Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. Credit unions attract people in the first place by the opportunity to get cash loan (credit) - quickly and relatively inexpensively. The difference between credit unions and banks is clearly is apparent when comparing the structure of assets and liabilities of credit unions and banks. When organizing the credit union it is important that people know each other and know the extent to which each of them is trustworthy. Credit union services are available only to its shareholders. Credit unions of the open type are still controlled by their members, but at the same time provide services to people who are not its members (external customers). The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. Contributions from of shareholders in credit unions in no way can be considered as borrowed funds, they come from the shareholders and for the shareholders and can not be used to provide services to third parties. 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 credit unions limit their activities to a closed circle of people.
The difference between credit unions and banks is clearly is apparent when comparing the structure of assets and liabilities of credit unions and banks. When organizing the credit union it is important that people know each other and know the extent to which each of them is trustworthy. Credit unions attract people in the first place by the opportunity to get cash loan (credit) - quickly and relatively inexpensively.