USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express®

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 11.15%-26.15% variable
• Rewards: 5% cash back on gas stations and military base purchases, 2% on groceries, 1% on everything else
• Bonus: Earn $150 cash back after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
• Best For: Military members who frequently purchase gas and shop on base while wanting a card tailored to military life
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (670+)

Overview

The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express is designed specifically for the spending patterns of military families. It earns 5% cash back on gas station purchases and on-base purchases (commissary, exchange, and other base retailers), 2% on grocery stores, and 1% on everything else. The 5% on military base purchases is unique to this card and cannot be found on any other credit card.

For active duty members and military families who shop on base regularly, the 5% return is exceptionally valuable. Combined with 5% on gas (which many military families spend heavily on due to commutes and PCS moves), this card targets the two highest-value spending categories for its audience. The 2% on groceries adds further everyday value.

With USAA's low APR starting at 11.15%, no annual fee, no penalty APR, and integration with the broader USAA ecosystem, this card delivers military-specific value that no national bank card can match. The $150 welcome bonus is modest but requires only $1,000 in spending.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 11.15%-26.15% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 11.15%-26.15% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None

Note: APR varies based on creditworthiness. USAA members with excellent credit may qualify for rates starting at 11.15%. No penalty APR.

Benefits Overview

Military-Focused Rewards

• 5% cash back on gas station purchases
• 5% cash back on military base purchases (commissary, exchange, etc.)
• 2% cash back at grocery stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No caps on bonus category earning

USAA Member Advantages

• APR starting at 11.15% for well-qualified members
• No annual fee
• No penalty APR
• USAA's award-winning customer service
• Integration with USAA banking, insurance, and investment products

Card Protections

• Purchase protection on eligible items
• Extended warranty on covered purchases
• Zero liability fraud protection
• American Express network benefits

Rewards & Points

• 5% cash back at gas stations and on military base purchases
• 2% cash back at grocery stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited into a USAA bank account, or applied toward USAA products. The 5% on military base purchases is a unique benefit not available on any other card in the market.

Welcome Bonus

Earn $150 cash back after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months of account opening. While smaller than some competitors, the bonus requires minimal spending and provides additional first-year value on top of the category rewards.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7%
• Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (min $5)
• Cash Advance Fee: 3% (min $5)
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $38
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $38

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Active duty and military families who shop at commissaries, exchanges, and on-base retailers
• Gas-heavy spenders who fill up frequently due to commutes, PCS moves, or long drives
• Grocery shoppers who want 2% back on regular supermarket runs
• USAA loyalists who want their card fully integrated with USAA banking

Not Good For

• Non-military individuals who are not eligible for USAA membership
• International travelers due to the 2.7% foreign transaction fee
• Those rarely on base who will not benefit from the 5% military base category

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% on gas stations is one of the highest uncapped gas rates available
• 5% on military base purchases is unique to this card
• 2% on groceries covers a key everyday spending category
• No annual fee
• No penalty APR
• APR starting at 11.15% for qualified members
• No caps on bonus category earning
• USAA's top-rated customer service
• $150 welcome bonus with low $1,000 spending requirement
• Designed specifically for military family spending patterns

Cons

• Requires USAA membership (military and families only)
• American Express is less widely accepted than Visa or Mastercard
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee is high for military members stationed overseas
• 1% on non-bonus spending is below flat-rate alternatives
• $150 welcome bonus is smaller than many competitor cards
• No premium travel benefits or lounge access
• No introductory APR offer on purchases or balance transfers
• Cannot transfer rewards to airline or hotel programs

Alternatives to Consider

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Annual value of approximately $584 on $20,000 in spending with no annual fee. The 5% on military base purchases is uniquely valuable for active duty families who shop at commissaries and exchanges regularly.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You are an active duty or military family member who shops on base regularly
• You spend heavily on gas and want 5% back with no caps
• You buy groceries regularly and want 2% at supermarkets
• You want USAA's low APR and no penalty APR for financial safety
• You value a card designed specifically for military spending patterns
• You want no annual fee on a card with 5% category earning

You Should Skip It If...

• You are not eligible for USAA membership
• You are stationed overseas and need a card without foreign transaction fees
• You rarely shop on military bases and will not use the 5% base category
• You need Visa or Mastercard acceptance over American Express
• You want a larger welcome bonus
• You want premium travel benefits or airline transfer partners

Information accurate as of May 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information.