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Two Together: Save £500!Save £500 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Written by Mitch Tapner.
13 minute read
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming at times, and for many families, cost and clarity are the biggest concerns. Aura and Golden Charter both offer prepaid funeral plans designed to ease that pressure, but their approaches are very different.
Aura specialises in simple, all-inclusive direct cremations with clear, upfront pricing. While Golden Charter works with independent funeral directors to offer a range of traditional options, Aura provides the same standard of local, compassionate care at a national level – at a lower cost for those seeking a straightforward, dignified service.
In this guide, we’ll compare the two side by side, looking at what’s included, how much they cost, the level of flexibility and support offered, and what families say in their reviews.
As a family-run provider, Aura Funerals takes a personal approach to direct cremation, focusing on dignity and simplicity. Their all-inclusive services cover both attended and unattended cremations, as well as prepaid funeral plans for those planning ahead. By keeping costs transparent and the process straightforward, Aura helps families arrange a meaningful farewell without unnecessary pressure or complexity.
Golden Charter focuses solely on prepaid funeral plans, primarily working with local, independent funeral directors to provide traditional services. They’re one of the more established providers in the UK, offering a range of plan tiers and payment options. However, for those seeking a simpler, lower-cost alternative, Aura provides direct cremation services designed for a more modern, no-fuss farewell.
While Golden Charter operates with a more conventional structure, Aura’s streamlined model aims to simplify funerals and keep them affordable, giving families a clear, modern alternative.
When you compare funeral plans, it’s worth looking beyond cost to think about the level of care and support you’d like as part of your end-of-life planning. Here, we explore how Golden Charter’s funeral plans differ from Aura’s, highlighting the key contrasts in pricing, flexibility, and what each provider includes.
Aura’s prepaid funeral plans start from £1,695 for an unattended cremation, offering great value with no hidden fees. Golden Charter offers five different funeral plans to choose from, with prices for its direct cremation plan starting at £1,885.
Aura’s funeral plans offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay in full or spread the cost over 12 to 24 months with no extra charges.
Golden Charter also offers a range of payment options, though some come with added costs. You can choose to pay upfront or choose to pay in monthly instalments over 12 months with no extra charge. However, if you spread payments over two to ten years, the total cost of your plan will increase due to instalment charges.
Cancellation policies also set the two providers apart. Golden Charter charges a £325 fee after the first 30 days, while Aura never charges a cancellation fee, no matter when you cancel.
For additional value, Aura also offers a ‘Two Together’ plan to help reduce the cost. This means you’ll save £100 if you purchase two plans at the same time, with no codes or time limits required. Golden Charter does not provide permanent discounts but occasionally runs limited-time offers for customers.
If you’re looking to purchase a plan for yourself and a loved one, you can save £100 when you buy two plans together.
Our ‘Two Together’ funeral plans include everything you’ll find in our single plans, but at even better value.
Please note, our Two Together plans are not yet available to buy online. For more information, please call our team or request a quote on the button below.
Aura keeps its funeral plans clear and inclusive, with nationwide coverage across mainland Britain. One flat price covers everything families need: funeral director services, round-the-clock collection, care of the person who has died, cremation fees, a simple coffin, help with paperwork, and ashes returned by hand or scattered at the crematorium.
For those who’d like to be present, Aura offers an intimate option from £2,595, which includes a simple, family-led service held early in the morning for up to 15 people at any crematorium in mainland Britain.
If you’d prefer a larger gathering, Aura’s fully attended plans start from £3,195. These include a daytime service with no limit on the number of attendees, subject to the terms and conditions of the chosen crematorium. Golden Charter also offers attended services, with its ‘Value Plan’ starting from £3,130.
Families choosing Aura benefit from consistent pricing across mainland Britain. With access to over 40 partner crematoriums and many more care centres, it’s simple to arrange a low-cost plan near home. Golden Charter is also widely available, partnering with 2,900 funeral directors across the UK.
Aura gives families peace of mind with flexible terms, strong protections and a clear focus on compassionate, person-centred service. Plans paid over up to 24 months can be cancelled with a full refund and no fees, while Golden Charter applies a £325 charge after the first 30 days.
Aura also allows changes to your plan at no extra cost, whether that’s updating wishes or adjusting details. This level of flexibility isn’t always offered by other providers and can be an important factor when comparing options.
Both Aura and Golden Charter are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with customer funds protected through independent trusts or insurance-backed schemes. Aura stands out for its transparency, clearly explaining how money is protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to give families extra peace of mind.
Aura’s funeral plans hold 5-star ratings from both Fairer Finance and the Funeral Solution Expert, highlighting their focus on fairness, value and compassionate care. By contrast, Golden Charter’s plans are rated 1/5 stars by Fairer Finance.
In 2024, Aura was recognised by the ICA as the ‘SME Compliance Team of the Year’, reflecting their continued commitment to supporting every family with care and integrity. The following year, they were honoured at the 2025 UKCXA customer service awards, receiving Gold in the highly competitive ‘Customers at the Heart of Everything’ category and Silver for ‘Best Customer Service’.
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|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £1,695 | £1,885 |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 stars | 4.4/5 stars |
| Fairer Finance | ||
| Aura Angel Support for Familiesℹ | ||
| Free Cancellation Anytimeℹ | ||
| Transparent Pricingℹ | ||
| Hassle-Free, No Pressure Promiseℹ |
Aura approaches funeral planning with compassion, putting people before sales. Their ‘No Pressure Promise’ means families get clear, supportive guidance without unwanted follow-up or pushy tactics. By contrast, some providers such as Golden Charter have reviews noting ‘slow’ communication, which may be challenging for families seeking guidance and a more personal touch.
As a family-run provider, Aura builds everything around care and kindness. Their Aura Angels guide families through each step, from handling paperwork to offering comfort and support. Whether arranging a simple direct cremation or a more personal celebration of life, the team is always just a call or click away when you need them.
Both providers offer online resources with advice on funeral costs, grief, and what to expect during the process.
Aura allows customers to update details or change beneficiaries at any time, with no admin fees or hassle. This flexibility reflects their commitment to keeping things simple and supportive. In contrast, some Golden Charter customers have reported ‘unhelpful’ customer service experiences, which can make the process feel less smooth.
Families can feel reassured knowing Aura includes a satisfaction guarantee: if expectations aren’t met, plans can be cancelled free of charge with a full refund. FCA regulation also protects every plan, with safeguards such as a fallback provider if needed. Beyond the funeral itself, Aura extends care through aftercare and bereavement support, helping families feel guided and comforted even after arrangements are complete.
Many people choose a prepaid funeral plan for peace of mind, and both Aura and Golden Charter seek to offer that reassurance. Golden Charter’s plans are widely recognised and praised, with customers valuing the comfort of having arrangements in place. Some reviews, however, mention issues with a ‘lack of transparency’.
Aura is a family-run provider that balances scale with personal care. They are large enough to offer dedicated, professional support to every customer yet small enough to give each family the time and attention they need. Reviews often highlight the compassionate service and how simple and stress-free the process feels. With Aura’s gentle, no-pressure approach, families are never rushed or pushed into decisions before they’re ready.
Both providers receive strong ratings. Aura has a Trustpilot score of 4.9/5 stars, while Golden Charter holds 4.4/5 stars. Independent reviewers add to this picture, with Fairer Finance awarding Aura 5 stars compared to 1/5 stars for Golden Charter.
Although both providers promise peace of mind, Aura is recognised for its personalised care, flexibility and high independent ratings. Families who want compassionate guidance and a provider that puts people before sales often see Aura as the more reassuring choice.
With so many options and details to weigh up, choosing a funeral provider can feel difficult at times. Aura and Golden Charter are both well-known providers of funeral plans, giving families a way to prepare and feel more secure about the future.
Golden Charter is well known across the UK, with its range of plans appealing to families who are looking to plan ahead. Aura, though newer, has quickly built a strong reputation for its family-run, people-first approach. They stand out for clear and fair pricing, gentle support at every stage and flexible plans that include ongoing aftercare, all delivered without sales pressure.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on what feels best for you and your loved ones. If you’re unsure where to start, our team is here to help guide you.
If you’d like to know more about how to plan a cremation with Aura, our brochure is a helpful place to begin.
Our funeral plans are a helpful way to put everything in place for you or someone else.
When the time comes, our experienced team will be here to guide you through each step, offering support and advice whenever you need it.
To find out more about how our plans work, what’s included, and our story, you can request a brochure by clicking the link below. We will then send you a copy by email or First Class post—whichever you prefer.
Golden Charter works through a large network of independent funeral directors across the UK. Aura also has coverage that reaches families across mainland Britain, delivered through trusted local partners, which help make arrangements feel rooted in your local area.
A Golden Charter funeral plan starts from £1,885. They offer a range of plans that include both unattended and attended options. Aura’s funeral plans start at £1,695 and include similar essential services, with the added support of a dedicated team to guide you through each step.
Golden Charter is recognised as a well-established and trusted name in the UK funeral sector. As an FCA-regulated provider, they meet strict standards designed to protect customers and ensure transparency, reflected in their 4.4/5 stars Trustpilot rating from over 2,900 reviews. Aura is also FCA-regulated and is known for its compassionate, people-first approach, with transparent pricing, flexible support and consistently positive feedback from the families it serves.
With Aura, you can cancel your plan at any time without paying cancellation or admin fees. Golden Charter, however, applies a £325 charge if you cancel after the first 30 days.
Aura’s ‘No Pressure Promise’ means families receive clear, supportive guidance without any pushy sales tactics or unwanted follow-up calls. The focus is always on compassion and care, not sales. This allows families to take their time, consider their options and make decisions at their own pace, knowing they won’t be rushed or pressured.
If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.
Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.