depending on the cu, they may be more strict than others w/their secured ccs. for ex., penfed denied me for their secured cc even w/scores in the mid-high 600s, more than enough $ to cover the secured cc limit (500 lol), and no new baddies since '03. and no, i wasn't pyramiding debt and didn't have a ton of inqs. in their words, they are very very very very (and yes, very) conservative. if possible, go into your CU in person and try to 'feel them out' before apping.