finder.com
US
AU
NZ
UK
CA
SG
More

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.

How to activate a USAA credit card

There are two ways to activate your card.

Kliment Dukovski
Kliment Dukovski

Updated

As soon as your USAA credit card arrives, you can activate it by phone or online. Unlike other card providers, USAA lets you activate your card even before it arrives in the mail.

How to activate your USAA card online

You need an online USAA account to activate your card. You can easily sign up if you don’t have one. Once you have set it up, here’s how to activate your USAA card:

  1. Log in to your online USAA account
  2. Look for the Activate card link
  3. Enter your card information, such as the card number, expiration date and CVV
  4. You might be required to enter personal information, such as your date of birth and Social Security number

How to activate your USAA card by phone

Another option for activating your card:

  1. Call 210-531-8722
  2. Say you want to activate your card
  3. Provide your card’s account number or your USAA membership number
  4. You may also need to provide your SSN and date of birth

Compare USAA credit cards

If your financial situation allows it, you can consider applying for another card to complement your new USAA card. A second card that pairs well with your first can get you a higher credit limit and perks that your current card lacks, such as some of the best rewards on groceries, gas or any other category where you spend most.

Name Product Welcome offer Rewards Annual fee Filter values
USAA® Rate Advantage Visa Platinum® Card
USAA® Rate Advantage Visa Platinum® Card
N/A
N/A
$0
Enjoy USAA's lowest rate card. Pay no annual fee, no penalty APR and no foreign transaction fee.
View details
USAA® Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
USAA® Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
2,500 points with your first purchase
2x points on gas and dining and 1x points on all other purchases
$0
Get 2,500 bonus points with your first purchase. Pay no annual fee, no penalty APR and no foreign transaction fee.
View details
USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
N/A
1.5% cash back on all purchases
$0
Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no limits or category restrictions. Pay no annual fee, no penalty APR and no foreign transaction fees.
View details
USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card
USAA® Rewards™ American Express® Card
2,500 points with your first purchase
3x points on dining, 2x points on gas and groceries and 1x points for all other purchases
$0
Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on gas and groceries and 1x points for all other purchases.
View details
USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
N/A
5% cash back on up to $3,000 in combined annual gas and military base purchases, 2% on up to $3,000 at supermarkets annually and 1% on all other purchases
$0
Earn 5% cash back on the first $3,000 in gas and military base purchases annually on these categories combined. Earn 2% on the first $3,000 on supermarket purchases per year. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
View details
loading

Compare up to 4 providers

Bottom line

You can activate your USAA credit card just like you would activate any other card. In most cases, USAA lets you activate your card online before your physical card arrives.

Now that you have your card active, consider adding one of the best secondary credit cards to your wallet to get additional perks, increase your credit limit and earn a signup bonus.

Frequently asked questions

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site