If eligible, I'd go with NFCU. They're far more generous with limits than USAA.
Starting Score: 675
@Anonymous wrote:
I'm not exactly sure what the USAA Classic card is. The CSR said that when you apply for the USAA AmEx or MasterCard, if you don't qualify then they counteroffer the Classic card. I'm pretty sure she used the term "graduate" (though I could be mixing up terminology at this point). Basically, if you pay on time, etc you can move from the classic card to the AmEx or MasterCard assuming you meet all of the criteria? I'll call again on Monday to get more detailed info.
If you get any more information I'd love to hear about it, especially if they offer what they're looking for on it. I'm a full member at USAA (though not NFCU), in a similar credit situation, the USAA product might be useful eventually though I suspect they're looking for a higher qualification than what I have currently score/report wise. I somewhat doubt it's a secured card at all.
With the option though, I'd pick NFCU > USAA from everything I've read here over the past few months. That said, if this is your first card, you may simply want to do both.
@Revelate wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I'm not exactly sure what the USAA Classic card is. The CSR said that when you apply for the USAA AmEx or MasterCard, if you don't qualify then they counteroffer the Classic card. I'm pretty sure she used the term "graduate" (though I could be mixing up terminology at this point). Basically, if you pay on time, etc you can move from the classic card to the AmEx or MasterCard assuming you meet all of the criteria? I'll call again on Monday to get more detailed info.If you get any more information I'd love to hear about it, especially if they offer what they're looking for on it. I'm a full member at USAA (though not NFCU), in a similar credit situation, the USAA product might be useful eventually though I suspect they're looking for a higher qualification than what I have currently score/report wise. I somewhat doubt it's a secured card at all.
With the option though, I'd pick NFCU > USAA from everything I've read here over the past few months. That said, if this is your first card, you may simply want to do both.
Doing both is a great idea... I second that emotion!
It wouldn't hurt to build relationships with both NFCU and USAA
FICO 9: 
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
Filed Chapter 13 on 6/1/2017 after job loss. Discharged 6/1/2022.
Goal: Gardening!
I have the Classic Amex with USAA but have only had it for a month, so I'm not sure about any upgrading or graduation. It does have a $39 annual fee, though. I do think it is just a sort of rebuilder, even though they gave me a limit of $1K. NFCU approved me for the cashRewards at $7K on the same day. So NFCU > USAA if you're considering going unsecured.
