Credit cooperatives and credit unions exist in many different forms. The main differences relate to the nature of the membership and the opening of a credit institution. 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. The value of credit unions is not limited to the role of the economic agent - they are an important element of the social structure and a factor of social stability and progress. Like any financial institution, credit unions have the financial resources. International cooperation has been particularly felt since the days when Alphonse Desjardins began the activity on development of credit union movement in North America. Corporate alliances are intermediaries between credit unions and financial markets.
The value of credit unions is not limited to the role of the economic agent - they are an important element of the social structure and a factor of social stability and progress. Like any financial institution, credit unions have the financial resources. 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.