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USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card card

USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card

Annual fee
None
Recommended credit
Poor / No Credit Required
Card network
American Express
Regular purchase APR
27.9% variable based on the Prime Rate
Check before you apply: the rates, fees and offers on this page are as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025) and may have changed. Confirm current terms on the issuer’s website. Best Credit Cards Guide may be compensated by some issuers; see our Advertiser Disclosure.

At a glance

The USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card can help you establish a positive credit history with regular payments and responsible use. The card benefits from no fees for foreign transactions and no annual fee for membership.

Our review of the USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card

Looking to build or rebuild your credit responsibly? The USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card is a great option for USAA members. With no annual fee, this card offers the same benefits as the USAA Secured Visa Platinum Credit Card, but with the added advantage of being on the American Express payment network.

Build Credit with No Annual Fee

One of the standout features of this card is the lack of an annual fee. Most secured credit cards charge between $25 and $99 annually, making the USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card a rare find. Plus, you can access the purchasing power of the Amex network to build credit without any extra costs.

Refundable Deposit Requirements

To open a USAA-secured account, you’ll need to make a deposit ranging from $250 to $5,000. This deposit is fully refundable and falls within the standard range for secured cards. Compared to other options, this requirement is on par with the industry average.

Secured Card Comparison

CardUSAA secured credit cardOpenSky® PlusOpenSky® Visa®
Annual feeNoneNone$35
Min. deposit$250$200$200
Credit checkYesNoNo

How to Use the USAA Amex Secured Card

As an American Express card, the USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card can be used at nearly 99% of merchants in the US. With no foreign transaction fees, you can also use it worldwide without any extra charges. By making regular purchases and paying them off on time, you can start building a healthier credit history. USAA reports your payments to the three major credit bureaus, helping you improve your credit score over time.

Online Account Management Tools

Cardholders have access to the USAA mobile app, allowing for 24/7 customer service, digital wallet compatibility, and various security features. Additionally, the American Express payment network offers additional protections like extended warranty, purchase protection, and zero fraud liability.

USAA Member Discounts

USAA members can take advantage of exclusive discounts on vehicle purchases, car rentals, travel bookings, and shopping with hundreds of retailers. These perks are only available to USAA members, providing additional value to cardholders.

Should You Apply for the USAA Secured American Express® Card?

If you’re looking for a secured card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, the USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card is a solid choice. While it doesn’t offer rewards or upgrade opportunities, it provides a stable platform to build a positive credit history without any extra costs. Consider this card if you want to establish credit responsibly with a reputable financial institution like USAA.

Card features

Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Build credit with on time payments and responsible use

Who this card may suit

  • You qualify for USAA membership
  • Your credit history is damaged or non-existent
  • You do't want to pay an annual fee

Rates, fees and terms

Rates, fees and terms as listed on the original card page (updated May 28, 2025). Confirm current terms on the issuer’s site.
Annual FeeNone
Regular Purchase APR27.9% variable based on the Prime Rate
Balance Transfer APR27.9% variable based on the Prime Rate
Balance Transfer Transaction Fee3% of the amount of each Balance Transfer.
Cash Advance APR27.9% variable based on the Prime Rate
Cash Advance Transaction Fee3% of the amount of each Cash Advance. Fee waived when transferring funds electronically to a USAA deposit account.
Late Payment Penalty FeeUp to $35
Return Payment Penalty FeeUp to $35
Minimum Deposit Required$250

Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Poor Credit Limited or No Credit.

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USAA Secured American Express® Credit Card

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