Here are the most common questions members ask when registering or renewing online. Each answer is short and simple — and help is always available if you need it.
Registration
Who is the Members Portal for?
It's for members who want to renew and pay for membership. You can also use it to view or update your personal details.
How do I register for the Members Portal?
Select Register and follow the on‑screen steps. They're short and straightforward.
What information do I need to register?
You’ll need your email address, membership number, forename, surname and postcode, exactly as shown on your membership record.
What if I don’t know my membership number?
Contact our Administrator to request it.
What are the password requirements?
Your password must be 10–72 characters and include uppercase and lowercase letters and at least one number.
I didn’t receive the registration confirmation email — what should I do?
This happens to email quite often — don't worry. Check your email Junk folder. If the link has expired (after 1 hour), restart the registration process and use Forgotten Password to request a new confirmation email.
How do I log in once I’m registered?
Select Log in to Members Portal, enter your email address, then enter your password.
Renewing Your Membership Online
Do I need a PayPal account to renew my membership?
No — you do NOT need a PayPal account.
Our card payments are processed through PayPal's secure payments system.
You can simply choose Pay by Debit or Credit Card and pay as a guest.
No PayPal login is required and no account will be created.
Why does the screen say PayPal if I’m paying by card?
PayPal is just the secure payment platform we use to process card payments.
You are still paying by card.
You can safely ignore anything that asks you to log in. Choose Continue as a guest.
How do I stop PayPal from creating an account for me?
Look for a small slider on the payment screen that says something like 'Create an account'. Make sure it is switched off before you press Pay now as guest.
What if I forgot to choose a Gift Aid option?
The system will remind you. You won’t be able to continue until you make a Gift Aid choice.
We are both members and live at the same address, how can we both use Gift Aid?
If two members live at the same address and both are eligible, please renew individually so Gift Aid can be claimed for both. This ensures HMRC rules are followed.
Can I pay for another member at my address?
Yes. If another u3a member lives with you, you will see an option to pay both subscriptions together. If both of you wish to use Gift Aid, please renew separately.
What happens after I make my payment?
You will receive two emails (usually within a few minutes):
- A payment confirmation from PayPal
- A confirmation from the Membership Secretary with your membership card attached.
What if I don’t know my password for the Members Portal?
Use the Forgot Password link on the login page. You’ll receive an email with instructions to reset it.
What if the screens look slightly different from the guide?
Don’t worry — the steps are the same even if the layout changes slightly.
Just follow the main sections: Renew your Membership, Make Payment, and then your chosen payment method.
What if something goes wrong or I get stuck?
Help is always available. Please contact the Renewals Team and we’ll be happy to assist you.