Credit unions are competitors of savings institutions, adding interest on deposits of members. This applies to the shares, as well as to additional funds transferred to the account in the credit union. Initially, the target groups of credit unions were farmers (Raiffeisen), and now they include both individuals (credit unions), and organizations. Credit unions encourage the proper use of shareholders savings, developing social programs (education, health, recreation, housing, etc.). Credit union as a consumer cooperative operates on the principles of equality of all its members. Worldwide credit union movement is represented by regional confederations and national organizations within the World Council of Credit Unions.