If you think your scores are going to increase significantly within the next few weeks, certainly wait before applying as that will drastically improve your odds of a higher starting line and a lower APR. And fortunately all 3 of the lenders you mentioned have prequalification pages. Take a look at those, see if you have any solid or close range APRs listed on those, and then investigate which lender's card best suits your goals and spending habits.
@Sandman771 wrote:Not necessarily. If a family member is a veteran you can join. But in doing that it is better to call in and not try online.
X2, my dad was in the military and was not a member. I just called in and explained his involvement in the armed forces, the dates he was active and where he was based. After about a 20 min conversation (they never once spoke with my father nor does he have an account) I was approved for a membership. The rep even asked if I wanted to apply for anything over the phone without another HP. Really easy to work with.
@ExplicitElicit wrote:
@Sandman771 wrote:Not necessarily. If a family member is a veteran you can join. But in doing that it is better to call in and not try online.
X2, my dad was in the military and was not a member. I just called in and explained his involvement in the armed forces, the dates he was active and where he was based. After about a 20 min conversation (they never once spoke with my father nor does he have an account) I was approved for a membership. The rep even asked if I wanted to apply for anything over the phone without another HP. Really easy to work with.
^^^ This.
I'll only add the caveat that I've never read of anybody getting NFCU to use the membership HP for a credit product - they are generally quick to HP for every credit product (with the notable exception of sometimes using a CLOC HP for an installment loan).
That said, for most people the HPs are well-worth it. 
@Sandman771 wrote:Not necessarily. If a family member is a veteran you can join. But in doing that it is better to call in and not try online.
+1
Update:
I applied for the Chase Freedom Unlimited and got aprroved with a $7,000 starting limit. Thats more than what I hoped for!
Thanks for all your help