To build a bit more history until everything clears up in a couple years, I decided to try for the credit builder card from Apple FCU. I originally sought out Apple through a search for CU's that had a national in through joining a group, pulled soft for membership and that had a secured card that would at least keep history after a PC to unsecured. This CU, while not NFCU also looks at the individual and seems to value history. I have had several calls and chats with member services and they seem top notch, friendly and helpful. They actually approve unsecured cards at a 580 08 FICO (TU Only it seems). They do have a decent 3,2,1 style Signature card that I plan to obtain when all the derogs fall of in 1.5 to 2 years. By that time, my scores will easily support that approval (650 for the Signature).
I applied over the phone. I had told them that I was above 580 on my TU and they tried to nudge me towards trying for an unsecured Platinum since the cut off was 580 but I just decided to go for the secured, $2k since I am looking towards the future. The secured savings earn interest by the way. I was approved in an hour, card is on the way. Building history with another quality CU.
I have one more in mind and then it will be a nearly two year period of letting these age and grow. The rebuilding is in place and the repair will start in earnest as all SOL dates pass in Feb, Mar and April of 2019.
Approved over the phone.
Hard Pull TU FICO 08 - 597
NFCU GoRewards and Discover Secured Reporting along with 8% NFCU SSL
2 INQ's - 0% UTIL
4 Collections, 4 YO, several CO's 4.75 YO
Congrats
Congrats on your approval!
Congrats on your approval !!!
Congratulations on your approval!
@SMB85 wrote:I got the same card about a year ago, although my TU08 was between 518-528 at the time. I don't know if it helped that I have had several business accounts with them for years including a paid BLOC, etc.
Did you get any indication about the card unsecuring at any point, or if it could be converted?
Yes,
They "consider you for an unsecured with a TU 08 over 580" but you have to apply, it is not automatic. In my case, I will wait to have my TU file get a bit cleaner because I would like to convert to the Signature card which looks pretty decent. They also said that it is a product change and you keep all history. They are very easy to deal with.