Corporate credit unions are united on a cooperative basis in the Central Credit Union (US Central Credit Union). In the credit union compensation for use of the loan (interest) is a source of compensation for savings. In the case of default the shareholder - individual will respond with its property and, in addition, is jointly and severally liable with the credit union's commitments. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine.