75 Year Anniversary

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For 75 years...

 

We’ve stayed true to our mission from the very beginning: to help those in need, to serve, and to lift the lives of others. Unlike traditional financial institutions, credit unions are different—we’re owned by our members, by you. That means we exist to give people a chance when others may turn them away.

 

Our story began in 1950, when credit was a luxury few could afford. Buying a home or a car was out of reach for many. That’s when a group of dedicated employees at Alcoa Davenport Works (now Arconic) in Riverdale, Iowa, came together in a small basement room and founded what was then the Alcoa Employees Credit Union. Their goal was simple: to support one another. These volunteers worked extra hours to provide small but meaningful loans—sometimes to help a coworker buy coal for heat, other times to help a family make a down payment on a home.

 

Fast forward 75 years, and Ascentra has grown to serve more than 40,000 members across 20 counties in Iowa and Illinois. With nine branches located in Clinton, Muscatine and the Quad Cities, our reach has expanded—but our heart remains the same. We live by the motto “Listening, caring, doing what’s right.” It's not just a slogan—it’s our way of meeting our member's and community's needs.

 

We don’t just provide financial services; we walk alongside our members—coaching, educating, and supporting them every step of the way. We believe in building stronger communities because that’s what makes us different. That’s what makes us Ascentra.

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Check Presentations

Ascentra Credit Union Celebrates 75 Years with “10 Days of Giving” Honoring National Nonprofit Day

  • Sep 10, 2025
MLK Center Check Presentation from Ascentra Credit Union

To celebrate National Nonprofit Day on August 17 and its 75th anniversary, Ascentra Credit Union donated $75,000 across 10 nonprofits in the Quad Cities, Clinton and Muscatine areas to mark a legacy of community impact, local giving and partnership. The campaign was announced on Ascentra’s social media channels, featuring the missions and community impact of each nonprofit.

Those organizations were: The Gray Matters Collective, Hand in Hand, the Victory Center Rescue Mission, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Project NOW, MCSA (the Muscatine Center for Social Action), LULAC (the League of United Latin American Citizens) #10, CASI (the Center for Active Seniors), USW (United Steel Workers) Local #105 and Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities.

National Nonprofit Day celebrates the vital work nonprofit organizations do to strengthen communities, support those in need and drive positive change across a wide range of causes. This day honors the impact of nonprofits in areas ranging from education, healthcare and social services to the environment and more. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of volunteering, donating and supporting these mission-driven organizations.

“As we celebrate 75 years of service with our members and communities, it was important to give back in a way that reflects our values,” said Linda Andry, President and CEO, Ascentra Credit Union. “These 10 nonprofits represent the heart of our region, and we are proud to stand beside them.”

From housing assistance to food security, youth development, financial education and more, the selected nonprofits align closely with the credit union’s mission of “people helping people.”

The “10 Days of Giving” campaign is part of a broader yearlong effort by Ascentra to celebrate 75 years of trust, service and local investment. Throughout the year, the credit union has led initiatives in financial wellness, volunteerism and community development, all while staying true to its listening, caring, doing what’s right mission.


Celebrating With Our Community

Outdoor Lunch Events

To celebrate our first 75 years our members and staff were treated to lunch celebrations at all of our branch locations, complete with food, prizes, fun and sometimes a little rain. 



Let's Make a Difference Together

Rudolph Driving a Red Car

In honor of Ascentra's 75th anniversary, when you get an auto loan we'll give $75 to you and $75 to the Salvation Army.

Rates as low as 5.25%*.

Whether you’re buying a new car, used car, or refinancing your current auto loan, Ascentra has you covered. Plus, it’s always a smart idea to get pre-approved with us before you head to the dealership—it can give you more confidence and bargaining power.


Just use code RIDE75 when applying.


Apply Here

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate based on approved credit. Refinance your current auto loan from another lender or get a new or used loan with Ascentra. If applying online use code RIDE75. Minium loan amount of $5,000. Current rate as low as 5.25 % APR on 2023 or newer vehicle, includes automatic payment rate discount. Rate subject to change, limited time offer. The first payment will be applied to the interest accrued from the date the loan was funded and then remaining funds to the principal. EX: A $25,000 auto loan with the term of 60 months and a rate of 5.25 % APR would result in a monthly payment of $474.75. Offer expires December 31, 2025. Federally insured by NCUA.


Refer & Earn $75*

Refer a friend, or anyone for that matter, and you can earn $75.
Ask your friend to mention your name at account opening!

All your friend has to do is:
1) Open a savings account and apply and accept a loan OR
2) Open a savings and checking account with direct deposit.


Apply Here


(Enter promo code MEMREF when prompted.)


*Only one $75 referral incentive for each member referred. A deposit of $75 will be put in the referring member’s savings account after 60 days of opening.
Federally insured by the NCUA.

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