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USAA Credit Cards
2 min read
USAA offers a line of credit cards designed specifically for members of the military, other servicemembers, and their families. As such, they have special terms and perks favorable to servicemembers.
This could make USAA cards better picks if you won’t be going on active duty, depending on why you want a credit card. SCRA benefits will apply to them as well.
USAA membership is free, but only certain people are eligible to join. If you or a member of your immediate family has been a USAA member or in a branch of the military, there’s a good chance you’ll be eligible.
Once you’re a USAA member, you’ll be able to apply for any of its credit cards — options include cash back rewards cards, a card with particularly low interest rates, and more. As an added bonus, all USAA credit cards are free from foreign transaction fees.
You’ll also enjoy access to its other financial services, like banking and insurance.
USAA Membership Eligibility: Who Can Join?
USAA membership is open to:
- Active Military: Individuals who are currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy.
- Former Military: Those who have retired or separated from the U.S. military with a discharge type of Honorable.
- Cadets and Midshipmen: Cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies, in advanced ROTC or on ROTC scholarship, and officer candidates within 24 months of commissioning.
- Eligible Family Members: Spouses, widows, widowers, un-remarried former spouses of USAA members who joined USAA prior to or during the marriage, and individuals whose parents joined USAA.
Take note that the “family” category mentions nothing about being immediately related to servicemembers. It simply states that if you’re related to a USAA member in an eligible capacity, you may also be able to join the USAA.
If, for example, one of your parents joined the USAA after one of his or her parents joined, you’ll become eligible in turn, whether or not your parent is (or was) a military member.
So there are quite a few ways to join the USAA, even if you’re not in the military, married to someone in the military, or immediately related to someone who’s served.
For Cash Back
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature®
Details
securely on the issuer's website
USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
For Rewards Points
USAA Rewards™ Visa Signature®
Details
securely on the issuer's website
USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
USAA Military Affiliate Visa Signature® Card
Details
securely on the issuer's website
For Low Interest
USAA Rate Advantage Platinum Visa®
Details
securely on the issuer's website
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