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USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card

Help build or rebuild your credit with a secured credit card that has no annual fee. Note: View the USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card Rates and Fees.

Your Credit Journey

  • An American Express® 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 (Opens pop-up)
  • Credit card activity reported to three main credit bureaus
  • If you use your card responsibly, you may qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured USAA credit card.

Rates Note: View the USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card Rates and Fees.

27.65%

Fees Note: View the USAA American Express Secured Card Rates and Fees.
  • No Annual Fee
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Balance Transfer and Cash Advance fee is 5% of each transaction amount.See note1

Get more out of a secured card.

If you have limited or no credit history or if a financial event has affected your credit, you may want to consider the USAA Secured Credit Card.

  1. Step 1: Apply

    If approved, you'll open a certificate of deposit (CD), which is your card's security deposit. The amount you deposit into the interest-earning CD depends on your card's credit limit. This limit starts at $250 but is never more than $5,000. Your CD earns interest and isn't used to make your payments.

  2. Step 2: Use

    You can use this card anywhere and add it to your mobile wallet for in-store or online shopping. Using your secured card responsibly by making regular, on-time payments will help build your credit.

  3. Step 3: Build

    Your credit information is reported to the three major credit bureaus. Periodically, we'll review your credit history and other factors to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured credit card.

Benefits and Features

Carry a credit card that's easy to use and manage, with peace of mind built in.

Security and Protection

  • Rely on us — from secure logons to zero liability for unauthorized transactions.See note2
  • Set up a variety of alerts on your mobile device to stay informed.
  • Report a lost or stolen card online or in the app.

Travel BenefitsSee note3

  • Auto Rental Coverage
  • Travel Accident Insurance
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
  • Baggage Delay and Reimbursement

Support and Service

  • Access USAA customer service 24/7 online.
  • Take advantage of extended warranty protection on U.S. manufacturers' warranties.See note3
  • Add your card to your phone for fast mobile payments or checkouts.

Secured Credit Card Upgrade  Frequently Asked Question

We regularly check your account history to see if you can get an upgrade. We'll look at how long you've had your account, how many on-time payments you've made in a row, and other credit criteria to see if you qualify.

No, we'll automatically upgrade you if you qualify.

If you get an upgrade, we'll send a notification with everything you need to know.

If you qualify for an upgrade, your account will remain open and it will be converted to an unsecured credit card. Your existing credit history will not be affected.

Yes. After an upgrade, you can ask us to close your Secured Certificate of Deposit (CD). Otherwise, it'll close on its maturity date. We'll mail you the balance once it's closed.

Available With:

Apple Pay Google Pay Samsung Pay