USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card
USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card
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Our Take
The USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card earns bonus points at restaurants and gas stations, but comes up short compared to other cash-back cards.
Total Rewards
3X points at restaurants
Bonus Amount
2,500 points
sign-up bonus
Annual Fee
$0
annual fee
Apr
11.40% - 27.40% Variable variable APR.
Fees
$0 annual fee. No foreign transaction fees. No authorized user fee.
Summary
The USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card is a simple cash-back card that earns bonus points on a few categories. It earns 3X points per dollar at restaurants, 2X points per dollar at gas stations, and 1X point per dollar on everything else. The card also offers a sign up bonus of 2,500 points after you make your first purchase.
Overall, the sign up bonus is easy to earn, but pretty low compared to other rewards credit cards. Similarly, many cards offer similar or better rewards rates in the same categories as the USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card. Additionally, only USAA members are eligible to apply for the card, meaning not everyone can so easily apply.
USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card's main draw is its potentially low interest rate, but this rate requires excellent credit. At its lowest APR, the USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card doesn't have that low of an APR—plus, it's never a good idea to carry a balance. Even USAA members can find better alternatives.
Required Credit Score
Good 660
Pros
- Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
- No penalty APR for missed payments
- $0 annual fee
- Low interest rate with excellent credit
Cons
- Only available to USAA members
- Low ongoing rewards
- Sign up bonus is small
- No 0% APR period
Earn, Redeem, and Optimize Your Rewards
Restaurants/Dining
3 Points
Gas Stations
2 Points
Other
1 Points
Earn
Earn 3X points per dollar at restaurants, 2X points per dollar spent at gas stations, and 1X point per dollar on everything else.
Redeem
- Cash Back
- Gift Cards
- Partner Transfers
Optimize
Because you automatically earn the sign up bonus after just one purchase, make sure to use your USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card when you pay for gas and dining, so long as another card in your wallet doesn't offer better rewards rates. That way, you'll earn bonus points every time you fill up or dine out.
Benefits
Easy sign-up bonus
Earn 2,500 points after your first purchase with the card.
Reduced interest rate for active-duty military
Get a 4% reduction in your interest rate for up to 12 months if you get deployed.
Customizable design
Customize your card with your military affiliation
Zero fraud liability
If your card is used without your permission you will not be liable for the fraudulent charges.
Additional Benefits
- Travel accident insurance
- Extended warranty
- Industry-leading security
- Points don't expire