I like chase cards. You can start with one of the lower tier cards like Chase Freedom and later upgrade to one of the sapphire cards when you are better situated in life (higher income, better credit). That’s what I would do if I could go back. Answer from darruus on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › secured amex
r/USAA on Reddit: Secured Amex
November 9, 2025 -

Anyone else has had or have this card? It’s been almost a year of having it and I’m wondering what will be the next steps to upgrading or refunding security deposit!

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Just apply for the Norma visa… if your credit is good they will approve it.  Then just close the Amex
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I heard mixed stories on if they will graduate the secured card to unsecured
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › usaa (secured credit card) anyone got one with a low credit score? (if so what was your credit score) need your input so i don’t waste time applying for the advantage rate credit card so i can get an secured one instead
r/USAA on Reddit: Usaa (secured credit card) Anyone got one with a low credit score? (If so what was your credit score) Need your input so I don’t waste time applying for the advantage rate credit card so I can get an secured one instead
May 14, 2024 -

So secured credit card is suppose to be for the ones with low credit scores and wanna bring it back up. What were your credit scores when you got approved for one? Mine is 561 currently

Would I be eligible for an advantage rate card or should I not waste my time and just apply for the secure credit card?

I haven’t seen any posts about this , and it would help everyone else

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I got the secured credit card last year when my credit was 541 now i’m at 710! I would def use it. Make sure not to over utilize it.
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Go for the secured card if you want a more certain outcome. Keep it for at least a year, then upgrade accordingly if it accomplishes what you need it to.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › usaa amex secured credit card
r/USAA on Reddit: USAA Amex secured credit card
July 31, 2024 -

I have a secured credit card with Amex through USAA. I previously had no credit history to speak of. Now a month in, it seems on my profile that I have an Advantagescore of 685. Is this normal or wrong? Is it reliable? I would love any ideas or opinions. Thanks

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Credit scores are calculated on a number of factors - including amount of credit available, number of accounts, age of accounts, payment history, number of credit applications AND percentage of credit used. So, card is new - so not a lot of payment history or usage on card. If you were to max out or nearly max out card limit, your score would drop as you’ve used a significant percentage of your available credit. So, be sure you pay monthly AND don’t over use the card. If you can keep your usage under 20% that would be good. If there’s a month you made a large purchase, then pay off / down card balance before end of period so reported balance is at 20% or lower (if you can). If you can’t, just know that will ding your score. As you get more cards, spread out your spend and limit amount of credit % spent or held as balance.
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I used my USAA Amex to build my credit back up. Started with a 5k limit would use it to pay everywhere I could and pay it within the week on USAA app. Within a yr my limit went to 16k and my score went up. I have made some big purchases that I paid off within a month otherwise I keep it paid off. Now I pay everything with cards and then pay off so I don’t risk my debit card getting compromised.
People also ask
How do I increase my card limit on the USAA Secured Amex?
Secured cards will often use your initial deposit on the card as your limit and then automatically check your eligibility for a higher credit limit every six to eight months. If you have paid your balance on time and have kept your credit utilization under 30 percent for over six months, you can call USAA customer service and ask for a larger limit.
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bankrate.com
bankrate.com › credit cards › reviews › usaa secured card american express card
USAA® Secured American Express® Card review | Bankrate
How many points can a secured card raise my credit score?
It varies depending on your credit history. If you are rebuilding your credit, it will be more difficult to increase your score than if you’re just starting to build credit for the first time. However, no matter your credit history, if you establish good habits and focus on having as little debt on your card as possible, you can earn a good or excellent credit score over time.
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bankrate.com
bankrate.com › credit cards › reviews › usaa secured card american express card
USAA® Secured American Express® Card review | Bankrate
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/americanexpress › usaa secured american express
r/AmericanExpress on Reddit: USAA secured American express
August 24, 2022 -

Wondering if this is a full fledge american express card, gpr approved for it and if so would this card be able to grant me the ability to get a Amex checking account, provide pictures of both , really no details about Amex in the usaa one and the Amex just says they accept only basic consumer cards, thanks for any help

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American Express data breach

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Dear amex customers,

The survey that you're answering via email will not be based on the company's performance but for that specific employee. Please think before puting a bad survey because that will be the reason he/she will be terminated which is really unfair.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › usaa secured credit card
r/USAA on Reddit: USAA Secured credit card
August 16, 2022 -

So I’ve been approved for the secured Amex. Aside from being interesting earning and an insane interest rate, would it be worth my time funding the card?

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Why would you care about the interest rate if you pay it off monthly as you should.

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For building credit & leaning to manage credit responsibly, yes it’s worth your time.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › should i get my first credit card through usaa or another bank?
r/USAA on Reddit: Should I get my first credit card through USAA or another bank?
October 28, 2024 -

19 and haven’t established any credit yet, I’m not in school, working around 35 hours a week. Would you recommend applying for a USAA credit card or are there better ones to start with? Thank you… P.S. I’m not a student, I work in sales

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I like chase cards. You can start with one of the lower tier cards like Chase Freedom and later upgrade to one of the sapphire cards when you are better situated in life (higher income, better credit). That’s what I would do if I could go back.
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Try a student credit card from Discover or Cap1. If denied, then apply for a secured card from Discover. US bank also have great reward secured cards. USAA credit cards kinda not good in comparison to other issuers.
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Bankrate
bankrate.com › credit cards › reviews › usaa secured card american express card
USAA® Secured American Express® Card review | Bankrate
April 11, 2025 - Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. A decent card for eligible military personnel and family members, but it falls short where other secured cards shine.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r › army › comments › 8kvyxj › usaa_secured_credit_card_vs_american_express
r/army - USAA Secured Credit Card vs. American Express
February 24, 2015 -

Trying to find a good credit card to build-up my non-existent credit.

Which one should I go for?

Anyone familiar with either of these credit cards? Positive negative?

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Military star card obviously

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I started with my Local Credit union with a $500 secured CC then a year later got an AMEX everyday blue. Had the AMEX for about 4 years now with no issues and use it as my daily card because of the benefits and extended warranties it comes with. They keep upping my limit which is nice for my Credit and helps me hover around 790-810.

Find elsewhere
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Credit Karma
creditkarma.com › credit cards › insights › usaa secured american express® credit card
USAA Secured American Express Credit Card | Intuit Credit Karma
USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card
Interested in the USAA Secured American Express Credit Card? Read reviews and see cardholder data, including average credit limits and credit scores.
Rating: 4.5 ​
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/creditcards › usaa amex
r/CreditCards on Reddit: USAA Amex
August 18, 2020 -

I have USAA checking and savings accounts. Has anyone applied for or have the USAA Rewards Amex? Is it a "good" card, and it is hard to get approved? It popped up on my online advertisements recently.

I have an Experian FICO score of 708 and a Vantage score of 731. I have 2 Capital One cards, 2 Credit One cards, and was approved for Discover card ($15,000) a month ago.

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Is it "good"? Ehhhh... 3% on restaurants isn't bad. 2% on gas & groceries isn't terrible, but you can get 2% on anything with several other cards. 1% on everything sucks. And keep in mind it's an Amex network card (with the potential downsides, as in not everyone takes it) but it's not really an Amex... you don't get Amex offers, and "points" are just a penny, they're not membership rewards points. I'd be getting the cashback rewards+ for 5% on ($3k a year of) gas, personally. USAA will only give $50k (or less... wife and I get denied for "maximum credit limit reached" with 2 USAA cards totaling $32k, income roughly 3x that) so I'd conserve it for something better. They also will not change a card, so you'd have to cancel & reapply if you want something else in the future. Penfed power cash rewards is flat 2% if you're military/veteran, if not you have to have a (not free without hoops) checking account or only get 1.5%. Penfed isn't as technology-inclined as USAA, but they've been pretty good to deal with for me... a little inept, but helpful when I call them.
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If increasing your credit limit is your goal, I'd suggest becoming a member of Navy Fed. USAA is great (I still keep checking and savings with them), but most of their banking products aren't the most competitive, and their insurance rates have left something to be desired (unless you're grandfathered into the "actual" USAA insurance company getting low rates and large dividends, and not one of their off shoots). Navy Fed for credit cards specifically is hard to beat, and they are known for opening their purse strings - $25,000 limits are quite common (though you may need to open a second card after 91+ days to see it). Their Amex offering blows the USAA one out of the water (3x on gas/restaurants/groceries/transit) and has much lower interest rates as well.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › usaa secured visa and amex now available
r/USAA on Reddit: USAA Secured VISA and AMEX now available
June 6, 2021 - Your Credit Journey A VisaSee note® credit card — not a prepaid or debit card A credit limit that could range from $250 to $5,000, backed by an interest-earning security deposit Credit card activity reported to three main credit bureaus · Rates* Note: View the USAA Rewards™ American Express® ...
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WalletHub
wallethub.com › d › usaa-secured-credit-card-528c
USAA Secured American Express Card Reviews
USAA® Secured American Express® Card
Reviews, rates, fees, and customer service info for The USAA® Secured American Express® Card. Compare to other cards and apply online in seconds
Rating: 3.6 ​
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › usaa credit cards
r/USAA on Reddit: USAA Credit Cards
March 6, 2022 -

How do USAA credit cards compare to other rewards cards. When comparing rewards and perks of the card?

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Other credit cards have better perks.
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I get better rewards with Chase Freedom. Also, they don't cut off my credit card at random times citing fraud like USAA. I got the Chase because that has happened way too frequently.
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myFICO
ficoforums.myfico.com › t5 › Credit-Cards › USAA-Secured-Card-Changes-Coming-Aug-1 › td-p › 6769729
USAA Secured Card Changes Coming Aug 1! - myFICO® Forums - 6769729
January 19, 2025 - Finally! I've had a USAA Amex Secured card for over 8 years, increases to CLI or graduations have always been a polite "we don't offer that". Not that it will happen (thought I can't see why my profile wouldn't qualify me for it), but it's nice to see that there is a path to graduating out ...
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Credit Karma
creditkarma.com › reviews › credit-card › single › id › CCUSAA04
USAA® Secured American Express® Card Reviews 2024 | Intuit Credit Karma
Interested in the USAA® Secured American Express® Card? Read user reviews to learn about the pros and cons of this card and see if it’s right for you.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › for anyone with a usaa credit card
r/USAA on Reddit: For anyone with a USAA Credit Card
August 26, 2022 - I’m trying to grasp any sort of logic that would benefit anyone using an unsecured credit card that charges 20%+ interest and no longer protects your assets. ... it be like that when ur company hasn’t turned a profit for years. q1 of 23 was like the first quarter damn near since the pandemic usaa has turned a profit. they hurting rn and can’t be spending all this money on extras ... Okay let me go scratch “American express” off my USAA card and write Visa on their so my benefits don’t change.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › first credit card
r/USAA on Reddit: First credit card
May 22, 2022 -

Does usaa offer any credit cards for someone with no credit history? I am a college student as well

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USAA has a secured Visa Platinum specifically for people either with bad scores or limited history (like students.) The minimum deposit required would be $250, which would also likely be your credit limit.

Remember that you wouldn’t want to exceed about 30% utilization at the start. Just put some transactions on the card, then pay it off fully when your statement drops.

The longer they see you paying everything off, and keeping a low credit utilization, your score will go up, and eventually USAA may refund your deposit and make it a fully unsecured credit card.

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MyBankTracker
mybanktracker.com › home › credit cards › expert reviews › usaa secured card american express credit card 2025 review
USAA Secured Card American Express Credit Card 2025 Review
August 8, 2025 - Unlike a traditional credit card, the USAA Secured American Express is a secured credit card.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r › AmericanExpress › rising
The card for you
September 24, 2013 - USAA secured American express · Question for those who have the Business Gold Card · u/jettwilliamson · ADMIN MOD • · Question for those who have the Business Gold Card · Hi! So I have $2900 left to spend to get the SUB and I will be spending $5,000 for lawyer fees.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/usaa › credit cards
r/USAA on Reddit: Credit Cards
October 26, 2024 -

Hello, All! I was wondering how strict USAA is on Credit cards and the criteria you need to meet! Im looking at the eagle navigator which I’m guessing is their flagship card. Im also interested in the Amex branded cards. Help me out

  • Current cards: (list cards, limits, opening date) 

    • Amex BCP $1,000 limit, June 2024

    • Amex BCE $1000 limit, February 2024

    • Delta SkyMiles platinum card $2400 limit July 2024

    • Amex gold card $2000 pay over time limit December 2024

    • Navy Federal CashRewards plus $5000 limit November 2024

    • Capital one Quicksilver $700 limit December 2023

    • Capital One Savor card $300 limit June 2024

    • Capital one VentureOne $500 limit March 2024

  • FICO Score: e.g. 730 EXPERIAN 

  • Oldest account age: e.g. 1 year 1 month

  • Chase 5/24 status: e.g 0/24 

  • Income: e.g. $40,279

  • Open to Business Cards: e.g. No 

  • What's the purpose of your next card? Travel, and continue to build credit

  • Do you have any cards you've been looking at? e.g. American Express platinum

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I wouldn't open any more cards. You should focus on increasing your lines of credit with the current cards. Opening too many lines of credit in too short of a time is a huge red flag for lenders. My first card was $500 to start and it's now $35,000 credit limit and allot of credit cards give more benefits when your line of credit is over a specified amount. Go back to your first card and request a credit limit increase. Overtime as your lines of credit increase your utilization will go down dramatically and this will make your credit score sky rocket.
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I think the Navy Fed Flagship Rewards is a better card than this one overall, and has roughly half the annual fee, in terms of comparable cards. Thing is, you have opened another NFCU card only two months ago. What are the main things you are looking for?