Credit unions encourage savings of citizens, setting compensation payments (interest) on savings and provide from these savings loans to their members. Credit unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. Since the early 80's started the process of consolidation of credit unions, leading to a decrease in their number with a simultaneous increase in the total number of members. Shareholders in corporate organizations are basic credit unions, besides the same union can be a shareholder of several corporate organizations. Credit unions base their activities on savings of shareholders, their shares and savings contributions, which make up the fund of mutual financial assistance - a source of cash loans to shareholders.
First central bank of credit unions appeared in 1876. Credit unions began to appear rapidly in many European countries. Since the early 80's started the process of consolidation of credit unions, leading to a decrease in their number with a simultaneous increase in the total number of members. Credit unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives.