USAA, which stands for United Services Automobile Association, began in 1922 as a means of providing auto insurance to military officers. The company now offers a number of financial services, including banking and credit cards, to members of the military and their families.

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The Good

No foreign transaction fee
Fraud safeguards

No Foreign Transaction Fee

USAA does not charge a foreign transaction fee, so cardholders can make charges abroad without being penalized. This is a great benefit for those who travel frequently.

Fraud Safeguards

USAA works to protect its customers from fraud by having safeguards in place. The company offers enhanced authentication and enhanced logon services, as well as security tips to help its cardholders better protect themselves.

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The Bad

Relatively high APRs
No free credit score tracking
Potential annual fees
Late payment penalties
Undisclosed information

Relatively High APRs

Many credit card companies offer an introductory APR of 0 percent for the first several months. However, USAA does not offer this feature; rates range from 7.15 to 26.15 percent* right off the bat. Additionally, these APRs are relatively high when compared to industry average.

No Free Credit Score Tracking

Another feature missing from USAA's service is free credit score tracking. Some companies in the industry will allow their cardholders to monitor their credit score for free each month, but USAA does not provide this.

Potential Annual Fees

The cost to be a USAA cardholder can range from $0 to $49 per year, depending on the card.

Late Payment Penalties

USAA charges a fee of $35 for each payment that is late.

Undisclosed Information

After looking at USAA's website, it is unclear whether or not the company offers a rewards program, which is an important feature to many consumers.

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The Bottom Line

USAA has fraud safeguards in place and does not charge foreign transaction fees. However, the company does charge annual fees and late payment penalties. Additionally, USAA's APRs are relatively high and the company has not disclosed whether or not it offers a rewards program on its website.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.7

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55 Reviews

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60%

4 grade

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

25%

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Chris Breseman Lexington, KY

USAA has consistently lived up to and exceeded all expectations of their customer service and company. I've been with many banks and a credit union (bank one, Bank of America, Fort Knox credit union, fifth third, pnc, etc...). All of them had some stupid policy in place that prevented use of my money (for example: Fort Knox credit union and BoA have a 15 transaction limit per day on your debit card, even if you call them to verify the transaction. Not terribly convenient when traveling). USAA has worked with me to solve all of my financial needs. They're consistently responsive to every question or concern I have. If you qualify to use USAA, I can't recommend them enough.

7 years ago

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LaQuila McGuire Decatur, GA

I do not know where to begin. USAA has been with me through two break-ins (technically three), an auto theft, windshield repairs, front bumper replacement, auto loans, at least 3 flat tires on the side of the road, credit cards, checking/savings accounts, car selling, car buying, car renting, car in the shop longer than I remember, home searching, insuring antiques, through hurricanes and I am sure so much more that I cannot think of and much more to come as they continue to accept me...lol. They have provided me with the best service every time, always quick, efficient and painless. I never mind feeling out a survey for USAA because their outstanding service and long list of products deserve to be recognized. If USAA was a person, I'd send them holiday cards! I love USAA, they are forever improving and amazing me!

7 years ago

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Darrell Harrison Ellenwood, GA

I'm a military veteran (US Army) and a former employee of a global financial institution whose name, were I to mention it here, would be very familiar. A few years ago my wife, who is also a veteran (US Marines) recommended I move my banking and financial accounts to USAA from the bank where I was employed. It was the best decision I could make. USAA's commitment to providing the best customer experience (e.g. respectful customer service representatives, refunding of ATM fees) combined with the technological options (e.g. mobile deposit) is why I am pleased to do business with them. Keep up the great work, USAA!

7 years ago

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Mickey Jacobo

I recently received phenomenal customer service through USAA. Their Twitter help account took care of my experience. I was working on a college paper late at night, and since it was 3am, the bank was closed. It was impossible for me to call and speak to a bank representative. So I expressed my anger through social media on Twitter, unaware that my problem would not only be taken care of, but with respect. Even though I was livid at first, I was able to sleep with ease, knowing that the USAA representative took the time to investigate and fix my dilemma. You know a company truly cares about their customers, when they go above and beyond the call of duty at 3am, to fix a customer issue. I do not know any other company that will do so and with that being said, thank you once again for being there USAA. I had almost forgotten why I love this bank so much!

7 years ago

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David Adrian Morales Weslaco, TX

I just got my Platimum Visa with USAA. Great Introductory offers, Benifits, and Rewards. Easy application and approval. Wells Fargo Denied me with a good credit score on my Equifax report and USAA Approved me with a Fair credit score on my Experian days later. The credit limit isnt super high but enough for what I wanted it for. Im looking foward to making it my go to card for my new business.

1 year ago

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Falan Taylor Tampa, FL

I've had USAA for 15 years! Number 1 customer service in the country for any business. The people there love their job. I've fallen in very hard times and not once did they put me in collections. Not once. My bill sat once for 3 years I had no interest when I got divorced from my active duty ex husband. Incredible insurance over everyone else! Period!

7 years ago

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JBO Lake Worth, FL

I think the service (knowledge of the issue) was good. My issue was logging in. I was only able to log in if I wiped all my cookies. Tech support fixed my problem with a settings change with my account. However, now I am required to enter a PIN in addition to a password every time I log in even though my trusted PC, even though my credentials are remembered/saved. To make matters worse, the tech advised me USAA will soon be adding even an extra step every time I log in. So I would need a username, password, PIN, and verification by SMS or e-mail every time I log in. Oh, and the tech said I don't qualify for the key-chain code vice e-mail or SMS. There must be a more customer friendly but secure way for trusted PCs.

7 years ago

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LAKNESHA PETERSON

I have been banking with USAA for over 6 years and I can't say anything bad about the company. They have taken care of me and some of my issues with urgency and kindness. I don't however like the new way of sending money thru Zelle, I enjoyed how it was previously so hopefully they are able to fix all the bugs that come along with a newer rollout. But other than that great bank.

7 years ago

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Susan Stewart Salt Lake City, UT

My husband and I have a credit card with USAA and it is by far our best card. We got the lowest rates and didn't have any interest for 18 months which was spectacular. We used this card to consolidate and pay off a bunch of stuff. We definitely would recommend this card to others.

7 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Annie Brunson

Great customer service. When I got pick pocketed they helped me keep apple pay so that I wasn't stranded without a CC.

4 years ago

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Reese Randall

I was attempting to duplicate a wire transfer that i had just performed the month prior. I attempted via both the mobile and desktop apps, but was unsuccessful. I was traveling and didn't have access the the information used at last transfer, so i called cust svc, and received conflicting information from 3 different reps. Unfortunately, it took logging a complaint via social media, that prompted a resolution. However, for the record, I do love banking with this company.

7 years ago

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William d Beckenhaupt Mastic, NY

I feel like I was taken advantage of in a moment of need. I added the debt protection, but apparently I didn't choose the right option. So I don't qualify for the product I thought I was buying on top of my loan. The 2 agents I talked to prior to going on social media didn't express an interest in helping. The overall ending is that there is nothing anyone can do. They were able to lower my interest rate, but the payment smount stays the same . I cancellex the debt protecrion, because if I'm only paying for death debt protectuon, that's why I have vgli for my life insurance. I explained to the person I spoke to last that I won't be using usaa any further. Once my loan is paid back, it'll be a clean break from them. To think that over the last 2 years I've been paying an extra over $40 a month is money that could've gone to better use. So I understand they have their policy, and that's fine, but it's the 2nd time I've been burned by usaa and again it won't happen ever again.

7 years ago

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Ariyana Miller Riverview, FL

USAA is the best service available for banking. Their customer service is immaculate and fast. They are on top of their communication and work extremely fast to get problems resolved. The use of the app is very easy and makes banking a pleasurable experience.

4 years ago

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Cori Jacobsen Ollerton Alpine, UT

Easy online site. Functions are simple for young bankers to understand. My children are learning how to control their own money. I love USAA and their willingness to teach children how to control their funds. There credit card industry is great to work with as well. They handled all my concerns quickly.

6 years ago

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Katie Kearney Vienna, VA

I love everything about USAA. I got my first credit card with them when I was 18, going off to college and I have never strayed. USAA always takes care of their members and I am always so grateful for them. USAA customer for life!

6 years ago

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Katherine Galliart

Spoke with Ashton on the phone 26 September 2017. She was nice, professional, and very helpful. It was nice to have someone so helpful and nice!!! I love USAA!!

7 years ago

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Phillipe Pinto Sacramento, CA

Called for service around noon PST. Was told my tow service only covers 14miles, additional 46 bucks or so needed to tow the car back to my house, I went ahead and agreed even though 14miles is a joke. I get the text notification saying the car wouldn't be picked up for another 2 hours at 2:31PST. Called the company and they said you guys work off the cheapest quote. At 2:30 I call the tow company and they tell me the tow truck is another hour away still in a completely different city 60+ miles away. Nearing rush hour traffic, I'd be waiting another 2+ hours. So I cancelled and paid out of pocket for a local tow company. In short I'll be canceling my service and going back to AAA this weekend

7 years ago

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Tanner Martin Overland Park, KS

USAA insurance is just terrible. I have used them for my Charger a few times, thought everything was good. Now this most recent time, my vehicle was away for 4 and a half months, and it still isn't even fully repaired. I had to go so far as to make a complaint to the Kansas Bord of Insurance because of how poorly they handled my situation. They tried retuning my vehicle four times with dangerous damage, endangering my daughter, my girl friend, and I in process every time. They spent $15000 on repairs before addressing frame damage. And the only reason it was addressed was because I took my vehicle to two seperate dodge dealerships to get a second opinion, and didn't even get reimbursed. Now that some repairs have been done on the frame, they refusing to pay for, and have started an investigation. It's baffling that they are doing this at this point in the claim, and not anywhere near the beginning. They lied to us countless times about vehicle and the actions that were making towards remedying the situation. They told us an internal investigation was going to take place based on this claim, instead they sent a private investigator to try and prove it was my fault. Wasting more if my time and energy. And my vehicle still isn't complete! It should have been written off. They are bunch of scum bags just trying to make as much money as possible. They aren't trying to help. They try and minimize their costs as much as possible, even if it is unsafe for you. My vehicle was at one of their preferred shops for the majority of repairs. And they have an insight adjuster to calculate damage. Seems shady as hell considering my vehicle first estimate was only $5000. Yeah, they tried to only do $5000 in work and give me back my car. Now it appears that previous claims have had damage that was never fixed because of this shit. USAA is terrible, avoid at all costs.

7 years ago

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Stephanie Barshaw Iron Mountain, MI

Tried for 2 weeks to discuss my account and do balance transfer of usaa credit card do to numerous issues with them over the years. Their new verification process made it impossible as I do not have closed/cancelled credit card anymore. Some reps offered to do other ways s some didn't and all didn't care if I was served either way. I was told to call back and each time no one could assist me until I found one who wanted a diff number that I had. I guess my member number, ss #, address, phone password and PIN for site didn't matter. Nor that I could log in. So after 2 weeks, literally of trying I got the number to do transfer. Now, I was told it was too late and late payment would be reported no matter what and their reps " did nothing wrong"and all advisers "concur". My credit will be fine as it is good but its the ethical concerns and terrible customer service. Never have been treated so badly from all levels. I even filed a complaint, BBB, against them and this is when they want to play hardball. Bring it on. Corrupt company. If you have credit you don't care about, are perfect, and are obsessed with military status over all, sign up with them. They are incompetent and arrogant from their top to bottom level employees.

7 years ago

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Katrina Brooklyn, NY

Disappointing in USAA for their failure to give adequate attention to an ATM in NYC that spits out duplicate receipts but not funds. USAA was alerted on 4/28 and to date has taken no steps to refund the money or take the ATM out of service. We were told, after multiple calls and secure messages to USAA, that the cash would be back in the account in 2 days. That was 5 days ago and the funds have still not been returned. Luckily it isn't a lot of money and not earmarked for the mortgage. Most recently, only after contacting USAA on Twitter & Facebook, they now say we were given the wrong information and the investigation will take up to 60 days. This was also stated in a secure message although I was asked for my phone number & account info on Twitter & Facebook. It's almost as if they don't want to talk to their customers. Meanwhile, who knows how many other ATM users are being scammed out of money.

7 years ago

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Maya My McDonough, GA

I think USAA has some of the better perks when it comes to having a credit card that entices you with good offers and a better bang for your buck. I had the signature card which had the lowest APR I've ever encountered with a credit card and gave cashback on every purchase and not just specific ones like only at grocery stores or for travel.

1 year ago Edited July 26, 2023

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Dwhoush Slidell, LA

My USAA credit card is my every day Credit card that I use. It seamlessly connects to my bank account and paying it off is simple. The reward points on it was well accumulate pretty quick!

4 years ago

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Shari Evers Lehi, UT

USAA was my first credit card, and I've now had it for decades. It is my tried and true card. Customer service has always been great to work with whenever there is anything suspicious or any problems!

6 years ago

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Christyan Bennett Kenner, LA

They offer some great deals but the mobile app is horrible. I always have to call to check my account which makes it so much more difficult. They have proven to be safe and a good bank.

4 years ago

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Nancy Fairbanks Stevenson Ranch, CA

Excellent card and customer service. They resolve any issues that I may encounter and automatically notify me if possible fraud.

7 years ago

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Katy Phelan

They very helpful question about a bill I was wondering about . And they send alert if your credit card is hack or stolen.

7 years ago

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Cherae Kerekes

USAA told me that to remove a second name off my account I would need to complete a form and both of us needed to sign it. This is my account and I am the primary. Imagine my surprise when not even a day later the second person calls in and has themselves removed and I never got notified! That seems to me to be fraudulent activity by a bank. Then I make a large deposit via personal check and they put the funds on hold for over a week. When asked to release due to it causing financial harm they refused. So I have now lost $1k in income and 100 FICO points!

7 years ago

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Azat

USAA is the best bank I was customer of. Best customer service and support. It works absolutely everywhere in the world. Great products.

7 years ago

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Andrea Hughes San Antonio, TX

I get cash back on purchases. USAA notifies me if anything seems suspicious with my account. They are not pushy or try to

7 years ago

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Warren Bishop Parsippany, NJ

Two major breakdowns with USAA recently: 1. As a 33 year customer, I opened an investment account using funds from the same account I use to auto-pay my USAA car insurance bill. Problem - USAA placed my entire account and profile on hold, classifying the transaction as 'suspicious. What a joke, and inconvenience. They also place the credit card on hold for a week after I auto-pay my credit card bill. They are a lost company.

7 years ago

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Allen Cramer Millsboro, DE

Horrible savings account. I was told 1 thing but then it was changed to other excuses. Not enough USAA bank ATM friendly establishments. I will be pulling all my money out of USAA savings and going to my local. Tried to give USAA a chance but too much hassle.

7 years ago

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Elias Guda

I've been a member for over 20 years. I've tried getting loans and other services, but never once USAA came trough. It started to get worse after they dropped the ball on my home loan, and I ended up using another bank. All I know is I don't believe USAA is out to help minorities at all. It's sad but I know it's true. At least it is in my and all my colored friends. I HATE USAA!!!!!

7 years ago

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Terry R. MI

Accident occurred in December of 2016 as of July 21, 2017 we still are waiting on a final settlement. Mediocrity should be the poster child for USAA Insurance they certainly have lived up to it, or down to it. I would never do business with this company. AllState, Progressive, Farmers, Prudential, GEICO etc but never USAA. U.S. veterans take you business elsewhere.

7 years ago

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Sarah Albee Torrington, CT

My 84-y-o mother in law (whose younger aide was driving) had her car demolished in a crash when a USAA-insured driver zoomed through a stop sign and T-boned them. Two witnesses plus the police report said the USAA-insured driver was completely at fault. Four months later, mother in law receives a letter from USAA saying they've decided SHE was at fault and they are not going to pay her $500 deductible. Unbelievable. Shameless. They're of course banking on the fact that she's elderly and won't protest. DO NOT SIGN WITH THIS COMPANY.

7 years ago

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John Adkins Sedalia, MO

We are going to PCS to a new base and we are buying a new home. I called you. I called to Set up multiple policies on the new house. A homeowners policy, a 1million dollar umbrella policy, earthquake, and flood. We had it all set up to activate June 19 when we closed in the new home. I keep getting calls wanting to "review" my policies. Why? Because an automotive system doesn't recognize them as closed sales. It's harassment. I'm going to cancel the policies now. You turned a yes to a no out of automated greed. Treat me as a person not a sale.

7 years ago

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D Wed Tempe, AZ

USAA credit cards are great regarding the rewards offered and the customer service associated with the cards. Hard to beat their offerings with other card companies.

4 years ago

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Deanna Moore Dumfries, VA

Wonderful company for everything you could ask for in a banking institution - checking and savings accounts with good rates, retirement, loans - they've got it all.

4 years ago

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Verified Customer

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George Westmoreland Grand Prairie, TX

It pays 1.5% on all purchases, USAA servic is outstanding

7 years ago

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Nicholas Genes Los Angeles, CA

Love using usaa credit card. They value their customers and it shows. Never had an issue with the customer service and the rates are pretty good

4 years ago

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Sarah Norfolk, VA'

They have great points system and the bank is always on top of things when it comes to possible breaches of my card

7 years ago

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Shawn Marie Woodbridge Matthews, NC

I was a 30 year customers and had two accidents within 5 years that weren't my fault. USAA took away my 10% good driver discount. They could not find a way to satisfy me, so i took my business elsewhere. There are other products in their portfolio that have gone down in terms of service, as well.

7 years ago

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Melanie Rio Rancho, NM

Love my USAA credit card and how easy it is to interface all of my USAA products with their app. Great customer service and great all around!

5 years ago

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Darluap Pleasant Grove, UT

Best rates ever. I opened my cc 30 years ago and they've been wonderful. Monitor my account and warn me if things look suspicious.

6 years ago

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Jerry Morgan Seneca, SC

Always accurate. Customer service great. USAA Federal Savings Bank is the banker agent.

4 years ago

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TN Collegeville, PA

Great Customer Service,making sure when there are odd charges that show up, they notify us ASAP!

6 years ago

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Adam Brown

I keep getting harassing phone calls even after I provided my divorce papers to USAA stating my ex wife is responsible for paying the delinquent CC debt. All of my other accounts are in good standing and payed on time.

7 years ago

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bailey jo Orem, UT

Love my USAA card. It was a seamless process to get the card and have had no issues using it wherever I need it.

5 years ago

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VAnce VanderBurg Niles, MI

Bills are correct and on time. Customer service is excellent.

6 years ago

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George Westmoreland Grand Prairie, TX

Outstanding service and rates they are very responsive to questions as well

6 years ago

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Natalie Shuman St Cloud, FL

USAA is super. Employees are helpful and courteous and the best.

7 years ago