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USAA members have several credit card options to choose from, including the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card. This card sets itself apart from other USAA cards because of the potentially low variable interest rate offered. However, it is only available to USAA members and is only open to a select demographic of consumers.
This card has other great perks, including a intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 11.15% to 25.15% variable regular APR. Here's everything you need to know about the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card.
- Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
- Intro Offer: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks that post within 90 days of account opening. After this time, the variable regular APR of 11.15% to 25.15% will apply to introductory balances.
- A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies. If you transfer a balance or write a convenience check to take advantage of the introductory rate offer, you will immediately incur interest on purchases until you pay your balance in full, including any transferred balances.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 11.15% to 25.15% variable regular APR.
- See Rates and Fees for details.
Page Contents
- USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Pros
- USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Cons
- USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Welcome Offer
- USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Benefits
- No Rewards With the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card
- Application Restrictions
- Cards That Compete With the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card
- Bottom Line
USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Pros
- Low APR after introductory 0% APR offer
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fee
USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Cons
- 5% fee on balance transfers, convenience checks, and cash advances
- Does not earn rewards points or cash back
- This card is only available to USAA members
USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Welcome Offer
Instead of a traditional welcome offer of points or cash back, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 11.15% to 25.15% variable regular APR. Note that balance transfers will still be subject to a balance transfer fee of 5% of the transaction amount.
USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Benefits
No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
USAA doesn't charge an annual fee on the USAA Rate Advantage Card. Additionally, there is also no foreign transaction fee.
However, that doesn't mean this card is a no-fee card. The card charges a 5% fee for balance transfers and cash advances.
0% Intro APR
The card has an introductory offer of 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 15 months after account opening. After that, the variable interest rate will be 11.15% to 25.15%.
Related: The 7 Best Credit Cards With No Annual Fee and 0% Introductory APR
Cell phone protection
Get reimbursed up to $500 if your cell phone is stolen or damaged when you use your card to pay your monthly cell phone bill.
Purchase protections
There's no liability for unauthorized purchases made with your USAA Rate Advantage Card. You can also set up mobile alerts in case of fraudulent transactions and report your card lost or stolen both online and in the mobile app.
This card also extends the U.S. manufacturer's warranty up to an additional year on items purchased with the card.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Purchase Protection
Travel benefits
Cardholders will have access to a few travel benefits, including:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver worldwide on car rentals. Coverage is secondary in your country of residence and only valid on rentals of up to 31 days.
- Trip cancellation or interruption insurance. You're covered for up to $1,500 per covered person. This is available for non-refundable prepaid passenger fares and only when you use your card to purchase your ticket.
- Reimbursements for baggage delays. You're covered up to $100 a day for up to three days.
- 24/7 access to the benefits center. This benefit covers medical and legal referrals, prescription assistance, travel planning, and more, worldwide. Though, you'll be on the hook for services rendered.
No Rewards With the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card
Unfortunately, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card does not earn any form of rewards or cash back. If you're looking for a card that does, check out the alternatives below.
Application Restrictions
You must be a USAA member to apply for any USAA credit card. Only the following people qualify for an account with USAA:
- Active and veteran members of the U.S. military
- Their spouses, children, and grandchildren
- Pre-commissioned officers are eligible to join USAA
If you're unsure if you qualify to become a member of USAA, learn more about membership here.
Related: Understanding Rewards Credit Card Applications and Restrictions
Cards That Compete With the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card
- If you prefer to earn points with your USAA credit card, then consider the USAA Rewards™ Visa Signature® Credit Card. This card earns 2X on dining and at gas stations, and 1X on all other purchases. Rewards can be redeemed through the USAA Rewards Center for travel, gift cards at select merchants, merchandise, and charitable contributions. Better yet, there is no annual fee.
- If you want a USAA credit card that earns cash back, then the Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card might be the card for you. The card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and no category restrictions. Cardholders can also look forward to a $200 auto deductible reimbursement after a covered loss when they use the card to make eight purchases in the prior calendar month — all for no annual fee. Learn more in our full Preferred Cash Rewards review.
- If you're looking for a card that earns transferrable points, check out the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees). With an annual fee of just $95, you'll earn 5X on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (2X on all other travel purchases); 3X on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; and 1X on all other purchases. Lastly, the Sapphire Preferred also features a $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit to be used in the Chase Travel℠ portal. For more details, check out our full Sapphire Preferred review.
Related: Credit Cards That Earn Transferable Points With No Annual Fee
Bottom Line
The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card is a great credit card for USAA members looking to take advantage of low interest rates. The introductory 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers is also a utilitarian welcome offer.
Unfortunately, the card doesn't come with any reward point categories or cash-back multipliers. Therefore, if you're looking for a card with those added perks, this isn't the card for you. But if you're more interested in the low intro APR, possible balance transfer, and low APR after the intro time period, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card is worth considering.
- Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
- Intro Offer: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks that post within 90 days of account opening. After this time, the variable regular APR of 11.15% to 25.15% will apply to introductory balances.
- A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies. If you transfer a balance or write a convenience check to take advantage of the introductory rate offer, you will immediately incur interest on purchases until you pay your balance in full, including any transferred balances.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 11.15% to 25.15% variable regular APR.
- See Rates and Fees for details.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card (Rates & Fees), and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees)
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