The global financial crisis of 2008 has led economists, historians, and policymakers alike to re-examine the foundations of our financial infrastructure. This column revisits the world of credit before the rise of modern banking to draw insights for contemporary reform. Drawing on historical research from early modern Europe, it reveals that communities long relied on deeply embedded, interpersonal credit systems grounded in trust, reciprocity, and flexibility. These informal networks, while imperfect, were often more adaptive and inclusive than current models. This historical perspective invites us to imagine credit systems that are more humane, responsive, and socially embedded.