I had a bad experience with a credit union when I was 18. Never went back until a few years ago. Not loving my local credit union, but the forums made me try NFCU. Glad I did. Approved for the cash rewards at 18%, which is the worst rate for it, but better than all my other cards.
@spengbab wrote:
Good question! I didn't want to join my local CU to get a CC. Although the stupid low interest rates make me drool.
My story is that I messed up, racked up a huge cc debt, and just took out a personal loan. I'm starting to see credit cards as a financing instrument and I dont see myself responsible enough to PIF.
The instant payoffs has made my score jump almost 100 points. These cards will be sock drawered. But in that case, if they are used for financing, might as well get some that have lower interest rates.
Super Congrats on your app spree success!!! 
I agree 1,000% with previous posters that credit unions are the way
to go. But the CU doesn't necessarily have to be in your local area.
Pen Fed Credit Union is a major hit here in the forum. They offer a
nice selection of cards. Since your objective is a lower and more
manageable APR, Pen Fed offers two cards: Pen Fed Gold and the
Promise Visa. The Gold APR is as low as 8.99%. The Promise Visa is
Pen Fed's most popular card, with rates as low as 11.49%.
Tip: If you currently have any credit card debt, Pen Fed Gold
offers a 0% APR transfer for 12 months. Promise Visa offers
4.99% for 12 months. You'll have to pay a one time balance
transfer fee of 3%, which is pretty standard these days.
As far as Pen Fed membership is concerned, you don't need
a military affiliation to join. Just pay a small one time donation
and you'll be all set. BTW, Pen Fed's CLIs are very generous.
Just wanted to let you know that there are great options
at your fingertips. Congrats once again on your success.
Thanks so much for sharing!
P.S. Pen Fed hard pulls Equifax FICO 9. Hard pulls are
good for 30 to 90 days. I didn't see any data points listed
in your original post. But forum members have reported
being approved with a EQ FICO 9 650 for the Promise, and
a FICO 9 680 or higher for the rest of Pen Fed's cards.
@spengbab wrote:Forgot to respond to you.
Util 24%, this will go down significantly after these new ccs show up
AAoA 5yr4mo
Scores- CK 685 TU, 673 EQ
Thanks so much for supplying your data points.
They will be a big help to the rest of us in the forum.
Would suggest pulling your real FICO scores after your
new cards post to the CRAs to know exactly where you stand.
Note: You can go to Credit Check Total to view your
FICO 8 scores and 3 reports for $1. Just make sure and
cancel before their $1 promotion ends to avoid the monthly
fee: https://www.creditchecktotal.com/
Please feel free to keep us posted on your progress
going forward. Very best of luck to you!!!