Recommended Credit Cards

[CCsAreEvil]

I applied to First Tech but to their unsecured card. I don't recall seeing anyone starting out that way. I'm trying to get past the Orchard/Hooters/CapOne stage of rebuilding credit. I think this must be the hardest part, however. What I really want is just 1 card with a decent limit ($1k-$2k). According to my credit report, these "low limit" CCs are actually hurting my score? They are all within $300-$500 each.

I applied to First Tech via the web. It said I would be notified within 7 business days. I don't know if that's an automatic denial or what. Anyways, I'll report how it goes.

[scmichael]

First Tech (Addision) is the best

RichM keeps talking about how great First Tech Federal Credit Union (formerly Addison) is so I thought he might work for them. So I tried First Tech with caution.

Long story, but I ended up calling the actual branch in San Diego. RichM is right, this is the best Credit Union, not only for secured cards, but as a replacement for a bank.

I got $2500 secured, no fees and can upgrade to unsecured eventually.

My only suggestion is call the branch. I used Asaf Savion at 858-385-4006. He said I could use his name and contact. I am sure he makes money from each account, but I don't.

The customer service from the 800 number is great because it is 24/7 and they are American, but Asaf had the correct answers whereas customer service was a bit off.

I dont know what makes a secured card the best, but this has everything I needed. Especially the no fees.

Oh I forgot an important thing. I live in LA and happened to be visiting San Diego when my application was in process so I went to the branch. They are the real deal. They are the CU for HP and other big companies.

[exitar]

I got approved for a $750 card from HSBC yesterday from an offer I got in the mail 0% APR the first 9 months and then 14.90 APR after.
It has a $59 annual fee but it's a start.
I waited until yesterday to finally try for a card I was discharged in december of last year.
For those who are discharged my advice is to wait the offers get better every month.

[RichM]

Kuya, I'm wondering the same thing. I wish I had made it into AAFCU before the merge. I'm thinking of trying First Tech anyway.

I haven't noticed any difference, but it's only been a week or two.

-Rich

[kayba]

Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union . . . is now First Tech. I wonder if they will still be somewhat bk friendly under the new umbrella . . .

Kuya, I'm wondering the same thing. I wish I had made it into AAFCU before the merge. I'm thinking of trying First Tech anyway.

[midnight]

Just got approved for a Capital One Signature card with 0% until Feb. 2012 (19.8% after that, ouch) and $1,000 CL. Quite honestly, I was shocked because we bk'd them (discharged in 03/10). Don't plan on keeping a balance, but I figure we're off to a good start anyway.

[Kuya]

Addison Avenue Federal Credit Union . . . is now First Tech. I wonder if they will still be somewhat bk friendly under the new umbrella . . .

[iswmle]

Yeah, Cap 1 won't touch me. Reason is always the same: my income is insufficient for the amount of credit I'm applying for. =/

[IBroke]

I wonder what Cap 1's guidelines are...We only had a car loan with them which we did not reaffirm but have since paid off in full. They keep sending us offers but decline every one due to "previous relationship". I called and was told by customer service they will not even give us a secured card. Very confusing others get a card immediately even after wiping them out. I guess YMMMV

That's strange indeed. A had a repo with Cap. 1 auto-loan and BKed the balance of almost $15K. I got a secured card without a problem and probably would have gotten the unsecured one as well (didn't apply). I also BKed CCs with them.

[iswmle]

I also recently realized that I am enrolled in a cash rewards program with Addison Ave. It is only 1% back, but I like how at the end of the month I automatically get that deposited in my membership share account. It is nice having a secured card with a rewards program tied into it! I am going to try for the unsecured sometime in the next six months to a year. And yes, their customer service is great!

[tucson]

Has anyone else used Addison Avenue CU for a secured card? I don't really want a credit card, haven't had one in almost 4 years but I do want to rebuild credit. I like the idea of using a secured card to do that, also as a backup to debit. Addison Avenue had no fees and I would earn a small amount of interest. Anyone else had luck with them?

A while back we read a thread on Addison Avenue CU on this site I think so we looked into it. We applied for a $1000 share secured card but we were approved for a $5000 UNSECURED card instead. Credit scores were roughly 675 and we were getting declined by everyone thus dropping our score with every inquiry. We have since moved just about everything over to Addison. Great or I mean SUPER FANTASTIC customer service to boot! The only real drawback is they have no offices here in Tucson

We highly recommend!

[tucson]

I Bk'ed Cap 1 for more and was approved for a secured and a blank check a wee after my discharge. so its diff for everyone. Just wait and try again.

I wonder what Cap 1's guidelines are...We only had a car loan with them which we did not reaffirm but have since paid off in full. They keep sending us offers but decline every one due to "previous relationship". I called and was told by customer service they will not even give us a secured card. Very confusing others get a card immediately even after wiping them out. I guess YMMMV

[RichM]

Rich, I joined Addison after reading your posts on this forum. Got a approved for a secure card no problem (my other CU declined me). I am quite happy with them so far and I am glad to know I can go unsecured after 6 months. Is this the route you took i.e. unsecured and then secured after 6 months??

No, I'm keeping it secured for the time being. I'm self-employed, so I don't have a guaranteed income. I like the idea of being able, should things get tight, to just tell them to pay off the card from the deposit and call it a day.

I'm glad you like Addison Avenue. They're a really good operation in my book. I especially like the "E-Deposit" feature because I get a lot of checks, and it's a pleasure to be able to just sign, scan and upload them. I still haven't found anything bad to say about AAFCU.

-Rich

[DorothyHick]

Cool, thanks for the info....

[BKIN2010]

AAFCU is probably the only financial institution about which I can't find a single bad thing to say.

Kinda scary, actually.

-Rich

Rich, I joined Addison after reading your posts on this forum. Got a approved for a secure card no problem (my other CU declined me). I am quite happy with them so far and I am glad to know I can go unsecured after 6 months. Is this the route you took i.e. unsecured and then secured after 6 months??