Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. The difference between credit unions and banks is clearly is apparent when comparing the structure of assets and liabilities of credit unions and banks. 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. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. 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. Credit unions are financial institutions, financial cooperatives of citizens, and in this capacity they are above all associations of people, not unification of capitals, which is typical, for example, for public companies. 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. To increase the number of credit unions in 1979 was adopted the corresponding law that serves as the legal basis of their activity. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.