topic Re: Is NFCU still worth it? in Personal Finance

Is NFCU still worth it?

LadyJEsq — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 22:32:10 GMT

Hello again Community!

Okay, so I applied to Navy late last Thursday. I submitted a photo of my ID that I've used for other applications without issue, so I wasn't expecting any problems. Early Tuesday morning, I received an email saying that my documentation was 'blurry.' I immediately called because I thought this was BS since I've used it before including for when I app'd for my medicinal marijuana card in my state, which was extremely rigorous. The CSR I spoke with said that she could only see that my documentation was considered 'blurry' and told me to just retake a picture and resubmit. I really didn't feel like it, but remembered this being one of the better CUs on these boards, so thought I'd give it one more try. I used a lamp to enhance the picture and got a great shot. I resubmitted my picture about 9:30am that same morning. I just received another documentation error message saying once again that my photo was 'blurry.' I immediately thought about calling again, but remember that the last time I called, the CSR had no more info than what was in the email. So now I'm wondering if it's even still worth trying to get into this CU. I haven't been on the boards in years, but I'm wondering if it's still considered a great CU? One part of me hates not finishing something I start and another part of me just wants to email them back and tell them to kiss my.....

Also, does anyone have a backdoor number that I can call where I might reach someone who might be able to assist with this issue?

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

Jnbmom — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 22:36:15 GMT

Navy is a great CU. I would just try again. This has happened to me with other creditors at times .

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

LadyJEsq — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 02:07:47 GMT

Thanks @Jnbmom, I'll give them a call in the morning and see if I can't reach someone who can help. And hopefully it won't take another several days......

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

KatSoDak — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 02:20:29 GMT

It's worth it. The CLs are very generous and the interest rates are low.

I would take one more picture of your ID. Maybe do it outside. Check to be sure your camera is producing large size files. Also give this next picture a different file name so you are sure you aren't sending the previous picture.

Good luck.

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

LadyJEsq — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 02:52:01 GMT

Thanks for the advice @KatSoDak. But I don't think I'll be taking another picture since I made sure with various programs that the current submitted photo was not blurry, even if it was blown up to the maximum size. I don't know what's going on here, but I'm positive my photo isn't blurry. Hopefully the next CSR will have some insights.

Thanks again!

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

OmarGB9 — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:18:28 GMT

Alternatively, if you have a branch near you, you can just go in in person and open up an account that way.

And yes, Navy is definitely still worth it.

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

TheRedHat — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:14:21 GMT

I'm honestly not seeing why this is such a big deal? Just retake the photo and resubmit it or if that's really not possible, visit one of the branches in-person? NFCU is one of the best credit unions out there.

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

coldfusion — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:07:22 GMT

@TheRedHat wrote:
I'm honestly not seeing why this is such a big deal? Just retake the photo and resubmit it or if that's really not possible, visit one of the branches in-person? NFCU is one of the best credit unions out there.

She already took a 2nd photo taking care to address their issue as she best understood it based on receiving only a single word for feedback. Nothing wrong with calling them and asking for more detailed guidance especially if she doesn't live near an accessible NFCU branch.

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

jmw1 — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:34:46 GMT

My best guess is that it is an automated process to verify ID and this is just another attempt by many financial institutions to cut costs at the expense of good service. It's very likely OP had good pictures both times that were easily readable by a human.

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

unsungivy — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 17:35:58 GMT

I'm confused why you are taking a photo, rather than scanning it in...

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

LadyJEsq — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 19:04:59 GMT

Thank you all very much for replying. @OmarGB9 While I knew that there were no Navy branches near me, I wondered if I could go to a Co-Op location to submit the necessary documentation, but unfortunately, that wouldn't work. And you are spot on @coldfusion!

Additional DPs:

I initially submitted a photo because it's what I had on my computer from other applications. And when I called and spoke with the initial CSR, she confirmed that I was indeed submitting a photo because per her, that's what's best. Today's CSR was equally helpful. She offered to stay on the phone with me and walk me through emailing the documents in instead of using their secure upload link. Unfortunately, the email address she initially gave me was incorrect. She had me on hold while she spoke with someone in their secure documents department and he was able to pull up my photos and give more insight into the issue. Apparently the photo was not 'blurry' but they couldn't see the watermark on the ID. I had been taking the picture of the ID with it laying down on the desk, which does not show the little outline of IL watermark. I wish they would've just said that in their initial email instead of just claiming that the photo was blurry because it certainly would've saved a lot of time. There are multiple watermarks on our IDs and the only way to view that particular watermark is to hold it up to a light. The CSR suggested that after I receive the email confirmation that they've received my documents, that I call and confirm that they're acceptable. I may do this but I submitted both photos, the one that captured the watermark and the one I sent in Tuesday in case capturing that particular watermark made the other information on the ID 'blurry' so I think I'm good. I would definitely do it if she said that it could speed up the process, but she said that they would just confirm that the photos are acceptable and that it would still take 3-5 business days.

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

tcbofade — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 20:01:17 GMT

Sorry to read about what a struggle this has been for you, but bear with it.

Once you're in, NFCU is still wonderful!

Good luck!

Re: Is NFCU still worth it?

LadyJEsq — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 21:06:52 GMT

Thanks @tcbofade! I haven't received the confirmation email which I was told only takes 15mins so I may have to call one more time.........after all this, I'm going to app for the moon and beyond and I better be approved!