Here, it starts with heart.
Discover the story of Corda Credit Union.
Our roots go back to 1935 — born and raised right here in Iowa. We’ve grown a lot over the years, but some things never change. Providing great local banking isn’t just at the heart what we do, it’s the core of who we are.
Visionary Teachers Unite to Build a Financial Future
Eleven Cedar Rapids School District teachers each put up $5 of their own money to form the Cedar Rapids Teachers’ Credit Union, where the funds deposited by teachers would be lent out to their coworkers in a not-for-profit, trustworthy manner.
Expanding Membership
We extended membership to welcome all Cedar Rapids school employees to embrace a broader education community. Our name changed to Cedar Rapids Community Schools Employees’ Credit Union.
Growing in Linn County
To better serve the entire educational community, membership was extended to include all employees of public and private institutions across the county. With this expansion, the credit union’s name was changed to Linn Area Schools Credit Union.
In 1977, we began offering checking accounts and added Saturday morning hours.
In 1980, we installed our first data operating system.
New Name, New Home
Our name was changed to Linn Area Credit Union. After years of renting, we purchased our first building on 6th St SW, marking a new chapter of growth. By this time, our membership had grown to 3,381. Our products consisted of savings accounts and loans.
In 1985, we installed our first TV surveillance system.
A Community Charter
We expanded to a community charter, allowing anyone living or working in Linn County the option of joining. We had 6,260 members.
In 1987, we began offering credit cards and home equity loans.
Committed to Excellence: All-Staff Training Tradition Begins
We started holding our all-staff training meetings every Thursday morning. This tradition still takes place because we believe you deserve well-trained employees.
Dedicated Volunteers: Our Board of Directors
Throughout the years, our directors have been hardworking volunteers who set the policies for your credit union and consistently work to achieve one goal: improving our members’ financial well-being.
Building for the Future
We built our Blairs Ferry Rd NE branch, which now serves as our headquarters.
In 1996, we introduced debit cards.
Innovating Digital Access
We launched our first website.
In 1998, we introduced online banking to provide members with more convenience and flexibility in managing their finances.
Supporting the Community
Supporting the community has always been important to us. To this day, we are still honored to support the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
Membership Expansion & Ongoing Appreciation Events
We expanded our membership to include anyone living or working in counties that surrounded Linn County. We continued to put on fun membership appreciation events for our members and their families.
Introducing the Teacher Store
We imagined the Teacher Store to give back to our roots of serving educators in the communities.
In 2010, we launched mobile banking, allowing our members to bank from their mobile phone.
Serving 22 Counties Across Eastern Iowa
We expanded our field of membership by 14 additional neighboring counties. Today, we serve a total of 22 counties in Eastern Iowa.
The Teacher Store Goes Mobile
After operating out of a house in downtown Cedar Rapids for nearly a decade, the Teacher Store went mobile. The mobile truck allows the store to deliver supplies directly to educators at their schools and expand its impact.
In April 2022, we launched RoundUp Savings to help members automatically save money when they use their Corda debit card.
In March 2024, we introduced financial coaching.
It starts with heart
We became Corda Credit Union to be more welcoming of everyone in our field of membership. “Corda” is the Latin word for hearts, which is fitting for a credit union that wears its heart on rolled-up sleeves — providing our members strong financial solutions with both compassion and expertise. We keep our heart at the center of who we are — in both our name and our actions.
Breaking Ground in North Liberty
Community leaders, Corda management and staff, and our board of directors gathered to celebrate the credit union’s groundbreaking for our new North Liberty branch. Slated to open in late 2025, this will be our first branch outside of Linn County.
Corda Named Outstanding Large Philanthropic Organization
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Eastern Iowa Chapter recognized Corda Credit Union for its contributions to the community. Corda is the first credit union to be honored in this category since 1998.
Celebrating our 90th Anniversary
As we look to the future, we remain committed to building a brighter financial future for everyone. At Corda, it starts with heart, and we’re honored to keep that at the core of everything we do for generations to come.
Who we are today.
From our humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of community support and financial services, Corda Credit Union continues to write its story – one of unwavering dedication to our members, our employees, and the broader community we serve. Join us as we look forward to more chapters of innovation and growth. Because when it comes to building something people can be proud of, it all starts with heart.
Our mission drives us.
We’re here to be partners in a successful future with our members and employees by providing caring financial services and community support.