Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. Borrowing rate for the credit union is a source of income to cover the administrative costs. All excess funds are returned to members in the form of dividends on savings. 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. 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. Since the early 80's started the process of consolidation of credit unions, leading to a decrease in their number with a simultaneous increase in the total number of members. Taking a decision to join a credit union, citizens create an organization through which they participate in the shared savings by mutual crediting and joint (collective) use of personal savings. The relationship between credit unions and shareholders arise from the membership and are not customer relationship. Standards by which credit unions build their work do not coincide with the standards and regulations of consumer cooperation of the usual type. Worldwide credit union movement is represented by regional confederations and national organizations within the World Council of Credit Unions. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.