Verdict · Updated April 2026
USAA Cashback Rewards Plus for First Credit Card
The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus isn't optimized for first credit card — ranked #42 of 47 eligible cards. Unless you already hold it for other reasons, consider one of the alternatives below.
Rank #42 of 4711th percentileConsider alternatives
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|Data-driven ranking|Updated April 2026
USAA Cashback Rewards Plus
USAA · No annual fee
USAA's flagship cashback card offers a unique 5% back on purchases made on military bases (BX/PX, commissary). 2% on groceries and gas makes it strong for everyday spending too. USAA members benefit from some of the lowest APR rates available.
Full card review
Earn math — First Credit Card profile
Based on typical first credit card spending of $9,720/year across the categories below.
Annual rewards
$121
Annual fee
$0
Net value
$121
Easy approvalZero feeSimple rewardsReports to all 3 bureaus
Where the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus wins for first credit card
- Zero annual fee — no fixed cost to worry about
Where it falls short
- Typically requires good credit — may deny thin-file applicants
- No intro 0% APR and a high regular APR (29.15%) — carrying a balance is expensive
Top 3 alternatives for first credit card
Cards that rank higher than or close to the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus on our first credit card scoring model.
How the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus performs for other use cases
Frequently asked questions
Is the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus a good card for first credit card?⌄
The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus isn't optimized for first credit card — ranked #42 of 47 eligible cards. Unless you already hold it for other reasons, consider one of the alternatives below.
How much can I earn with the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus on first credit card spending?⌄
At the typical first credit card spending profile of $9,720/year, this card earns approximately $121 in rewards — net $121 after the $0 annual fee.
What are better alternatives to the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus for first credit card?⌄
Our top 3 alternatives are Chase Freedom Rise, Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students, Discover it Student Cash Back. Each ranks higher on our use-case scoring model for first credit card.
What credit score do I need for the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus?⌄
The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus typically requires good credit. Approval also depends on income, existing debt, and application history — a score in the stated range doesn't guarantee approval.
Is the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus's annual fee worth it for this use case?⌄
The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus has no annual fee — there's no breakeven to clear, so any rewards earned on first credit card spending are pure profit.
Want the full card review?
See rewards, fees, and all perks of the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus