Membership in the credit union is voluntary and is open to all citizens bound by with joint work or residence, who wished to create a credit union to use its services and are willing to take on relevant commitments and responsibilities. Typically new members of the credit union become citizens having suretyship or recommendations from their friends - members of the credit union. Is necessary that all shareholders of the credit union were members of a single community, would know each other well enough to enjoy mutual trust. The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. In the UK, credit unions are a source of financing of people groups. This tool is not widely used. Credit unions, like today's credit unions, emerged in the 19th century in Germany as a result of crop failure and famine. Credit unions base their activities on savings of shareholders, their shares and savings contributions, which make up the fund of mutual financial assistance - a source of cash loans to shareholders. 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. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.