I got an offer saying I’m pre-approved to apply for a USAA credit card, and I’m seriously considering it.
Also, I already have a car loan with USAA, so I was thinking it might be easier to move my banking to them too, instead of staying with Sound Credit Union.
What do you all think? Is USAA banking and their credit card a good choice?
I use USAA for banking and their credit card too. Their customer service has always been excellent for me, and they’ve caught fraud on my account a couple of times before I even noticed. No issues so far.
If you scroll through posts on this forum from the past month, you’ll probably find all the info you need. Should make your decision easier!
That ‘pre-approved to apply’ thing doesn’t really mean much. They’ll still check your credit and other details before giving you the card, just like any other bank would. So don’t assume it’s guaranteed.
Before you commit, do a bit of research. USAA isn’t as great as it used to be, in my opinion. There are other banks and credit unions with better credit card deals and services.
I personally avoid putting all my money in one bank, especially one without physical branches. I recommend checking out Navy Federal Credit Union or Ally Bank—they have great customer service and better savings options.
For credit cards, I like Wells Fargo’s 2% cash back card because it’s simple and easy to manage. Also, consider the credit provider. Visa is accepted almost everywhere and has strong fraud protection. American Express is good too but can be tricky overseas.
Make sure whatever you pick fits your needs, and if USAA seems like the best choice after looking into it, then go for it.
I’ve gone through about 15 USAA debit cards in two years because of fraud issues. My account kept getting hit with charges I didn’t authorize, and all they did was send me new cards. I’ve had enough and switched to a different bank. Problem solved for me.
I use USAA for banking, credit cards, and insurance. Overall, I’m happy with them. I also keep an account at a local credit union for some things. For stuff like ATM withdrawals and their perks, USAA has been worth it for me. I have the 1.5% cash back card, and it works great.
I used to put everything on my USAA credit card, but I’ve switched to travel rewards cards now. I get better value with things like flights and hotel upgrades.
The USAA Visa Signature card has some solid benefits: no foreign transaction fees, 30-day rental car insurance, 90-day purchase protection, and a one-year extended warranty. The APR ranges from 14.4% to 28.4%, which is decent.
Navy Federal has a similar card, but their rental car insurance is only 15 days. A few local credit unions also have good cards, but they usually don’t include rental car insurance.
I’ve been with USAA since 1988, and I’ve never had a problem with them. They’ve been great for me.