NFCU - Which Card Should I Apply For?

[Anonymous]

I've had a banking relationship with NFCU for almost 1 year now. Checking & Savings (but it's not my main one). I've been working on my credit for about 18 months and per Credit Karma my scores are TU: 687 and EQ: 688. I have 1 open CC (BOA Cash Rewards as an auth user) with approx $5K out of 14K utilitzed (36%)

I got an e-mail invite to apply for the cash rewards card. I'm trying to get a high SL but also a good card that I can use (I don't use my BOA card anymore I've been working on paying down the balance). 

Any suggestions on which card should I apply for? Should I wait another month or 2 until I bring my utilization down below 30% on the BOA card? Can I transfer my $5K off my BOA to a NFCU card (even though I'm just an AU on my fathers account)? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[coldfusion]

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Are you employed or are you a full time student?

[Anonymous]

I am currently employed. Last years income was around $85K. This year on track for around $100K.

[coldfusion]

Was doublechecking to confirm whether or not a student card was going to be a fit. 

Based on what the info you provided you have no recent history of having unsecured credit in your own name (being an AU doesn't count), so if you're going to apply with NFCU you probably want to avoid the Flagship and possibly the More Rewards card.   Invitations to apply are marketing-driven so don't read too much into the fact that you received one. 

You do probably want to ensure that the utilization of that BoA card is reporting at under 10% when you apply to improve odds of success. 

Do not be surprised if you apply and they counter with an offer to obtain a secured card or an approval with an smallish limit, but if you don't shoot you can't score. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the detailed reply. As tempting as it is, I'm going to wait until I get my BOA paid off. You're right, I'm probably reading too far into the marketing offer - I don't really need a CC right now so no reason to take a shot till I feel my credit is as strong as can be. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! Take care.

[gingerflower]

If you had received an invite with a invite number I would definitely  go with the cash rewards cc that was offered to you. Good luck on the app!

[M_Smart007]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I've had a banking relationship with NFCU for almost 1 year now. Checking & Savings (but it's not my main one). I've been working on my credit for about 18 months and per Credit Karma my scores are TU: 687 and EQ: 688. I have 1 open CC (BOA Cash Rewards as an auth user) with approx $5K out of 14K utilitzed (36%)

I got an e-mail invite to apply for the cash rewards card. I'm trying to get a high SL but also a good card that I can use (I don't use my BOA card anymore I've been working on paying down the balance). 

Any suggestions on which card should I apply for? Should I wait another month or 2 until I bring my utilization down below 30% on the BOA card? Can I transfer my $5K off my BOA to a NFCU card (even though I'm just an AU on my fathers account)? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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One thought, when you are ready to apply?, call a NFCU rep and ask if you are pre-qualified for any of their CC's?

Over the phone pre-qual's are usually pretty solid. Some say that online pre-quals are the same,

I have a different opinion on that .. as I am pre-qualified for ALL cards online, except I have the (3) card max with them.

If I call in, the rep tell me; "You are at the maximum allowed three card limit Navy allows"

So IMHO  .. there is a difference.