USAA

[LilNYC]

I recently found out that my father is a full member of USAA (& has their auto insurance.)  I'm interested in their Rate Advantage CC & wondering what my plan of action should be.

Am I better offer joining first & opening a checking acct at the same time. Then wait to see if any offers pop up? Do they do a HP fir etsblishing membership or opening a checking acct?

My Equifax report has 1 inquiry & fakos b/w 725-781, overall util somewhere b/w 40-50% (taking adv of zero apr promo periods), no baddies, AAoA 4 yrs, oldest acct 10 yrs ( but only bc of Amex backdating, I think in another month EQ will show 81 month positive payment history though?) 

[Revelate]

It's not a pull for the checking account (another example of USAA's being a bank rather than a CU), and I think all you need to do is get your eligibility verified.  It's probably worth checking out their auto insurance product anyway which is easy qualification to full member if you obtain it (and you might' already be a full member if you were ever on your dad's insurance), but once you got your membership straightened out, I'd just apply directly if you want the card.

The offers are sporadic, I wouldn't wait for one in your case: your scores and stats look fine, and honestly if you can qualify for the higher end Amex card, you can easily qualify for the USAA one.

[chasmith]

USAA collects information about children of members.  If your Dad hasn't listed you, you might want to ask him to do so, that will streamline your full membership.

USAA isn't a credit Union, it is a "Texas Insurance Cooperative" that owns a bank, and investment company, etc.  They do treat full members better and their insurance is hard to beat (I just checked by getting a GEICO quote with the NFCU discount, and couldn't get as much of some coverage at a quote $15/month higher.

So I think your plan is good to start with membership and a checking account (or insurance).  Then apply for credit after they see some dire deposits.