Troops stung by ‘hard’ credit checks and unexpected denials in USAA’s relief loans

Tens of thousands of service members, military families and other federal workers have rushed to apply for emergency financial assistance amid fears of missing a paycheck next week. That fear appeared almost certain to become reality after Congress adjourned Friday until Oct. 14, though President Donald Trump announced Saturday that funds might materialize to pay troops on Oct. 15, their usual payday.

But as uncertainty continues, several military-focused banks and relief societies say they have already extended millions of dollars in emergency relief cash and loans that many began heavily promoting last week. By far, the largest of those programs is run by USAA, the massive Texas-based financial institution which, for decades, has required its members to have ties to the military in orde