topic Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences in Personal Finance

On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:18:29 GMT

This credit union doesn't pull ChexSystems (my Chex was frozen) and it is open membership. You just need donate $5 to GoWest Foundation. They're based in Colorado. Anyway here's my experience of my On Tap Credit Union application:

4/14/2026: I applied for free checking account and you can choose the debit card design like Pelican Credit Union. My application wasn't approved immediately so it was on pending.

4/15/2026: I got the voicemail so I called back. This person was nice during the discussion. The question that I was asked was:

-How did you hear about us? Online of course.

-Why did you join us? I like the support of beer themed.

The guy ask me to donate $5 to GoWest Foundation here and sent the receipt attached to his email. So I did that and I was asked to sign DocuSign. After that, I got the secure email with member number attached to setup online banking. And that's pretty much it.

So the experience was not instant unlike @Royalbacon application experience for Pelican Credit Union which I opened up much later and CommunityAmerica Credit Union as well but shout out the guy for being nice during discussion.

They have CO-OP Shared Branch support that's a plus for me since I'm in Tennessee.

They have referral program that you and others get $50 e-gift.

Here's the link to their credit union if you're interested to join:

https://www.ontapcu.org/

And their debit card designs:

https://www.ontapcu.org/personal/card-designs

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

FicoMike0 — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:47:56 GMT

No sub?

I'm sub crazy.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:49:03 GMT

@FicoMike0 wrote:
No sub?
I'm sub crazy.

I'm sorry but what is sub mean?

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

Vinjints — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:33:01 GMT

Besides having a beer themed debit card for all the bar minxes, what's the draw for this credit union?

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:40:11 GMT

@Vinjints wrote:
Besides having a beer themed debit card for all the bar minxes, what's the draw for this credit union?

I was draw this credit union from DoctorOfCredit here. I know it is expired but it still has referral program so that's what I do.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

FicoMike0 — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:00:33 GMT

Here's an easy example,

https://accountoffers.wellsfargo.com/welcomebonus/

Credit unions tend to be regional, here's a nice one,

https://www.visionsfcu.org/500?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23024812276&gbraid=0AAAAACU1EzjIf42UgyqdS00nZ-sV8EnHX

Those of us who have churned these often do an ach push from our own account at another bank, rather than a direct deposit.

Another point, when they ask for a larger direct deposit, it's total over, say, 90 days. The money doesn't have to stay on deposit. If they want $1000, smirf them $500, immediately send it to another bank, then deposit the same $500 again. $500+$500=$1000.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:05:02 GMT

@FicoMike0 wrote:
Sign Up Bonus
Here's an easy example,
https://accountoffers.wellsfargo.com/welcomebonus/
Credit unions tend to be regional, here's a nice one,
https://www.visionsfcu.org/500?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23024812276&gbraid=0AAAAACU1EzjIf42UgyqdS00nZ-sV8EnHX
Those of us who have churned these often do an ach push from our own account at another bank, rather than a direct deposit.
Another point, when they ask for a larger direct deposit, it's total over, say, 90 days. The money doesn't have to stay on deposit. If they want $1000, smirf them $500, immediately send it to another bank, then deposit the same $500 again. $500+$500=$1000.

Looks like Visions Federal Credit Union is only restricted to certain ZIP codes in New York State, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. And certain group so you can't apply OOS.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

FicoMike0 — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:36:45 GMT

I'm sure you can find a sub in your area. Look here,

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/best-bank-account-bonuses/

And here,

https://www.bankrewards.io/

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:39:07 GMT

@FicoMike0 wrote:
I'm sure you can find a sub in your area. Look here,
https://www.doctorofcredit.com/best-bank-account-bonuses/
And here,
https://www.bankrewards.io/

Thanks! I'm bookmarking it for current and future SUB.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

crystal626 — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:17:02 GMT

Honestly never saw the appeal of this CU (we live in CO) unless you do a lot of drinking of Coors products and want a card that shows it lol. That Colorado flag image is pretty cool though.

As far as Colorado CUs go, Bellco (anyone can join with a donation to the Bellco Foundation) is way better for the average person or Space Age CU (this one is restricted to a number of the largest counties in CO, no backdoors that I'm aware of) for their rather unique Platinum credit card that's fixed to the prime rate (so currently 6.75% APR). Ent CU is merging with Wings CU, which might bring some interesting changes.

Most of our CUs are nothing special. Arapahoe CU has a secured card with a low 4.99% fixed APR, which is interesting, and their building architecture is wild on the two branches I've seen, but they're not very interesting otherwise. They're limited to SEGs and three counties in CO and their website looks like it's straight out of the late 90s.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:34:55 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
Honestly never saw the appeal of this CU (we live in CO) unless you do a lot of drinking of Coors products and want a card that shows it lol. That Colorado flag image is pretty cool though.

As far as Colorado CUs go, Bellco (anyone can join with a donation to the Bellco Foundation) is way better for the average person or Space Age CU (this one is restricted to a number of the largest counties in CO, no backdoors that I'm aware of) for their rather unique Platinum credit card that's fixed to the prime rate (so currently 6.75% APR). Ent CU is merging with Wings CU, which might bring some interesting changes.

Most of our CUs are nothing special. Arapahoe CU has a secured card with a low 4.99% fixed APR, which is interesting, and their building architecture is wild on the two branches I've seen, but they're not very interesting otherwise. They're limited to SEGs and three counties in CO and their website looks like it's straight out of the late 90s.

I was actually going for Bellco but when I check weather they pull ChexSystems listed on DoctorOfCredit here it is not on the list nor doesn't indicate whether it pulls it or not. So I skip applying them and went to On Tap Credit Union instead because they don't pull ChexSystems according to the list.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

crystal626 — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:51:25 GMT

@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
Honestly never saw the appeal of this CU (we live in CO) unless you do a lot of drinking of Coors products and want a card that shows it lol. That Colorado flag image is pretty cool though.

As far as Colorado CUs go, Bellco (anyone can join with a donation to the Bellco Foundation) is way better for the average person or Space Age CU (this one is restricted to a number of the largest counties in CO, no backdoors that I'm aware of) for their rather unique Platinum credit card that's fixed to the prime rate (so currently 6.75% APR). Ent CU is merging with Wings CU, which might bring some interesting changes.

Most of our CUs are nothing special. Arapahoe CU has a secured card with a low 4.99% fixed APR, which is interesting, and their building architecture is wild on the two branches I've seen, but they're not very interesting otherwise. They're limited to SEGs and three counties in CO and their website looks like it's straight out of the late 90s.
I was actually going for Bellco but when I check weather they pull ChexSystems listed on DoctorOfCredit here it is not on the list nor doesn't indicate whether it pulls it or not. So I skip applying them and went to On Tap Credit Union instead because they don't pull ChexSystems according to the list.

Yeah I can't help you with the ChexSystems thing as it's never a problem for me so I don't track it.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

AndySoCal — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:32:02 GMT

With credit unions when I call because I interested in joining I do this. I tell the representative that I am interested in joining the credit union and I have all my credit bureaus and Chex Systems frozen. What do I need to unfreeze in order to join?

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:41:23 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
Honestly never saw the appeal of this CU (we live in CO) unless you do a lot of drinking of Coors products and want a card that shows it lol. That Colorado flag image is pretty cool though.

As far as Colorado CUs go, Bellco (anyone can join with a donation to the Bellco Foundation) is way better for the average person or Space Age CU (this one is restricted to a number of the largest counties in CO, no backdoors that I'm aware of) for their rather unique Platinum credit card that's fixed to the prime rate (so currently 6.75% APR). Ent CU is merging with Wings CU, which might bring some interesting changes.

Most of our CUs are nothing special. Arapahoe CU has a secured card with a low 4.99% fixed APR, which is interesting, and their building architecture is wild on the two branches I've seen, but they're not very interesting otherwise. They're limited to SEGs and three counties in CO and their website looks like it's straight out of the late 90s.
I was actually going for Bellco but when I check weather they pull ChexSystems listed on DoctorOfCredit here it is not on the list nor doesn't indicate whether it pulls it or not. So I skip applying them and went to On Tap Credit Union instead because they don't pull ChexSystems according to the list.
Yeah I can't help you with the ChexSystems thing as it's never a problem for me so I don't track it.

Well I decide to apply Bello CU early today and I unfroze my ChexSystems. I was approved today the same day under an hour.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

crystal626 — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 22:44:59 GMT

@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
Honestly never saw the appeal of this CU (we live in CO) unless you do a lot of drinking of Coors products and want a card that shows it lol. That Colorado flag image is pretty cool though.

As far as Colorado CUs go, Bellco (anyone can join with a donation to the Bellco Foundation) is way better for the average person or Space Age CU (this one is restricted to a number of the largest counties in CO, no backdoors that I'm aware of) for their rather unique Platinum credit card that's fixed to the prime rate (so currently 6.75% APR). Ent CU is merging with Wings CU, which might bring some interesting changes.

Most of our CUs are nothing special. Arapahoe CU has a secured card with a low 4.99% fixed APR, which is interesting, and their building architecture is wild on the two branches I've seen, but they're not very interesting otherwise. They're limited to SEGs and three counties in CO and their website looks like it's straight out of the late 90s.
I was actually going for Bellco but when I check weather they pull ChexSystems listed on DoctorOfCredit here it is not on the list nor doesn't indicate whether it pulls it or not. So I skip applying them and went to On Tap Credit Union instead because they don't pull ChexSystems according to the list.
Yeah I can't help you with the ChexSystems thing as it's never a problem for me so I don't track it.
Well I decide to apply Bello CU early today and I unfroze my ChexSystems. I was approved today the same day under an hour.

Congrats!

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:04:28 GMT

@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat wrote:
@crystal626 wrote:
Honestly never saw the appeal of this CU (we live in CO) unless you do a lot of drinking of Coors products and want a card that shows it lol. That Colorado flag image is pretty cool though.

As far as Colorado CUs go, Bellco (anyone can join with a donation to the Bellco Foundation) is way better for the average person or Space Age CU (this one is restricted to a number of the largest counties in CO, no backdoors that I'm aware of) for their rather unique Platinum credit card that's fixed to the prime rate (so currently 6.75% APR). Ent CU is merging with Wings CU, which might bring some interesting changes.

Most of our CUs are nothing special. Arapahoe CU has a secured card with a low 4.99% fixed APR, which is interesting, and their building architecture is wild on the two branches I've seen, but they're not very interesting otherwise. They're limited to SEGs and three counties in CO and their website looks like it's straight out of the late 90s.
I was actually going for Bellco but when I check weather they pull ChexSystems listed on DoctorOfCredit here it is not on the list nor doesn't indicate whether it pulls it or not. So I skip applying them and went to On Tap Credit Union instead because they don't pull ChexSystems according to the list.
Yeah I can't help you with the ChexSystems thing as it's never a problem for me so I don't track it.
Well I decide to apply Bello CU early today and I unfroze my ChexSystems. I was approved today the same day under an hour.
Congrats!

Thanks! Luckily they have CO-OP Shared Branch just like On Tap CU does since I'm in Tennessee. And they have Zelle which On Tap doesn't have so that's plus for me through I don't use it very often.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

Royalbacon — Fri, 01 May 2026 00:04:03 GMT

Just applied for On Tap for a Free Checking, Basic Savings, and a Peak Tiered savings, thank you so much!

I'll wait to donate $5 to GoWest until they contact me. Application sorta made it seem like they'd donate as apart of their application and you don't need to do it seperately, although it's not worded very clearly at all.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

Gme303 — Sun, 03 May 2026 13:11:01 GMT

@MeowingTheCat Bellco credit union does pull chexsystems and they say they don't have a credit score requirement but they do I was denied due to chexsystems and under 620 score per the banker I worked with. I also applied to OnTap credit union and I'm praying it gets approved

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Sun, 03 May 2026 21:50:01 GMT

@Gme303 wrote:
@MeowingTheCat Bellco credit union does pull chexsystems and they say they don't have a credit score requirement but they do I was denied due to chexsystems and under 620 score per the banker I worked with. I also applied to OnTap credit union and I'm praying it gets approved

I was approved with my higher score than you. Maybe you opened/apllied too many accounts in short period of times so that's why they deined you.

Re: On Tap Credit Union application experiences

MeowingTheCat — Mon, 04 May 2026 21:26:38 GMT

@Royalbacon wrote:
Just applied for On Tap for a Free Checking, Basic Savings, and a Peak Tiered savings, thank you so much!

I'll wait to donate $5 to GoWest until they contact me. Application sorta made it seem like they'd donate as apart of their application and you don't need to do it seperately, although it's not worded very clearly at all.

@Royalbacon

Did you manage it to get approved and what questions did they asked you?