USAA Credit Cards

[MrCredit]

I have a couple of questions about USAA Credit Cards. I am not a member but I heard a while ago that they are beginning to accept general public to apply for their credit card products.

1. Is this true?

2. Does anyone know what they look for--are they strict with underwriting? Is it worth even trying? Thanks in advance.

[drsmith]

I'm not sure about your first question. I think I've read that you can be accepted for their cards without any existing USAA relationship. But a quick call to their CS line will answer that for you. They CS I've experienced with USAA has been top notch so I wouldn't hesitate to call.

As for your second question; I applied for the USAA World MC in 11/2010 and was instantly approved with a 7k limit. The only report they pulled was Equifax and I have a pretty short history. My only open CC at the time was a Cap1 steps card with a $750 limit which they refused to increase. However I don't have any negative information on my report so nothing was working against me except for the short history. I've read that they aren't too dificult to get on board with, and like I said their CS is excellent. I highly recommend them

[Anonymous]

Non military families can use any of their products except insurance. I would open a share with them, deposit a little cash upon opening the account, then app for the card. I wouldn't app with a score below 650.

[MrCredit]

Thanks for the info...Do they do any kind of verification such as paystubs, employment blah blah? My scores are in the 720-730 range.  I know PenFed is a pain in the neck with verification, was not sure if they were the same? Thanks again.

[Anonymous]

Anyone can get a Platinum Mastercard.  However, only Military Affiliates can get heir rewards cards.

[DrJim]

They sent me a preapproved letter so I app'd.  And they declined!

I had a WF Visa with an $11K CL and an AMEX Gold. 

So, I app'd with NFCU and they gave me a $10K CL.  I'm a Reservist and Iraq vet, but I will not be using USAA.

I know, a preapproval is just marketing, and there is language in the letter's fine print. But preapproval means preapproval as far as I am concerned and the cards I've received over the past year show that prime lenders will give me some nice CL's.  So, I choose NFCU over USAA.

My two cents worth

[MrCredit]

I just called them... apparently they offer a "Wounded Warrior Project" Mastercard that is open to the general public. Anyone have this card that can share any info about it? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

DrJim, did you call the backdoor and ask for a manual review? Seems like an error to me.

[drsmith]

Forgot to add that when I app'd my score was 703 and 0 inquiries

[DrJim]

I did ask for a recon.  Nice CS rep, but she spoke with the folks who said they would not do a recon.

That's okay, like I said I have some nice CL's with others and they will get the fee's generated by the accounts.  I understand NFCU is better to work with on mortgages anyway.

It's credit, I don't take it personally, just don't like being told I'm preapproved when I'm not, especially when I am creditworthy.  I hate a wasted inquiry!