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 unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. The difference between credit unions and banks is clearly is apparent when comparing the structure of assets and liabilities of credit unions and banks. Typically new members of the credit union become citizens having suretyship or recommendations from their friends - members of the credit union. Among the U.S. credit unions, there are three groups that differ in terms of assets, shareholders, and business services. Credit unions appeared in England in the 19th century. In 1844 a group of workers from Rochdale established the first cooperative. Consumer loan and reliable savings - these are the main goals, which mean "natural persons" having decided to unite in credit consumer cooperative. Corporate alliances are intermediaries between credit unions and financial markets.