About SPIRE | Here to Improve Lives | SPIRE Credit Union

About SPIRE Credit Union

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. Driven by Midwestern Values, we are here to improve lives.

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For 85 years we have been driven to improve lives.

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We are Driven by Midwestern Values

Core Value: We Care

Core Purpose: Improve Lives

Core Action: Give Back

Core Vision: Minnesota's Best

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 20 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.

Member Testimonials

"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

"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

"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 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

"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

"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

"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 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 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

"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 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

"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

"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

"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

"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 love SPIRE and always have because you are the Gold Standard for credit unions and wish there were more like you in the U.S. I recommend SPIRE to my Minnesota friends and I don’t live in Minnesota any more."

- Member, via Contact Center Survey

"SPIRE was recommended to me by a relative, there was a brand new location in my area, plus it has the products I was looking for. The employees were so welcoming and very helpful walking into an unknown. It certainly gave off a "mom & pop shop" vibe."

- Vadnais Heights Branch Member, via New Member 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

"Staff are always providing friendly and knowledgeable service. As senior citizens, we like our local financial affairs to be simple and easy. You are providing services in exactly that way."

- Eagan Branch Member, via Member 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

"This truly has been our best banking/financial experience we have ever had. We almost couldn't believe it could go so smoothly, which has not been the case with our previous experiences. We are consolidating all our accounts with SPIRE because of great customer service from Cyndi in Hopkins (we just love her). Tammy has been a joy to work with as well."

- Hopkins Branch Member, via Member 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

"When my wife's purse was stolen several years ago, I contacted SPIRE on a Saturday morning and was instructed to come in to the local branch. Your staff was so very helpful and reassuring in processing the paperwork. That event alone has made me a SPIRE customer for life. "

- St. Paul Branch Member, via Member Survey

"SPIRE is great - I always feel welcomed when I come in to the office. You have great people working for you and they are always smiling and laughing, which is great. I feel like I matter to the credit union."

- Hopkins Branch Member, via Member 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

"I regularly visit the Eagan branch and have been treated very well. Lauren (and other staff) has helped me on several visits—very personable, knowledgeable and not afraid to take the time needed to make sure my questions are answered."

- Eagan Branch Member, via Member Survey

"I have already recommended SPIRE to a friend because Casey O. made SPIRE feel like a friendly, small institution. She loves her job and makes opening an account and getting a loan a very easy process. She was even able to get me the auto loan the same day that I contacted her once I located the right vehicle. "

- Eden Prairie 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

"I would recommend SPIRE to anyone. Katie is awesome to work with as she is always right there when I need help. Plus, the other employees always say “hi” when I walk in the door. I’ve been a member for at least 35 years and have been very satisfied."

- Isle Branch Member, via Member Survey

"You folks are always going above and beyond. On this call, I worked with Miranda and she was on top of her game. I’d like to personally thank her as it was a truly delightful experience."

- Minneapolis Branch Member, via Contact Center Survey

"I have had several interactions with the employees at SPIRE and have been very pleased each time. They have always been courteous, beyond friendly and exceptionally knowledgeable "

- Vadnais Heights Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"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

"I love visiting my local Coon Rapids branch. The tellers are very friendly—my favorite teller is Danee. They are always accommodating and I don’t feel pressured to opening other products. I know my needs will be met when I walk into SPIRE."

- Coon Rapids Branch Member, via New Member Survey

"I always feel like family. SPIRE has served my needs extremely well for over 30 years. That is reliability, PERIOD."

- Maple Grove Branch Member, via Member Survey

"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