How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.It’s considered best practice to pay off your credit card in full every month, thus avoiding interest charges. But sometimes life gets in the way and you have to carry a balance. That’s why having a credit card with a low APR, such as the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card, can help.
Note that you must first join USAA to be able to apply for this card. USAA membership is open to United States military members and veterans, precomissioned officers, and spouses and children.
Intro Purchase APR
None
Regular Purchase APR
12.15% to 27.15% variable
Intro BT APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 12.15% to 27.15% variable regular APR
Regular BT APR
12.15% to 27.15% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Cash Advance Fee
5% of the amount of each Cash Advance. Fee waived when transferring funds electronically to your USAA Bank deposit account.
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
Balance Transfer Fee
5% of the amount of each balance transfer and convenience check
One the best credit cards for a low APR
The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card has a 12.15% to 27.15% variable APR. If you’re approved for the card and receive an APR at the lower end of that range, that’s one of the lowest interest rates you’re likely to find on a credit card.
If you’re a USAA member and need a low APR card for those times when you have to roll over a balance, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card‘s low interest rate could be a great card to have in your wallet.
Be aware that the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card requires good/excellent credit, and the better your credit score, the better your chances of receiving a low APR on your account.
Finally, for U.S. military members on active duty, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers protections on debt incurred prior to when active duty began, including capping credit card interest rates at 6%. But USAA does even better than what’s required by the law, with a maximum 4% interest rate on accounts qualifying under the SCRA.
APR won't go up over a late payment
If you pay late, many credit card issuers will raise your APR — this is called a “penalty APR.” The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card has no penalty APR, however, so you can have peace of mind that missing your due date won’t cause you to lose your low interest rate.
However, on-time payments are the most important factor in maintaining a good credit score, and issuers will typically report your late payment to the credit bureaus once you hit 30 days past due.
Plus, though the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card has no penalty APR, you can still end up facing a late fee of up to $35. So, to avoid late fees and to keep a good credit score, make sure to make at least the minimum payment on time every month.
Travel with no foreign transaction fee
With a foreign transaction fee of none, you can travel abroad without having to worry about extra fees on purchases.
No annual fee to carry the card
The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card charges a $0 annual fee.
USAA membership is restricted
USAA is known for affordable rates and exceptional customer service, but membership is not open to everyone. You’re eligible if you fall into one of the following groups:
You won't earn rewards
While other USAA credit cards earn cash back or points, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card does not. Consider our list of best rewards credit cards if rewards are what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for a card with a low ongoing APR, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card is hard to beat. But if you need a period of 0% intro APR, where the entirety of your payments go toward your balance rather than interest charges and principal, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a better option. This card comes with long 0% intro APRs on both balance transfers and new purchases.
Enjoy a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, after which a 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR applies. If you need to transfer high-interest debt, that’s almost two years of no interest. The balance transfer fee is 5%, min $5.
There’s also a 0% intro APR 21 months from account opening on purchases. After, a 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR applies.
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card charges a $0 annual fee and a 3% foreign transaction fee.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Intro Purchase APR | Regular APR | Intro Balance Transfer APR | Regular Balance Transfer Rate | Balance Transfer Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card
 Apply Now
on USAA's secure site Rates & Fees |
$0 | None | 12.15% to 27.15% variable | 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 12.15% to 27.15% variable regular APR | 12.15% to 27.15% variable | 5% of the amount of each balance transfer and convenience check |
Apply Now
on USAA's secure site Rates & Fees |
|
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card*
Learn More
on Wells Fargo's secure site |
$0 | 0% intro APR 21 months from account opening | 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR | 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers | 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR | 5%, min $5 |
Learn More
on Wells Fargo's secure site |
|
DCU Visa® Platinum Credit Card*
Learn More
on DCU Credit Union's secure site |
N/A | $0 | N/A | 13.75% to 18.00% (variable) | N/A | 13.75% to 18.00% (variable) | $0 |
Learn More
on DCU Credit Union's secure site |
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card*
Learn More
on U.S. Bank's secure site |
$0 | 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Purchases | 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable) | 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on Balance Transfers | 18.74% - 29.74% (Variable) | An introductory fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening. After that, either 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater. |
Learn More
on U.S. Bank's secure site |
If you meet the membership requirements to join USAA and need a low-interest credit card with a solid intro APR on balance transfers, the USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card is an excellent choice.
However, if you’re planning a big purchase that you need to finance over time, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is worth considering. Cardholders get the opportunity to earn an extension on their initial intro APR period by making on-time minimum payments, resulting in almost two years of no interest.
