Corporate credit unions are united on a cooperative basis in the Central Credit Union (US Central Credit Union). The economic basis of credit unions - finances of a household. The main objective of the credit union - to ensure financial stability of a household, to ensure the priority of their shareholders' financial interests. Is necessary that all shareholders of the credit union were members of a single community, would know each other well enough to enjoy mutual trust. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. Since the early 80's started the process of consolidation of credit unions, leading to a decrease in their number with a simultaneous increase in the total number of members. International cooperation has been particularly felt since the days when Alphonse Desjardins began the activity on development of credit union movement in North America. Credit unions appeared in England in the 19th century. In 1844 a group of workers from Rochdale established the first cooperative. Credit Union - one of the most attractive financial institutions for the public being a non-profit alternative to banks.