topic Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else? in General Credit Topics

PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

ladybug2016 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:00:44 GMT

Hi all,

I couldn't log into my accounts last night, so I figured they were doing system upgrades. When I tried again today, there were 2 numbers to call to get my access restored. I tried the automated system to check my cc account info and it transferred me right to an agent.

He said my access was locked and I had to send in my ID and take a selfie. I asked why, but he couldn't tell me. I told him I wasn't comfortable with that so he gave me some security questions and sent me a text to confirm.

The fraud dept. came on the line and asked if I'd been traveling or using a VPN. No and no. They reset my account and I had to create a new User ID and password. What a pain! I've read posts about their system, and while I do appreciate them looking out for my account, I think it was just me trying to log into my account using my home WiFi instead of my cell service.

Anyone else have this happen? It made me want to just close my small savings and cc with them. Not sure why because I guess I should be glad but I'm annoyed.

Thanks for reading my rant!

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

Rebuild2019 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:27:47 GMT

Hello,

@ladybug2016 I just logged into my PenFed Account without issue.

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

SouthJamaica — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:36:12 GMT

@ladybug2016 wrote:
Hi all,
I couldn't log into my accounts last night, so I figured they were doing system upgrades. When I tried again today, there were 2 numbers to call to get my access restored. I tried the automated system to check my cc account info and it transferred me right to an agent.

He said my access was locked and I had to send in my ID and take a selfie. I asked why, but he couldn't tell me. I told him I wasn't comfortable with that so he gave me some security questions and sent me a text to confirm.

The fraud dept. came on the line and asked if I'd been traveling or using a VPN. No and no. They reset my account and I had to create a new User ID and password. What a pain! I've read posts about their system, and while I do appreciate them looking out for my account, I think it was just me trying to log into my account using my home WiFi instead of my cell service.

Anyone else have this happen? It made me want to just close my small savings and cc with them. Not sure why because I guess I should be glad but I'm annoyed.

Thanks for reading my rant!

No I've never had that, and I don't think it was just because you were using a different device.

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

ladybug2016 — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:21:03 GMT

Thanks for the replies!

I'm glad it's not widespread.

I've read many posts here complaining about their system, but I don't recall ever having issues previously, except when they tell me I have Messages to read, I can never open them. 🤷‍♀️

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

FicoMike0 — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:04:37 GMT

I used the app with pin, it transfered me to webpage, used username and PW, sent me a text code, transfered back to app. A few extra steps, but worked ok.

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

Patient957 — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 14:07:28 GMT

@ladybug2016

I've had a similar thing happen. Right after I joined, on my second or third login, I had a VPN turned on, and I got blocked. I had to call in, verify my identity by answering questions, and then change my password. They didn't ask for an ID/selfie thing, but that's probably because I had already done that process as part of the membership application process.

I haven't had any login issues since then, even when using a VPN. I guess their system knows what to expect from me now, and the VPN doesn't raise flags anymore.

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

ladybug2016 — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 02:13:34 GMT

Wow, that's a lot of steps @FicoMike0 ! You are very patient. 🙂

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

ladybug2016 — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 02:17:30 GMT

Thanks so much for sharing, @Patient957

At least you were actually using a VPN. Since I wasn't, I don't know if it was just some oddball thing, or if someone was actually trying to access my account. They wouldn't share much info, even when I asked when this occurred to determine if it was me.

I'm glad it's working for you now without issues.

Re: PenFed Accounts Blocked - Anyone else?

FicoMike0 — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 02:20:10 GMT

It really was quick, it all happened automagically, it seamlessly transferred me from app to webpage and back. I had my username and password on the browser, auto fill. The texting a code is pretty common with penfed. Considering how slow their app is, it seemed quick for them, lol.