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. First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. Until the 70's there was a proliferation of the U.S. credit unions due to the increase of their number and the number of shareholders, although it must be acknowledged that there was also and a qualitative growth. The relationship of shareholders with credit union are not client-based, they are co-operative, based on different principles and standards, in particular, on the principles of the law of obligations. International cooperation has been particularly felt since the days when Alphonse Desjardins began the activity on development of credit union movement in North America. In the credit union compensation for use of the loan (interest) is a source of compensation for savings. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. The right to use the services of the credit union have only its members. A potential new member of a credit union must submit a recommendation of shareholders in which the referee becomes a warrant of a future member of the credit union.