After reading many threads about Credit Unions, credit cards and chexsystems, i recommended that 3 of my clients call up some local unions. They all found an appropriate CU that did not use chexsystems(opening savings and checking accts) AND issued credit cards/unsecured loans, etc with scores of 550 or above(score based only). The highest rate of interest was 14.75, which is much better than most sub-prime cards, some prime. They also said the loan officers were also willing to overlook rather recent collections and charge-offs with a reasonable explanation (some lied outright, but that's their business). Of course, i told them to call in advance and find out all of this info. BEFORE wasting inquiries and destroying their confidence. I highly recommend this strategy for those who HAVE taken responsibility of their spending habits, etc. humblemarc
Being a member of a CU also gives you some power in having items on your credit report updated after the loan is paid off too.
I love my CU so much that I keep useing them even though they are in NM and I am now in KS. I have direct deposit and do most of my banking online. they were the only ones who would give me a CC when I still had all three CRs were ugly. I get a good rate on my Visa 9.4% wich no one else will give me until I have some history. and car lones are even better. if you are buying used.
