Like the credit cooperatives, credit unions form associations of a higher level, which are called corporate credit unions. 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. Standards by which credit unions build their work do not coincide with the standards and regulations of consumer cooperation of the usual type. The right to use the services of the credit union have only its members. 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. Credit union as a consumer cooperative operates on the principles of equality of all its members. Today, the World Council of Credit Unions is represented as members four regional confederations and twelve national associations.