Is the PenFed Pathfinder Card a good first time credit card?

Yes, it is hard to get a PenFed credit card. All of PenFed’s main credit card offers require good or excellent credit for approval, or a score of 700+. Those include the PenFed Platinum Rewards card, Gold Visa and Power Cash Rewards card. Therefore, PenFed credit cards are hard to get for the average person, since the average credit score is only in the fair credit range. Applicants who don’t have a steady income will also find it hard to get a PenFed credit card, although PenFed doesn’t disclose a specific income needed for approval.... read full answer

Another factor that makes it hard to get a PenFed credit card is that you can’t apply for the card without first becoming a member of the credit union. While doing so is free, as well as open to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident, it does require the time to fill out an extra application and open a savings account with at least $5 in it. If you don’t want to go through that trouble just to apply, especially when approval isn’t guaranteed, you may want to look elsewhere.

The PenFed Pathfinder’s starting credit limit is $5,000. This limit is guaranteed for every cardholder. And if your credit score, income, and other financial factors qualify you for it, you might receive an even higher starting credit limit.

Initial credit limits aren’t permanent, though. You can request a credit limit increase ... read full answeronline from your account, or by calling (800) 247-5626. To improve your chances of being granted an increase, always pay your bills on time and try to work on your credit score and income.

And since credit limit increases will result in a hard pull on your credit, it’s best to have your account open for at least 6 months before requesting one. This way, you can avoid an unnecessary hard pull on your credit.

The PenFed credit card approval requirements include an good (700+) credit score and proof of a steady income. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old and either a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Those under 21 years old will need to offer evidence of independent income, too. PenFed credit union membership is also required in order to be approved for a credit card. The membership requirements and the application to join are available on the PenFed ... read full answerwebsite.

Other PenFed Credit Card Approval Requirements

Application requirements also include personal information such as your name, address and birthdate. Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN) and U.S. citizenship status are also required. In addition, PenFed will review your credit history, your income and any debts you have. Your bank account information, monthly mortgage/rent payment, and employment status will also be taken into account.