PenFed Mailer access code not working [UPDATE 7/6 - Under Review]

[Anonymous]

***UPDATE 7/6

After I couldn't even set up my online account (they had the wrong birthday ??) a CSR was able to get me online today. The access codes for the pre-approval never worked and still don't work. So I apped for the Pathfinder and it is now Under Review. I guess I am a little confused about the mailer; i know it was a SP geared to marketing, but it was a pre-approval and not a prequalify. In any event, we shall see. They HP'd my EQ, is my strongest score, so fingers crossed!***

Received a PenFed Pre-approved mailer this week, for a Pathfinder fixed apr 17.99% (No CL). I have no accounts with them (and never had). I tried the access code, but it brings me to a screen with a spinning pentagon wheel that never stops. I've read around here that changing a 1 to an L might work, but there are several 1s throughout, and whenever I try anything like that, I get a screen immediately, saying that the code isn't right.

I called and they wanted to process it over the phone. I was wary of several HPs that might happen, so I said no. They said it's a tech glitch and should be clear in a couple of days. That was Tuesday, It still sits and "thinks" about my access codes and never goes any further.

Is it safe to call a CSR, open the savings acct for %5, then app with my access code? What is the best way to avoid HPs, if I can?

Thanks folks, happy 4th!!

[dragontears]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Received a PenFed Pre-approved mailer this week, for a Pathfinder fixed apr 17.99% (No CL). I have no accounts with them (and never had). I tried the access code, but it brings me to a screen with a spinning pentagon wheel that never stops. I've read around here that changing a 1 to an L might work, but there are several 1s throughout, and whenever I try anything like that, I get a screen immediately, saying that the code isn't right.

I called and they wanted to process it over the phone. I was wary of several HPs that might happen, so I said no. They said it's a tech glitch and should be clear in a couple of days. That was Tuesday, It still sits and "thinks" about my access codes and never goes any further.

Is it safe to call a CSR, open the savings acct for %5, then app with my access code? What is the best way to avoid HPs, if I can?

Thanks folks, happy 4th!!

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Not sure why you are worried about applying over the phone unless you think the online application has already generated a HP. 

When you apply for the card you will get a HP whether it is done online or by phone. 

[Anonymous]

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@dragontears wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Received a PenFed Pre-approved mailer this week, for a Pathfinder fixed apr 17.99% (No CL). I have no accounts with them (and never had). I tried the access code, but it brings me to a screen with a spinning pentagon wheel that never stops. I've read around here that changing a 1 to an L might work, but there are several 1s throughout, and whenever I try anything like that, I get a screen immediately, saying that the code isn't right.

I called and they wanted to process it over the phone. I was wary of several HPs that might happen, so I said no. They said it's a tech glitch and should be clear in a couple of days. That was Tuesday, It still sits and "thinks" about my access codes and never goes any further.

Is it safe to call a CSR, open the savings acct for %5, then app with my access code? What is the best way to avoid HPs, if I can?

Thanks folks, happy 4th!!

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Not sure why you are worried about applying over the phone unless you think the online application has already generated a HP. 

When you apply for the card you will get a HP whether it is done online or by phone. 

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Thanks... but  I cannot get any further than entering the access code. No HP. I was wondering if anyone has seen this before and what they've done. Also I read here that it's better to app using the preapproval mailer + open a savings account, rather than cold app and apply for membership, to save a HP. It could be I misunderstand that process. 

[FinStar]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@dragontears wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Received a PenFed Pre-approved mailer this week, for a Pathfinder fixed apr 17.99% (No CL). I have no accounts with them (and never had). I tried the access code, but it brings me to a screen with a spinning pentagon wheel that never stops. I've read around here that changing a 1 to an L might work, but there are several 1s throughout, and whenever I try anything like that, I get a screen immediately, saying that the code isn't right.

I called and they wanted to process it over the phone. I was wary of several HPs that might happen, so I said no. They said it's a tech glitch and should be clear in a couple of days. That was Tuesday, It still sits and "thinks" about my access codes and never goes any further.

Is it safe to call a CSR, open the savings acct for %5, then app with my access code? What is the best way to avoid HPs, if I can?

Thanks folks, happy 4th!!

---

Not sure why you are worried about applying over the phone unless you think the online application has already generated a HP. 

When you apply for the card you will get a HP whether it is done online or by phone. 

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Thanks... but  I cannot get any further than entering the access code. No HP. I was wondering if anyone has seen this before and what they've done. Also I read here that it's better to app using the preapproval mailer + open a savings account, rather than cold app and apply for membership, to save a HP. It could be I misunderstand that process. 

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My understanding, and based on previous reported DPs, opening up a savings account and processing the pre-approved offer online (once your code works) doesn't necessarily result in a SP for accepting the credit card offer.  For the share savings account, sure.  But, not the CC in a variety of cases.

[Anonymous]

@FinStar Thank you. I've set up the savings account and got a member number, but now I'm stuck at confirming my identity. I'll need to wait until they reopen tomorrow I guess. Maybe I should also be on holiday... 

[FinStar]

It's too bad the invitation code didn't work as expected OP. Hopefully, you'll hear good news on your app. Let us know how it turns out🤞

[Anonymous]

The preappoval mailer codes never worked. I had to app for the pathfinder and was denied. They countered with a power cash offer $3500 17.99%. @FinStar 

[FinStar]

Thanks for the update and congrats on the approval @Anonymous, even though it wasn't the approval you had hoped for.  Your experience and DPs will definitely help others whenever these PenFed mailers come up for discussion.

Needless to say, the Power Cash Rewards is a very nice card (I have one myself) and in time you could get a decent CLI + eventually qualify for the Pathfinder.  Locking this thread as you have been approved.  Feel free to start a new thread in the Approvals section if you wish to do so.