Woah it's been 6 years since I posted! I lurk occassionally, but I believe years pass without lurking as well.
On to what you're really reading for. I recently applied to become a member of PenFed. I had to call in to complete identity verification.
Ultimately I had to load documents (not POI related). Suprisingly, they reviewed and approved the verification documents within an hour of my upload.
Initially I only opened a savings account. Once my identity was verified I applied for the PenFed Gold and was approved for $7.5k SL with 15.49% APR. I applied to take advantage of the BT.
My EQ8 is 726, EQ9 691 - I have relatively high aggregate UTIL around 44%, which is why I am looking to consolidate and pay off aggressively with the balance transfer. No derogatory nor lates on any reports. I received the survey 2 days after approval. I requested a higher limit via survey. I am now waiting to hear back to see if my request will be granted. It will be an interesting DP to see if the survey is still helpful for recons.
Edited to add no hard pull for membership (this made me nervous reading about the experiences of others). Only 1 hp for CC application. 0 inq with Equifax at the time of application. I had a theory or moreso superstition about clicking the "apply now" versus "join now" buttons. I made sure to click join now, to possibly minimize any of their system glitches that may have resulted in unnecessary hard pull.
I hope this information has been helpful to someone!
-- thank you & Congratulations! on a nice approval. 
