Hi everyone, I have a question about the Navy Federal pledge loan strategy. Does a pledge loan affect credit utilization in the same way a credit card balance does? For example, if I take out a $10,000 pledge loan and only have a $1,000 credit card limit, would that make my utilization appear as 90% or otherwise negatively affect my credit profile for a long time? I’d appreciate it if someone who has actually done this could explain how it showed up on their credit report and whether it had any impact on their score. Thank you.

Unlike the other bank appointments I had, BofA was a bit more difficult. I could feel the atmosphere as soon as I entered the building. The ladies at the door (reception) asked me how they could help and I told them I am here to open a business checking account. They asked me at reception without even going in yet, to show them all the documents from my LLC, proof of address and 2 forms of ID. They checked everything thoroughly and then told me sit down and wait. As soon as the banker called me, he mentioned that at Bank of America we try now to have more US based clients and if your LLC's activity is primarily outside the United States, its possible that your account will flag on our system. Do you want to proceed or think about it first. Quite intimidating! But I said I want to go ahead and open the account. He was super nice and helpful though, we made the accounts and when the proof of address came, they went on the website of my utility bill to check its legit and he had to call her manager to check and read the lease agreement! After that, together with the manager, the checked the property on Google Maps to check how it looks and if its a legit house and then the manager approved it and we moved forward with the rest of the application. I mentioned to the banker that I also wanted to make a credit card application and he said, add around 3,000 USD if you can on the account today, and when it gets in the account come back and I will squeeze you in for 15 minutes so we can do the application. and I went back 2 days later and got approved straight away for an unsecured credit card!

@Apple Service I’m trying to apply for an SDFCU account and followed your recommendation. However, now they are asking me for a sponsor number. It sounds like I selected the wrong dude on the list. Has anyone run into this issue before and found a solution?

StubSign is now live. A few weeks ago I mentioned the Direct Deposit and Paystubs section was coming to the Classroom. Today the paystub side is ready. The tool is called StubSign. If you are already Premium and Level 4, you can go set up your account and start using it now. What StubSign does If you own a US LLC/Business and pay yourself, you need proper income documentation. Not a spreadsheet. Not a transfer screenshot. Not something you have to explain. StubSign gives you earning statements tied to your LLC, with pay periods, gross pay, net pay, employer info, and pay history. Why this matters When someone asks for proof of income, it helps to have something structured and consistent that matches your banking statements and earnings. Of course, every bank, landlord, or issuer has its own review process and may ask for additional documents, but this gives you a much cleaner starting point. How this fits with direct deposits The paystub side is now live. The direct deposit side is separate. StubSign handles the documentation, your earning statements, pay history, and proof of income. The actual direct deposit methods and step-by-step guides are being added in the Classroom. One gives you the record. The other moves the money. They work together. Who has access right now • Premium members with Level 4 and above If that is you, go to stubsign.com and sign up using the same email linked to your Skool account. If you are not Level 4 yet, stay active in the community. Post, comment, ask questions, and check the leaderboard. Why I pushed this A lot of people have the same problem: they have a US LLC, they are making money, but they do not have a clean way to document income properly. This probably solves that part. StubSign is live now, and more is coming next. If you try it, drop feedback in the comments. See you in comments, Ain - Cloud Resident.

Just wanted to share a success story: A friend of mine opened a Bank of America checking account in Miami on Monday this week with a brand-new ITIN and deposited $2,300. Today, Friday of the same week, he applied for the Travel Rewards card and was approved instantly with a $1,000 unsecured limit. I was really surprised how easy the whole process was. It’s actually a pretty good card too: no foreign transaction fees, a solid exchange rate, and 1.5% rewards on travel purchases. The rewards rate is not amazing, but for international use the no-fee setup is perfect.