Cookie Policy

Cookie policy

 

What are Cookies?

Like the majority of websites, our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files which contain small amounts of information that are downloaded to your device when you visit a website. These Cookies are then sent back to the originating website on each visit, or to another website that recognises that Cookie. Cookies are useful because they let a website recognise a user’s device. Cookies are useful because they allow a website to recognise a user’s device. By using our website, you agree that we can place these types of Cookies on your device.

Most browsers are initially set to accept cookies. Information on deleting or controlling cookies is available at www.AboutCookies.org. However, by not accepting them, you may not be able to proceed with your online application, access certain areas or features of our website or take advantage of certain promotions which we may run from time to time.

 

Why do we use Cookies?

We use or may use Cookies for the following purposes:

• to monitor and manage traffic to our site,

• if required as a matter of law or regulation, to protect our customers’ rights,

• for login purposes,

• for security purposes, including detecting and mitigating malicious bot activity,

• to enable us to remember preferences, track visitors and target adverts, and

• to make the browsing experience on the Site more efficient and enjoyable.

 

 

Types of Cookies we use

Cookies can be classified in different ways, depending on their purpose and how they are set.

Essential vs Non-Essential Cookies:

·       Essential cookies are strictly necessary for the operation of our website. These enable core functions like security, login, and accessibility. They are usually set in response to actions made by you, such as submitting forms or setting privacy preferences. Because they are required for the site to work, they do not require your consent.

·       Non-essential cookies are not required for the website to function, but help us enhance your experience (for example, through analytics, advertising, or personalisation). These cookies are not strictly necessary for the operation of our website and will only be placed where you have provided your consent.

First-party vs Third-party Cookies:

We use both our own (first-party) and partner companies' (third-party) cookies for the purposes outlined above.

Cookies can include “first-party” or “third-party”:

• First-party Cookies are Cookies that are placed by the My Community Finance or a third party for us. All of our first party cookies are essential to the running of our website, by disabling or deleting them, you may not be able to access certain areas or features of our website. These cookies include security cookies set by Amazon Web Services (AWS) Web Application Firewall (WAF) Bot Control, which help detect and mitigate malicious or automated traffic (e.g., scrapers or bot attacks) to ensure site stability. These cookies are short-lived and may use device or browser characteristics to distinguish between legitimate users and automated bots. Cookie names may vary depending on configuration.

• Third-party Cookies are placed by our partners, vendors and other third parties. We do not control the collection or further use of data by third parties using third-party Cookies. Certain of our third party cookies are essential to the running of our website, by disabling or deleting them, you may not be able to proceed with your online application or access certain areas or features of our website. Some third-party cookies may involve the transfer of personal data outside the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA). In such cases, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as the use of standard contractual clauses.

 

Cookies are “Persistent”, “Permanent” or “Session”:

• Permanent Cookies remain on your device even after you have gone offline,

• Persistent Cookies will remain on your browser until you delete them manually or until your browser deletes them based on the duration specified in the Cookie file itself. The duration of the cookie file can be any period of time between one day and ten years. To find out how to learn about an individual cookies’ duration , please click here,

• Session Cookies are deleted as soon as you close your web browser., or may expire shortly after being set (for example, within a few minutes to a few hours), depending on their function and technical configuration.

 

Managing your Cookie preferences

You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via our cookie banner or through your browser settings. We only place non-essential cookies (such as those used for analytics or advertising) where you have provided consent. You can withdraw or change your consent at any time. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect your ability to use some features of the website.

We use a cookie management tool to present you with clear choices and to help manage your preferences. This tool will appear when you first visit the site and can be accessed later via the cookie settings link.

 

What Third Party Cookies do we use?

 

 

Last updated: August 2025