I have an account with them since they are local here in MA...
The EQ is the same one you get with myfico and you get it at the end of the month. The CC's are not that great. I had their Visa that I closed. In terms of car loans etc, USAA, Penfed beats them hands down. I just maintain an account with them for the Free EQ FICO.
I have had most of my car loans with them in the past and they used to be very competitive when they were new here. I checked them before trying to refi my car but they didnt come close. Personally I think their customer service has lost it's usefulness. But again cant beat the free fico.
@RockinRay wrote:
@CS800 wrote:I have an account with them since they are local here in MA...
Thanks. I will most likely join through an association membership. In reading, it looks like I need to maintain checking with them am I right?
It would be nice to have that FICO score to round it all out for me. Only problem is taking the "hit" on EQ. I was not going to app for anything this year but this might be worth it. ???
In your situation Ray I sort of doubt it: you're in a good spot regardless credit-wise from what I've read in your other posts.
That said, the scores are not "free" unless you qualify for one of their upgraded checking accounts by either:
- Having a loan through them, or a credit card with them
- Having direct deposit to your account (probably some minimum amount but I didn't ask).
- Paying a 5 dollar fee per month.
In my case in building mode, since I've had a checking account with them for the last decade (that I forgot about, oopsie), and that I need another secured card anyway, I'll just open it with them instead of USAA like I'd originally planned. That gets me the freebie scores, and I'll almost certainly put them on my list of applications for my auto-loan re-financing this year (interestingly enough, CS800 called out my list exactly - USAA / Penfed / DCU as potential lenders).
If your employer does direct deposit, if you can split a portion out to the DCU account to cover whatever their minimum stake is, that probably suffices. I know BOA's is something like $250 per month if you look at one of their bonus checking tiers, that's probably the high-water mark for such things knowing BOA.
@RockinRay wrote:Thanks. I will most likely join through an association membership. In reading, it looks like I need to maintain checking with them am I right?
It would be nice to have that FICO score to round it all out for me. Only problem is taking the "hit" on EQ. I was not going to app for anything this year but this might be worth it. ???
I have a checking with them and a VISA. But i have had my accoutn with them for over 8 years. I dont remember if you only needed checking to get a score.
You will take the initial hit but then they will use the same HP for any credit product. I remember back then ,I did checking, car loan and VISA at the same time with 1 inq since on their membership application, they list if you want a VISA.
@Anonymous wrote:
My membership expired and I'm tempted to reapply for a checking account. Do you recall if there was a hard pull for non loan products?
I think if you were to become a member again, it will be a HP.
Also just to point out. They do use the Chex system also to check if you owe anything else to other institutions.
