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We've all been there: that moment of panic when you realize your credit or debit card is gone. Whether it's lost, stolen, or simply expired, getting a new card in your hand quickly is a top priority. If you're a USAA member, you're likely wondering, "How long does it take USAA to send a new card?" Let's break it down, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how to speed things up if needed!
Step 1: Don't Panic! (And Take Immediate Action)
Alright, breathe! The very first thing to do when you realize your card is missing or compromised is to act quickly. This is crucial for protecting your funds and your credit.
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
A. Report Your Card Immediately:
- Why it's important: Reporting your card as lost or stolen immediately helps prevent unauthorized transactions. USAA has a "zero liability" policy for unauthorized transactions, but acting fast helps them (and you!) mitigate potential fraud.
- How to do it:
- Online: The quickest way for many is to log in to your USAA account on their website (usaa.com) or through the USAA Mobile App. Look for options like "Report Lost/Stolen Card" or "Dispute Transaction" if you see suspicious activity. This will typically allow you to immediately block your current card.
- By Phone: If you can't access your online account or prefer speaking to someone, call USAA's dedicated fraud lines:
- Credit Cards: 800-945-6759 (24/7)
- Debit/ATM Cards: 800-951-4539 (24/7)
- Important Note: If you simply need a replacement for a damaged or expired card (and not a lost/stolen one), you can often order a new one online without needing to report it as compromised. In this case, your existing card might remain active until your new one arrives.
B. What Happens When You Report:
- Lost/Stolen Cards: USAA will immediately terminate the lost or stolen card, rendering it useless for further transactions. They will then initiate the process of sending you a replacement card with a new card number. This is a critical security measure.
- Damaged/Expired Cards: If your card is just damaged or expired, USAA will send a new card, often with the same card number (though expiration dates and CVV codes will change). You can usually continue to use your current card until the new one arrives.
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| How Long Does It Take Usaa To Send A New Card |
Step 2: Understanding Standard Delivery Times
Once your new card is ordered, the waiting game begins. Here's a general overview of USAA's standard delivery times for new cards:
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
A. Domestic Addresses (within the U.S.):
- For most domestic addresses, you can expect your new USAA debit or credit card to arrive within 7 to 10 business days after it's mailed.
- What are business days? This typically means Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and federal holidays.
B. International Addresses (Overseas):
- If you have an international address or are deployed overseas, delivery can take a bit longer due to varying postal services and customs.
- Expect international delivery to be approximately 7 to 21 business days.
Step 3: Expediting Your Card (When Time is of the Essence)
What if 7-10 business days feels like an eternity? USAA understands that sometimes you need your card faster. They do offer expedited shipping options.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
A. Expedited Shipping Availability:
- For new credit cards, USAA generally offers expedited shipping which can get your card to you in 2 to 3 business days.
- While information specifically on expedited debit card delivery times is less explicit, it's always worth asking when you order.
B. How to Request Expedited Shipping:
- During the Order Process: When you're ordering your replacement card online or over the phone, look for or ask about expedited shipping options. There might be an additional fee associated with this service, and the representative should be able to inform you of this fee at the time of your request.
- Be Prepared to Pay: Expedited delivery often comes with an extra charge. Make sure you understand any fees before confirming your request.
Step 4: Tracking Your New Card
Waiting is hard, especially when it comes to essential financial tools. Fortunately, USAA offers ways to track your new card's journey.
QuickTip: Absorb ideas one at a time.
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A. Online Tracking:
- You can typically check the mailing status of your new card by logging into your USAA account on their website or mobile app. Look for a "Check card mailing status" or similar option within your account details.
- This will often give you an estimated arrival date and may even provide a tracking number for the postal service.
B. Contacting Member Services:
- If you're having trouble tracking your card online or have specific concerns, don't hesitate to call USAA's member services. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information on your card's delivery status.
Step 5: Preparing for Your New Card's Arrival
Once your new card arrives, there are a few important steps to take to ensure a smooth transition.
A. Activation is Key:
- Do NOT try to use your new card before activating it. Your old card will be deactivated either upon activation of the new one or within a set period (often 30 days) after the notification of a reissued card.
- How to Activate:
- Online: Visit
usaa.com/activate - By Phone: Call the activation number provided on a sticker on your new card or in the accompanying materials.
- Online: Visit
B. Update Recurring Payments:
- Crucial Step! If your old card was lost or stolen, your new card will have a different number. This means any merchants where you have recurring payments (subscriptions, bills, online services) set up with your old card will not automatically update.
- What to do: Go through all your recurring payments and update them with your new card number, expiration date, and security code. This prevents missed payments and potential late fees.
- If your card was damaged/expired and kept the same number: You'll still need to update the expiration date and CVV with merchants, even if the card number remains the same.
C. Destroy Your Old Card:
- Once your new card is activated and all recurring payments are updated, safely destroy your old card. Cut it into several pieces, making sure to cut through the chip, magnetic stripe, and account number.
Step 6: Leveraging Digital Wallets While You Wait
Waiting for a physical card can be inconvenient. USAA offers a great solution to keep you spending while your new plastic is in transit.
A. Digital Wallet Integration:
- If your lost or damaged USAA Visa® credit or debit card was previously registered with a digital wallet like Apple Pay®, Google Pay®, or Samsung Pay®, USAA will often automatically update your card information in your digital wallet.
- This means you may be able to continue making purchases using your phone or smartwatch even before your physical card arrives!
- Note: At this time, digital wallet registrations within the USAA Mobile App are generally not available for American Express® credit cards. For those, you might need to add the card directly to the digital wallet provider's app once you receive the new card details.
B. How to Check/Set Up:
- Check your USAA Mobile App or digital wallet app to see if your updated card is available.
- If you hadn't set up a digital wallet before, you might be able to add your new card credentials (even before the physical card arrives) through the USAA Mobile App's credit card account summary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Getting Your New USAA Card
Here are 10 common questions about getting a new USAA card, with quick answers:
How to Report a Lost or Stolen USAA Card?
- Log in to usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App and select "Report Lost/Stolen Card," or call 800-945-6759 (credit) or 800-951-4539 (debit).
How to Track the Delivery of My New USAA Card?
- Log in to your USAA account online or through the mobile app and look for an option to "Check card mailing status."
How to Expedite the Delivery of My New USAA Card?
- When ordering your replacement card, ask about expedited shipping options (usually 2-3 business days for credit cards) and any associated fees.
How to Activate My New USAA Card?
- Visit
usaa.com/activate
How to Update Recurring Payments After Getting a New Card?
- Log in to each merchant's website or app where you have recurring payments and manually update your new card number, expiration date, and CVV.
How to Use My USAA Card Before the Physical One Arrives?
- If your previous card was linked to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay, USAA may automatically update your card in your digital wallet, allowing you to continue using it.
How to Know if My New Card Will Have a Different Number?
- If you reported your card as lost or stolen, your new card will have a different number for security reasons. If it's a damaged or expired replacement, it often retains the same number.
How to Dispose of My Old USAA Card Safely?
- Once your new card is activated and all recurring payments are updated, cut your old card into several pieces, ensuring the chip, magnetic stripe, and account number are severed.
How to Order a Replacement Card for a Damaged USAA Card?
- You can typically order a replacement for a damaged card directly through your USAA online account or mobile app, or by calling member services.
How to Handle My USAA Card If I'm Traveling or Deployed?
- If you are traveling or deployed and need a new card, it's best to call USAA directly (credit: 800-531-9762, debit: 800-535-3139) to discuss delivery options to an APO box or temporary address.
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