I just found out USAA is getting rid of text alerts. I’ve had multiple alerts on my account because of past fraud issues with them, and text messages were always way faster than the email alerts they’re switching to.
What’s the reason for this? I don’t get how this saves them anything. USAA just seems to be getting worse all the time.
It’s probably because text scams targeting banking customers have gotten worse. They do offer push alerts in the app now, which are faster and more secure than texts or emails.
Parker said:
It’s probably because text scams targeting banking customers have gotten worse. They do offer push alerts in the app now, which are faster and more secure than texts or emails.
Really? You think text scams are worse than phishing emails? That’s wild to me. I ignore any text asking for info—it’s pretty easy to spot a scam that way.
@Gray
Both email and text have security risks, and you can get phished through either. But email can have extra layers of protection. Push alerts in the app are still the safest option if you’re worried about security.
@Gray
Just because you can recognize a scam easily doesn’t mean the average person can. Most people still fall for these things.
This is because of new government rules. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act was updated, and now companies can face lawsuits every time they send a text message. It’s not just USAA—other companies like Walmart are stopping texts too. This time it’s the government overstepping, not USAA.
@Shannon
Here’s the FCC link about the rule changes: https://www.fcc.gov/document/tcpa-rules-revoking-consent-unwanted-robocallsrobotexts
Text alerts aren’t reliable anyway. It depends on how good your cell service is. For example, US Cellular is awful—they’re either delayed or don’t arrive at all.
Honestly, just move your money somewhere else, like SoFi, PenFed, or Navy Federal. USAA doesn’t have much to offer anymore, except maybe their gas and base credit card.
Ari said:
Honestly, just move your money somewhere else, like SoFi, PenFed, or Navy Federal. USAA doesn’t have much to offer anymore, except maybe their gas and base credit card.
None of those companies provide home or auto insurance though, so that’s one thing USAA still has over them.
@Finley
I just switched after being with USAA for 40 years. I moved my car insurance and saved $4,000 a year. I’m switching my home insurance next and will save even more. I live in Florida, so rates are crazy, but USAA doesn’t even come close anymore for price or service.
@Haven
Maybe that’s true for you, but for many people, USAA still has the cheapest rates. They also cover risky areas like Florida and California where other insurers have stopped offering policies.
@Haven
Or you could try using an insurance broker—they’re free to use.
Ari said:
@Haven
Or you could try using an insurance broker—they’re free to use.
Technically, brokers aren’t free. They get a commission, which comes out of the premium you pay. So, while you’re not paying them directly, their fee is baked into your costs.
@Finley
It doesn’t matter if they’re paid from your premium. They work that out with the insurance company, not with you. You don’t get billed by the broker for their service.
Ari said:
@Finley
It doesn’t matter if they’re paid from your premium. They work that out with the insurance company, not with you. You don’t get billed by the broker for their service.
But isn’t it misleading to say you don’t pay brokers when their commission comes from the premium you’re charged? They definitely have a financial incentive to recommend certain companies.
@Finley
You’re overthinking it. When I say you don’t pay a broker, I mean they don’t send you a separate bill. They get their cut from the insurance company, like how Amazon pays influencers for sales. Your premium doesn’t have a line item for ‘broker fee.’
@Ari
Actually, some policies do break down the broker’s commission on the premium.
Finley said:
@Ari
Actually, some policies do break down the broker’s commission on the premium.
Lol, sounds like your broker is sketchy if they’re putting that on your invoice. Mine never does. Check this out: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18TwgBnflJP8vXebRxP5v_g_alN66sb3V/view?usp=sharing. Anyway, believe what you want, man.
Ari said:
Honestly, just move your money somewhere else, like SoFi, PenFed, or Navy Federal. USAA doesn’t have much to offer anymore, except maybe their gas and base credit card.
I’m also moving my banking away from USAA to Chase, but Chase is dropping text alerts too. It seems like all banks are heading this way eventually.