Credit Score:
490
Credit Limit:
700
Age:
35-44
Posted 01/05 2017
Thanks USAA for giving me a chance to rebuild my credit. My score was slightly below 500 when I applied and got approved for this card. I had already been denied by a few other secured cards. Should have applied for USAA first before looking elsewhere. Customer service has been first rate.
Credit Score:
543
Credit Limit:
1200
Age:
35-44
Posted 10/05 2016
USAA has helped me rebuild my credit. I am also very impressed by their fraud alert system. I got a call one day asking about a charge that was made out of state. I told them where I was and that it was clearly a fraudulent charge. They took care of it, canceled the card and mailed me one within a few days.
Credit Score:
514
Credit Limit:
2000
Age:
35-44
Posted 09/12 2016
I have had secured cards from other banks like Citi and Wells Fargo. All I can say is that USAA is much better. Customer service does not even come close.
Credit Score:
567
Credit Limit:
800
Age:
35-44
Posted 05/15 2016
One of the things that really bothers me is that they put a hold on your payment for 7 days. I was paying my card from my USAA checking account. That's right. A USAA account and not some other account from another bank. I checked out USAA's website to see if there were similar complaints and it seems like this is common thing. On their site, a moderator will always give a canned answer like "in the terms and conditions, we have stated we can hold payments for up to 7 days. Because of this, our default rate is low and we can offer good products to members". Gimme a break, I was transferring money from a USAA checking account!
Credit Score:
487
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
35-44
Posted 03/04 2016
USAA gave me a chance to rebuild my credit and I am pretty happy with this card overall. Here is my take:
Pros
1. great customer service.
Cons
1. Payment hold for 7 days
2. have to keep deposit for 2 years
Credit Score:
634
Credit Limit:
2000
Age:
45-54
Posted 01/22 2016
Everything about this card is great. Customer service from USAA is top notch. What you read here about their excellent service is spot on. The only thing I wish they could do is to graduate you to an unsecured card after 2 years. I did some research and found out that some secured cards graduate to unsecured in a year. That is why I am giving this card a 4-star instead of 5.
Credit Score:
492
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
45-54
Posted 11/08 2015
It is going to be a very long and hard road for me to rebuild my credit. Divorce and medical bills have resulted in my credit score taking a huge nose dive. It is great that USAA (whom I have been using for auto, mortgage and insurance) has such a card to help rebuild credit.
I found this card to be very simple. You put money into a fixed deposit for 2 years and you earn interest. That amount becomes your credit limit. I simply use the card for things like gas and groceries and pay it off in full every month. I am already seeing my credit scores improve by about 50 points after about 8 months.
Credit Score:
550
Credit Limit:
1000
Age:
35-44
Posted 09/25 2015
I have worked in a banking branch before and I recently saw my credit score dip and had to get a secured card. I chose USAA because bring an ex-military member, I have had my auto loans and insurance with them and their customer service is top notch.
I feel that a secured card works for anyone even if your credit is great because it keeps you from getting into debt. If you really need the money, you could always pay off the card and close the account.
Credit Score:
505
Credit Limit:
1000
Age:
45-54
Posted 07/07 2015
I was in a credit rebuilding mode and decided to get the secured card. I put a deposit of $1,000 to start the account and CD. The problem I have with this is that whenever I make a payment, they are put on hold for 8 to 10 days. And my checking account is from USAA. I can understand the hold if it was from another bank but this is from USAA. Surely they can tell if there are enough funds from their own bank.
This situation is embarrassing when we travel because there were times when our card was rejected simply because of the hold.
When the 2yr CD runs out, we'll say goodbye to this card.
Credit Score:
520
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
35-44
Posted 05/18 2015
I was looking to deposit a total of $1,000 for the CD but only had $500 just before I applied. So I called USAA and was told by the rep that I could add to the deposit and my limits would be increased.
However, after getting the card and having paid up the annual fee, I found out that it was not possible to increase the deposit!
Credit Score:
580
Credit Limit:
800
Age:
35-44
Posted 04/08 2015
I got this card for the sole purpose of rebuilding my credit. The card is ok but for 2 things.
1. They put a hold on your payment for about 7 days even though you send money from a USAA account
2. You have to keep the deposit as a CD for 2 years.
Credit Score:
535
Credit Limit:
1000
Age:
45-54
Posted 01/24 2015
I thought that the CD could have paid a better rate. Also, I needed to cancel the CD earlier because I needed some spare cash and was charged a $35 fee!
Credit Score:
524
Credit Limit:
1500
Age:
35-44
Posted 10/14 2014
I was looking to rebuild my credit and was surprised that I was declined for a few secured card from other issuers. Luckily, USAA accepted me and I could not be happier.
Credit Score:
586
Credit Limit:
1000
Age:
35-44
Posted 08/27 2014
I was surprised that I was only approved for a secured card from USAA, whereas Navy Federal and PenFed both approved me for unsecured cards. The downside is that I have to put a deposit. Overall, I would say the card is ok.
Credit Score:
585
Credit Limit:
800
Age:
35-44
Posted 06/05 2014
USAA Amex will not increase your credit limit even over time. You are stuck with the initial deposit which you have to leave with USAA for 2 years. The interest you receive will not even cover the annual fee.
There are other issuers like Cap One that will increase your limits if you demonstrate good and timely payments.
Their payment is also sub par. They can and have put on hold my payments for up to 10 days.
Credit Score:
533
Credit Limit:
1500
Age:
45-54
Posted 05/29 2014
This card does not graduate to an unsecured card. So you are stuck for 2 years with it and your credit might take a slight hit when you cancel later on.
Credit Score:
547
Credit Limit:
600
Age:
35-44
Posted 01/04 2014
Great card. Customer service is great.
Credit Score:
680
Credit Limit:
3000
Age:
25-34
Posted 11/26 2013
Had terrible credit to start. USAA and CAPone helped me out. Now I'm on the comeup.
Credit Score:
525
Credit Limit:
750
Age:
35-44
Posted 11/16 2013
A couple years ago I had some credit problems and went through a divorce. I applied for the Secured Amex to help reestablish my credit rating. Your credit limit is going to vary according to your deposit. I sent in 750 and used the card for small purchases each month. My credit score was somewhere in the 500s all I know is it was pretty low. In 6 months I sent in another 1000. This money is held in a CD which is nicer than other secured cards (you can earn a little interest while it's sitting there).
Anyway, long story short, now my credit score is in the 700s and I've been told I can probably qualify for an unsecured card and get the money back that is in the CD. I am happy with USAA and so thankful that they have helped me get back on track.
Credit Score:
530
Credit Limit:
300
Age:
18-24
Posted 05/11 2013
I have this card because I am trying to establish credit. My dad is a servicemember and has numerous products with USAA. I only rated it a 4 because I'm not sure if I like this idea of holding the money because I don't plan on defaulting.
Credit Score:
550
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
35-44
Posted 04/04 2013
I love this card and so glad I have a chance to increase my credit score. It's important to note that Amex isn't accepted everywhere especially in small towns and certain places overseas. USAA has secured Mastercards though, I believe but I'm keeping this one for now to help my credit.
Credit Score:
550
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
25-34
Posted 02/08 2013
I trust USAA because I have insurance with them and a bank account. I am in the Army and trying to fix my credit. I know there are other secured options but because this one is with USAA Im not as worried about wasting my money on a security deposit.
Credit Score:
600
Credit Limit:
750
Age:
25-34
Posted 11/13 2012
My credit score went up about 10 points when the first payment was reported to the credit bureaus. I am incredibly hopeful about fixing my credit.
Credit Score:
615
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
35-44
Posted 10/03 2012
Well I guess it will help your credit but I've been told it won't convert to an unsecured card. So you either have to close your account to get your security deposit back or keep it forever and just apply for an unsecured at some point. I have no complaints with USAA but just a warning not to put too much into the security deposit if you are expecting to get it back any time soon.
Credit Score:
590
Credit Limit:
300
Age:
35-44
Posted 06/26 2012
You have to be a USAA member or have one of their insurance or banking products to get the unsecured cards. It's worth it though if you have credit problems and a low credit score like I do. I just use the card for small purchases like gas and then pay it off at the end of the month.
Credit Score:
615
Credit Limit:
300
Age:
25-34
Posted 03/16 2012
My complaint with the card is that it seems like it takes a really long time when you make a deposit to see your limit increase. Like 7 days or something. Which doesn't work if you need to use your card right away.
Credit Score:
626
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
35-44
Posted 02/22 2012
so I'm one of those people who didn't use my credit wisely when I was younger and messed it all up. I ended up filing bankruptcy about 5 years ago. Then of course no one wants to give you any credit so it's a climb trying to get it back. Plus I had a divorce and trying to take care of the kids and trying to figure out how to manage stuff wisely wasn't as important as it should have been. Luckily, Ive had a chance with this card to get things in order. I saw my credit score increase almost immediately. Not by much but it's higher than it was and I have faith that it will keep going up as I make my payments. Plus I have kind of a savings account with the CD which makes me feel a little more secure than I used to.
Credit Score:
580
Credit Limit:
750
Age:
45-54
Posted 12/14 2011
well my credit was so bad after a bankruptcy that i was turned down for a different secured card with the bank i was with. So I opened an account with USAA and applied for this card. I am happy with USAA for this because being turned down for even a secured card with a security deposit of your own money is discouraging especially at my age. I really didn't think I had a chance anywhere after that.
Credit Score:
600
Credit Limit:
750
Age:
18-24
Posted 10/01 2011
This is my first credit card ever and although it's helping me establish credit I might stay with it. The CD and having your money at risk keeps you focused on spending and paying your bill. You can't tell when you use it that it's a secured card and I think people even think it's fancier because it's American Express.
Credit Score:
615
Credit Limit:
2500
Age:
25-34
Posted 08/23 2011
I've been using this card to fix my credit (like everyone else) and made a large deposit. You can increase your limit by making payments in $50 increments but I was unhappy to find out that there is a limit of 5k. Also, I can't use it in some countries because it's an American Express. As someone in the military (which is almost everyone at USAA) this can be a problem.
Credit Score:
630
Credit Limit:
1000
Age:
35-44
Posted 07/21 2011
I went through everything. Not only did I mess up my credit with spending when I was younger, but my ex and I had a foreclosure, bankruptcy, divorce, AND THEN I LOST MY JOB. So I had accepted that I was probably the last person on earth who would ever get a credit card.
I recommend this card to anyone who needs a second chance because it does work. USAA customer service has always been helpful and my credit is slowly getting better.
Credit Score:
515
Credit Limit:
750
Age:
25-34
Posted 07/11 2011
Not a good card for people who travel a lot. Although the foreign fee is only 1%, there are still a lot of places that don't accept American Express. I guess Visa and MasterCard are still the favorites. Plus, I received this card with a 19% APR which I know is because my credit is terrible but I still don't like it. I just have to make sure I pay my balance every month.
Credit Score:
611
Credit Limit:
1000
Age:
25-34
Posted 06/01 2011
Can't complain at all. I am going to make another deposit when I get my tax refund. The card lets you build your credit with a security deposit that actually earns interest. You really can't lose.
Credit Score:
630
Credit Limit:
700
Age:
35-44
Posted 04/29 2011
I was approved for a Capital One card right after I got this card so either it helped my credit instantly or you should make sure you can't qualify for other cards before resorting to a secured card. I am still using this card to build my credit score. So something to consider before dumping a large amount of money into your security deposit.
Credit Score:
600
Credit Limit:
500
Age:
18-24
Posted 04/28 2010
just not happy that I have to go through this plus pay an annual fee. I don't think having no credit should be a punishment.
Credit Score:
597
Credit Limit:
750
Age:
25-34
Posted 02/11 2010
I love this card. Love USAA. Love the chance to fix past mistakes. I have insurance with USAA too and will stay with them even when my credit gets better. I appreciate that they help service members .
Credit Score:
550
Credit Limit:
300
Age:
35-44
Posted 10/05 2009
Got this card because I'm rebuilding credit. Nice thing is you also get a CD with your deposit and within a year my score has increased by 50 points. Happy with the card and hope to be able to qualify for an unsecured soon.
Credit Score:
580
Credit Limit:
250
Age:
25-34
Posted 09/27 2009
Had some financial problems with my husband early on but are back on track now. You do need to be a USAA member to qualify for this card but I'm happy with the progress so far.
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