Hey y'all,
The title sounds pompous, but it's to let everyone know that no matter where you are on your journey, your goals can be acheived with gardening and good habits.
(Skip this if you just want the spicy details on what NFCU and Chase pulled / Credit Scores)
My credit journey began with a innocent google search on how long a secured credit card would take to graduate. Lo and behold, I stumbled upon this forum that openly talks about finances (at least when compared to my friends/family). I began shaping up via the advice of forum members here (AZEO, Gardening, when to ask for CLI's), even though I still have the same $450 limit on my Citi DC they gave me 2 years ago.
I began scoping out potiental cards to celebrate my 3rd year anniversary back into good credit. What would be good? another AMEX charge card? maybe Capital one! they have plenty of points!
Nope..
I decided I wanted to simplify my wallet and always have a reliable stack of credit cards with some form of reward no matter the purchase so I wanted to try my luck with the Freedom Unlimited, since it seemed like the safest bet for my credit.
~ Spicy Details ~
Chase (Pulled Experian):
I orginally went and spoke with a good friend cause he already had FU, so I asked him to generate a referal link for me so I could apply. After applying, I got the dreaded message that my application would have to be reviewed. (cue palms on face)
While this was happening, I was sorting through my mail and found a mailer from NFCU to apply for CashRewards. After reading here that they pull TransUnion, I was sold on putting out for a second application. Costco takes Visa anyway, it'd be nice to have a second card in case the first is maxed out.
NFCU (Pulled TransUnion):
I signed onto my account and proceeded to type in the link from the mailer. After going through the standard process, this comes out!
I feel like I'm on cloud 9. $25,000? I'm keeping this away from my wallet haha! but it will be good for the day I can buy my mom one of those nifty massage chairs from Costco.
Chase *cue facepalm:
1-888-388-2586, the number that decides whether you're worthy in the eyes of Chase.
I called twice to check my application. To get to the status, it's #, 3, and then 1. I was so hesitant of being denied and having a HP on my Experian all for nothing. After the second call and no response, I waited till the end of the business day to call again, and then I hear:
Congratulations, you've been approved! please wait 7-10 business days for your card to arrive!
but I wonder what my card limit is.
and a few days later..
for a grand total of $31,700.
Thank you contributors, cause you're pretty much the reason I was able to get to this point. Now onto the Auto Loan section.. lease or finance?
Congratulations on your approvals!
Congrats on the approvals! Good SL.
As far as the Auto stuff... Cars are never a sound investment, you'll always end up losing. But the finance vs lease is really up to your financial goals.
Finance, pay more monthly, but at the end have a vehicle. Worth less but has a return, and after pay-off you're payment free.
Lease, less monthly, more cash flow. But you have a payment for a set amount of time. Mileage restrictions, at the end, turn in car. Typically you'll have to purchase tires at minimum before turning in. Any damage gets charged. More for people that like to change cars often.
To get the best lease, you usually need >720, but same could be said for finance rate. Personally, finance is the more sound investment IMO.
Congrats on both approvals! Yes, not a big surprise that Navy is more generous than most credit card issuers.
Best of luck going forward!
Excellent NFCU SL, grats on both 
