About SPIRE

Driven by Midwestern Values Since 1934

A lot has changed since our founding in 1934, and in many ways, we’ve changed right along with it. However, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed – the friendly, personal, and genuine service you’ll get at SPIRE. That isn’t quaint, or something that used to happen back in “the good old days.” It’s happening here, and it’s happening now. Please remember, SPIRE is always here for you.

We Care

The SPIRE difference is people. We care about our members so our interactions aren't transactional - we build relationships.

We also care about our team members. We celebrate our employees' unique strengths and provide enrichment opportunities.

To care is how we behave and act — that's why it's our core value.

Improve Lives

We strive to provide excellent service so you can achieve your wishes, hopes, and dreams. At SPIRE, we feel it is our duty to provide financial education to all.

We believe in empowering people to become financially successful and thrive throughout life.

Working to improve lives is banking with a purpose — that's why it's our core purpose.

Give Back

The SPIRE team is committed to being involved in the communities we serve.

We support organizations so their work and talents may improve our communities and several local charitable organizations benefit from the donations of SPIRE members and staff.

Giving back is at the core of who we are — that's why it's our core action.

Minnesota's Best

All 300 of our employees work hard every day to provide a first-class experience for our members.

We believe SPIRE is more than a financial institution and we want to be a partner in life for you.

We strive not to be the biggest, but to be Minnesota's best — that's why it's our core vision.

Our Story

For over 85 years we have been driven to improve lives.

Events

Attend a SPIRE event or informational session.

Join SPIRE

Open a SPIRE account online and become a member.

SPIRE News

Subscribe to updates from our official news source.

Recognitions

We strive every day to be Minnesota's Best.

Give Back

See how SPIRE lives out its Core Action everyday.

Powerful in Pink & Stronger Than Cancer

Each year, over 30,000 new cancer cases are reported in Minnesota. This is why we wear pink each October to raise money for the American Cancer Society of Minnesota.

Midland Co-op CU Votes to Merge with SPIRE

Midland Co-op Credit Union (MCCU) and SPIRE started as one credit union in 1934. On Tuesday, Midland members voted to merge back with SPIRE starting November 1.

InSPIREation Foundation Awards $20K in Grants

The InSPIREation Foundation has awarded $20,000 to organizations that provide financial literacy education and tools to achieve financial freedom.

SPIRE Wins Seven Marketing Excellence Awards

SPIRE has received seven MAC awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions in categories ranging from public relations, financial education, and electronic marketing.

Central Hanna Employees CU Votes to Merge with SPIRE

With a 93.7% affirmative vote from CHECU members, a partnership/merger between SPIRE and CHECU will become effective September 1.

SPIRE Voted Minnesota's Best in Three Categories

The Star Tribune announced that SPIRE has been voted Minnesota’s Best in the credit union and wealth management categories and a bronze winner in customer service.

SPIRE Honored with Energy-Saving Lending Awards

SPIRE’s Matt Meyers and Rava Nedich were selected as 2021 PACESetters for being innovative leaders in achieving environmental, economic, and resilience impact.

SPIRE Awards $5,000 in Scholarships

With over 160 applicants, SPIRE has awarded $5,000 in scholarships to five members based on school and community involvement, as well as a pandemic-themed essay.

SPIRE Selected as Best Places to Work

We are proud to announce that SPIRE has been selected as one of Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal's 2021 Best Places to Work honorees.

Debbie Mickelson Retires from 33-Year CU Career

Debbie Mickelson, Division President of Electrus — Division of SPIRE Credit Union, has retired from a 33-year career in credit unions.

Tom Hirte Serves SPIRE BOD for 28 Years

Thank you, Tom Hirte, for 28 years of volunteer service on the SPIRE Board of Directors. Hirte will be recognized by MnCUN with a Credit Union Builder Award.

Diversified Credit Union Merges/Partners with SPIRE

With a 93.8% affirmative vote from Diversified Credit Union (DCU) members, a partnership/merger between SPIRE and DCU will become effective April 1, 2021.

SPIRE & NetGiver Deliver Impact to Charities

SPIRE members donated to charities using the NetGiver app during the SPIRE “Give Freely” $20,000 match campaign in December raising over $47,000!

Branch Lobbies Reopening January 6

SPIRE branch lobbies will be open starting Wednesday, January 6 for all transactions. Booking an appointment in advance is encouraged for many services.

SPIRE Announces New St. Cloud Location

SPIRE is pleased to announce the purchase of the Southeastern corner of the Crossroads Mall parking lot for its new St. Cloud branch location.

Dan Stoltz Named Most Admired CEO

SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz has been named a 2020 Most Admired CEO by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

New SPIRE Blaine Branch Opens December 7

After 31 years in the same building, a new Blaine branch is set to open December 7, 2020 on the grounds of Northtown Mall.

Temporary Changes to Services Offered in Our Lobbies

Starting Friday, Nov. 27, we will be pausing walk-in teller transactions inside our lobbies to help protect you and our staff.

SPIRE Sponsors Peterson Field in St. Paul Midway

SPIRE has donated $3,000 to Billy Peterson Field at the Dunning Sports Complex in St. Paul’s Midway to help bring baseball to underserved youth.

SPIRE to Match $100K in Donations to Salvation Army

SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz has been selected as this year’s Salvation Army Red Kettle Community Chair. SPIRE has announced a $100,000 match for digital donations.

Annual Toy Drive on Now

Donate new, unwrapped toys to your local SPIRE branch for children in need now through December 11. All toys collected will benefit local organizations.

Information Security Professional Shari Ziebell Joins SPIRE

20-year Information Security professional Shari Ziebell has joined the SPIRE team as Information Security Director.

SPIRE Receives Six National Marketing Awards

SPIRE received six MAC awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) from a panel of judges in the marketing, advertising, and media industries.

A Tradition of Cancer Awareness in October

For five years, SPIRE staff have chosen to donate to the American Cancer Society and wear pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

SPIRE Recognized for Adult & Youth Financial Education

SPIRE has received both the Adult and Youth Desjardins Awards recognizing outstanding financial education efforts among Minnesota credit unions.

Scholarship Winners Talk Healthy Financial Skills

After reviewing nearly 80 entries, a total of $5,000 in scholarships were awarded to five traditional and non-traditional students from SPIRE Credit Union.

Mai Yang Joins SPIRE as Senior Executive Assistant

After working for the past 19 years for the Minnesota Credit Union Network, Mai Yang joins SPIRE as Senior Executive Assistant.

Abby Patterson Promoted to Giving Coordinator

Strengthening SPIRE’s core action of giving back, Abby Patterson has been promoted to Giving Coordinator - facilitating all corporate and community giving efforts.

SPIRE Wins Six National Marketing Awards

SPIRE receives six national marketing awards from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) including an excellence in marketing and four “category’s best” awards.

SPIRE Forms Diversity & Inclusion Council

After several months of planning, SPIRE Credit Union has announced the formation of its inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Council.

Branch Lobbies to Open June 15

We are starting to reopen our lobbies on Monday, June 15 with social distancing and cleaning procedures in place to adhere to CDC and local guidelines.

Committed to the Communities We Serve

We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the senseless death of George Floyd and all the recent events that have caused great pain to be felt across Minnesota and beyond.

‘SPIRE Gives Big’ Provides $250K of Local Impact

Each of SPIRE’s 300 employees helped select 187 Minnesota businesses and charities to receive $250,000 in donations and the impact is heartwarming.

Dan Stoltz Named to Most Admired CEO List

Dan Stoltz, President and CEO of SPIRE Credit Union, has been named a 2020 Most Admired CEO by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

SPIRE Hits 125,000 Member-Owner Milestone

SPIRE Credit Union recently reached 125,000 members, a monumental milestone in its 86-year history. SPIRE has more than doubled its membership in 10 years.

SPIRE Donates $250K to Help Organizations

SPIRE is leaning into our core action of giving back by providing $250,000 to over 180 local organizations & businesses affected by COVID-19.

SPIRE Ranked 17th Nationally by S&P

S&P Global Market Intelligence has raked SPIRE 17th in its annual ranking of the 50 best-performing credit unions in the U.S.

COVID-19 Hardship Assistance

As we navigate the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, our concern is for the safety and well-being of all individuals and businesses impacted.

SPIRE Wins National Financial Literacy Award

Presented the by Credit Union National Association (CUNA), SPIRE has been honored with a national second place 2019 Adult Desjardins Financial Education Award.

Internet Banking Services

As a reminder, here are some of the SPIRE Internet & Mobile Banking services free of charge to our members.

SPIRE Members Win $5,000 in Scholarships

Five SPIRE Credit Union members each won a $1,000 scholarship from the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Council.

SPIRE Hosts 86th Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Day

SPIRE hosted over 4,400 guests at its 86^th Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Day featuring financial education sessions, a business meeting, and inspiring performances.

32-year Retirement & Investment Professional Joe Johnston Joins SPIRE

Joe Johnston, an Accredited Asset Management Specialist and Retirement Planning Expert has joined SPIRE as its newest Retirement & Investment Services Advisor.

Justin Burleson Joins SPIRE as Chief Operating Officer

Former Supervisory Examiner for the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Justin Burleson has joined SPIRE as Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer.

SPIRE Members Donate Thousands for Local Children

SPIRE hosted its 32nd annual holiday toy drive and collected over 2,100 toys across its 20 branches that were distributed to 16 local organizations.

SPIRE Receives Marketing Awards from State Credit Union Network

SPIRE has received two Marketing Excellence Awards from the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) for outstanding marketing and business development achievements.

Electrus Federal Credit Union Merges/Partners with SPIRE

Members of Electrus Federal Credit Union recently voted 94% in favor of a partnership/merger with SPIRE Credit Union, which became effective December 1, 2019.

SPIRE Staff Raise $9,000 for American Cancer Society

In keeping with SPIRE’s core action of giving back, SPIRE employees have again banded together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Reiling Collaborates with Co-ops in Philippines

SPIRE Director of Business Development Rachael Reiling took a trip to the Philippines and connected with leading international credit union organizations and Filipino co-ops.

SPIRE Named Best of Business

Twin Cities Business magazine subscribers voted SPIRE as "Best of Business" in the credit union category for the first time.

This is How We Roll in October

Every October, SPIRE ambassadors choose to donate to the American Cancer Society and wear pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Two High School Students Awarded SPIRE Scholarships

The SPIRE Scholarship Committee awarded scholarships to two students - Annika Olson from Woodbury High School and Linnea Kronzer from Minnetonka High School.

Energy Services Federal Credit Union in St. Cloud Merges/Partners with SPIRE

With a 90% affirmative vote from Energy Services Federal Credit Union (ESFCU) members, a partnership/merger between SPIRE and ESFCU became effective July 1, 2019.

Dan Stoltz Receives Prestigious H.E.R.B.I.E. Award

SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz has been honored with the 2019 H.E.R.B.I.E. Award presented at the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Foundation Luncheon.

SPIRE Receives Three National Awards in Marketing

SPIRE Credit Union received three MAC awards from the Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) during their annual conference last week.

SPIRE Member Brendan Weed Awarded FSC Scholarship

SPIRE is proud to announce that Brendan Weed of Eden Prairie, MN has won a $1,000 Scholarship from the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Council.

Bridget Petersen Receives Credit Union Builder Award

The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MNCUN) honored SPIRE Market Vice President of Community Outreach Bridget Petersen with the Credit Union Builder Award.

SPIRE Promotes Three to Executive Leadership

Due to record growth and the need to enhance service to their member-owners, SPIRE Credit Union has promoted three SPIRE employees into executive leadership positions.

SPIRE Receives Four National Marketing Awards

SPIRE Credit Union was recently honored with four national Diamond Awards at the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council Conference.

SPIRE Celebrates 85 Years

85 years ago today, Edgar Archer’s dream to open a credit union to help people do the right thing became reality. Today, SPIRE continues to live out his dream.

Fran, Member for 80 Years Shares Her Story

80-year member, Fran Anderson, shares her story of becoming a member of the credit union in 1939 and how her family has been involved over the years.

Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Day has Amazing Impact

The SPIRE Credit Union 85th Annual Meeting & Member Appreciation Day focused on SPIRE's impact on the community.

Dan Stoltz Featured in February's Minnesota Good Age

SPIRE President/CEO Dan Stoltz is featured in “The Art of Giving Back” in this month’s issue of MINNESOTA GOOD AGE.

SPIRE Vadnais Heights Grand Opening December 17

The Grand Opening Celebration for the SPIRE Credit Union Vadnais Heights branch will take place Monday, December 17.

Peoples Community Credit Union Merges/Partners with SPIRE

With a 95% affirmative vote from Peoples Community Credit Union (PCCU) members, a partnership/merger between SPIRE and PCCU will become effective July 1, 2017.

SPIRE Food Truck on "Discover Delicious" Reality Show

The SPIRE Food Truck debuted on Discover Delicious! This local reality TV show airs every Saturday morning on Channel 29 at 11:30 am.

SPIRE Wins 2016-17 Torch Award for Ethics

SPIRE Credit Union has been awarded the prestigious Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota's® (BBB) 2016-17 Torch Award for Ethics!

Our Story

Times were bad back in 1933. The Great Depression was at its height; jobs and money were scarce. Banks that had survived the crash of 1929 had little cash, and they were not lending it. To save their homes and farms, people were forced to do business with loan sharks at 36% interest.

In the historic and economic circumstances of the Great Depression, Twin City Co-ops Credit Union (TCU), was born in 1934 in response to the pricey and strict loan practices of the remaining banks. The ideals of self-help, people working together to save their money, lending to each other, and paying back their earnings to each other in the form of dividends were the pillars of the new credit union.

Edgar Archer

The idea of a credit union started with Edgar Archer. Archer was an employee of what was then called Midland Cooperative Oil Association. Before starting at Midland, Archer had been out of work for some time, resulting in a number of unpaid bills. Now that Edgar was employed, he applied for loans everywhere, but one by one, he was turned down. He wanted to “do the right thing” and pay his debts.
Edgar did not give up. He had been hearing about an employee credit union, so he thought, why not start one at the Midland?

By February 1934, enough of his fellow workers agreed with Archer, so seven of them applied for a certificate of organization, and by March 13, 1934, they incorporated. Through the foresight of the original founders, the credit union escaped the narrow confines of an employee credit union and has grown significantly because of the doors that he opened.

When TCU opened their doors, the loan maximum was set at $50 with interest at 1% monthly on the unpaid balance. Edgar Archer was the first to apply for and receive a loan.

Driven by Midwestern Values

TCU became SPIRE Credit Union in 2008 and expanded on the ideal of "doing the right thing." Since 1934, we have proudly been driven by Midwestern values. Currently, SPIRE has 21 branch locations in the Twin Cities Metro area and Greater Minnesota.

Whether you are just starting out in life, own your own business, or are close to retirement, SPIRE would like to be your total financial solution.

A Truck Named Archie

You might ask, "So what does an early-model Ford work truck have to do with a credit union?" To us, Archie – named for our founder, Edgar Archer – symbolizes the Midwestern values that drive us. Trust. Honesty. Integrity. Hard work. Compassion. Humility. Promises made and promises kept.

Archie is featured in the SPIRE testimonial commercials with real SPIRE members and partners and has become our unofficial mascot.

Hear from SPIRE Members

"We love SPIRE!!! They make us feel like we matter and they really want to help us get the best outcome possible for any need."

- Eagan Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"You guys rock! Everything was perfect and Shelby was amazing. She took care of my daughter and it made everything a breeze. She needs to be complimented on her professionalism and the time and effort she put into making this such a great experience."

- Roseville Branch Member, via New Product Survey

"Everyone at SPIRE is always pleasant and willing to go the extra mile to help resolve issues. I also appreciate that I am able to speak with a representative in just a short time nearly every time I call. Keep up the great customer service."

- 10+ Year Member, via Contact Center

"Our experience was superior because all our questions were answered. We are looking forward to investing more funds—an IRA and small trust savings. You will now be our hometown bank."

- Elk River Branch Member, via Member Survey

"So far during my time with SPIRE, I am very happy with the consistency you provide with very nice service. You make the customer feel part of a community and empowered."

- Member in Nebraska, via Contact Center Survey

"I felt comfortable and welcomed. Everything about the process was very easy, and Casey was very welcoming and friendly."

- Blaine Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"Katie from the Isle Branch was absolutely amazing. She listened well to understand me and was so helpful. She actually cared about what I wanted to do."

- Isle Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"The tellers are great. My favorites are Barb and Brenda, yet no matter whoever handles our transactions or notarize documents, they are always professional and courteous. I have high praise to your Pine City staff."

- Pine City Branch Member, via Member Survey

"Andrew is the best. My visit was comfortable, easy, and fun."

- Pine City Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"I'm visually impaired, so I especially appreciate the extra effort staff make to ensure my transactions are flawless."

- Minneapolis Branch Member, via Relationship Survey

"From the time when I applied for a mortgage and then later financed my truck, my experience has been very good. My experience led my daughter to also finance her car through SPIRE and I will let others know that they should give SPIRE a chance to earn their business too."

- Eagan Branch Member, via Member Survey

"Your track record with me speaks volumes. You folks are the best and no other financial institution can match your service. Your staff are always quick and helpful. My whole family banks there because of my experience with SPIRE."

- 10+ Year Member, via Contact Center Survey

"Carter and Nili were both helpful and knowledgeable. When I've needed help from staff at the teller line or drive-thru, service has been prompt and polite. At SPIRE I feel like my business is valued."

- Minneapolis Branch Member, via New Product Survey

"I have convinced MANY friends and relatives to become SPIRE customers. For well over 20 years, we have used SPIRE for auto loans, business accounts for 2 businesses, personal accounts and a home equity loan. I have always been very happy with my personal interactions and with customer service. "

- St. Paul Branch Member, via Member Survey

"It was clear that Shane cared about my service experience -- which could not have been better. Shane is the bomb -- hats off to him!"

- Maple Grove Branch Member, via New Product Survey

"SPIRE provides the services that people need in a very welcoming environment. The online banking access works very well for me as I use it all the time—almost all of my transactions are electronic now. I rarely have to visit my local branch, but when I do, the people are exceptional!"

- Eden Prairie Branch Member, via Member Survey

"Personal and clear communication. My representative was upfront about everything and didn't miss a single detail. He was chatting with me via text the whole time I was at the dealership. This was especially helpful after a quick unexpected car shift. He also followed up with me later which made me feel very valued for my car loan. I'm not kidding, I always recommend SPIRE."

- Minneapolis Branch Member, via New Product Survey

"SPIRE employees are always VERY friendly, when you go into a branch and they remember you!!! They always make sure you have the right type of accounts that are best for you!"

- Pine City Branch Member, via Member Survey

"Sy and Dominic were a pleasure to work with by answering all of my questions. I really want to thank SPIRE for making this transaction happen. I was able to consolidate credit card and other debt while buying a few things needed for my home and now I have extra money each month!"

- Vadnais Heights Branch Member, via New Product Survey

"They always have the products and services that I need. The interactions with staff have always been friendly and SPIRE has a great website and digital banking service."

- Maple Grove Branch Member, via Digital Survey

"Recently, I refinanced my home and worked with Cyndi. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful as we worked on the loan. She went the extra mile to find the best possible solution for my specific situation. I have, and will continue to recommend SPIRE for mortgage banking."

- Hopkins Branch Member, via Member Survey

"I have never been disappointed by service, timeliness or their interest in my needs. I have now turned to SPIRE two times now for a mortgage. This team of people are outstanding by being timely, engaged an informative. These have been big, kind of scary financial decisions for me yet they have guided and supported me every step of the way."

- Roseville Branch Member, via Member Survey

"Dalton has been the best customer service representative I have ever dealt with because he is so knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and awesome. Keep up the great work."

- Minneapolis Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"The representative was engaged, listened and I felt she really cared and wanted to help me. If this is indicative of SPIRE’s customer service then I want my family and friends to receive the same service."

- Roseville Branch Member, via Member Survey

"I am happy and confident that you care about your customers by providing a friendly atmosphere-like small town family."

- Eden Prairie Branch Member, via Member Survey

"My family would like to truly thank you. My mother fell and broke her hip and had to go into rehab. SPIRE provided a loan so we were able to purchase a van and have the ability to start taking our mother out for rides. Our mother totally regained her self-respect and began starting to eat better, was happier and enjoying life again. We really appreciate the loan as it has given our mother’s independence back."

- Milaca Branch Member, via Facebook

"I recommend SPIRE to others because of the reliably high standards of ethics and honesty from your staff. The representatives with whom I interact are knowledgeable, courteous and complete my transaction requests efficiently."

- Eden Prairie Branch Member, via Contact Center Survey

"I thought Wendy did a great job in explaining everything and it seems she understood my investment "style" very well, which was helpful in determining my retirement plan for the future."

- Mora Branch Member, via Member Survey

"I feel they provide extra security when it comes to attempts to compromise our accounts and the best part is they can issue check cards on the spot - no waiting for 10 days for your new one to come in the mail! We also appreciate the use of numerous ATMs to get cash without paying a fee."

- Elk River Branch Member, via Member Survey

"I have and will continue to refer others to SPIRE. Our experience since opening our first account has been helpful, personal and respectful. When we needed a car loan, we were approved within minutes, by phone, and for a higher amount than we expected. Hans treated us like respected customers with SPIRE as our partner in securing our financial needs."

- Woodbury Branch, via Member Survey

"Best mortgage experience we have ever experienced - and we have purchased six homes. The communication was great, the documentation expectations were clear, everything was done on time, and whenever we had a question it was answered promptly. Thank you so much!"

- Roseville Branch Member, via Member Survey

"We are satisfied with the wonderful, personal service we received. You are helpful, right there to greet us when we come in, know us by name, and provide good counsel and advice. It is just a great place to come and do business knowing that honesty, integrity and friendliness is important and we will be taken care of."

- Milaca Branch Member, via Member Survey

"I observed how all employees help and support each other and the customer is the recipient of that teamwork."

- Hopkins Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"We have been SPIRE Members for about thirty years, including when we moved to Princeton. I like the friendly, personal service whenever I got to any SPIRE branch."

- Blaine Branch Member, via Member Survey

"When I entered the credit union, I was immediately impressed with the welcoming spirit of the people. I was impressed with the kindness and courtesy that my wife and I received."

- Pine City Branch Member, via New Member Survey