Incredibly impressed. Easy to open the account. Deposit into the account was instantaneous. Not withdrawn yet. Website is good. App is OK except that it cannot be used on my tablet, only mobile. For a small Building Society this is truly impressive and I would have no hesitation in using them for other accounts.

The only negatives are interest rates are mainly on the low side. And deposits can only be made from your nominated account. Other than that, excellent

8 June 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Thank you so much for your kind review. It’s great to hear what a difference your experience has been.

We’re really pleased the account opening and deposits felt quick and straightforward, as that’s exactly what we’re aiming for.

It’s also helpful to hear your feedback on the app and how you’d like to use it – we’re always looking for ways to improve.

Thanks again for choosing Ecology, and for recommending us – it means a lot.

- Olivia, Ecology

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I want to close an account as the…

I want to close an account as the interest rate is now really poor. I have sent a withdrawal form and a follow up email but, after over two weeks, have had no response. They seem to be deliberately evasive if you want to close an account

8 June 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Thank you for your review, and we’re sorry you were disappointed with the rate and the delay.

We aim to balance the needs of our savers and borrowers as part of our wider mission to support a fairer, more sustainable society.

We understand how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to close an account. If there are any gaps or complications with the information we hold, we need to carry out a few extra checks to keep everything secure, which can sometimes slow things down a little.

Once everything is in place, we aim to process closures as quickly as possible – usually within the same working day.

For future reference, you can request account closure through our Member Services team, your online account, or the Ecology app – whatever works best for you. If you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can also call us on 01535 650 770.

We’re sorry again for the inconvenience, and thank you for your feedback.

- Olivia, Ecology

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Self-builder and Eco home builder Avoid

I had hoped that Ecology Building Society genuinely stood behind its mission of supporting people who invest in sustainable, energy-efficient homes. Unfortunately, my experience suggests otherwise.

Over the last four years, we have dedicated significant time, effort, and financial resources to building a Passivhaus-standard home—a benchmark widely recognised as one of the highest standards in sustainable construction. Our property was designed and built specifically to meet the rigorous environmental requirements that Ecology promotes. We invested in premium insulation, achieved excellent SAP ratings, and ensured the project met the demanding specifications expected of an eco-focused lender.

Despite this commitment, our application was effectively dismissed at the first stage because of a single missed payment from several years ago, during a period of financial pressure directly related to funding this self-build project.

This raises an important question: how realistic is it to expect absolute perfection from self-builders undertaking complex and expensive sustainable construction projects? Building an eco-home from a barn conversion is a challenging undertaking, and occasional financial setbacks are not uncommon. A lender that claims to support sustainable self-builders should be capable of assessing applicants holistically rather than relying on a rigid, box-ticking approach.

I am extremely disappointed. Based on my experience, I would encourage other self-builders and eco-home developers to carefully consider traditional mortgage providers, many of whom appear more willing to assess individual circumstances and work constructively with applicants rather than issuing blanket rejections based on a single historical credit issue.

4 June 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re really sorry to hear how disappointing this has been, especially given the care, effort and investment you’ve put into your project.

We know self-build journeys can be complex, and we aim to take a thoughtful, individual approach to each application, particularly for sustainable homes. We do support a wide range of applications and have helped many people secure a mortgage, but we also need to apply our lending criteria consistently to make sure we’re lending responsibly to all our members.

We understand that this can feel frustrating in situations like the one you’ve described, and we’re sorry we weren’t able to support your project on this occasion.

If it would be helpful, our team would be very open to talking through your application in more detail and providing further feedback.

Thank you again for sharing your experience – it’s something we take on board.

- Olivia, Ecology

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

RE MORTGAGE APP

RE MORTGAGE APP. The 1 star rating folk r correct. NIT PICKING. They fail people for the slightest blemish . Very amateurish , run by unqualified people. AVOID TOADSTOOLS

28 May 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Thank you for your feedback – we’re sorry to hear this was your experience with us.

We aim to take a fair and considered approach to every application, particularly where things are a little outside the standard. At the same time, we do need to apply our lending criteria consistently to make sure we’re acting responsibly for all our members.

We understand this can feel frustrating, especially when things don’t go the way you’d hoped.

If you’d be open to it, we’d welcome the chance to look into your experience in more detail, so please feel free to get in touch with us directly.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback.

- Olivia, Ecology

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Supports others to protect the environment

I selected Ecology Building Society to invest some money because of their environmental credentials. I found it interesting reading reviews of how is has financed eco projects, conversions, etc. Each I receive an invite to attend the AGM which always looks interesting as members who have benefitted from mortgages or loans talk about their experience. But the venue is too far way. But I get to read about it. I would not hesitated to recommend the Ecology Building Society to other people who want to see their money be used in an ecologically friendly way.

31 March 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Thank you for your thoughtful review – it’s wonderful to hear what drew you to Ecology.

We’re glad being able to support environmentally focused projects is important to you, it’s at the heart of what we do.

It’s great to hear you enjoy the AGM updates too. We appreciate your feedback on location, and we’ll take that on board as we continue to look at how we make these events accessible for more members.

Thank you again for your support and recommendation.

- Olivia, Ecology

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous organisation.

Fabulous organisation.

I am very happy I made the switch from a high street bank. It is good to know my money is being looked after whilst doing something positive

12 February 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Larry,

Thank you for making the switch to us and for leaving us a five star review. We really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A sustainable and friendly company

A friendly company with a strong ethical agenda where I know my savings are safe and being put to good use.

12 February 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Philippa,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My mum would've approved

When my mum died I inherited some money and knew she'd prefer me to invest it ethically, where the money is put to good use and not to just make some rich city folk richer. Ecology BS provide an easy to negotiate website and faultless service. I feel good about having chosen to put my mum's money here

31 January 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Dominic,

We're so sorry to hear about your mum. Choosing to invest in a way that reflects your mum's values is a wonderful tribute.

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, we truly appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Simple withdrawal process from a BS…

Simple withdrawal process from a BS which does a lot of good for individuals, environment and the planet/

26 January 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Customer,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really appreciate your feedback.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Trustworthy

Trustworthy, ethical, unwavering in their values. A great way to save, knowing your money is not harming people or the environment.

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Phil

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent business

Easy to navigate, clear instructions.

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Liz,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Ecology Building Society is an…

The Ecology Building Society is an ‘eco-friendly’ banking service that allows me to save with a clear conscience knowing that their loans & investments aren’t damaging our fragile world.

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Christopher,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Excellent, personal service. Always answer the phone at once. And totally ethical. Have been a member for many years. Highly recommended.

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Simon,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, and for your continued support.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Ethical Building Society - highly recommend

Ethical Building Society - easy to do business with and very efficient online service

5 February 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Michael,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager - Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A care of the environment Building Society.

With care of the environment as its purpose and practice on many domestic initiatives, a Building Society that gives Savers assurance for the long-term.

30 December 2025
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Colin,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really appreciate it.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager, Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Deserving of Wider Recognition

I recently spoke with our local new Green Party candidate who had never heard of the Ecology Building Society! I have had an account with them since they opened in 1980 and value them as part of my money management arrangements. They deserve to be much more widely known...

7 January 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Caroline,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review and for speaking about us to your local Green Party candidate. We really appreciate you spreading the word about Ecology!

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager, Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

helpful staff real people uk based…

helpful staff real people in uk based office can speak my language clearly and have commonsense to answer and contributure to the conversation.
Most refreshing.
I have supported for years. They do excellent work, their heart is in the right place!

28 November 2025
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Dr hills,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

We really appreciate your feedback and your continued support.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager, Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Building Society with great…

Fantastic Building Society with great values

Colleagues are genuinely helpful, caring and considerate

6 January 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Constantine,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really appreciate your support.

Thank you,
Laura - Marketing Manager, Member Communications

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

My thoughts

I've been with the Society for many years now. I love their ethical policy. Withdrawing money appears to be rigourously protected by the in place security measures, and oaying in is easy vis BACS. It would be good if an ISA that paid monthly interest was offered, as would the facility to pay in cssh via the Post Office, bur apart from that, I am very pleased with them. Try them. You'll like them.

6 January 2026
Unprompted review
Ecology Building Society logo

Reply from Ecology Building Society

Hi Adrian,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, we really appreciate your continued support.

Thank you

Laura - Marketing Manager, Member Communications

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