topic Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions in Credit Cards

Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

AndySoCal — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:50:03 GMT

I am considering a credit card with these two credit unions.

How is the customer service with these credit unions? I have read some posts on forum good na bad.

Does these either or both report the actual payment amount for the credit card?

Thanks for any input you may have

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Janneman — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:51:07 GMT

@AndySoCal wrote:
I am considering a credit card with these two credit unions.

How is the customer service with these credit unions? I have read some posts on forum good na bad.
Does these either or both report the actual payment amount for the credit card?

Thanks for any input you may have

I never have had any experience with NIH FCU because I never dealt with them. Speaking of Penfed then it was a terrible experience I had. 5 years ago Penfed closed two of my credit cards all of sudden without any reason given. Yes, without any reason given except "we don't want you"....It was out of blue and it happened when there was no credit score changed, no any changes in credit reports for anything, no any utilization issue, no any kinda issue whatsoever....I appealed the closure but if you have dealt with any CU then you should know that they always deny the appeal...I am sure that there might be some people who would try to dissect on the reasoning like this and that could be the reason, but there was no any negative or anything whatsoever. Since then I didn't like this CU and don't recommend it to anyone as when they could treat me like this then they could treat anyone. I don't like when a lender treats their long time customers like this. I rather take my business somewhere else.

Nevertheless, you should know that some people over here might have wonderful experience with Penfed. Thus, you need to weigh in to determine if this CU is worth dealing with. All I could say in the end is that lately this CU sucks which is evident all over online. Good luck

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Follower — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:37:26 GMT

I'm not a credit union guy myself, but I recall seeing a number of recent posts to the effect of "PenFed used to be okay, but they're really annoying to deal with now."

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Kforce — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:41:22 GMT

@Follower wrote:
I'm not a credit union guy myself, but I recall seeing a number of recent posts to the effect of "PenFed used to be okay, but they're really annoying to deal with now."

^^^^ This.

Reputation has taken a down turn.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Flarty — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:52:36 GMT

Unique data point here. I was denied membership from NIH because of too many Chexsystems inquiries. This was years ago, they've never allowed me back in.

Was a member of PenFed but their online banking system was totally antiquated. Had to make calls into the bank to g change external accounts, etc. Maybe different now. They also denied me for a credit card after a year of membership. Would I ever bank with PF again? No.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

NoMoreE46 — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 01:29:24 GMT

PenFed is perfectly fine if we are in 1996.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

AndySoCal — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:03:01 GMT

My primary interest in Penfed is the Pen Fed Platinum Cash Rewards Visa only. I need to be able to link 5 to 10 external accounts in OLB in order for me to bank ( checking) with any credit union or bank.
The interest in NIH FCU is the blue credit in the link below

https://www.nihfcu.org/personal/loans-credit-cards/credit-cards/

There is a third credit union who I have interest in years past I had a negative impression. But now they have upgraded their product offerings and I read a post that was positive. The credit union is American Heritage FCU

The credit card of Interest is the Cash Reward Mastercard in the link below.

https://www.americanheritagecu.org/loans/credit-cards

Chex systems wise I would have four inquiries total 3 of which would be 2 to 3 years old and 1 around a year old. I am not worried about that. Both NIH and American Heritage per CSR pull Experian and Chex. Pen Fed does not pull Chex is my understanding.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Snow-Leopard — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 06:53:06 GMT

@AndySoCal wrote:
My primary interest in Penfed is the Pen Fed Platinum Cash Rewards Visa only. I need to be able to link 5 to 10 external accounts in OLB in order for me to bank ( checking) with any credit union or bank.
The interest in NIH FCU is the blue credit in the link below
https://www.nihfcu.org/personal/loans-credit-cards/credit-cards/

There is a third credit union who I have interest in years past I had a negative impression. But now they have upgraded their product offerings and I read a post that was positive. The credit union is American Heritage FCU
The credit card of Interest is the Cash Reward Mastercard in the link below.
https://www.americanheritagecu.org/loans/credit-cards

Chex systems wise I would have four inquiries total 3 of which would be 2 to 3 years old and 1 around a year old. I am not worried about that. Both NIH and American Heritage per CSR pull Experian and Chex. Pen Fed does not pull Chex is my understanding.

PenFed will only let you link a single external account.

Do give American Heritage a try.

I am a member, though American Heritage is not my "primary." Last year, American Heritage's cash rewards card offered 3% back on ALL purchases during the holidays, and they offer a 9.99% fixed-rate card too.

By the way, American Heritage is very friendly. They will send you lots of paper mail and call you repeatedly after you join. Not geofenced, either.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Royalbacon — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:06:58 GMT

American Heritage required me to print a paper application off and notarize it along with a statement of why I wanted to join from out of state and what specific products I was interested in and mail it in since I was out of state after submitting an online application. No idea if they've changed since then.

I told them to cancel the application at that point.

If you only got 1 Chex inquiry within the past 12 months and the rest are 2+ years old you're golden for even the most Chex-Sensitive institutions.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

AndySoCal — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 15:01:50 GMT

Based on what several people have posted about Pen Fed I have lost my interest in them.

@Snow-Leopard Thank you for your information on American Heritage. Their legacy club for those who 60 and older is very nice. I qualify for with seven years to spare. American Heritage savings accounts and CD rates are also higher than many credit unions.

@Royalbacon Thank for your input on Chex Systems. I have one new Chex pull and two more that will fall by end of year which will get me to where I would like to be.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Snow-Leopard — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:10:17 GMT

@Royalbacon wrote:
American Heritage required me to print a paper application off and notarize it along with a statement of why I wanted to join from out of state and what specific products I was interested in and mail it in since I was out of state after submitting an online application. No idea if they've changed since then.

I applied online for membership with American Heritage in September 2025. Chex HP and Experian SP with no requirement for a notarized paper application or statement as to why I wanted to join American Heritage as a current NV resident even though the credit union is located in PA.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Royalbacon — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 01:21:19 GMT

@Snow-Leopard wrote:
@Royalbacon wrote:
American Heritage required me to print a paper application off and notarize it along with a statement of why I wanted to join from out of state and what specific products I was interested in and mail it in since I was out of state after submitting an online application. No idea if they've changed since then.
I applied online for membership with American Heritage in September 2025. Chex HP and Experian SP with no requirement for a notarized paper application or statement as to why I wanted to join American Heritage as a current NV resident even though the credit union is located in PA.

Thats awesome thanks for sharing your datapoint! Looks like they've changed their process since I tried to join years back! I'll keep them on my mind when/if I decide to search for some more credit unions to join again someday.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Royalbacon — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:46:47 GMT

@Snow-Leopard wrote:
@Royalbacon wrote:
American Heritage required me to print a paper application off and notarize it along with a statement of why I wanted to join from out of state and what specific products I was interested in and mail it in since I was out of state after submitting an online application. No idea if they've changed since then.
I applied online for membership with American Heritage in September 2025. Chex HP and Experian SP with no requirement for a notarized paper application or statement as to why I wanted to join American Heritage as a current NV resident even though the credit union is located in PA.

I just joined American Heritage Credit Union in Philadelphia, PA and big thank you to @Snow-Leopard and @AndySoCal

Approved OOS in Minnesota and they pulled Chex and I’d say that they’re NOT Chex sensitive. I can also confirm that they have a new onlnie application process and that they no longer require you to print stuff out and have it notarized and mail it in.

Also, I have a 7 year identity fraud alert on my credit reports and they called me to verify it was actually me applying which I appreciated immensely and the very first financial institution that has ever do so since putting the fraud alert on my reports.

My Chex stats are as follows.

1/1 – This inquiry was actually the same day prior to applying to American Heritage

3/3

10/6

12/9

15/12

28/24

Look at these two links and you'll see people being asked to print stuff out and have it notarized and mailed in. Glad to see that's changed.

https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/American-Heritage-CU-Approval/td-p/6348171

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/philadelphia-pa-only-american-heritage-credit-union-200-checking-bonus/

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Janneman — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:51:01 GMT

@Royalbacon wrote:
@Snow-Leopard wrote:
@Royalbacon wrote:
American Heritage required me to print a paper application off and notarize it along with a statement of why I wanted to join from out of state and what specific products I was interested in and mail it in since I was out of state after submitting an online application. No idea if they've changed since then.
I applied online for membership with American Heritage in September 2025. Chex HP and Experian SP with no requirement for a notarized paper application or statement as to why I wanted to join American Heritage as a current NV resident even though the credit union is located in PA.
I just joined American Heritage Credit Union in Philadelphia, PA and big thank you to @Snow-Leopard and @AndySoCal

Approved OOS in Minnesota and they pulled Chex and I’d say that they’re NOT Chex sensitive. I can also confirm that they have a new onlnie application process and that they no longer require you to print stuff out and have it notarized and mail it in.

Also, I have a 7 year identity fraud alert on my credit reports and they called me to verify it was actually me applying which I appreciated immensely and the very first financial institution that has ever do so since putting the fraud alert on my reports.
My Chex stats are as follows.
1/1 – This inquiry was actually the same day prior to applying to American Heritage
3/3
10/6
12/9
15/12
28/24

Look at these two links and you'll see people being asked to print stuff out and have it notarized and mailed in. Glad to see that's changed.
https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/American-Heritage-CU-Approval/td-p/6348171

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/philadelphia-pa-only-american-heritage-credit-union-200-checking-bonus/

What is this "Approved OOS in Minnesota", please? Are you only joined, or got some credit products? Do they hp for membership/joining? Any specific reason for you to join this CU? Tnx

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Royalbacon — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:54:13 GMT

@Janneman wrote:
@Royalbacon wrote:
@Snow-Leopard wrote:
@Royalbacon wrote:
American Heritage required me to print a paper application off and notarize it along with a statement of why I wanted to join from out of state and what specific products I was interested in and mail it in since I was out of state after submitting an online application. No idea if they've changed since then.
I applied online for membership with American Heritage in September 2025. Chex HP and Experian SP with no requirement for a notarized paper application or statement as to why I wanted to join American Heritage as a current NV resident even though the credit union is located in PA.
I just joined American Heritage Credit Union in Philadelphia, PA and big thank you to @Snow-Leopard and @AndySoCal

Approved OOS in Minnesota and they pulled Chex and I’d say that they’re NOT Chex sensitive. I can also confirm that they have a new onlnie application process and that they no longer require you to print stuff out and have it notarized and mail it in.

Also, I have a 7 year identity fraud alert on my credit reports and they called me to verify it was actually me applying which I appreciated immensely and the very first financial institution that has ever do so since putting the fraud alert on my reports.
My Chex stats are as follows.
1/1 – This inquiry was actually the same day prior to applying to American Heritage
3/3
10/6
12/9
15/12
28/24

Look at these two links and you'll see people being asked to print stuff out and have it notarized and mailed in. Glad to see that's changed.
https://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Card-Approvals/American-Heritage-CU-Approval/td-p/6348171

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/philadelphia-pa-only-american-heritage-credit-union-200-checking-bonus/
What is this "Approved OOS in Minnesota", please? Are you only joined, or got some credit products? Do they hp for membership/joining? Any specific reason for you to join this CU? Tnx

OOS means out of state. I live in Minnesota and the credit union is based in Philadelphia and all their branches are in the Philadelphia area in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

I only opened checking and savings right now but I got my eye on their cash rewards card. Their CD rates are really good too. And no HP, only a SP and ChexSystems pull as well.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

AndySoCal — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:00:10 GMT

@Janneman I will answer for me. My interest is two fold their CD rates are competitive and the Hi yield savings is okay better than some banks and credit unions. Also the legacy checking is for Legacy club members (membership is for those 60 and up. ) has some nice perks. One of which is the Legacy 18 month CD which pay 3.91% APY non Legacy Club CD is 3.81% APY.

I also have interest in their rewards credit card as well.

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Janneman — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:27:31 GMT

@AndySoCal wrote:
@Janneman I will answer for me. My interest is two fold their CD rates are competitive and the Hi yield savings is okay better than some banks and credit unions. Also the legacy checking is for Legacy club members (membership is for those 60 and up. ) has some nice perks. One of which is the Legacy 18 month CD which pay 3.91% APY non Legacy Club CD is 3.81% APY.
I also have interest in their rewards credit card as well.

By the way, have you checked it out Capital One deposit account wherein it pays 4.30 APY, and Synchrony as well wherein its over 4.00, and NFCU too? All they used to pay a lot of interests on CD and savings, not sure now...I did use all of them...Also, check it out GreenState credit Union as it did pay me 5.25 APY on High Yield account, however, I have heard that its now geofenced but not in the past when I joined.

I guess I wouldn't qualify for Legacy Club membership since I am far far far away from being 60....I guess its shame that I can not obtain its Lagacy membership right now and gotta wait for the eternity....-

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

AndySoCal — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:42:26 GMT

@Janneman I checked cap one and syncronny they are paying 3.10 3.40 respectively. Iwould use the high yield savings at American Heritage in conjunction with a checking account. I can put money from the checking account the savings account for brief period of time. I do not have to ACH it back forth. I also have a Vanguard Money Market fund paying 3.58% as well.

I can walk into a few fast food and my local hardware store and I can a senior citizens discount of 10%. The grey hair does pay off every so often.😀

Re: Pen Fed and NIH FCU Questions

Royalbacon — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:37:27 GMT

@Janneman wrote:
@AndySoCal wrote:
@Janneman I will answer for me. My interest is two fold their CD rates are competitive and the Hi yield savings is okay better than some banks and credit unions. Also the legacy checking is for Legacy club members (membership is for those 60 and up. ) has some nice perks. One of which is the Legacy 18 month CD which pay 3.91% APY non Legacy Club CD is 3.81% APY.
I also have interest in their rewards credit card as well.
By the way, have you checked it out Capital One deposit account wherein it pays 4.30 APY, and Synchrony as well wherein its over 4.00, and NFCU too? All they used to pay a lot of interests on CD and savings, not sure now...I did use all of them...Also, check it out GreenState credit Union as it did pay me 5.25 APY on High Yield account, however, I have heard that its now geofenced but not in the past when I joined.

I guess I wouldn't qualify for Legacy Club membership since I am far far far away from being 60....I guess its shame that I can not obtain its Lagacy membership right now and gotta wait for the eternity....-

I'm already a GreenState member and only credit cards and loans are geofenced, checking and savings accounts are available nationwide.