To date, credit unions - virtually the only form of financial institution where people can quickly and without any problems get a relatively inexpensive cash loan. Like the credit cooperatives, credit unions form associations of a higher level, which are called corporate credit unions. The main advantage of credit unions consists in transparency, controllability, governance for shareholders. 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. Over 30% of the assets of credit unions are investments in government securities, certificates of deposit of banks and savings loan associations, as well as in the parent credit unions, and other risk-free investments. International cooperation has been particularly felt since the days when Alphonse Desjardins began the activity on development of credit union movement in North America. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. 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. A potential new member of a credit union must submit a recommendation of shareholders in which the referee becomes a warrant of a future member of the credit union.