USAA Personal Loans: 2019 Review

To review USAA, NerdWallet collected more than 30 data points from the lender, interviewed company executives, and compared the lender with others that seek the same customer or offer a similar personal loan product. Loan terms and fees may vary by state.

USAA loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including debt consolidation, home improvements, vacations and wedding expenses. You must be a member at USAA to apply for a personal loan.

Membership requirements:

• All individuals serving in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, National Guard and Reserves.

• Former military who have either retired or been honorably discharged.

• Widows, widowers and former spouses (who have not remarried) of USAA members who had USAA auto or property insurance while married.

• Individuals whose parents have or have had USAA auto or property insurance.

• Cadets and midshipmen at U.S. service academies, in advanced ROTC or on ROTC scholarship, and offer candidates within 24 months of commissioning.

»MORE: Top banks offering personal loans

Low rates and fees: Its loans carry no application fees, origination fees or prepayment penalties. Personal loan terms range from 12 to 84 months, with annual percentage rates from 8.99% to 18% (which includes a 0.25% discount for automatic payments).

You must have excellent credit to qualify for its lowest rates or to get a loan with a repayment term that’s greater than 60 months.

Joint applications: The company does not allow co-signers on loans, but it does take joint applications in which both borrowers have access to the loan proceeds and are responsible for repaying the loan. Generally, having a co-applicant with a stronger credit profile can boost the odds of approval or get a lower rate.

Hard credit pull: Applicants should note that USAA does a hard credit pull on personal loan applications, which may result in a temporary hit to your credit score.

Debt protection program: USAA also offers an optional debt protection program for an extra fee that is based on the outstanding loan balance. Similar to credit insurance, it covers loan repayments in case of death, disability or involuntary unemployment.

» MORE: Personal loans and other financial help for veterans

The program has coverage limits and may not be necessary if you’re already covered under your life or disability insurance.

Loan example: For a borrower with excellent credit, a $20,000 personal loan with a repayment term of 36 months at 13.9% APR would carry monthly payments of $683, according to NerdWallet’s personal loan calculator.

» MORE: NerdWallet’s review of USAA

How USAA compares

Navy Federal is a credit union that offers a slightly lower starting APRs; customers with excellent credit may qualify for a 36-month term at 7.99% APR. Navy Federal also offers home improvement loans with repayment terms up to 15 years, although rates are higher, ranging from 15.09% to 18%.

Wells Fargo offers higher loan amounts — up to $100,000 — and a lower starting rate at 7.24% than Navy Federal or USAA. Its loans can be used to consolidate debt or finance costly projects. New customers must apply in person, while existing customers can apply and receive funds online.

How to apply for a USAA loan

USAA has limited branches, so members are encouraged to apply for loans online or over the phone, according to the company. To create an online account with USAA, you’ll need to provide your date of birth, contact information and Social Security number, and details about your or your family member’s military service.

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