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. Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.