The Credit Union Difference

When people think Ascentra, they think community. We are always looking for unique and meaningful ways to give back to our local community. Born from hard working men and women out of the basement of ALCOA, now known as Arconic, we share their passion in serving the communities we all call home.

As a purpose driven organization, we are proud to be one of few credit unions in our region with a foundation. Since its establishment, the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation has partnered with organizations that are improving the lives of many, including multi-year commitments to Junior Achievement of the Heartland, the River Bend Foodbank and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley. By building and deepening our relationships with organizations like these, we are fulfilling our mission of the foundation by being more impactful in the communities we serve.

It doesn’t stop there—through our promotions, we strive to support the community to make an even greater impact such as teaming up with the Quad City Storm for a special Hockey Fights Cancer Night raising $21,700 for Gilda’s Club and also launching an auto loan promotion that raised $14,700 to spread holiday cheer throughout the Quad Cities and beyond. Many of our staff have also invested in our workplace culture of giving back, and feel empowered to make a difference themselves.

Just like our humble beginnings, Ascentra is still all about people helping people — the core belief of the credit union movement. What your financial institution does with your money matters. If you’re looking for a financial institution that is local and is constantly putting profits back into the community, then Ascentra is the right fit for you. Join the Ascentra family and become a member-owner, but don’t just take our word for it—ask around and find out for yourself why locals love us!

Our Story Is All About You!

In 1950, credit was a luxury not available to many. Buying a home or auto was very difficult to do even for those who had steady jobs. This moved a few dedicated individuals to organize and create Alcoa Credit Union in the basement of the plant of its sponsor company, Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) in Riverdale, Iowa. This became the place where these hardworking individuals could help each other achieve their financial goals. This was the foundation of what is now Ascentra Credit Union.

A democratically controlled not-forprofit cooperative, Ascentra is driven by the input and participation of its member-owners – people just like you! Just like in its humble beginnings, the people at Ascentra are very passionate about the founding credit union principle of people helping people. Ascentra is constantly giving back in unique and meaningful ways with programs such as Casual for a Cause, Steppin’ Up – Random Acts of Kindness, and Pay It Forward in partnership with WQAD News 8. Ascentra has also established a foundation to help ensure charitable giving for generations to come. All the positive work done in our region has earned the credit union a stellar reputation. When people think of Ascentra Credit Union, they think community!

When you join Ascentra you are not a customer, you are a member – and you are treated as such. Unlike banks, we don’t answer to stockholders or investors, we answer to YOU. As a democratically controlled not-for-profit, each member of Ascentra Credit Union owns a share in the credit union. You’re the boss!

“Thanks for your help. You made the loan process easy for us, which is a sign that you know what you are doing. Keep up the great work.”
 
We put people before profits. And those profits, you ask? They go back to you, the member, in the form of lower interest rates on loans, higher returns on your deposits and lower fees.
 
This is why we have a wide array of services designed for the many stages of your life. Whether you are looking to finance a home, effectively harvest your lifetime savings during retirement or consolidate credit card balances to one easy to manage loan, we are with you every step of the way. We know everyone has different needs. That’s why we strive for “Listening, caring, doing what’s right” – in fact that’s our motto. This is the Ascentra Credit Union difference.
 
Anyone can be a member of Ascentra Credit Union! Find out how by going to www.ascentra.org, stop in any convenient branch locations or give us a call at 563-355-0152 or 800-426-5241.