USAA Credit Card Reviews

I dealt with several reps, all of whom tried to force me to make an online presence to check my balance over the phone. One even said "Get online or on the mobile app at that time and he'd "walk me through it". I refused. I wanted my balance not computer education. Another gave me instruction to do so by mail. To request a balance on card I would be required to self verify: give name, address, USAA member#, SSN, pics of front/back of DL, etc., and set up a PIN. All I needed to know was how much I owed them as I believe I did not receive my last bill. This extremely frustrating and demeaning experience led me to to decide to close this account but of course, without the non-existent PIN I couldn't do so.

I was told they take security "very seriously" but their 2024 in-house security breach of 32,000 members makes me leery of this claim. I refuse to provide this info to them online for a simple balance check. I had a human on the phone, they had my USAA member# and should have known my previous answers given to security questions during initial setup. Dealing with this runaround over several calls led me to decide to close that account and go with a kinder, more user-friendly bank. Without the online verification and PIN I can't officially close the account. I will have to take the risk of leaving card dormant and hope they close it. It was insulting and demeaning to be treated like a criminal for requesting my balance amount.

Bottom line: They WILL NOT believe that you had an auto ins. claim and they WILL NOT believe that you paid your ins. deductible. Well, they win. I'm worn out. It's not worth $200 to put up with this hassle USAA credit card services puts you through. DO NOT TRUST the list of card benefits that USAA Visa sends you. On paper they may offer them, but trying to collect/use the benefits is next to impossible. Pitiful.

I Called USAA begging for hardship relief or even a modest APR reduction to something survivable, like the 10-15% rates they tout for “loyal” customers. Their response? A scripted “sorry, we can’t do that” from some offshore rep who wouldn’t even escalate my case. No empathy, no flexibility, just a cold reminder of the fine print that locks you into interest rates that would make a payday lender blush. Meanwhile, they’re raking in billions from folks like me who signed up because of their veteran-friendly branding. It’s insulting—USAA profits off our service while treating us like disposable marks when we need real help.

The card’s rewards? Laughable consolation prizes—1.5% cash back that evaporates faster than your balance under compound interest at 30%+. And don’t get me started on their customer service loop: endless hold times, automated denials, and zero proactive outreach for at-risk accounts. If you’re a veteran thinking this is your safe harbor, think again. USAA isn’t protecting troops; they’re pillaging them. I’d burn the card tomorrow if it didn’t tank my credit further. One star feels generous—stay far away and support actual vet-focused nonprofits instead. This betrayal stings worse than any deployment hardship.

All I get is it was reviewed on 16 Sept 2025 by Mr. ** and they will not reinstate the card. Can I talk with Mr. **--NO! No one can help me. They just transfer me from one dept. to another and state they tried to contact me without success--I continually contacted them--so they closed my card. I have had that card and been a member of USAA for over 50 years! As a recent widow, I cannot have my credit report/score negatively affected. I have worked hard to maintain a great credit report/score. I feel like USAA does not care about the dependent left behind. I think USAA just wanted to close my credit card because they do not make money on me. I pay my bills at the end of each month and therefore USAA does not make any money from me. Shame on USAA for their treatment of a 50+ member, on-time bill payer, past cheerleader for USAA, and a recent widow.

In December when I logged into the app to make a payment on my account I noticed the new account and called immediately. Your fraud department has blamed me for getting scammed by what I can only assume is one of your agents. And they have drug out every response delaying this case and now tanking my great credit score. This is your last opportunity to fix it before I go to social media and my thousands of followers requesting they share with all of their followers. Check every “recorded phone call I have made with your representatives, check every location that a purchase was made then check my work and cell phone records that will prove I made none of the purchases.

On April 25, 2024, I logged into my USAA credit card account in order to pay my credit card bill. Once my information was entered into the system, the question was asked would you like to make a partial payment or pay this balance in full. I selected yes thinking I was making the minimum monthly payment of $137.00 when in fact I was paying off the entire balance.

On April 26, 2024, I logged back into my USAA account to make sure my monthly payment had been posted. It was at that time that I realized that I had paid my credit card balance in full. I immediately contacted my credit union and informed them of my mistake. The credit union representative told me that I did not have sufficient funds in my checking account to cover such a large transaction. I was told that the payment would be returned due to insufficient funds and that I should contact USAA and ask them not to resubmit the payment request. I immediately contacted USAA and spoke with Tyler. Tyler informed me that the payment of $7,603.80 will be reversed in a few days and at that time I can resubmit the correct payment amount of $137.00. I then contacted my credit union and spoke with Aleha. Aleha informed me that my payment had already been returned to USAA due to insufficient funds.

On April 27, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Tyler a second time. I informed Tyler that I had been instructed by my credit union representative to request that USAA not resubmit the credit card payment. Tyler informed me that there was nothing he could do because the USAA system will continue to submit the payment automatically.

On April 30, 2024, I contacted my credit union and spoke with Dionni. Dionni indicated that there was nothing the Credit Union could do to help me, that it was up to USAA to return the funds. On the same date I contacted USAA and spoke with Janet. Janet indicated that over payments such as this happens frequently, and she would initiate the refund process on my behalf. However, it will take 10-15 days for USAA to process the refund check. I explained to Janet that I did not have 10-15 days to wait, that my bank accounts had been depleted, and I needed that money refunded as soon as possible. Janet suggested I use my USAA credit card to pay my monthly bills and to get cash advances until the refund could be processed.

On May 7, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Amaris. Amaris stated that she will start the process to refund the total amount of the payment $7,603.80 minus the monthly payment of $137.00. Armis indicated that it will take 2 to 3 days to process and another 5-7 days before USAA sends me a paper check. On May 13, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Ashley. Ashley indicated that the refund process is continuing, that the process takes 7-10 calendar days. Ashley instructed me to call back on May 17, 2024.

On May 15, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Jasmine. I explained to Jasmine that I had no money in my checking account and that I was waiting for a refund check from USAA. I told Jasmine that unfortunately I had to use my USAA credit card to pay my bills because I had a limited source of income. I ask Jasmine if my credit card payment could be waived until I received the refund check from USAA. Jasmine stated that she understood the situation, but I was still required to make a credit card payment before May 28, 2024, in order to keep my account current and not incur late fees. I was then transferred to Olivia who assisted me with making the credit card payment.

On May 22, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Trinity. I explained to Trinity that I was waiting for a refund check from USAA. Trinity indicated that she looked into the system but was unable to determine if or when the refund check was sent. Trinity suggested I call back on May 25, 2024. On May 29, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Heather. Heather indicated that no final decision had been made regarding my credit card payment refund. Heather instructed me to call back on May 31, 2024.

On May 31, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Heather a second time. I informed Heather that I was waiting for a refund check from USAA. Heather indicated that my request for a refund had been submitted incorrectly. Heather stated that she would resubmit my request and that it could take up to 30 days before the refund is processed.

On June 1, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Jewel. Jewel stated that USAA is working on my request for a refund. Jewel indicated that my request had been assigned to an unknown analyst. On June 7, 2024, I received a letter from Jeff **, Senior Vice President Fraud Operations, USAA Federal Savings Bank. The letter indicated that the credit card payment was being investigated.

On June 21, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Marcos. Marcos stated that my case is still being worked, and that July 19th is the deadline for the investigation to be completed. Marcos also stated that I should receive a letter from USAA before July 19, 2024. On July 22, 2024, I contacted USAA and spoke with Desiree. Desiree stated that my case is still being worked, and that July 25th is the deadline for the investigation to be completed. Desiree suggested I call back on July 25th.

On July 26, 2024, I contacted USAA credit card accounts. I don’t remember who I spoke with, but I was informed once again that my refund request had been processed incorrectly. The USAA representative stated that she will make the necessary corrections then resubmit the request. This was the second time I was told by a USAA representative that my refund request had been submitted incorrectly. I shared with the USAA representative that I was depending on that refund check in order to repay the money that I had to borrow and to catch up on my bills from May, June, and July. I also shared with the representative I had no choice but to use my USAA credit card in order to meet my financial obligations for the past three (3) months.

On July 29, 2024, I received a letter from Jeff **, Senior Vice President Fraud Operations, USAA Federal Savings Bank. The letter indicated that USAA has determined that the credit card payment was posted correctly to my account. On August 1, 2024, I contacted USAA and asked to speak with Jeff **. I was informed by the USAA representative that there is no contact number available for Jeff ** or for the USAA Corporate Office. I explained to the USAA representative what has taken place over the past three months regarding my refund request. The USAA representative indicated the only thing she could do for me was to submit a request on my behalf to have my case reopened.

On August 2, 2024, I received a second letter from Jeff **, Senior Vice President Fraud Operations, USAA Federal Savings Bank. The letter indicated that USAA has received my request to investigate my credit card payment. By this time, it was clear to me that USAA had no intention of refunding me the money. At some point during this process I contacted Navy Federal Credit Union and spoke with Tony. I explained to Tony that I had overpaid USAA $7,603.80 and that USAA had promised to refund me the money minus $137.00, but as of this date no refund has been received. Tony stated that he understood my situation and asked me how Navy Federal help can. I told Tony how much money I need to get caught up. Tony told me the funds would be deposited into my savings account later that day and that I would have immediate access to those funds.

Later that afternoon I received a text message from Navy Federal and when I checked my saving account the money was in my account. By no means is this an endorsement for Navy Federal but a testimonial to show you which financial institution claims to be supportive, and which financial institution is truly supportive. I will never use USAA again and I hope and pray that after reading this review at least one current member will terminate their membership, and one non-member will decide not to become USAA member. I would give USAA a zero rating but one star is the lowest the system will allow.

Also, we had more opportunities for travel coming up and phoned USAA for tried a higher credit limit to facilitate payment and the end result was an insulting raise. Even after being a member for 50 years! End result, we found another bank to help and will be looking into other credit opportunities. I’m disappointed and sad. Another example of financial companies relying more on computer programs than people.

When I stated to the customer service rep that I would be charging fraud ON USAA if it ever made an unauthorized pull from my savings. He stated that if that ever happened, I should call immediately. Seriously? And hmmm....I don't have to go through this ridiculousness, thank goodness, in order to pay my USAA Insurance payment. Not a satisfied USAA CC customer.

I said, can you expedite it? USPS isn't exactly what it was from years past. I was told, I could pay $20 if I wanted Fed-Exed. WOW! I have excellent credit, have done good business with USAA, and this is the thanks I get. Told the kid on the phone, IF I don't receive this one, will take my business elsewhere, and get a 0 percent with another company. He said ok. What has happened to great Customer Service?? Not to mention, the phone rang for awhile before the kid picked it up.

Why was this offer sent to me in the U.S. Mail then? And why did the person I contacted originally say there was no record of it being sent to me, no matter how hard and deep, he looked? And why did the offer not make it clear that it was only for new accounts? The offer states, “Good news! There is an offer on this card.” Above that it identifies “USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card,” which I have and had zero balance on.

It goes on to state, “Save with our lower-rate credit card” which tells me they are offering me a new deal on the card I already have. I understand it may target new customers as well, but it sure makes it clear to me that this offer, which was sent to me, is for me as well to take advantage of the “Good news!” offer on “this card.” When I attempted the transfers, and it was under review for approval, how come nobody thought this might be an error or that I just might be responding to the advertisement, I transferred over $10K? How come they then increased my credit limit to $20K+? Exceptional service?

This clearly is a bait-and-switch routine, which is sad to see USAA using this approach. See attached for the USAA advertisement. I think USA owes me $336.84 (Interest USAA collected on the balance transfer, not to even mention the initial balance transfer fees.) I have since taken out a personal loan, and not through USAA, which is who I would have gone through before this, and there is now zero balance on the card, and I got stuck paying this interest as part of my loan. USAA is committed to providing me with exceptional service? Really? Not seeing it here at all.

Original Review: I am a long-term USAA customer, I believe I started with them in the late 1980’s or early '90s, and I have always trusted them to do their best for me. I know they have a heart for Veterans. But that has now changed. I received a letter from USAA in the U.S. Mail back in November offering me a Credit Card Balance Transfer deal of 15 months no interest. I went to the website and clicked through the link provided and went ahead with two balance transfers from two Credit Cards (Discover and Citi Bank). The transfers were completed November 14, 2023. Looking back at the account I see I have been charged interest on the balance transfers 3 times now, totaling $306.38. So including Balance Transfer fees I now added $599.68 to my debt already.

I contacted USAA and talked with one person, got sent to another person in Customer Relations, and he assured me he was trying to find where I would have been sent that advertisement, or if there was even one out there during that time period that could apply. He said there was no record of this, and he stated that they keep great records so if it was sent it would have been documented. So, I am making this all up??? Over and over he assured me he was searching but could not find anything and ultimately told me the interest charges had to remain.

I asked to talk to the manager or the next level up, he told me there was no manager and that he was as high as it goes. He suggested I transfer the balance to another company, which would again cost me in balance transfer fees and I would still be paying this interest that should not have been charged. So if I followed his advice, this whole mess would cost me approximately $906.06, adding in the new Balance Transfer fee from the other Credit Card company. I asked him to make sense of this, why would I transfer this large amount of money from 2 credit cards to one where I knew I would pay these balance transfer fees, plus be charged interest right away, if I had not received the letter / advertisement USAA had sent me in the mail for an interest free Balance Transfer deal? The conversation ended with me being stuck with this mess. So was this some sort of bait & switch routine???

Later the exact advertisement was found on the USAA website, which he said he could not find no matter how hard he looked for me. He assured me over and over he was looking hard so he could fight for me, but could not find anything. I am doing my best to pay down my bills, and survive. I am a semi-retired Handyman just trying to do this all right, and I have never been late on a payment to anyone. With USAA I have had 2 mortgages, a personal loan, and 3 credit cards, and have always paid them all off on-time or early. My credit score is good to great and I could have done this balance transfer with other companies but chose USAA because I trusted them and do most of my banking with them. This mess will really set me back, and my trust in USAA is lost.

Nick **