USAA Logo
star star star star_half star_border

4.5

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: July 26th, 2023

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.

Top Ranked Companies

thumb_up

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.

Visit Site

thumb_down

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.

gavel

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.

Was this content helpful?
thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

Star Rating

info

3.7

star star star star_half star_border

55 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

60%

4 grade

5%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

25%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star star_half

Quality

star star star star star_half

Service

star star star star star_half

Trustworthiness

star star star star star
cancel

Filter by:

arrow_drop_down

Sort by:

arrow_drop_down
info
star star star_border star_border star_border

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.

6 years ago

star star star_border star_border star_border

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.

6 years ago