USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card review: 1.5% cash back for military members

USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card

The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card is a good cash-back option for current and former military members, as well as their spouses and dependents. While it lacks any welcome bonus or exclusive perks, this card offers a no-frills experience with unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases and no annual fee (see rates and fees), making it a solid choice for military members seeking a simple and rewarding cash-back card. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.*

With no annual fee, a recommended credit score of 670 and a generous 15-month introductory period on purchases of 0% annual percentage rate, after which a variable APR of 17.15% to 31.15% will apply (see rates and fees), this card can offer substantial value for military members and their families.

That’s even though the card has no current welcome offer and somewhat limited benefits.

Keep reading to learn more about the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa.

USAA Preferred Cash Visa welcome offer

While it offers no traditional sign-up bonus, the USAA Preferred Cash does come with an introductory 0% APR on purchases in the first 15 months of card ownership. After that, you’ll have a variable interest rate as low as 17.15% or as high as 31.15% , depending on your credit history.

Blonde woman holding credit card and using laptop for online shopping — BLOEMENMARKT/GETTY IMAGES

USAA Preferred Cash Visa benefits

The USAA Preferred Cash provides standard travel and shopping protections — such as travel accident insurance and extended warranty protection on U.S. manufacturers’ warranties — plus no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).

However, you won’t enjoy many lavish benefits on this no-annual-fee card.

Earning cash back on the USAA Preferred Cash Visa

The USAA Preferred Cash offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, with no category restrictions or cap on cash back.

If you’re a current or former military member or a family member of someone who serves, it could be a nice starter in the world of cash-back cards.

unseen person holds credit card while typing on a laptop — POIKE/GETTY IMAGES

Redeeming cash back on the USAA Preferred Cash Visa

Cash back earned with the USAA Preferred Cash never expires, meaning you can redeem cash back on your own schedule. You can redeem cash back as a statement credit or deposit it directly into a USAA checking or savings account.

Which cards compete with the USAA Preferred Cash Visa?

There are a handful of other simplified cash-back cards on the market that compete with the USAA Preferred Cash:

If you want simple cash rewards: The Citi® Double Cash Card (see rates and fees) offers up to 2% earnings on all purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. Plus, you can convert your rewards to fully transferable ThankYou points with another Citi card. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
If you want lucrative earning rates: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get an excellent return across various bonus categories and a healthy welcome offer. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back credit cards.

Is the USAA Preferred Cash Visa worth it?

For military members, including current and former personnel, as well as their spouses and dependents, the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card is a suitable choice for cash-back rewards. Although this card does not provide a welcome bonus or special perks, it offers a straightforward experience with unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases and no annual fee.

Bottom line

The simple experience of the USAA Preferred Cash makes it an attractive option for military members and their families who want the chance to earn easy cash back on purchases. It’s a solid option for military members looking for a straightforward and rewarding card that won’t hurt the wallet. However, there are more lucrative cash-back cards available.

Apply here: Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card

For rates and fees of the USAA Preferred Cash Visa, click here.