The number of shareholders of a credit union is limited and formalized by a list. Limit of the number is defined by the assembly and such assembly establishes the charter. Typically new members of the credit union become citizens having suretyship or recommendations from their friends - members of the credit union. 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). The main activities of credit unions, aimed at the organization of mutual aid and social support of citizens is not intended to profit. Shareholders in corporate organizations are basic credit unions, besides the same union can be a shareholder of several corporate organizations. Credit cooperatives and credit unions exist in many different forms. The main differences relate to the nature of the membership and the opening of a credit institution. Credit union as a consumer cooperative operates on the principles of equality of all its members.