National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) - an independent federal agency, based in Washington (State of Columbia), established by the U.S. Congress to oversee the federal credit union system. Borrowing rate for the credit union is a source of income to cover the administrative costs. All excess funds are returned to members in the form of dividends on savings. Some credit unions are closed, serving only their members. However, the more and more popularitywin cooperatives of open type. First Credit Union was savings unprofitable institution, or rather credit cooperative, providing services to its members. Credit unions of the open type are still controlled by their members, but at the same time provide services to people who are not its members (external customers). Credit unions are competitors of savings institutions, adding interest on deposits of members. This applies to the shares, as well as to additional funds transferred to the account in the credit union. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. 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. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.).