The first credit union in the United States was founded in 1909. by the group of Franco-American Catholics in Manchester, New Hampshire, and was called "Cooperative Credit Association of St. Mary. " Income received by the credit union shall be distributed among the shareholders or spent for the depreciation of services, that is, are the most effective means of meeting the needs of shareholders. At the organization of the credit union it is important that people know each other and know the extent to which each of them is trustworthy. Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. Income derived from the provision of services to its members, does not become the profit of credit union and is distributed among its members in proportion to their savings. 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. Initially, the target groups of credit unions were farmers (Raiffeisen), and now they include both individuals (credit unions), and organizations. Standards by which credit unions build their work do not coincide with the standards and regulations of consumer cooperation of the usual type. The right to use the services of the credit union have only its members.
At the organization of the credit union it is important that people know each other and know the extent to which each of them is trustworthy. Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. Income received by the credit union shall be distributed among the shareholders or spent for the depreciation of services, that is, are the most effective means of meeting the needs of shareholders.