USAA Bank Launches New Rewards Credit Cards, Delivering Higher Value for Everyday Spending

New survey data shows consumers increasingly rely on rewards to offset everyday expenses, from groceries to gas

SAN ANTONIO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As families work harder to manage rising household costs, USAA Federal Savings Bank has launched a new suite of rewards credit cards from Visa® and American Express® that significantly enhance cash back for everyday spending, putting more money back in members’ pockets.

Survey data from a new USAA Bank report reveals 36% of consumers with credit card rewards are using their points immediately to offset “everyday expenses” like groceries, gas and bills, shifting away from big-ticket items like travel. Driven by member needs, the new cards provide military service members and their families substantial value for spending in these and other essential categories, including on-base purchases.

“We’re focused on giving more back to our members, in the places where they’ll see the most benefit,” said Michael Moran, President, USAA Bank. “From young, enlisted service members building their credit to established families with higher grocery and gas bills, we’re meeting our members with products that are valuable and propel them towards financial security.”

Consumers Are Using Rewards to Stretch Everyday Budgets

The report also reveals how credit card rewards are a more practical part of monthly money management and budgeting, with members using points more often and, increasingly, at retailers as “Pay with Points” options to cover everyday essentials. For example:

• Over a quarter (30%) of survey respondents use rewards as soon as they hit the minimum threshold
• Nearly half (47%) report using ‘Pay with Points’ for essential items, compared to just 26% who use it for discretionary purposes
• 42% say they redeem their points monthly to lower statement balances
• Younger consumers use points more often, with 72% of respondents age 18-24 using points monthly or as quickly as possible; 51% age 25-34 redeem monthly

USAA Bank data mirrors this shift: In 2025, reward redemption volumes among USAA Bank credit cardholders increased by 47% year-over-year, driven by Shop With Rewards, which enables members to reduce a gas, grocery or retail expense using points.

Credit Cards That Deliver Value Throughout The Member’s Financial Journey

USAA Bank’s new credit card lineup delivers simple, flexible and powerful ways for members to earn more rewards for their spending, with no annual fees. These cards provide a variety of benefits, tailored for where members are in their credit and financial journeys:

Eagle Adapt™ Visa® Credit Card: Higher Rewards, Where It Matters More

Eagle Adapt™ accelerates earning across the categories where members do the most everyday spending, giving them more for their biggest household expenses:

• 3% cash back on the first $3,000 in combined quarterly purchases on groceries, dining, home improvement, gas and other eligible spend categories
• Unlimited 1% cash back on other purchases

Eagle Ascend™ American Express® Credit Card: Build Credit, Earn Rewards

Designed for members early in their credit journeys, Eagle Ascend™ combines cash back rewards with a pathway to establishing a stronger financial profile:

• 2% cash back on the member’s top eligible spend category each month, including dining, gas stations, groceries and more
• 1% cash back on other purchases
• Credit limit increase review in as few as six months with on-time payments
• Limited Time: Walmart+ membership – one-time statement credit up to $98 (plus applicable taxes) for an annual membership, which includes Free Delivery, Gas Savings, Free Pharmacy Delivery and more

Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Credit Card: Everyday Value for Military Life

The popular Cashback Rewards Plus credit card gets a refresh, with enhanced rewards that help military service members and their families earn even more:

• 5% cash back on the first $5,000 in military base purchases annually
• 5% cash back on the first $3,000 in gas station purchases annually
• 3% cash back on the first $3,000 in grocery purchases annually
• Unlimited 1% cash back on other purchases

Eagle Ascend™ and Cashback Rewards Plus cardholders will have access to unique offers, benefits and experiences through the trusted American Express Network.

“Consumers are changing the way they think about credit card rewards. What was once viewed as a benefit for travel or larger purchases is increasingly becoming a tool to help manage everyday expenses,” said Moran. “As household budgets remain under pressure, people are looking for immediate ways to stretch their dollars, and rewards are playing a bigger role in helping them do that.”

To learn more about USAA Bank’s suite of credit cards, visit http://www.usaa.com/creditcards.

Survey Methodology

Source: 160over90 Research Custom Study. Online survey among n=1,143 U.S. adults ages 18-54, fielded 3/26/2026 - 3/30/2026. Quotas were set on age, gender, and region to ensure a representative sample.

USAA Bank Data Methodology

The analysis was derived from aggregated and anonymized credit card rewards data from over four million USAA Bank credit card holders. Year-over-year data on total reward redemptions and 2025 data on USAA Bank Shop With Rewards were as of December 31, 2025.

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking and retirement solutions and serves more than 14.5 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in seven U.S. cities and four overseas locations and employs more than 36,000 people worldwide. Each year, USAA supports national and local nonprofits serving military families and communities. With Honor Through Action, USAA advances policy, advocacy and philanthropy to support financial security, build meaningful careers and promote overall well-being across the military community. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or X (@usaa), or visit usaa.com.