USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
vs. USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

Both the USAA® Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card and the USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card offer enticing cash back rewards without the burden of annual fees, making them strong contenders for your wallet. But the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards stands out with its straightforward unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which may tip the scales if you’re seeking simplicity in rewards.

While the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card's higher cash back rates in specific categories are notable, the versatility of the Preferred Cash Rewards card's flat-rate cash back can be more beneficial overall. Despite this, the Cashback Rewards Plus card's lack of a balance transfer fee and its targeted bonus categories still make it a card worth considering, especially if you frequently spend at gas stations and grocery stores.

You might prefer the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards if you frequently spend at gas stations and grocery stores because you can earn up to 5% cash back on these purchases. And if you're affiliated with the military and shop on base, this card's rewards align well with your spending pattern, maximizing your cash back potential in these categories.

You might prefer the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus if you value simplicity and flexibility in your rewards. With a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, you don't need to track spending categories or caps. This card is ideal if you want a straightforward, consistent return on their everyday spending without the fuss.

Evaluating features like APRs, fees, credit requirements, rewards and introductory offers will clarify which card is for you. For instance, if you spend frequently at gas stations and military bases, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus may offer greater benefits, whereas the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards provides consistent cash back on all purchases. Assess these points to pinpoint the card that complements your spending patterns.

Both the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards and the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus offer cash back rewards, but they cater to different spending patterns. The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards is straightforward, offering a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This simplicity is appealing if you prefer a one-size-fits-all approach to earning rewards.

On the other hand, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus has tiered rewards, with 5% cash back on the first $3,000 in combined gas station and military base purchases yearly, and 2% cash back on the first $3,000 in grocery purchases yearly. If you frequently spend in these categories, the potential rewards can surpass those of the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards. But outside of these specific categories, the card only offers 1% cash back.

If your spending is varied and you value simplicity, the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards may be the better choice. If you spend heavily on gas and groceries, the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus could offer more value. Below is a table of bonus categories to help you compare the rewards programs at a glance.

With the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus, you can redeem your cash back in any amount over $1, which offers a high degree of flexibility. Similarly, the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards allows for easy cash back redemption without any category restrictions. Both cards ensure your rewards remain valuable over time, as there is no expiration date for the cash back you earn.

MoneyGeek's ranking process assigns multiple scores to each credit card, reflecting their performance in various 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.