The economic basis of credit unions - finances of a household. The main objective of the credit union - to ensure financial stability of a household, to ensure the priority of their shareholders' financial interests. 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. Specialization of credit unions to provide financial services to its shareholders requires a particularly strict regulation of membership and acceptable activities. First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. The relationship of shareholders with credit union are not client-based, they are co-operative, based on different principles and standards, in particular, on the principles of the law of obligations. In some cases, the initiators of credit unions can be trade unions, associations such as social support centers and others. Unlike banks credit unions limit their activities to a closed circle of people. Credit Union - one of the most attractive financial institutions for the public being a non-profit alternative to banks.