Credit cooperatives and credit unions exist in many different forms. The main differences relate to the nature of the membership and the opening of a credit institution. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. As of the January 1, 2012 the national associations and confederations unite more than 196 million members participating in the 51,013 credit unions in 100 countries. The value of credit unions is not limited to the role of the economic agent - they are an important element of the social structure and a factor of social stability and progress. Credit unions appeared in England in the 19th century. In 1844 a group of workers from Rochdale established the first cooperative. All the members of the credit union, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, as well as the size of the monetary share have equal rights. Typically new members of the credit union become citizens having suretyship or recommendations from their friends - members of the credit union. The specifics of credit unions and, in some sense, their uniqueness lies in the fact that they work not for profit and do not appropriate profit.
As of the January 1, 2012 the national associations and confederations unite more than 196 million members participating in the 51,013 credit unions in 100 countries. The value of credit unions is not limited to the role of the economic agent - they are an important element of the social structure and a factor of social stability and progress. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit.