Unlocking the World of USAA: How Many Members Are There and How Can YOU Join?
Have you ever wondered about USAA? Perhaps you've heard their commercials or seen their ads, always with a clear focus on the military community. It's a name synonymous with trusted financial services for those who serve or have served our nation. But beyond the reputation, a common question arises: exactly how many USAA members are there? And more importantly for many, could I be one of them?
Well, you've come to the right place! We're about to embark on a detailed journey to answer these questions and more. By the end of this comprehensive guide, you'll have a clear understanding of USAA's vast membership, its eligibility requirements, and the incredible benefits that await its members. So, let's dive in and see if USAA is the right fit for your financial journey!
Step 1: Discovering the Scale – How Many Members Does USAA Serve?
Let's get straight to the point! USAA is a massive organization dedicated to serving the military community and their families. As of 2024 (and holding steady in early 2025 data), USAA proudly serves over 14 million members across the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served, and their families.
Think about that for a moment. That's a huge number of individuals and families who have chosen USAA for their insurance, banking, and investment needs. This widespread trust isn't built overnight; it's a testament to USAA's long-standing commitment to its unique member base. In fact, USAA added 1 million new members in 2024 alone, signifying continued growth and a strong appeal within its target demographic.
A Glimpse into USAA's Growth:
- 2023: USAA served more than 13.5 million members.
- 2024: The membership swelled to over 14 million, with a reported addition of 1 million new members.
This consistent growth highlights USAA's strong financial performance and its unwavering commitment to providing valuable services to those who have dedicated themselves to our country.
Step 2: Unpacking Membership Eligibility – Could You Be a USAA Member?
This is often the most critical step for those curious about USAA. Unlike many financial institutions, USAA has specific eligibility criteria due to its mission-driven focus on the military community. Don't worry if you're not currently serving! The eligibility extends beyond active duty personnel.
Sub-heading: The Core Eligibility Groups
USAA membership is primarily open to the following individuals:
- Current U.S. Military: This includes all men and women currently serving on active duty and in the Reserves.
- Military Retirees: Individuals who have retired from military service.
- Veterans: Anyone who has honorably served in the U.S. military. This is a significant expansion from earlier years and allows a vast number of veterans to qualify.
- Officer Candidates: This includes cadets and midshipmen at service academies, those in advanced ROTC or on an ROTC scholarship, and officer candidates within 24 months of commissioning.
- Eligible Family Members: This is where many people who aren't directly military-affiliated can still gain access. Eligible family members include:
- Spouses of USAA members (including former spouses or widowed individuals).
- Adult children of USAA members.
- Former USAA members (if they were once eligible).
Sub-heading: A Key Change in Establishing Membership
Historically, establishing USAA membership often required purchasing a property insurance policy. However, USAA has made it even easier to become a member!
Good news! You can now call USAA or visit their website to establish your eligibility and receive a member number without any purchase required. This change in November (likely a past change, but still relevant) made it much simpler to unlock membership for yourself and potentially for generations to come.
Sub-heading: Verifying Your Eligibility
The best way to determine your eligibility is to directly check with USAA.
- Visit USAA's Official Website: Go to USAA.com and look for a "Join USAA" or "Check Eligibility" section.
- Provide Your Information: You'll typically be asked for details about your military service (or your family member's service) to confirm eligibility.
- Contact USAA Directly: If you have any questions or prefer to speak with someone, you can call USAA customer service. Their representatives are well-versed in eligibility requirements and can guide you through the process.
Step 3: Exploring the Benefits – What Does USAA Membership Offer?
Once you're a USAA member, a wide array of products, services, and benefits become available. USAA is often lauded for its stellar customer service and its deep understanding of the unique needs of military families.
Sub-heading: Comprehensive Financial Services
USAA offers a full spectrum of financial services, making it a "one-stop shop" for many members.
- Insurance: This is where USAA started, and it remains a cornerstone of their offerings. You can find:
- Auto Insurance: Often competitively priced and tailored for military life, including options for deployment.
- Homeowners and Renters Insurance: Protecting your dwelling and belongings.
- Life Insurance: Providing financial security for your loved ones.
- Umbrella Insurance: Extra liability coverage.
- Small Business Insurance: For military entrepreneurs.
- Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance: A range of options to cover healthcare needs.
- Banking: USAA Federal Savings Bank provides a robust suite of banking products:
- Checking Accounts: Often with perks like early direct deposit for military pay.
- Savings Accounts and CDs: For your savings goals.
- Credit Cards: With benefits designed for members.
- Loans: Including auto loans, personal loans, and home mortgages (including VA jumbo loans with no down payment and no origination fees).
- ATM Fee Reimbursements: USAA often offers a certain number of free ATM withdrawals and reimbursements for out-of-network ATM fees, which is a huge perk for those who travel or are deployed.
- Investing and Retirement Solutions:
- Brokerage and Trading: For managing your investments.
- Mutual Funds: Diversified investment options.
- IRAs and Rollovers: For retirement planning.
- 529 Education Plans: To save for educational expenses.
- Automated Investing and Financial Planning: For those seeking guidance and hands-off investing.
Sub-heading: Exclusive Member Perks and Discounts
Beyond core financial products, USAA membership comes with a fantastic array of USAA Perks®. These are designed to put money back in your pocket and enhance your lifestyle.
- Travel Deals: Discounts on flights, hotels, cruises (up to 60% off in some cases!), and rental cars (up to 35% off with partners like Hertz, Budget, and Avis).
- Shopping Discounts: Explore deals at over 1,100 retail stores, plus savings on things like flowers and shipping.
- Health & Wellness: Access to discounts on gym memberships (like $0 enrollment fees on many gyms with Active & Fit), wellness coaching, meal delivery, and prescription medications.
- Entertainment: Save on tickets to theme parks (like Disney and Universal Studios), concerts, and sporting events.
- Car Care: Deals on tires, repairs, and maintenance for your vehicle.
- Moving Solutions: Discounts on truck rentals, storage, movers, and junk removal (e.g., 20% off Budget Truck Rental, special benefits with Atlas Van Lines).
Sub-heading: Tailored Advice and Support
USAA understands that military life comes with unique challenges. They offer tools and guidance tailored to these needs, including advice on deployment, PCS (Permanent Change of Station), and transitioning out of the military. They are known for providing trusted professional guidance and tools for every stage of life.
Sub-heading: Member-Owned Structure
One of the most unique aspects of USAA is that it is member-owned. This means profits are returned to policyholders rather than distributed to shareholders. While not a guarantee every year, USAA has a history of returning distributions, dividends, and bank rebates and rewards to its members. In 2024, USAA returned $2.2 billion to members through distributions, dividends, and banking rebates and rewards. This truly sets them apart and aligns their success directly with the financial well-being of their members.
Step 4: The Application Process – Joining the USAA Family
Ready to join the millions who benefit from USAA membership? The process is straightforward.
Sub-heading: Online Application
- Visit
USAA.com/Join - Select Your Eligibility Category: You'll be prompted to indicate how you or your family member are connected to the military.
- Provide Personal Information: This will include your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and contact details.
- Verify Military Service: You may need to provide details about the qualifying military service. USAA has streamlined this process significantly, and often they can verify electronically.
- Create Your Online Account: Once eligibility is confirmed, you'll set up your online access, including a username and password.
- Explore Products and Services: With your membership established, you can now browse and enroll in USAA's various insurance, banking, and investment products.
Sub-heading: Phone Application
If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call USAA directly. Their customer service team is highly knowledgeable and can walk you through the entire eligibility and application process, answering any questions you may have along the way.
Step 5: Leveraging Your Membership – Making the Most of USAA
Once you're a member, USAA provides numerous ways to manage your accounts and take advantage of benefits.
Sub-heading: The USAA Mobile App
The USAA mobile app is a powerful tool that puts your financial life at your fingertips.
- Check balances and transfer money.
- Pay bills.
- Deposit checks directly using your phone.
- View your auto insurance ID card.
- Report a claim and request roadside assistance.
- Access USAA Perks and discounts on the go.
Sub-heading: Financial Advice and Resources
USAA offers a wealth of resources to help members with financial planning, whether it's for retirement, debt management, or budgeting. Don't hesitate to utilize their online tools or speak with a financial advisor.
Sub-heading: Staying Informed
Keep an eye on USAA's communications, including their annual report, newsletters, and website updates. These often highlight new products, services, and expanded member benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers:
How to Check My USAA Membership Eligibility?
You can check your eligibility by visiting
How to Apply for USAA Membership?
You can apply online at
How to Access USAA Perks and Discounts?
Once you are a USAA member, you can access USAA Perks by logging into your account on USAA.com or through the USAA mobile app and navigating to the "Perks" or "Discounts" section.
How to Contact USAA Customer Service?
You can contact USAA customer service by calling their main phone number (often found on their website or your member ID card) or by sending them a secure message through your online account or mobile app.
How to Deposit a Check with USAA?
You can deposit checks with USAA using their mobile app's mobile deposit feature, at select ATMs that accept deposits, or by mailing the check to USAA.
How to Find a Surcharge-Free ATM with USAA?
USAA provides access to a large network of surcharge-free ATMs. You can locate them using the ATM finder tool on the USAA mobile app or on their website.
How to Get Auto Insurance from USAA?
Once you're a USAA member, you can get an auto insurance quote and apply for a policy directly through your online account, the mobile app, or by calling USAA's insurance department.
How to Apply for a Loan with USAA?
USAA members can apply for various loans (auto, personal, home) online through their USAA account or by contacting USAA's lending department.
How to Transfer Money Between USAA Accounts?
You can easily transfer money between your USAA checking, savings, and other accounts through the USAA mobile app or by logging into your online banking portal.
How to Understand USAA's Member-Owned Structure?
USAA is a mutual company, meaning it's owned by its policyholders (members) rather than external shareholders. This means profits can be returned to members in the form of distributions, dividends, or rebates, reinforcing their commitment to serving the military community.
