Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. Principles of cooperative democracy and interaction were adequate to the purposes for which people joined credit unions. Credit union is created by a group of members who pursue a common interest. Agreeing to make regular contributions, they create a fund from which can borrow money for investments and replenishment of working capital at favorable interest rates. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. Historically, credit unions have grown from the experience of credit cooperatives, but they took the experience of organizations of mutual aid of citizens by moving methods of social self-protection from labor and toward consumption. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.).