Rockford Bell Credit Union was first organized in 1935 by a group of Rockford employees of Illinois Bell Telephone Company and their families. As a financial institution and mortgage lender, the credit union idea is a simple one: People should be able to pool their money and make loans to each other. It’s an idea that evolved from cooperative activities in 19th century Europe. Rockford Bell Credit Union now offers several savings options, checking, Visa credit and debit cards, travelers checks, auto loans, personal loans, home equity and mortgage loans.