Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. 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 unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. In the credit union compensation for use of the loan (interest) is a source of compensation for savings. On the consumer credit market in the U.S. credit unions are on the third place after the commercial banks and finance companies and are ahead of savings institutions, not taking into account the loans on real estate.
Credit unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. 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.