Specialization of credit unions to provide financial services to its shareholders requires a particularly strict regulation of membership and acceptable activities. First Credit Union was savings unprofitable institution, or rather credit cooperative, providing services to its members. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. Unlike banks, in order to use the services of a credit union, you have to become its member, having written an application and having paid thus shares and membership fee.