I'm 27 and both of my parents are deceased. My father's dad was a CAPT in the Army Air Corps in World War II, but predeceased my father before a "link" could be established. I've tried obtaining membership to get a CC and maybe check out some of their other products, but the CSR's always tell me a chain has to be established. I don't have much family still around, let alone people who've served. I had no problem getting in with NFCU through my Grandpa, but USAA seems to be inflexible. Any advice would be AWESOME. Thanks! 
@cmm89 wrote:I'm 27 and both of my parents are deceased. My father's dad was a CAPT in the Army Air Corps in World War II, but predeceased my father before a "link" could be established. I've tried obtaining membership to get a CC and maybe check out some of their other products, but the CSR's always tell me a chain has to be established. I don't have much family still around, let alone people who've served. I had no problem getting in with NFCU through my Grandpa, but USAA seems to be inflexible. Any advice would be AWESOME. Thanks!
USAA membership can only be passed down,
If your father or grandfather would also had to have been a USAA member on top of serving as well. Yes they are very strict. But you need to look at as a benefit of service, not a right. Yes they offer awesome insurance, but that because they membership pool is small and not open to everyone.
Your only "work around" is gonna be raising your right hand, or marry a service connected person.
@cmm89 wrote:I'm 27 and both of my parents are deceased. My father's dad was a CAPT in the Army Air Corps in World War II, but predeceased my father before a "link" could be established. I've tried obtaining membership to get a CC and maybe check out some of their other products, but the CSR's always tell me a chain has to be established. I don't have much family still around, let alone people who've served. I had no problem getting in with NFCU through my Grandpa, but USAA seems to be inflexible. Any advice would be AWESOME. Thanks!
Yeah it can be hard to get in. Fortunatly my wife already has USAA so that is how I got in. I was limited with that account. I was not able to get insurance through them or some of thier other benefits. My parents finally joined and obtained insurance and that opened the door for me.
I hope you can find some way into USAA, they are a great bank.
I am not a fan of Navy Federal though. Though I feel I am on my own on this one lol
@cmm89 wrote:I'm 27 and both of my parents are deceased. My father's dad was a CAPT in the Army Air Corps in World War II, but predeceased my father before a "link" could be established. I've tried obtaining membership to get a CC and maybe check out some of their other products, but the CSR's always tell me a chain has to be established. I don't have much family still around, let alone people who've served. I had no problem getting in with NFCU through my Grandpa, but USAA seems to be inflexible. Any advice would be AWESOME. Thanks!
USAA says to call their insurance division to check to see if your parents ever had an insurance product with them. If they did, you may be eligible to join.
As Oldman stated, you can enlist in active duty if you are young enough or the reserves. Age limit for the reserves are as follows: Marines up to age 29; Army up to age 34; Air Force up to age 38; Navy and Coast Guard up to age 39. There are age waivers available to doctors, attorneys and clergy above the posted ages.
Things could always change, around 2009/2010 USAA allowed limited membership to anybody (banking products only) then took it away in 2013. Even existing limited members were blocked from applying for anything new; however, it seems limited members can now apply again for banking products. Maybe USAA will open up limited membership again in the future but for now, its closed.