USAA was established in 1922, and started as a car insurance company for military members. Over the years, the company has grown to include banking, investments, all types of loans, all types of insurance, and other great services and features for members and their families. Auto financing is one of USAA's most popular services because of the many car loan discounts and incentives the company offers. USAA has won many awards and has been recognized for many great achievements including best customer service multiple times.

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The Good

Low APR
Loans up to 84 months
Incentives and discounts

Advantages

USAA has a history of providing military members and their families with many services, while also striving for excellent customer service. In the 2015 Temkin Customer Service Ratings, USAA's banking services came out on top, ranking number one overall for customer service. Customer service is very important in this industry as customer's need answers to questions regarding their auto loan options. The company also offers many other great advantages to their service, such as:

No application fees
Low APRs
No early-pay penalty

Incentives

USAA frequently offers incentives and special offers on their website. For example, if USAA members buy through the USAA Car Buying Service before a designated date, they can receive discounted loan rates. The USAA website states that previous members have already saved an average of up to $3,485 on their MSRP simply because they are signed up with the USAA Car Buying Service. USAA also offers discounts for clients who sign up for their automatic loan payment system, and they offer exclusive manufacturing incentives. USAA does not penalize members for paying off their loans early, nor do they charge application fees. Some companies in the industry charge fees when customers pay their loans off early, some companies also charge application fees. We like that USAA doesn't charge for either of these.

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The Bad

Must have a military affiliation
No free credit score check
Lacking information

Exclusive to Military Members and their Families

Borrowers who do not already have a USAA account or any military affiliation are unable to qualify for USAA services. This limits who can apply for loans with USAA. If you do have military affiliation, you can qualify for an auto loan through USAA, as well as benefit from all of their other great services.

No Free Credit Score Option

When applying for auto loans, it's good to know your credit score so you're aware what type of APR you might be offered. Some companies in the industry offer a free credit score, or help customers find their credit score through a free third party website. We would like to see USAA add a free credit score option so members can know where they stand before applying for a loan.

Lacking Information

The USAA website offers minimal information about auto financing, the loan process, explanation of APR, and other similar details that borrowers find helpful. Borrowers who choose to work with USAA will want clarification on the process, terms of the loan, and other details with USAA. Potential customers should research these items before they finalize their loan so that they can ensure they understand what they're committing to.

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The Bottom Line

USAA offers some great features for their members. However, they are lacking some information we would like to see, and are exclusive to military members and their families. USAA offers an easy online application, low APRs, quick approval times, and several ways to get discounts. For military personnel and their families, we recommend USAA as a great option for a car loan.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.1

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46 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

65%

4 grade

11%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

17%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Trustworthiness

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peter harmatuk Poolesville, MD

The ABSOLUTE best company around for all types of insurance, on-line bank services, credit cards, home and auto lines and insurances. I have been a satisfied customer since 1977 and go no other place when I need a financial instrument. Their auto owners insurance is some of the lowest cost instruments in the marketplace. Low cost does not mean low service. Often my claims have been settles before I even complete the paperwork. My wife and I were in a bicycle accident on out Tandem. We were hit by an uninsured motorist....USAA stepped in a paid all of our medical expenses, restored out tandem and provided my wife a sizable compensation for her pain and suffering....all beyond their legal requirement.... Only used USAA car buying service and lines once....the loan was 2+points lower than the dealer could offer through its selection of financial instruments....we are USAA for LIFE

1 year ago

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Robyn Brady Kent, OH

I recently married a retired Marine and switched everything to USAA. They haven't always been the cheapest for insurance but the customer service by far exceeds everyone else. Proud to be the wife of a 22 year retired Marine. Thanks USAA for your continued dedication to the families of all our service men and women

1 year ago

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Martha Sensiba Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

My husband and I have been members of USAA for over 40 years. We have been very happy with the service we have received. Whenever we call to ask questions or have them help us with a problem, they are responsive and helpful.

4 years ago

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Gabe Burton Riverton, UT

I like how easy it is to change, update, or add your insurance, especially through the app. Filing claims is super easy too, they even have a place to upload your pictures. They totally saved me a ton of money when a Semi side swiped my van last summer. They had to total it, unfortunately, but they paid almost the entire amount for a new car! And gave me a really good rate!

1 year ago

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Alexander Kunz Houston, TX

I originally published a negative review of the loan process with USAA which was terrible to begin with. They have since called back and provided excellent service.

10 months ago

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Jec Canby, OR

Fabulous. I’ve never had a problem with them covering a claim and I love that they take care of it with me and then go to the other company so I don’t have to deal with a company I don’t know. They are always polite and helpful. The have long hours since they service people all over the world. I’m never leaving USAA.

1 year ago

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Paige Ellis Slade Gilbert, AZ

We have had USAA insurance on our car for over 10 years now. We have never had any issues with it and we expect to have it for many many years to come! Billing is easy with auto pay. The customer service always makes us feel valued. They go above and beyond when it comes to helping find car rental deals.

1 year ago

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Up Graide Appleton, WI

I have been a member with USAA for 14 years. I have all my banking and insurance through them. I applied for a car loan and got a good rate. I signed the paperwork electronically and USAA gave me a dealer funding request form. On this form it clearly says that if the documents are received by 4pm central time that the funds will be sent that same business day. It is now the 3rd day and USAA still has not sent the funds to the dealer. If I would have known I would have to wait this long I would have went with a different bank. Calling USAA is absolutely horrendous. I have spent several hours on hold over the past 3 days attempting to figure out when the funds will be sent. How long you have been a member makes absolutely no difference in the customer service USAA provides and it is shameful just how terrible USAA’s customer service is. I plan on moving all my banking and insurance needs elsewhere. Would not recommend.

1 year ago

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Melissa Castillo Baytown, TX

We've used USAA for the majority of our vehicle loans and feel the process was easy and very clear. We were able to speak to representatives each time with any questions.

1 year ago

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Richard White

Loan terms and interest rates are very reasi\onable. They also provide discount buying services from many auto dealerships and insurance through another department.

4 years ago

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Cynthia Pottala Libertytown, MD

USAA is reliable and stands by its customers. Their terms are reasonable and they listen to their customers. Their customer service is above reproach.

4 years ago

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Chrisdi Hampton Temple, TX

In 15 yrs I was with usaa they have Never shown loyalty to long term customers. Past 5 yrs I had 3 not at fault accidents and each time I’ve had to fight both insurance companies every step of the way. They do not care about their customers besides as income. Horrible claims agents that have limited knowledge and no customer service. I will never go back again

1 year ago

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Danette Owens Fresno, CA

We financed the purchase of our two year old leased vehicle through USAA five months ago. What a HUGE mistake! First of all they don’t bother with the tax and license fees which was a $$$ we had to 100% pay out of pocket to the DMV. Then USAA tells us every month the same bank they take our insurance payments from that our EFT is rejected. We call the bank, call and fax USAA the paperwork, again and again and they just can’t get their act together. NEVER EVER again.

1 year ago

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Nicholas Genes Eagle Mountain, UT

Refinanced my truck loan through USAA after buying a new truck and using their credit line. USAA has way better rates and the customer service is great

2 years ago

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Jamie Malvern, AR

Usaa will never work with you when you are in a financial bind. Even if they say they will they will say that they never agreed or told you those terms. I argued with them for over two months on resolving a late payment and ended up getting my car repossed even though i tried to pay them the full amount multiple times. They also auto pull whatever amount they want and you won’t get that money back. Customer service is awful as well. I will never use usaa for anything

3 years ago

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Jaron Thorley Orem, UT

I switched to USAA after being frustrated with the experience with State Farm. I was impressed by USAA customer service, and that’s why my whole family uses them.

2 years ago

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Abby Los Angeles, CA

My husband has had USAA since he was a teenager and they have always been so helpful. So glad I married into a family that allows me access to using USAA!

2 years ago

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Kimsreview Olney, MD

Very pleased with USAA car loan I had. They are very easy to work with and have incredible customer service.

2 years ago

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Laurie Massie Gulfport, MS

Beat every loan company’s rates- HANDS DOWN! Great rates, easy to work with! Definitely recommend!

3 years ago

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J.O. Grapevine, TX

FICO score is 770+, do much of my banking through USAA, very stable job history, six figure income, and... I got approved for an auto loan with a 73% LTV (loan to value) requirement. 73%! Insane, so in other words they will require nearly a 30% down payment?? Wow. No thanks!

3 years ago

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A very disappointing experience

USAA offers great let and structured to help their members. Very helpful associates make their offer a great value.

4 years ago

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alfred

Low an competitive interest rates. I shop for the car on USAA and know the price before purchasing.

4 years ago

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Amy Gardiner Germantown, MD

USAA made buying a car simple and easy! I loved the low rate and the dealership could not compete. The automatic payment makes life easy.

1 year ago

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Peter Harmatuk Columbia, MD

Used USAA for a car loan in the past. The whole experience was quick and easy, and their rates were extremely competitive if not the best available.

1 year ago

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ben Iowa City, IA

Great service. Rates are reasonable. They make the whole process easy. Their web site provides a car buying service as well.

4 years ago

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Tanya Lehi, UT

The car loan process was easy and quick, from application to finalizing - and yes, they’ll finance rebranded/reconditioned title vehicles

4 years ago

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Jeffrey Foutz American Fork, UT

Super easy. Call and got approved over the phone. Had the funds quickly to get the car. Payments were easy; could be done online.

4 years ago

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SnowballH Sandy, UT

We have used USAA for a few of our car loans. Easy to get the loan set up and the customer service was awesome!

2 years ago

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Kayla Richmond, VA

I spent months working through an auto claim, overpaying for a total loss settlement because USAA representatives are disorganized, poorly trained, and lack communication. I will never work with them again.

3 years ago

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Christina

interest is low and USAA is a great company all around... but not to buy a house...

4 years ago

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Martin Doherty

Was a competitive interest rate. Was simply someone I used in the past. No strong feelings either way.

4 years ago

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michael

interest is low and USAA is a great company all around... but not to buy a house...

4 years ago

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Robert Stephenson

Easy application with working relationship with MB. Low rates and hassle free servicing of loan.

4 years ago

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Darluap Pleasant Grove, UT

Have had several auto loans through them. Sort easy to deal with. Great rates. Great customer service.

4 years ago

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Chase H Provo, UT

You can apply for the auto loan online or work on it over the phone. I have heard that they give pretty decent rates. Customer service is good with USAA though.

4 years ago

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Sally

I have been a USAA member for decades. They are exceedingly hard to beat.

4 years ago

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G. Goodrich

Great customer service. Work really hard to keep the customer happy.

4 years ago

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Laura White Detroit, MI

We’ve been part of USAA for about 15 years now. Love this company very easy to work with

1 year ago

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James R R Dobyns

Very competitive, and I have insurance with them.

4 years ago

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Jordan

excellent products ywrms rtes service and support

4 years ago

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ELMER THUSTON

Easy to deal with. Very friendly service. Rates are good but not great.

4 years ago

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Royal A. Brown III

Middle of Road Interest Rate - Took too long to get title once loan paid off

4 years ago

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Jacob

Rates have been too high for a car loan.

4 years ago

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Michelle Lee

High interest rates even with good credit

4 years ago

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Mitchell Tolbert

Too high rates, even for established members

4 years ago

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Lauren Millar

Too high rates, even for established members

4 years ago

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