Mine was instant too, but also important to note -- I had a checkings/savings with them for almost two years (don't use), and I think I applied while logged onto my online account. I'm sure it will be fine - sounds like it really varies.
Starting Score January 1, 2010: 640
I did an app yesterday for the Cash Rewards. Had just opened a checking and savings account a couple hours earlier and knowing I was going to apply for an NFCU credit card in short order anyway, was hoping to avoid a double hit. Rep informed me that they do TU for the checking and EQ for the cards now, but I went ahead and did it anyway. She took all the necessary information from me and then said, "your application has been accepted. Just wait for an email or check back on the website for a message when you log into your account and it will tell you if you got the card." In retrospect, I probably should have asked what "my application has been accepted" meant. Was that an approval and I'm waiting on details, or was that simply saying I am who I am with a legit ss# etc?
So yes, it's been less than 24 hours and I'm reduced to loggin into the NFCU website every few hours to see if I've gotten a decision because I am freakin impatient. 
Right now I've got a handful of rebuilder cards, and beyond my $3k Dell account, my biggest credit lines are all $500-$750. I've rebuilt from mid 500s last year to 660s across the board as of this month. After reading all the positive success stories on here regarding NFCU, I thought I would go ahead and take a shot to see if I could actually get a substantial credit line. Now I'm just doing the being impatient thing. Argh!
@Anonymous wrote:I was wondering what experience people have had recently applying for credit cards from NFCU? I just applied over the phone (since my online account isn't set up yet), and they told me to call back within 1 business day to ask. So it wasn't an instant approval, or an instant denial - I'm trying to decide if I should be bracing for a denial or not. I really don't like not getting instant responses, since I end up having to nervously wait until they give me an answer.
@NeedinHelp42 wrote:I did an app yesterday for the Cash Rewards. Had just opened a checking and savings account a couple hours earlier and knowing I was going to apply for an NFCU credit card in short order anyway, was hoping to avoid a double hit. Rep informed me that they do TU for the checking and EQ for the cards now, but I went ahead and did it anyway. She took all the necessary information from me and then said, "your application has been accepted. Just wait for an email or check back on the website for a message when you log into your account and it will tell you if you got the card."
So yes, it's been less than 24 hours and I'm reduced to loggin into the NFCU website every few hours to see if I've gotten a decision because I am freakin impatient.
@NeedinHelp42 wrote:My wife's brother is active Navy, and she actually opened a savings account there about a year ago-its had all of $20 in it since that time. We just wanted to make sure we could get into NFCU, knowing we'd be home hunting here in the next few years. I was an authorized or added user, or whatever they call it, on that account, so I had online access to an account, and therefore an access code. So the CSR literally set it up and told me to log in, and it was there.
@Anonymous wrote:You already received your online login info? I talked to them on the phone and they said there's no way for me to set up online access until I get the letter in the mail, so I've been having to call their automated phone system to check on the app status.
Andy ...
NeedinHelp's DW has opend saving acct a yr a go ... which is has online acct access.