USAA Credit Cards

Comparing USAA Credit Card Offers

One of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., USAA also offers a wide range of financial products, including credit cards. Whether you are looking for home or auto insurance or a card to help you build credit, USAA is great for the military family. However, if you have no tie to the military, you might need to look elsewhere for these products. But read on, because you may be pleasantly surprised about whether you qualify. Here, we look at:

• Best USAA credit cards
• Details on the best USAA cards
• What is USAA?
• Who is eligible for USAA cards?
• Benefits for military members and their families

Here are the best USAA credit cards:

• USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card – Best for unlimited 1.5% cash back
• USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card – Best for earning rewards on dining
• USAA Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card – Best for gas purchases
• USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card – Best for military purchases
• USAA® Rate Advantage Visa Platinum® Card – Best for lowest regular APR

Details on the best USAA cards

USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card

A straight-forward cash back card, this product offers 1.5% back on all purchases, no annual fee, and the regular APR (13.40% – 27.40% Variable). There are also no foreign transaction fees.

What we love about this card – If you’re looking for a no frills cash back card with a competitive 1.5% back on all purchases, this card is a good option.

USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card

This card’s regular APR (11.40% – 27.40% Variable) is a couple of points lower than the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards and there’s a sign-up bonus for this one.

What we love about this card – The USAA Rewards card gives 2,500 points when you make your first purchase, in addition to its superior tiered categories.

USAA® Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

This card has no annual fee and earns you 2X points for gas and dining, unlimited. The USAA Rewards Visa Signature also offers 2,500 points when you make your first purchase.

What we love about this card – The USAA Rewards Visa Signature Card offers strong unlimited rewards on gas and dining, in addition to a low variable APR of 11.40% – 27.40% Variable.

USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card offers 5% cash back on your first $3,000 spent on gas and military base purchases each year, and 2% back on the first $3,000 spend each year on groceries. It’s 1% back on all other purchases.

What we love about this card – This credit card can earn you up to $150 back on gas and military base purchases each year, and up to another $60 back a year on groceries, all with no annual fee.

USAA® Rate Advantage Visa Platinum® Card

With no annual fee, the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Card may not have rewards, but is designed to minimize interest payments. Its APR is stunning: 8.40% – 25.40% Variable.

What we love about this card – In this age of rising interest rates, an APR of 8.40% – 25.40% Variable.

What is USAA?

USAA, in operation since 1922, carries a full slate of banking and insurance services, ranging from auto and home insurance to investing and credit cards.

One of the largest private insurance companies, it ranks fifth among auto insurance groups in the country:

Top auto insurance companies in U.S…

Insurance Journal

Here are the different aspects of USAA services:

• Insurance – Life insurance, renter’s insurance, annuities and more are offered through this division.
• Banking – Not only are checking accounts and credit cards offered, but there are also college products, motorcycle, RV and boat loans, and auto loans and mortgages.
• Investing – Includes stocks and options, mutual funds, 529s and more.
• Real estate – From VA loans and mortgages to finding a real estate agent or home, this section is broad.
• Retirement & IRAs – Includes trust services, long-term care and wealth management
• Health insurance – This section includes dental, vision and supplements to Medicare.
• Shopping & discounts – Includes a car buying service, online shopping, travel deals and home solutions.

Who is eligible for USAA cards?

Pretty much anyone who is a USAA member qualifies to apply for a credit card. Heads up that if you are under 21, you can’t apply for a card by phone – you will need to apply online or in person. Here is who qualifies to be a USAA member:

• Service members serving in the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves.
• Former military members who have retired or separated from the U.S. military with an honorable discharge.
• Widows, widowers and un-remarried former spouses of USAA members who had USAA auto or property insurance while married and individuals whose parents have or had USAA auto or property insurance.
• Cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies, in advanced ROTC or on ROTC scholarship, and officer candidates within 24 months of commissioning.

Laura is an editor and writer at CreditCards.com. She has written extensively on all things credit cards and works to bring you the most up-to-date analysis and advice. Laura’s work has been cited in such publications as the New York Times and Associated Press. You can reach her by e-mail at laura.mohammad@creditcards.com and on Twitter @creditcards_lm.