Any operating surplus returns to members. Credit unions exercise neutrality in race, religion, and politics. Service to members is the primary motive. Ongoing education is encouraged among members, employees, and the public. Credit unions shall actively cooperate with other co-ops.
Credit unions seek to promote social responsibility.
In credit unions, we can trace this concept back to the first credit cooperatives formed in Germany over a century ago. These were mutual-aid societies among certain groups of people, such as urban shopkeepers, parish members, and poor rural farmers. In the United States early credit unions formed primarily where working affiliations already existed - among railway workers, meat packers, postal and municipal employees, and other industrial groups. Today in the United States nearly 80 percent of members belong to credit unions with occupational common bonds. The first goal of credit unions is to promote thrift.