Originally founded by Tri-State Telephone and Telegraph Company employees, the St. Paul Telco Credit Union was officially chartered on Oct. 5, 1936. The credit union was chartered to serve the financial needs of telecommunications employees and their families. Over the years, the credit union expanded to include several select employee groups in the St. Paul area. In 1995, the membership approved a name change to Cities Credit Union to encompass the growing number of select employee groups. In 1996, Cities opened a branch office in its current location off 35E and County Road E in Vadnais Heights. In 2003, the Minnesota Department of Commerce amended the credit union's charter to open membership to the communities of Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and Gem Lake. Cities extended membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in these communities. In 2004, the downtown St. Paul office closed and all operations were moved to the Vadnais Heights office. In July 2014, the charter was amended by the Minnesota Department of Commerce to include anyone who volunteers in our core four communities.