Historically, credit unions were preceded by widespread development of credit cooperation in many countries of Europe and America. Most modern credit unions represent specialized consumer cooperatives of citizens associated by the principle of social community: place of work, place of residence, profession, or any other shared interest. 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. Credit unions of the open type are still controlled by their members, but at the same time provide services to people who are not its members (external customers). Credit union as a consumer cooperative operates on the principles of equality of all its members. 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.