USAA balance transfers: what you need to know
USAA offers balance transfer options on several of its credit cards, allowing you to move debt from another card to a USAA card, usually at a lower interest rate for a set period. The process involves explore for a USAA card (if you don't have one), providing the details of the debt you want to transfer, and letting USAA handle the payment to your old card. You'll pay a balance transfer fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred — added to your balance on the new card.
USAA is a financial services company that primarily serves military members, veterans, and their families. You must be may be able to access for USAA membership to open an account or use their credit cards. The balance transfer offer itself — the promotional interest rate and how long it lasts — depends on which USAA card you choose and your creditworthiness.
Key Takeaways
- USAA balance transfer cards charge a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) that gets added to your new balance.
- The promotional interest rate period varies by card; some offer 0% APR for 6 to 12 months, while others may differ.
- You must be USAA-may be able to access (military member, veteran, or may have access to family member) to open a USAA credit card.
- The balance transfer is processed by USAA, not by you; you provide the old card details and USAA pays the creditor directly.
- Your credit score and income affect whether you're approved and what interest rate you receive after the promotional period ends.
Who can open a USAA credit card
USAA membership is restricted. You can open a USAA account if you are an active-duty military member, a veteran with a discharge status of honorable or general, a military retiree, a Reserve or National Guard member, or a spouse or dependent of someone in one of these categories. Adult children of may be able to access members may also may have access to. USAA will verify your military status during the account opening process.
If you are not currently a USAA member, you'll need to open a USAA membership account first. This is free and can be done online or by phone. Once your membership is confirmed, you can then explore for a credit card and request a balance transfer.
How to request a balance transfer with USAA
You can request a balance transfer when you explore for a new USAA credit card, or after you've been approved and received your card. During the process process, USAA will ask whether you want to transfer a balance. If you say yes, you'll provide the name of the creditor, the account number, and the amount you want to transfer.
After your card is approved and arrives, you can also call USAA's customer service to initiate a balance transfer if you didn't do so during process. Have your old card details ready: the creditor's name, your account number, and the balance you want to move. USAA will contact your old creditor and arrange payment directly to them. The transferred amount will appear on your USAA card statement, including the balance transfer fee.
The transfer typically takes 7 to 21 days to complete, depending on the old creditor's processing time. During this period, continue making at least the minimum payment on your old card to avoid late fees or damage to your credit score.
Balance transfer fees and interest rates
USAA charges a balance transfer fee at the time of transfer. This fee is a percentage of the amount you transfer — typically 3% to 5% — and is added directly to your new USAA card balance. For example, if you transfer $5,000 with a 4% fee, you'll owe $5,200 on your USAA card.
The promotional interest rate (often 0% APR) applies only to the transferred balance, not to new purchases you make on the card. The length of the promotional period varies by card and your approval. After the promotional period ends, the regular APR kicks in for any remaining balance. Interest rates after the promotional period depend on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
To make the most of a balance transfer, calculate whether the fee and the regular APR after the promotional period are worth the savings compared to your current card's interest rate. If your current card charges 18% APR and you transfer $5,000 to a USAA card with a 4% fee and 0% for 12 months, you save roughly $900 in interest during that year — more than the $200 fee.
What happens after the promotional period ends
When the promotional interest rate period expires, any remaining balance on your transferred debt will begin accruing interest at the card's regular APR. This rate is determined by your credit score, payment history, and USAA's current pricing. You can check the regular APR for your card in your account or by calling USAA customer service.
To avoid paying interest after the promotional period, aim to pay off the transferred balance before the promotion ends. If you can't pay it all off, consider whether you can transfer the remaining balance to another card with a promotional rate, though this will trigger another balance transfer fee. Some people use this strategy to stay in a 0% window, but each transfer costs money, so calculate carefully.
Limits on how much you can transfer
USAA does not publicly state a maximum balance transfer amount. The limit depends on your credit limit on the new card, which is based on your credit score, income, and credit history. You can transfer up to your full credit limit, minus any amount you want to reserve for new purchases.
When you explore for the card, USAA will tell you your approved credit limit. You can then decide how much of that limit to use for the balance transfer. If you want to transfer more than your approved limit, you can request a credit limit increase after your account is open, though approval is not may provide.
Comparing USAA balance transfer cards
USAA offers several credit cards, and not all of them have balance transfer offers. The cards that do typically include the USAA Rewards Visa, the USAA Cashback Rewards Visa, and others, though the specific offers change. Each card has different promotional periods, regular APRs, annual fees (if any), and rewards structures.
Before explore, visit USAA's website or call their customer service to compare the current balance transfer offers. Look at the length of the 0% promotional period, the balance transfer fee, the regular APR after the promotion, and whether the card charges an annual fee. A card with a longer promotional period may be worth a higher fee if it gives you more time to pay down the debt interest-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a balance from another USAA card to a different USAA card?
Yes, you can transfer a balance between USAA cards. However, you'll still pay the balance transfer fee, and the promotional rate applies only to the transferred amount. This is useful if you want to move debt to a card with better rewards or a longer promotional period.
What if my balance transfer is denied?
USAA may deny a balance transfer if your credit limit is too low, if the creditor won't accept the transfer, or if there's a processing error. If this happens, call USAA customer service to find out why. You can try again with a smaller amount or wait and reapply later if your credit has improved.
Do I have to close my old credit card after the balance transfer?
No, you don't have to close it. Keeping the old card open can help your credit score because it maintains your available credit and credit history length. However, avoid using the old card while you're paying off the transferred balance, as new charges will accrue interest at the old card's rate.
Can I transfer a balance if I'm not yet a USAA member?
You must be a USAA member to open a credit card or transfer a balance. If you're may be able to access (military member, veteran, or family member), you can open a free USAA membership online first, then explore for a credit card with a balance transfer offer.
How long does a USAA balance transfer take?
The transfer typically takes 7 to 21 days from the time USAA processes your request. The exact timing depends on how quickly your old creditor processes the payment. You'll see the transferred balance on your USAA statement once it's complete.