The USAA Cashback Rewards Credit Card is a popular choice for those seeking a cashback rewards program with no annual fee. It offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
USAA members can earn cashback rewards on everyday purchases, making it a great option for those who want to maximize their earnings. This includes purchases like groceries, gas, and dining.
The card also offers a $0 foreign transaction fee, making it a great choice for international travel. This can save you money on transactions abroad.
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Details
The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a decent option for everyday spending with its unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on purchases.
This card provides a low ongoing APR, which is a great benefit for those who want to minimize their interest charges.
You can earn up to 1.5 percent cash back on all your purchases, which is a higher rate than many cash back cards that offer just 1 percent back on general purchases.
The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card is a no-annual-fee credit card, which means you won't have to pay an annual fee to use it.
Many flat-rate rewards cards offer 2 percent cash back, but the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5 percent cash back, which is still a decent option for those who want to maximize their earnings.
This card gives you a chance at travel perks you won't find on many other no-annual-fee credit cards, making it a great option for frequent travelers.
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Benefits and Rewards
The USAA Cashback Rewards credit card offers some great benefits and rewards. You can earn cash back on gas and groceries with this card, just like with other cash back credit cards.
Milnes, the expert in credit card use, recommends maximizing cash back rewards using credit cards. This means taking advantage of the cash back offers on your purchases.
Here are some of the benefits and rewards you can expect from the USAA Cashback Rewards credit card:
- Cash back on gas and groceries
- Travel benefits (not specified what these are)
Earning Back on Gas and Groceries
You can earn cash back on gas and groceries with both cards, which is a great perk for frequent fill-ups and grocery runs. Both cards offer cash back on these essential expenses, making it a smart move to use them for these purchases.
Maximizing cash back rewards is as simple as using the right credit cards for your daily expenses.
Unique Benefits of Each
Each credit card offers unique benefits that can help you get the most out of your rewards. The Discover it Cash Back card, for example, matches cash back in the first year.
Some cards prioritize travel benefits, like the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card. This means you can earn rewards on travel-related purchases.
Business Credit Cards, Student Credit Cards, Balance Transfer Cards, Credit Cards with Rewards, Travel Credit Cards, and Cash Back Credit Cards all have their own set of benefits.
Here's a breakdown of the types of credit cards and their unique benefits:
Rewards and Redemption
You can redeem your USAA Cashback Rewards Plus rewards by logging in to your USAA online account or through their mobile app, or by calling (800) 531-8722.
To redeem online, log in to your online account, visit the USAA Rewards Center to see your points balance, and click on “Redeem Rewards” to follow the prompts.
You can redeem your USAA Cashback Rewards Plus rewards in increments of $1, but it's less clear about the methods of redemption.
If you're looking for flexibility in redemption, the Discover it Cash Back offers a variety of options, including statement credits and direct deposits, with the flexibility to redeem rewards at any time and in any amount.
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Pros and Cons
The USAA Cashback Rewards Credit Card has some really great benefits. One of the standout pros is that there's no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
You'll also appreciate the minimal fees associated with this card, making it a low-stakes option for earning rewards. This means you can focus on racking up those cash back points without worrying about extra charges.
Another perk of this card is the quality perks, including auto policy deductible reimbursement, cell phone protection, extended warranty protection, travel insurance, baggage delay reimbursement and more.
It's worth noting that the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card and the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card have some differences in their pros and cons. Here are the main differences:
As for the cons, it's worth mentioning that the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card has a spending cap on rewards, but this isn't mentioned for the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Comparison and Review
The USAA Cashback Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for those looking for a hassle-free cash back rewards program. You can earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits on the amount of rewards you can earn.
The card has no annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to avoid extra yearly charges. However, it's worth noting that this is standard among cash back credit cards for people with good or excellent credit.
One of the standout features of this card is its travel benefits, including auto rental coverage, travel accident insurance, and extended warranty protection. These benefits make it a great option for those who travel frequently.
The card also offers a $200 initial bonus for spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of getting the card. This can be a great incentive for those who can meet the spending requirement.
Here's a comparison of the card's rewards categories with the Discover it Cash Back card:
Ultimately, the USAA Cashback Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who want a simple cash back rewards program with no limits on the amount of rewards they can earn.
Requirements and Eligibility
To get the USAA Cashback Rewards Credit Card, you'll need a credit score of at least 750, which is considered excellent credit.
The issuer will also consider your credit history, debt, and income when making a decision.
Having good credit is just one part of the equation - you'll also need to meet the eligibility requirements to become a USAA member.
Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve members in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to apply for USAA membership, as are former military members who retired or were honorably discharged.
Additionally, spouses and children of military members and veterans can also apply for membership.
What's the Score Requirement?
To get approved for a USAA credit card, you'll need a good credit score. The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card requires a credit score of 700 or better.
Having excellent credit can also help you get approved for a USAA credit card. A credit score of 750+ is needed for the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card.
Your credit score is just one factor that determines your eligibility for a USAA credit card. The issuer will also consider your credit history, debt, and income.
You can check out your credit score for free on WalletHub to get a better idea of your creditworthiness.
Who Is The Right Person For?
If you're considering applying for a USAA credit card, it's essential to know who's eligible. Active Duty, Guard, or Reserve members in the U.S. Armed Forces can apply for USAA membership.
To be eligible, you don't necessarily have to be currently serving; former military members who retired or were honorably discharged can also apply.
Fees and Insurance
The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card offers rental car insurance as a free benefit, covering theft, damage, and other expenses up to the actual cash value of most rented cars.
To get this coverage, you'll need to decline the rental agency's insurance, as it's a requirement for the card's rental car insurance to kick in.
This free benefit can save you money on rental car insurance, which can be a significant expense, especially for long-term rentals or for renting high-end vehicles.
APR on Purchases
The APR on purchases for this card is quite variable, ranging from 16.40% to 28.40%.
You'll be charged an ongoing APR, which is a bit higher than the low end of this range, but still less than the current national average.
As long as you've been making on-time payments, you'll be eligible for the lower end of this APR range.
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Foreign Transaction Fee
The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card has a no-foreign-transaction-fee policy, which means you won't be charged extra for making purchases abroad. This can save you up to 9% on currency conversion compared to exchanging cash at a local bank or airport kiosk.
The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card charges no foreign transaction fee, which is a significant advantage for international travelers. This fee can be a huge burden, especially if you're making frequent purchases abroad.
You can expect to save 1.58% on every purchase processed abroad with the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card. This is a notable benefit, especially for those who frequently travel or do business internationally.
This card's no-foreign-transaction-fee policy is a key advantage for those who want to avoid extra charges on their international purchases. It's a thoughtful feature that can help you save money on your travels.
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Rental Car Insurance
Rental car insurance can be a lifesaver if you're involved in an accident or your rental car is stolen. With USAA, you can get free rental car insurance as a benefit of their Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card.
To get this coverage, you'll need to decline the rental agency's insurance and pay for the rental entirely with your USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card. This will ensure you're covered up to the actual cash value of most rented cars.
One thing to note is that you're not just covered for theft and damage, but also for administrative fees and reasonable and customary towing charges. This means you can focus on getting back on the road without breaking the bank.
Here are some key things to know about USAA's rental car insurance:
- Coverage Amount: Up to the actual cash value of most rented cars.
- Other coverage includes theft, damage, administrative fees, and more.
If you have the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card, you'll also have rental car insurance coverage. This works similarly to the Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card, covering theft, damage, administrative fees, and more up to the actual cash value of most rented cars.
Extended Warranty for Purchases
The USAA Cash Rewards card doubles the original manufacturer warranty up to 12 months on most items you purchase.
This means you can enjoy extra protection for your new purchases, giving you peace of mind.
The maximum benefit for repair or replacement will not exceed $10,000.
Balance Transfer
Balance Transfer offers can be a great way to save money on interest, but be aware of the terms. Some credit cards have a 0% intro APR for a limited time, like up to August 2026.
After the intro period ends, the APR jumps to a variable rate, ranging from 16.40% to 28.40%. You'll also have to pay a Balance Transfer Fee of 5% of the transferred amount.
Make sure to read the fine print to understand the terms of your Balance Transfer offer. Some credit cards have a fixed APR, currently 16.40% to 28.40% variable.
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How Visa Travel Insurance Works
If you use a credit card with travel insurance benefits, you'll be automatically eligible for various perks. This includes travel assistance services, which can help you with things like finding a replacement passport or arranging for medical care while abroad.
Travel accident insurance is another benefit that can provide financial protection in case of an accident. This insurance can be a lifesaver if you're involved in a serious accident while traveling.
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Lost luggage reimbursement is a common problem for travelers, but with travel insurance, you can get reimbursed for the cost of replacing essential items. This can be a huge relief if you're stuck without your luggage.
If you rent a car while traveling, you'll want to know that the USAA Cash Rewards Visa offers an auto rental collision damage waiver. This means you won't be held responsible for damages to the rental car, which can save you a lot of money.
For added peace of mind, the USAA Cash Rewards Visa also offers 24-hour concierge and emergency card services. This means you can get help with anything from finding a good restaurant to getting emergency assistance while traveling.
Here are the benefits of the USAA Cash Rewards Visa travel insurance:
- Travel & Emergency Assistance Services
- Travel Accident insurance
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Roadside Dispatch (service fee may apply)
- 24-Hour Concierge and Emergency Card Services
Rating and Recommendation
I've looked into the USAA Cashback Rewards credit card, and here's the lowdown. The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card is a solid choice for those who want to earn cash back, but it's not the only option.
The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card is another contender, offering a more straightforward rewards structure.
If you're looking for a card with a rewards program that's easy to understand, the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card might be the way to go.
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Methodology
Our team at MoneyGeek uses a rigorous ranking process to evaluate credit cards, including the USAA Cashback Rewards Credit Card. This process assigns multiple scores to each card for various use cases.
We consider important factors such as the introductory purchase rate and the regular APR for balance transfers, and the effective reward rate for cash back. These factors help us determine which cards perform best in different scenarios.
Doug Milnes, the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek, leads this analysis. As a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.
The USAA Cashback Rewards Credit Card is evaluated based on its performance in these key areas, giving you a comprehensive understanding of its benefits and drawbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does USAA have a 2% cash back card?
Yes, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card offers 2% cash back on the first $3,000 in grocery purchases yearly. This card also offers additional cash back rewards on gas station and military base purchases.
How do USAA cashback rewards work?
USAA Cash Rewards offers $1 in cash back for every $1 earned, redeemable as a statement credit or deposited into a USAA checking or savings account. Your rewards won't expire as long as your account remains active and in good standing.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/d/cashback-rewards-plus-american-express-946c
- https://wallethub.com/d/usaa-preferred-cash-rewards-visa-2192c
- https://www.moneygeek.com/credit-cards/compare/discover-it-cash-back-vs-usaa-cashback-rewards-plus/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/usaa-preferred-cash-rewards-visa-signature/
- https://www.comparecards.com/credit-card/usaa-preferred-cash-rewards
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