(a) General rule.--Every association without capital stock shall issue a certificate of membership to each member. Every association with capital stock shall issue a certificate of common shares to each member certifying the number of shares of stock held by him. An association shall issue common shares or a membership certificate only to persons eligible for membership upon such terms and conditions as shall be provided in the bylaws. Fractional shares may be issued.

(b) Voting rights.--Each eligible member shall be entitled to only one vote on each question that may be presented at any meeting of the members regardless of the number of shares or amount of membership capital owned by him.

(c) Preferred stock.--An association may issue preferred shares to any person upon such terms and conditions as shall be provided in the bylaws. The preferred shares shall carry no voting rights other than as provided by section 7529(a)(3) (relating to fundamental changes).

(d) Consideration.--No association shall issue a certificate of membership, and no certificate for common shares shall be issued until fully paid for, but promissory notes may be accepted by the association as full or partial payment. The association shall hold the membership certificate or shares as security for the payment of the note, but such retention as security shall not affect the right of the member to vote and hold office.

(e) Evidence of equity in assets.--The association may, from time to time, issue to any patron a certificate or other evidence of the equity of the patron in any fund, capital investment or other asset of the association. The certificate or other evidence of equity may bear interest at a rate not in excess of two points under the average treasury bill rate for the 12 months preceding the date on which the payment is made and may be transferred only to the association or to such other person as may be approved by the association.

(f) Dividends.--Dividends may be paid on any shares and dividends on preferred shares may be cumulative if so provided in the articles. An association shall have a lien on all of its issued shares and dividends declared or accrued thereon for all indebtedness of the holders thereof to the association if provision therefor is stated on the face of the share certificate.