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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Reviews
USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card review: For military members consolidating debt
When Ryan worked as a TPG credit cards writer, he oversaw refreshes of card reviews and card offer stories. He enjoyed racking up cash back and helping readers maximize their points and miles for their next big trip.
January 13, 2025 • 7 min read
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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Quick summary
This card is designed for current and former military members, their spouses and dependents seeking to consolidate high-interest debt.
It features a lengthy introductory period for balance transfers and does not charge foreign transaction fees.
There are no rewards or welcome offers, making it less appealing for everyday spending or general use.
Membership eligibility is restricted to military-affiliated individuals and their families.
What to consider
Applicants must be members of a specific organization tied to military service to qualify.
The introductory balance transfer offer applies only to transfers or checks posted within the first 90 days of account opening and comes with a balance transfer fee.
After the introductory period, a variable interest rate applies based on creditworthiness.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of alternative balance transfer cards that may offer broader value, including rewards and additional benefits.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
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. It doesn't offer much value to the average cardholder outside of that. 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 670 or above and a generous 15-month introductory period of 0% annual percentage rate on balance transfers (followed by a variable interest rate as low as 11.15% or as high as 25.15%), 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 Credit Card.
The information for the USAA Rate Advantage Visa® Platinum Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum credit card pros and cons
Pros
Cons
Cardmembers can potentially receive a low interest rate after the introductory APR period
No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and a long introductory APR on balance transfers and convenience checks (then a variable interest rate between 11.15% and 25.15%)
Travel accident insurance and extended warranty protection on U.S. manufacturers’ warranties
Introductory APR does not apply to new purchases
No earnings structure
This card charges a balance transfer fee
USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card welcome offer
While it doesn't offer a traditional welcome bonus, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card does come with an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers and convenience checks for the first 15 months of card ownership.
The balance transfers or convenience checks need to be posted in the first 90 days from account opening. You'll be charged a 5% balance transfer fee.
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After that, you'll have a variable interest rate of 11.15% to 25.15%, depending on your credit history.
USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card benefits
The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card 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.
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However, this no-annual-fee offering does not offer any premium benefits. That said, travel protections and no foreign transaction fee are nice features for a card with no annual fee.
Earning rewards on the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card
The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card doesn't earn any rewards when you spend with the card, meaning its ideal use case is paying off debt on other cards via balance transfers.
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Therefore, we don't recommend making purchases directly with the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card. Instead, use the card to transfer balances from other issuers (in this case, issuers other than USAA) to pay off your debt with 0% APR for the first 15 months. After that, you'll have a variable interest rate of 11.15% to 25.15%.
Which cards compete with the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card?
Several balance transfer cards on the market provide more value to the average cardholder than the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card.
If you want the best all-around balance transfer card: The (see rates and fees) has a long introductory APR period for balance transfers, along with a solid cash-back earning rate. You'll get an introductory 0% APR for 18 months, then a variable APR between 17.49% and 27.49% based on your creditworthiness. It's best for those who don't want to sacrifice cash-back earnings because they're consolidating their debt. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
If you want lucrative earning rates: The is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market, with the added bonus of the ability to execute balance transfers within the first 60 days of account opening. There is a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 12 months from account opening, then a variable APR between 19.49% and 28.49% (see rates and fees). You'll get an excellent return across various bonus categories. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
If you want to earn transferable miles: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. If you want to earn a transferable rewards currency, the Venture Rewards is the right pick. The card comes with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit to help ease your travel experience. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Is the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Credit Card worth it?
While the USAA Rate Advantage 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 that can offer plenty of value with a low $95 annual fee attached ($0 intro annual fee for the first year; see rates and fees).
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 Credit Card 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. I believe there are better options out there.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred, click here.
