Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. The number of shareholders of a credit union is limited and formalized by a list. Limit of the number is defined by the assembly and such assembly establishes the charter. Is necessary that all shareholders of the credit union were members of a single community, would know each other well enough to enjoy mutual trust. The main advantage of credit unions consists in transparency, controllability, governance for shareholders. Over 30% of the assets of credit unions are investments in government securities, certificates of deposit of banks and savings loan associations, as well as in the parent credit unions, and other risk-free investments. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. Credit unions appeared in England in the 19th century. In 1844 a group of workers from Rochdale established the first cooperative. Credit union as a consumer cooperative operates on the principles of equality of all its members.