Do you have a USAA credit card and want to know how to make the most of your hard-earned rewards? Perhaps you're considering becoming a USAA member and are curious about their points program. You've come to the right place! Understanding how USAA reward points work is key to unlocking their full value, and in this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every step.
USAA, a financial services company dedicated to serving military members, veterans, and their families, offers a variety of credit cards with robust rewards programs. These programs allow cardholders to earn points or cash back on their everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for a wide range of benefits. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Discover Your USAA Rewards Card
Before you can start strategizing, you need to know which USAA rewards credit card you have or are interested in. Different USAA cards offer varying earning rates and benefits.
Sub-heading: Identifying Your Card
Take a moment to check your credit card or your USAA online account. Do you have a:
- USAA Eagle Navigator® Visa Signature® Card? This card is geared towards travel.
- USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card? This card often has bonus categories for dining, gas, and groceries.
- USAA Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card? Similar to the Amex, this card can also offer bonus points on dining and gas.
- USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card? This is a cash-back focused card, typically earning a flat rate on all purchases.
Understanding your specific card is crucial because it dictates how many points you earn per dollar spent in different spending categories.
Step 2: Understanding How to Earn USAA Reward Points
Earning USAA reward points is fairly straightforward, primarily linked to your spending on eligible credit card purchases. However, the rate at which you earn points varies significantly by card and spending category.
Sub-heading: General Earning Rates
Most USAA rewards credit cards offer a base earning rate on general purchases, usually 1 point per dollar spent. However, they often come with accelerated earning rates in specific bonus categories.
Sub-heading: Exploring Bonus Categories
This is where the real value often lies!
- USAA Eagle Navigator® Visa Signature® Card: You might earn 3x points on travel purchases (including tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, and flights) and 2x points on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, dining, and bills. Some variations may exist, so always check your specific card's terms.
- USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card: This card commonly offers 3x points on dining out and 2x points on gas and groceries, with 1x point on all other purchases.
- USAA Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card: Often provides 2x points on dining out and gas, and 1x point on all other purchases.
- USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card: Instead of points, this card earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no category restrictions. For cash-back cards, 1% cash back is generally equivalent to 1 point per dollar.
Important Note on Exclusions: Points are earned on qualifying purchases. This typically excludes things like balance transfers, cash advances, ATM cash disbursements, money transfers, gaming transactions, tax payments, and fees. Always consult your card's reward terms and conditions for a complete list of exclusions.
Sub-heading: Welcome Bonuses and Annual Bonuses
Many USAA rewards cards offer enticing welcome bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses are usually awarded after you spend a certain amount on qualifying purchases within a specific timeframe (e.g., earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in 90 days). These can significantly boost your initial points balance!
Some cards, like the USAA Eagle Navigator, may also offer annual bonus points after you complete eligible activities, such as booking a hotel or car rental through the USAA Rewards Center. Keep an eye out for these additional earning opportunities.
Step 3: Understanding the Value of Your USAA Reward Points
This is often the most confusing part for many users. Unlike some other rewards programs that have fixed point values, the value of USAA points can vary depending on how you redeem them.
Sub-heading: Point Value Fluctuations
While USAA doesn't always publicize an exact, universal point-to-dollar conversion scale, general understanding suggests:
- Travel Redemptions: Points redeemed for travel through the USAA Rewards Center often yield the highest value, typically around 1.0 cent per point. For example, 30,000 points might be worth $300 in travel.
- Cash Back/Statement Credits: Redeeming points for cash or a statement credit may result in a lower value, often around 0.7 cents per point. So, 1,000 points might only get you $7 in cash.
- Merchandise and Gift Cards: The value for merchandise and gift card redemptions can also vary and may not always provide the optimal value.
Tip: Always compare the value you're getting when redeeming for different options. A good general benchmark in the rewards world is to aim for at least 1 cent per point in value. If you're consistently getting less, consider if a different redemption option or even a different rewards card might be more beneficial for your spending habits.
Step 4: How to Redeem Your USAA Reward Points
Once you've accumulated a healthy stash of USAA reward points, it's time for the fun part: redemption! USAA offers several ways to redeem your points, providing flexibility for different preferences.
Sub-heading: Online Redemption via USAA Rewards Center
The most common and often recommended way to redeem your points is through the USAA Rewards Center accessible via your USAA online account.
Step 4.1: Logging In
- Go to the official USAA website (usaa.com).
- Log in to your account using your credentials.
Step 4.2: Navigating to Rewards
- Once logged in, navigate to your credit card account.
- Look for a section related to "Rewards," "Points," or "Redeem Rewards." This might be a direct link or located under a "My Account & Card" or "Benefits" menu.
Step 4.3: Choosing Your Redemption Option
You'll typically see various redemption options:
- Travel: This is usually where you'll find the best value for points. You can search for flights, hotels, or car rentals directly through the USAA Rewards Center.
- Cash Back/Statement Credit: You can choose to have your points converted to cash and deposited into an eligible USAA checking or savings account, or applied as a statement credit to your credit card balance.
- Gift Cards: Select from a variety of popular retailers and restaurants.
- Merchandise: Browse a catalog of products available for redemption.
- Charitable Contributions: Donate your points to eligible charities.
Step 4.4: Confirming Your Redemption
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select the desired redemption amount or item.
- Review the details of your redemption, including the point value, and confirm.
Sub-heading: Minimum Redemption Thresholds
Be aware that some redemption options may have minimum point requirements. For instance, you might need a minimum of 500 points for gift cards or 1,000 points for cash rewards.
Sub-heading: Redemption by Phone
If you prefer, you can also contact USAA customer service by phone to inquire about and process your reward redemptions.
Step 4.5: Calling Customer Service
- Dial USAA's main customer service number (typically 1-800-531-USAA (8722)).
- Follow the prompts to connect with a representative who can assist you with rewards redemption. Have your account information ready.
Step 5: Maximizing Your USAA Reward Points
Getting the most out of your USAA reward points requires a bit of strategy.
Sub-heading: Focus on Bonus Categories
- Align your spending with your card's bonus categories. If you have a card that offers 3x points on dining, use that card for all your restaurant meals. If gas and groceries are your big expenses, ensure your USAA card rewards those categories highly.
- Consider having multiple credit cards (not just USAA) to maximize rewards across different spending areas.
Sub-heading: Utilize Welcome Offers
- If you're a new cardholder, make sure you meet the spending requirements for the welcome bonus within the specified timeframe. This is often the quickest way to accumulate a large number of points.
Sub-heading: Redeem for Travel
- As mentioned, travel redemptions often provide the best value for USAA points. If you travel frequently, saving your points for flights or hotels through the USAA Rewards Center can be highly beneficial.
Sub-heading: Don't Let Points Languish (Mostly)
- USAA points generally do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. This is a significant perk! However, if your account is closed (voluntarily or involuntarily), you usually have a grace period (e.g., 90 days) to redeem your rewards before they are forfeited. Don't let them go to waste if you're closing an account!
Sub-heading: Pay Your Bill on Time
- Earning and redeeming rewards is great, but it's paramount to pay your credit card bill on time and in full to avoid interest charges that can quickly negate any rewards earned.
Step 6: Managing Your USAA Rewards Account
Keeping track of your points and account is easy with USAA's online tools.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Points Balance
- You can easily view your current points balance by logging into your USAA online account or through the USAA mobile app. Your rewards balance is typically displayed prominently on your credit card account summary.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Transaction History
- Periodically review your transaction history to ensure all eligible purchases are earning points as expected. If you notice any discrepancies, contact USAA customer service.
Sub-heading: Staying Informed
- USAA may occasionally update its rewards programs or offer limited-time promotions. Stay informed by checking your email for communications from USAA or visiting the rewards section of their website regularly.
FAQs: How to Get the Most Out of Your USAA Rewards
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about USAA reward points, along with their quick answers:
How to check my USAA reward points balance?
You can easily check your USAA reward points balance by logging into your USAA online account on their website or through the USAA mobile app. Your points balance will typically be displayed on your credit card account summary.
How to redeem USAA reward points for travel?
To redeem USAA reward points for travel, log into your USAA online account, navigate to the "Rewards" or "Points" section, and then select the "Travel" option within the USAA Rewards Center. You can then search for and book flights, hotels, or car rentals using your points.
How to get cash back from USAA reward points?
You can get cash back from USAA reward points by logging into your USAA online account, going to the "Rewards" section, and choosing the "Cash Back" or "Statement Credit" redemption option. The cash can be deposited into an eligible USAA checking or savings account or applied as a credit to your credit card statement.
How to transfer USAA reward points to another cardholder?
You can transfer USAA points to any other cardholder with a USAA Rewards credit card. This option is typically found within the rewards redemption portal or by contacting USAA customer service.
How to maximize USAA reward points earnings?
Maximize USAA reward points by primarily using your USAA credit card for purchases that fall into your card's bonus categories (e.g., travel, dining, gas, groceries), and by meeting the spending requirements for any welcome bonuses.
How to understand the value of USAA reward points?
The value of USAA reward points varies by redemption type; typically, travel redemptions offer the highest value (around 1 cent per point), while cash back may be lower (around 0.7 cents per point). Compare the point cost against the dollar value of the redemption to assess value.
How to find out which purchases earn bonus points with USAA?
To find out which purchases earn bonus points, refer to the specific terms and conditions of your USAA rewards credit card. This information is usually available on USAA's website under your card details or within your original cardholder agreement.
How to ensure my USAA reward points don't expire?
USAA reward points generally do not expire as long as your USAA credit card account remains open and in good standing. If you close your account, you typically have a grace period (e.g., 90 days) to redeem any remaining points.
How to contact USAA customer service for rewards inquiries?
You can contact USAA customer service for rewards inquiries by calling their main number, 1-800-531-USAA (8722). You can also find additional contact methods on the "Contact Us" section of the USAA website.
How to get more information on USAA credit card benefits?
For more in-depth information on your USAA credit card's benefits, including rewards, visit the "Credit Cards" section on USAA.com, log into your account, and review the "Guide to Benefits" and "Reward Terms and Conditions" specific to your card.