Corporate credit unions are united on a cooperative basis in the Central Credit Union (US Central Credit Union). Borrowing rate for the credit union is a source of income to cover the administrative costs. All excess funds are returned to members in the form of dividends on savings. First Credit Union was savings unprofitable institution, or rather credit cooperative, providing services to its members. Typically new members of the credit union become citizens having suretyship or recommendations from their friends - members of the credit union. Share contributions are transferred to the credit union on the basis of membership for the whole stay of a shareholder as member of the credit union and are the basis of membership. As of the January 1, 2012 the national associations and confederations unite more than 196 million members participating in the 51,013 credit unions in 100 countries. 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.