USAA Rate Advantage Visa® Platinum Credit Card overview
The USAA Rate Advantage Visa® Platinum Credit Card is a decent option for current and former military members, plus their spouses and dependents, who want to consolidate their high-interest debt. Outside of that, though, it doesn’t offer much value to the average cardholder. Card rating*: ⭐⭐
*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 just 670 and a generous 15-month introductory period of 0% annual percentage rate on balance transfers, followed by a variable interest rate as low as 12.15% or as high as 29.15% (see rates and fees), this card can offer some value for military members and their families.
But with no welcome offer or rewards earnings to speak of, it’s a tough sell if you’re not looking to get yourself out of debt via balance transfers. Additionally, you must be a USAA member or become a member to apply.
Keep reading to learn more about the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum.
Related: How to do a balance transfer
USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum welcome offer
While it doesn’t offer a traditional sign-up bonus, the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum does come with an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers and convenience checks in the first 15 months of card ownership. You’ll be charged a 5% balance transfer fee (see rates and fees).
After that, you’ll have a variable interest rate of 12.15% to 29.15%, depending on your credit history.
USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum benefits
The USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum 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).
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However, you won’t enjoy any premium benefits on this no-annual-fee offering (see rates and fees).
Related: Should you get travel insurance if you have credit card protection?
Earning rewards on the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
The USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum doesn’t earn any rewards when you spend with the card, meaning it’s meant almost exclusively for paying off debt on other cards via balance transfers.
Therefore, we don’t recommend making purchases directly with the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum. Instead, use the card to transfer card balances from other issuers (in this case, issuers that aren’t Visa) to pay off your debt with 0% APR.
Which cards compete with the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
Several balance transfer cards on the market provide more value to the average cardholder than the USAA Platinum.
For additional options, check out our full list of the best balance transfer credit cards.
Related: How to redeem Citi ThankYou Points for maximum value
Is the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum worth it?
While the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card can be a suitable choice for military members, their spouses and dependents aiming to consolidate high-interest debt, it may not offer significant benefits for the average cardholder beyond that specific purpose.
There are several other balance transfer cards worth applying for that also have no annual fee — or, if you’re up for it, there are cards like the Blue Cash Preferred that can offer plenty of value with a low annual fee attached.
Bottom line
Unless you’re a member of the military (or a family member of someone who serves) who has lots of outstanding credit card debt, the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum likely won’t be a fit for your wallet. Even if you are, there are plenty of other options for consolidating debt that can also earn you valuable rewards in the process. We think there are better options out there.
Apply here: USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card
For rates and fees of the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum, click here.
