Credit unions also differ from the traditional consumer cooperatives. 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. Consumer loan and reliable savings - these are the main goals, which mean "natural persons" having decided to unite in credit consumer cooperative. The relationship between credit unions and shareholders arise from the membership and are not customer relationship. Shareholders in corporate organizations are basic credit unions, besides the same union can be a shareholder of several corporate organizations. 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.