USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
By Alex Compton · Last verified
USAA's simple 1.5% card finally comes with a real welcome bonus.
Welcome Bonus
Under review
Current claim suppressed
Spend Requirement
Under review
Annual Fee
Under review
Last recorded terms remain in the history below
Credit Score
670+
(Good)
Historical Offers Chart
Every public offer change we've tracked. Hover for details, timing your application is worth hundreds of dollars.
| Observed | Offer | Requirement | What changed | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06 | $250 | $1,000 in 3 mo | Bonus increased: $200 → $250$250 cash back | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2025-10 | $200 | $1,000 in 3 mo | Bonus increased: $0 → $200 · Spend: $0 → $1,000 · Window: 0 → 3 monthsFirst standing welcome offer, $200 | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
| 2024-06 | $0 | No recorded spend | Earliest recordNo welcome offer | Archive record · no attached snapshot |
Primary-source verification log
Append-only evidence ledgerEvent-level primary-source attachments begin with the September 2026 verification system. Older records remain visible but are not retroactively presented as evidenced.
Source checked 2026-06-10 · spot an outdated offer? Report a correction above.
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Last Recorded Earning Rates
These terms are historical context and are not presented as current.
- 1.5xAll purchases
Last Recorded Credits
No statement credits, this card wins on earn rates, not coupons.
Last Recorded Benefits
Confirm availability and enrollment requirements with the issuer.
- ✦No foreign transaction fees
- ✦Auto rental collision damage waiver
- ✦Military-specific APR protections beyond SCRA minimums
Why it earns its spot
- +$250 on $1,000 spend is one of the easiest bonuses anywhere
- +No FTF and solid travel protections for a free card
Where it costs you
- −USAA membership limited to military, veterans and eligible family
- −1.5% trails the 2% flat-rate leaders
- −USAA's rewards lineup is thin beyond this card
The Compound Verdict
Grab it for the bonus math: $250 back on $1,000 of spending is a 25% return, about the best ratio on the market. As a long-term earner 1.5% is mediocre, so pair it with or replace it by a 2% card once the bonus posts.
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