Yes, it is common for many CU's and banks to use an internal scoring system rather than a fico score when determining who to extend credit to.
Fico is a one size fits all type of system, when in reality many lenders differ in what they consider good canidates to extend credit to. So they simply create their own scoring system that fits their own specific criteria.
Its not uncommon, nor is there anything wrong with it.
As far as NFCU goes, i dont know what your file looks like, but try gardening the cards you currently have for a year to show NFCU that you can handle them responsibly, then app again for the gorewards. I have the card and its great, points add up fast.
You can also call them up and ask you if theyll offer you a, secured cars (which will graduate), but ask if theyll base it on the pull used for the GoRewards app.
