USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
vs. Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa® With No Annual Fee

Both the USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card and the Credit One Bank® Platinum Rewards Visa® With No Annual Fee offer enticing cash back rewards without the burden of an annual fee. The USAA card takes the lead with its higher cash back rate and added perks like no foreign transaction fees and an introductory APR offer.

But if you have good, not quite excellent, credit, the Credit One card remains a strong contender, offering a lower credit threshold and solid rewards on everyday purchases.

You might prefer the Credit One Platinum Rewards if you spend significantly on gas, groceries, and utilities like mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. The 2% cash back in these categories can maximize your rewards, especially if you can manage the higher variable APR effectively.

You might prefer the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards if you value a straightforward cash back program with 1.5% back on all purchases and no annual or foreign transaction fees. If you're eligible for USAA membership and can benefit from the introductory APR offer and travel protections, this card could be a strong choice.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you.

The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards leads with a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This simplicity could be appealing if you prefer a no-fuss rewards program without having to track category bonuses.

On the other hand, the Credit One Platinum Rewards specializes in offering 2% cash back on essential services and needs such as gas and groceries, which might be more beneficial if these are your primary expenses. But it doesn't offer the same flat rate on all other purchases, which could limit your earning potential in non-bonus categories.

The table lays out the bonus categories for each card, allowing you to visually compare the rewards programs.

Both cards offer non-expiring rewards, adding a layer of convenience for cardholders. The Credit One Platinum Rewards allows for redemption against account credits, which is akin to cash, making it a straightforward process.

Similarly, the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards card provides flexible redemption options, such as statement credits or deposits into USAA accounts, ensuring cardholders can easily access their cash back.

MoneyGeek analyzes credit cards using a ranking process tailored to specific use cases. This approach ensures that the score reflects the card's performance in the scenario where it provides the most value.

For cash back cards, the primary factors we consider are the effective reward rate and the return on investment for offers. These elements — along with annual fees, introductory purchase rates and issuer satisfaction — contribute to a card's overall score.