Originally Posted by
CaptainMiles
It must depend on your credit history or score, or perhaps your application method (web, phone, or in person). I applied in person at a branch, all they wanted to see was my driver's license and SSN, and asked how much of a credit line I wanted. I requested $10K, was instantly approved for that, received card at home within a week. No taxes, no pay stubs, no nothing. They did pull a credit report from Experian.
I started my AFCU member application online, then followed up with a visit to the AFCU mothership location to apply for the GlobeTrek card, requesting $5K. Sat for about 10 minutes in the lobby while the "underwriter" examined my application, then sent word back asking for last 2 pay stubs. I deliberately understated my variable part-time income and requested a low limit to see if I could minimize the hassles. Also specifically did not mention consulting income, figuring that might trigger a request for tax records.
On the bright side, after 90 days as a card-carrying AFCU member, I can now pay my bill using ACH transfer from my checking account - Woohoo! Here's how it works: (1) login to your AFCU account and initiate the payment from checking to your VISA payment account. (That's the companion account with the same number as your shares account that they open for you when you get your Globe Trek card.) (2) Couple days later, the transferred funds show up in your base shares (savings) account, where they sit for a bit. (3) At some point - not sure yet about the timing - the funds are moved from your base savings over to the VISA payment account, where they are used to pay your VISA bill, with no further action by you. (4) Of course, you'll want to login to your Globe trek account to make sure all this really happened, and in time to avoid a late payment penalty.
This has to be the goofiest financial institution I have ever encountered; kind of charming, but this is the 21st century after all! When I visited the office, I should have looked to see if they still use rotary dial phones.
Oh well, happy EMVing to all.