In the United States, credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that exist to serve their members rather than to maximize corporate profits. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits and make loans.Like credit unions, these financial institutions accept deposits and make loans,but unlike credit unions, they are in business to make a profit. Banks and savings & loans are owned by groups of stockholders whose interests include earning a healthy return on their investments. Credit unions are member owned and not-for-profit, so the people they serve are those who benefit from their financial success