@Beast26 wrote:When it comes to these two credit unions which one is better overall? I know one thing I didn't like about Penfed power cash card is needing $500 minimum for the 2% cashback. The SDFCU doesn't have any requirement like that and gives a $200 signups bonus. Also with lower interest rates(doesn't matter as much to those of us who never carry a balance).
I see a ton of people joining Penfed but not many talking about SDFCU. Is Penfed better overall or is it just more popular?
You can meet PenFed's checking account requirement by having direct deposits totalling $500 or more each month. It appears that the direct deposit requirement can be met by making ACH transfers into the checking account.
I think I'm leaning more towards the SDFCU because there is a bigger bonus. I can always work with an old school website as a con. I don't hear anything else bad about it.
@Beast26 wrote:I think I'm leaning more towards the SDFCU because there is a bigger bonus. I can always work with an old school website as a con. I don't hear anything else bad about it.
If your goal is a 2% cash back credit card, then certainly go with SDFCU. Their Premium Cash Back+ is superior to Penfed's Power Cash Rewards. For one thing, if you're not a vet, you need to jump through hoops to get 2% back with PenFed. Also, SDFCU's credit card has a PIN priority option, which can be beneficial when you're traveling abroad. To choose the PIN priority, choose that you'll be using it abroad when applying. Also, SDFCU's $200 SUB > PenFed's $100 SUB.
@MrT_521 wrote:I joined both SDFCU and PenFed a couple months ago. I struggled with getting approval for membership with both, but that was because I am an expat. The problem with both was address verification. It was resolved in both cases.
I cannot say that one is better than the other. I joined each for different reasons. For SDFCU, I wanted one of their credit cards with a specific feature, PIN priority, I need as an expat. For PenFed, I wanted to become a member to be ready when (or if) they rerelease their Pathfinder credit card. I also am using PenFed's Premium Online Savings Account, as the APY is better than many CDs right now.
I just opened the PenFed premium savings account. 
@Guyatthebeach wrote:I'm a member of both CU's and I prefer SDFCU over PenFed for three reasons: 1. SDFCU has Zelle, 2. SDFCU has a better recon process than PenFed, and 3.SDFCU's credit and debit cards are true Pin & chip cards.
I've never had an issue with the website. It's no where never the websites of BECU and NFCU, but it's functional.
This is just my personal opinion as I've been a member of both for years.
Guyatthebeach
Is SDFCU senstive to new accounts/INQs? Do you recall when you apped? 
@Wavester64 wrote:
@Guyatthebeach wrote:I'm a member of both CU's and I prefer SDFCU over PenFed for three reasons: 1. SDFCU has Zelle, 2. SDFCU has a better recon process than PenFed, and 3.SDFCU's credit and debit cards are true Pin & chip cards.
I've never had an issue with the website. It's no where never the websites of BECU and NFCU, but it's functional.
This is just my personal opinion as I've been a member of both for years.
Guyatthebeach
Is SDFCU senstive to new accounts/INQs? Do you recall when you apped?
Not at the level of USBank paranoia, but yes.