Cash back · American Express · No annual fee
Last verified 2026-09-09. Review issuer source
USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express is a no-annual-fee cash back card from USAA. Its best everyday rates are 5% on gas stations, and 2% on grocery stores; everything else earns 1%. There is also 5% on Military, a single-merchant rate. Gas stations is capped at $3,000 a year, then drops to the base rate.
On our reference budget of $24,600 a year it returns about $372, an effective 1.5% back. The welcome bonus, $200 after $1,000 in 90 days, is the strongest reason to open it in a given year.
Put the bonus categories on it and everything else on a flat 2% card. On its own the base rate drags the average down.
Cap: $3,000 per annual
5% cash back on your first $3,000 in combined gas station and military base purchases yearly
Cap: $3,000 per annual
5% cash back on your first $3,000 in combined gas station and military base purchases yearly
Cap: $3,000 per annual
2% cash back on your first $3,000 in grocery purchases yearly
Earn a $200 reward bonus after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.
Reserve and pay for your rental car with your credit card to get 31 days of protection worldwide. Save money by saying no at the counter — rent with your covered USAA credit card and get built-in auto rental coverage.
If your checked baggage is delayed, you can be reimbursed up to $100 a day, for up to three days. Get the essentials you need such as clothing or toiletries while waiting for your baggage to arrive.
When you charge your monthly cell phone bill to your USAA credit card, you can be reimbursed up to $500, in the event your eligible cell phone is stolen or damaged.
Need advice on restaurants or gifts? Are you trying to arrange travel or concert tickets? This exclusive service for USAA Visa Signature® credit cards gives you 24/7 access to a concierge who can guide you.
Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty on items purchased with your card. Get up to an additional year of coverage.
Safeguard your new item against theft or damage for the first 90 days from the date of purchase with Purchase Security available when you pay with your eligible account.
When you purchase your travel ticket with your USAA card, you are eligible to receive coverage for loss of life or limb. This coverage applies to air travel, ferry, cruise ship, train or bus transportation.
If you experience an illness or emergency, while traveling or working anywhere in the world, call the benefits center for help, 24/7. You can also get medical and legal referrals, prescription assistance, travel planning and other services.
You’re covered for up to $1,500 per covered person, for non-refundable prepaid passenger fare, when your travel is interrupted or canceled. This coverage is available when you buy your ticket with your card.
Benefit descriptions are the issuer’s and network’s own wording, trimmed for length. Limits and exclusions are in the guide to benefits.
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards earned | Net after fee | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express®This card · 5% on gas stations | None | $372 | +$372 | 466th of 1,291 |
| USAA Eagle Adapt™USAA's most-held other card · 3% on dining | None | $570 | +$570 | 17th of 1,291 |
| Savor RewardsThe strongest no-fee card on this budget · 3% on dining | None | $642 | +$642 | 4th of 1,291 |
| Robinhood Gold CardHighest net return on this budget · 3% on everything | $50 | $798 | +$748 | 1st of 1,291 |
Reference budget: groceries $6,000, dining and restaurants $3,600, gas and ev charging $2,400, travel and transit $3,000, online shopping $2,400, entertainment and streaming $1,200, everything else $6,000. Points are valued at 1¢ unless the program is worth less; statement credits, welcome bonuses, and perks are left out. Run it with your own spending.
