How Does LendingTree Get Paid?
LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.
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Advertising Disclosure
LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).

Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).
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American Express Disclosure
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card Review

Updated on:
Content was accurate at the time of publication.
LendingTree's Review

How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?

Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
2.9
USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card
Intro BT APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 11.65% to 25.65% variable regular APR
Eligibility
Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply.
Rates & Fees
$0 annual fee, no penalty APR & no foreign transaction fee
We receive commissions from our advertising partners. These commissions do not influence our recommendations. Click here to learn more.

Who is the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card best for?

It’s considered best practice to pay off your credit card in full every month, thus avoiding interest charges. But sometimes life gets in the way and you have to carry a balance. That’s why having a credit card with a low APR, such as the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card, can help.

Note that you must first join USAA to be able to apply for this card. USAA membership is open to United States military members and veterans, precomissioned officers, and spouses and children.

USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card overview

    • 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 11.65% to 25.65% 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.
    • See Rates and Fees for details.
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
  • 660 720 850
    Good / Excellent
  • Auto rental coverage
  • Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
  • Baggage delay and reimbursement
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Extended warranty protection
  • Concierge assistance with reservations, tickets and shopping
  • Guidance from identity theft resolution specialists

Intro Purchase APR

None

Regular Purchase APR

11.65% to 25.65% variable

Intro BT APR

0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 11.65% to 25.65% variable regular APR

Regular BT APR

11.65% to 25.65% variable

Annual Fee

$0

Cash Advance Fee

5% of the amount of each Cash Advance. Fee waived when transferring funds electronically to your USAA Bank deposit account.

Foreign Transaction Fee

None

Balance Transfer Fee

5% of the amount of each balance transfer and convenience check

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Chance for an exceptionally low APR
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Doesn’t assess a penalty APR
  • No annual fee or foreign transaction fee

Cons

  • USAA membership isn’t open to everyone
  • Doesn’t earn rewards

What we like about the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card

  • One the best credit cards for a low APR

    The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card has a 11.65% to 25.65% variable APR. If you’re approved for the card and receive an APR at the lower end of that range, that’s one of the lowest interest rates you’re likely to find on a credit card.

    If you’re a USAA member and need a low APR card for those times when you have to roll over a balance, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card‘s low interest rate could be a great card to have in your wallet.

    Be aware that the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card requires good / excellent credit, and the better your credit score, the better your chances of receiving a low APR on your account.

    Finally, for U.S. military members on active duty, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers protections on debt incurred prior to when active duty began, including capping credit card interest rates at 6%. But USAA does even better than what’s required by the law, with a maximum 4% interest rate on accounts qualifying under the SCRA.

  • APR won't go up over a late payment

    If you pay late, many credit card issuers will raise your APR — this is called a “penalty APR.” The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card has no penalty APR, however, so you can have peace of mind that missing your due date won’t cause you to lose your low interest rate.

    However, on-time payments are the most important factor in maintaining a good credit score, and issuers will typically report your late payment to the credit bureaus once you hit 30 days past due.

    Plus, though the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card has no penalty APR, you can still end up facing a late fee of up to $35. So, to avoid late fees and to keep a good credit score, make sure to make at least the minimum payment on time every month.

  • Travel with no foreign transaction fee

    With a foreign transaction fee of none, you can travel abroad without having to worry about extra fees on purchases.

  • No annual fee to carry the card

    The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee.

What to watch out for with the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card

  • USAA membership is restricted

    USAA is known for affordable rates and exceptional customer service, but membership is not open to everyone. You’re eligible if you fall into one of the following groups:

    • U.S. military members and veterans
    • Precommissioned officers
    • Spouses and children
  • You won't earn rewards

    While other USAA credit cards earn cash back or points, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card does not. Consider our list of best rewards credit cards if rewards are what you’re looking for.

Alternate card for carrying a balance

Compare it to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

| Disclosures
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card*
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening
17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR
$0
None
  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 Annual Fee.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
660 720 850
Good / Excellent
*The information related to the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply

How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

 

If you’re looking for a card with a low ongoing APR, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card is hard to beat. But if you need a period of 0% intro APR, where the entirety of your payments go toward your balance rather than interest charges and principal, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a better option. This card comes with long 0% intro APRs on both balance transfers and new purchases.

Enjoy a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, after which a 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR applies. If you need to transfer high-interest debt, that’s almost two years of no interest. The balance transfer fee is 5%, min: $5.

There’s also a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases. After, a 17.49%, 23.99%, or 29.24% Variable APR applies.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card charges a $0 annual fee and a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Is the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card right for you?

If you meet the membership requirements to join USAA and need a low-interest credit card with a solid intro APR on balance transfers, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card is an excellent choice.

However, if you’re planning a big purchase that you need to finance over time, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is worth considering. Cardholders get the opportunity to earn an extension on their initial intro APR period by making on-time minimum payments, resulting in almost two years of no interest.

The information related to the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card, Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, DCU Visa® Platinum Credit Card and U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.