Signed up for USAA… Is this normal?

Hi everyone,

I just signed up for USAA banking about a week ago and it’s been one problem after another.

  1. When I tried to sign up, the system gave me an error and told me to call. I called, got the account set up, and added my external bank. They told me to transfer $25 into each account using my external bank.

  2. After waiting three days for the verification amounts to show up, I went to transfer money. But I got an error saying “Transfer limit $0” for both accounts. I thought it might be a timing thing, so I waited. Then, the next time I tried to log in, my account was locked.

I called back, got the account unlocked, and asked about the transfer limit issue. They transferred me to another department, where I was told my account has a 120-day restriction because it’s new. They said this limits external transfers and if I don’t start using the account in those 120 days, I might face more lockouts. Honestly, I don’t feel confident enough to set up direct deposit with these issues.

I added USAA to my external bank and started a $50 transfer, but now I’m waiting several days for it to go through.

  1. I also wanted a credit card as part of moving all my finances under one roof. Tried to apply this morning and… “SORRY, YOU CAN’T DO THAT.” I keep getting these error pages for everything I try to do.

  2. Finally, I thought I’d set up Zelle just in case. Guess what? “SORRY, YOU CAN’T DO THAT.” Seems like I can’t do anything until this 120-day period is over.

Is this what everyone deals with? Or am I just unlucky? I’m close to closing everything and walking away. It’s been such a hassle.

You should probably just leave. I left years ago after dealing with stuff like this for way too long.

I moved my money out last year. USAA has had a lot of issues lately—Google their regulatory problems. You’re better off with a different bank.

Payne said:
I moved my money out last year. USAA has had a lot of issues lately—Google their regulatory problems. You’re better off with a different bank.

What bank did you switch to, and why?

@Teo
Not who you asked, but I switched to Navy Federal. They have branches near me, which helps. USAA kept locking me out for no reason, and calling customer service was a nightmare. At least with a branch, I can show my ID if there’s an issue.

@Dezi
Thanks for the suggestion. I’ve been with USAA for 25 years and haven’t had issues, but the reports about them lately have me worried. I only bank online, though, so branches don’t really matter to me.

@Dezi
Here are some things to consider: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-orders-navy-federal-credit-union-to-pay-more-than-95-million-for-illegal-surprise-overdraft-fees/

I’ve been a member for 24 years, and I just moved everything out. It’s not the same as it used to be. Some people have great experiences, but others, like me, don’t.

Kirin said:
I’ve been a member for 24 years, and I just moved everything out. It’s not the same as it used to be. Some people have great experiences, but others, like me, don’t.

Same here! I switched everything to Schwab.

@Emlyn
Me too.

Kirin said:
I’ve been a member for 24 years, and I just moved everything out. It’s not the same as it used to be. Some people have great experiences, but others, like me, don’t.

Where did you move your money to?

@Hayes
Schwab.

They locked my account after I deposited a check to pay for my dog’s cancer treatment. I spent two weeks calling because I couldn’t log in—the verification codes weren’t coming through. I uploaded my ID and everything. They didn’t unlock it until I threatened legal action, and by then my dog was a day away from missing his life-saving surgery. Don’t trust this bank.

It might be something simple, like missing paperwork or signature cards.

I was able to do a wire transfer after my account was open for 30 days. A rep told me that’s their policy for new accounts.

Getting locked out isn’t normal, but restrictions on new accounts are. You can’t transfer externally for 120 days, but you can deposit into USAA from another bank. Zelle won’t work until your account is 10 days old and you’ve had the mobile app for at least 30 days.

I work at a big bank. We make it easy to get money in, but taking money out has extra checks for security.

USAA’s banking issues are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s likely to get worse.

Ev said:
USAA is mainly an insurance company. Their bank is kind of an afterthought. If you’re in the military, try Navy Federal instead.

Well, I’m not going to use them for insurance either. Their auto quote was double what I’m paying now. I’ll give them one more call, but this is getting ridiculous.

Ev said:
USAA is mainly an insurance company. Their bank is kind of an afterthought. If you’re in the military, try Navy Federal instead.

I’ve been with USAA for almost 40 years and never had issues. I wonder why some people have such different experiences? Maybe they’re better for certain kinds of customers?