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4.5

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

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.

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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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Star Rating

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3.7

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55 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

60%

4 grade

5%

3 grade

5%

2 grade

4%

1 grade

25%

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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.

8 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.

8 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.

5 years ago