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. " First Credit Union was savings unprofitable institution, or rather credit cooperative, providing services to its members. 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. Until the mid-XX century, credit unions in the United States had little assets that did not exceed, as a rule, 100 thousand dollars The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. Standards by which credit unions build their work do not coincide with the standards and regulations of consumer cooperation of the usual type. Unlike banks, in order to use the services of a credit union, you have to become its member, having written an application and having paid thus shares and membership fee.