Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa® With No Annual Fee
vs. USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

Both the Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards and the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus offer enticing cash back rewards without an annual fee, appealing to those who value straightforward savings on everyday purchases.

Between the two, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card edges ahead with up to 5% cash back on gas and military base purchases, making it particularly beneficial for service members or those with high fuel expenses. However, the Credit One Bank card remains a strong contender with its 2% cash back on essential services ensuring it's still a valuable option for managing household expenses.

You might prefer the Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards if you value straightforward rewards on everyday essentials. This card offers 2% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases, as well as on certain utilities, without an annual fee, making it a solid choice for routine spenders seeking simple cash back benefits.

You might prefer the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus if you're a heavy spender on gas and groceries, or if you're affiliated with the military. With up to 5% cash back in these categories and a generous 0% Intro APR offer on balance transfers, this card maximizes returns for specific spending patterns and offers a reprieve on existing debt.

Evaluating APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and additional features will illuminate which card aligns with your financial landscape. Specifics like the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus cards balance transfer offer or the Credit One Platinum Rewards cards cash back on everyday purchases can sway your decision. Use this section to match card benefits with your spending habits and financial goals.

The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card edges out the Credit One Platinum Rewards in overall reward potential, particularly for those who frequently spend at gas stations and have access to military bases, with an impressive 5% cash back in these categories.

While the Credit One Platinum Rewards offers a solid 2% back on practical categories like groceries and utilities, it doesn't match the 5% rate on gas and military purchases that the USAA card provides. However, for those without military base access or lower gas expenses, the consistent 2% back on everyday essentials could be more beneficial.

The USAA card also offers 2% cash back on grocery purchases, but with a cap at $3,000 annually, after which the rate drops to 1%. Dining out is more rewarding with the USAA card, offering 1% cash back compared to the Credit One card, which doesn't offer any rewards for dining.

Below is a table of bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs of both cards.

With the Credit One Platinum Rewards, your cash back does not expire, ensuring you can use your rewards as long as your account is open and in good standing. Redemption options are typically inclusive of statement credits and gift cards, providing a straightforward way to utilize your cash back.

The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus allows you to redeem your cash back at any time, as there is no minimum redemption amount. This card also ensures that rewards do not expire, provided the account remains active. This flexibility can be particularly valuable for cardholders who prefer to accumulate and redeem cash back without pressure or restrictions.

MoneyGeek evaluates credit cards like the Credit One Platinum Rewards and USAA Cashback Rewards Plus based on their performance in various use cases. For this comparison, we focus on the cash back category, where each card's highest score lies.

The most significant factors in our scoring include the effective reward rate, which accounts for the cash back you earn on purchases. Other considerations include annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction. For a detailed understanding of our ranking process, you can read about our ranking methodology.