I use a credit union to borrow and save:
The modern Credit Union Movement traces its origins to Germany and to Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffiesen, the Mayor of a small town in southern Germany who in 1849 formed societies which later turned into Credit Unions
The purpose of these Credit Unions was to enable people to help themselves in relieving debt and proverty.
Raiffeisen considered the following conditions as essential to the success of the Credit Union Movement:
* Only Members could save and borrow.
* Loans were made for provident and productive purposes at a fair and reasonable rate of interest.
* The character of a member would be the most important security of his/her loan.
* Membership is open within a Common Bond to all people irrespective of class, creed, colour or political persuasion
These conditions still apply to this day
Brinty, just for you...