General information
What is Cash Back?
Cash Back is a denominated reward unit that can be earned and accumulated under the Program when you make Qualifying Purchases with your Account that you may later redeem for available reward benefits. Reward benefits may include a credit to your Account, gift cards, merchandise, and travel.
To view or redeem your Cash Back, visit the USAA Rewards Center on the USAA Mobile App, online at usaa.com, or call us at 210-531-USAA (8722), 800-531-8722, (TTY:711/TRS) or #8722 on your mobile device.
How do I earn Cash Back?
You earn Cash Back when you make Qualifying Purchases with your Account. The amount of Cash Back you earn for each dollar ($1.00) of a Qualifying Purchase made on your Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Credit Card depends on the category of the Purchase made (Grocery, Gas Stations, Military Bases, Other) as follows:
- Earn 1% in Cash Back for each dollar spent for all Qualifying Purchases.
- Earn an additional 1% Cash Back (for a total of 2% Cash Back) on the first $3,000 of Grocery Qualifying Purchases each calendar year.
- Earn an additional 4% Cash Back (for a total of 5% Cash Back) on the combined first $3,000 of Gas Station and Military Base Qualifying Purchases each calendar year.
For more information regarding spend categories, see "Does it matter where or how I make Purchases with my Account?" and "What is included in the specific categories?"
Cash Back rewards will be awarded in whole cent increments. Cash Back reward earnings that do not equate to a whole cent will be rounded to the nearest whole cent.
What are Qualifying Purchases?
Qualifying Purchases are the Purchases of products or services that post to your Account, minus any returns, refunds, or other adjustments made with your Account by you or an Authorized User of your Account. We have the right to deduct Cash Back for returns, refunds, unauthorized transactions, fraudulent transactions, or other adjustments which may result in a negative Cash Back reward balance. If your reward balance goes negative, you must first earn Cash Back to bring your reward balance to zero before earning any Cash Back eligible to be redeemed toward available reward benefits.
Qualifying Purchases do not include:
Balance Transfers, Cash Advances (including Convenience Checks or any other checks that access your Account), ATM Cash Disbursements, money orders, transfers or similar cash-like transactions (including person-to-person money transfers through services such as Venmo®, PayPal® and Cash App®), all gaming transactions (including, but not limited to, the Purchase of lottery tickets, casino gaming, race track wagers, sports betting including online activity, or similar betting transactions), tax payments, finance charges, Fees of any kind, unauthorized or fraudulent transactions, travelers checks, Purchases of cash equivalents (even if used to Purchase products or services), Purchases of gift cards or cryptocurrency, Purchases made for business-related purposes, certain other Purchases, and Purchases determined by USAA to be made to generate rewards but otherwise receive limited or no other value from the transaction. Transactions that are not Qualifying Purchases do not earn Cash Back.
Does it matter where or how I make Purchases with my Account?
Yes, in order to earn the additional Cash Back related to specific categories, the merchant where the Qualifying Purchase is made must be included in the appropriate merchant category.
Merchant categories are determined by the merchant, or processor based on the kinds of products and services they sell, but even though a merchant, or the products or services it sells may appear to fit into a particular merchant category, the merchant may not actually be included within that category and may not earn the additional Cash Back related to that category.
Qualifying Purchases made with third-party payment accounts (such as PayPal), mobile card readers, digital wallets, or similar technology may not qualify for the additional Cash Back related to specific categories if the merchant is not set up to process the Purchase in that specific merchant category.
WE DO NOT CONTROL HOW A MERCHANT IS CLASSIFIED OR THE MERCHANT CATEGORY IN WHICH IT IS INCLUDED. IF YOU BELIEVE THAT A QUALIFYING PURCHASE MADE WITH YOUR ACCOUNT DID NOT RECEIVE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF CASH BACK, PLEASE CONTACT US WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE DATE THE TRANSACTION APPEARED ON YOUR BILLING STATEMENT SO THAT WE MAY REVIEW THE TRANSACTION. UPON OUR REVIEW, IF WE BELIEVE THERE IS AN ERROR, WE WILL CORRECT IT.
What is included in the specific categories?
Grocery category: Qualifying Purchases made at businesses that are included in a merchant category identified as primarily selling non-wholesale groceries to consumers (such as neighborhood grocery stores and supermarkets).
Purchases of grocery items at wholesale stores (such as Costco®), warehouse clubs (such as Sam's Club®), and some discount stores (such as Big Lots®) are not Grocery Qualifying Purchases and may not earn the additional Cash Back.
Gas Stations category: Qualifying Purchases made at businesses that are included in a merchant category identified as primarily selling automobile gasoline to consumers, such as Shell® and ExxonMobil® stations.
Military Base category: Qualifying Purchases made at businesses that are included in a merchant category identified as primarily selling goods or services on United States military bases (such as commissaries and exchanges).
For more information, see "Does it matter where or how I make Purchases with my Account?"
Are there any bonus offers that I can earn?
We may, from time to time, offer you ways to earn additional Cash Back or other special reward promotions through the Program. Read each offer carefully as there may be important additional terms, conditions, or limitations, such as blackout periods, exclusions, or registration requirements. We may change or withdraw an offer at any time without notice. Any such change or withdraw will not affect rewards already earned. Promotional offer rewards may take longer to post than that of standard reward earnings, credits or deposits and may take up to 90 days to reflect on your rewards balance or billing statement. These Terms and Conditions apply to any such offer, bonus, or special reward promotion.
Is there a limit to the amount of Cash Back that I can earn?
Yes, there is a maximum amount of Cash Back you can earn related to the specific categories each calendar year.
You will earn 1% Cash Back on all your Qualifying Purchases, there is no maximum amount of Cash Back you can earn at this rate.
On the first $3,000 of Grocery Qualifying Purchases made each calendar year, you will earn an additional 1% Cash Back (for a total of 2% Cash Back). After the first $3,000 of Grocery Qualifying Purchases, you will continue to earn 1% Cash Back on any subsequent Grocery Qualifying Purchases for the remainder of the calendar year.
On the combined first $3,000 of Gas Station and Military Base Qualifying Purchases made each calendar year, you will earn an additional 4% Cash Back (for a total of 5% Cash Back). After the combined first $3,000 of Gas Station and Military Base Qualifying Purchases, you will continue to earn 1% Cash Back on any subsequent Gas Station and Military Base Qualifying Purchases for the remainder of the calendar year.
How do I know how much Cash Back I have earned?
The Cash Back you have earned with your Account is available through the USAA Rewards Center and is combined with Cash Back earned by any of your other USAA accounts that earn Cash Back into a single Cash Back rewards balance. Cash Back earnings are usually available within five business days from the time your Qualifying Purchase posts to your Account.
What can I redeem my Cash Back for?
Cash Back may only be redeemed for reward benefits available through the USAA Rewards Center or at Participating Merchants. Options and availability may change from time to time and may include:
- Shop with Rewards — at Participating Merchants to cover some of your everyday purchases.
- Travel Reward — toward the purchase of travel accommodations.
- Merchandise and Gift Card Reward — for available merchandise and gift cards.
- Cash Reward — for a statement credit or an electronic deposit to your eligible USAA account which may take the form of a one-time redemption, a "cover my purchase" redemption, or a recurring redemption.
- Charitable Contribution Reward — for a donation to a participating charity.
Is there a minimum amount of Cash Back that I must redeem to receive a particular reward?
Yes, each available reward benefit may require a minimum amount of Cash Back to be redeemed to receive the reward benefit. Minimums, as well as any additional terms, conditions, disclosures, and agreements that apply will be available before you redeem. The minimum amount of Cash Back required may vary significantly by reward benefit, is subject to change without notice and is not guaranteed until you redeem your Cash Back.
Example: The minimum amount of Cash Back required for the lowest redemption level for a statement credit may be $10.00, while the minimum amount of Cash Back required for the lowest redemption level for a gift card may be $5.00. Minimums may be more or less than this example.
Who can redeem Cash Back?
Any Cardmember, including a joint Cardholder, may redeem the Cash Back earned with the Account. Authorized Users cannot redeem Cash Back.
How do I view and redeem my Cash Back?
You may view and redeem Cash Back that has been earned with the Account by accessing the USAA Rewards Center. Cash Back you have earned with your Account is combined with Cash Back earned by any of your other USAA accounts that earn Cash Back into a single Cash Back rewards balance. Cash Back cannot be combined with reward points earned from your other USAA accounts and will be a separate rewards balance.
Any amount of Cash Back may be redeemed but reward benefits may require a minimum amount of Cash Back to be redeemed. All redemptions of Cash Back rewards are final. Once your Cash Back has been redeemed, the transaction is considered final and may not be canceled unless otherwise noted. For questions or support regarding Cash Back redemptions, please visit the USAA Rewards Center on the USAA Mobile App, online at usaa.com or call us at 210-531-USAA (8722), 800-531-8722, (TTY:711/TRS) or #8722 on your mobile device.
Can USAA prevent me from receiving or redeeming my Cash Back?
Yes, we may limit, prevent, or prohibit you from earning or redeeming Cash Back under certain circumstances such as suspected fraud, violation of the USAA Credit Card Agreement, or misuse of the Account or the Program according to our sole discretion.
If you close your Account, you may redeem your Cash Back under this Program for 90 calendar days from the date we send you notice that your Account was closed. Any Cash Back not redeemed within such time period will be forfeited. To redeem your Cash Back, please visit the USAA Rewards Center.
If we close your Account or your Account violates the USAA Credit Card Agreement, except as prohibited by federal or state law, we may limit, prevent, or prohibit you from earning or redeeming Cash Back and the Account's unredeemed Cash Back balance is subject to immediate forfeiture.
You may only redeem your Cash Back for reward benefits that can be booked through the USAA Rewards Center. Each available reward benefit may require a minimum amount of Cash Back to be redeemed which may vary, is subject to change without notice, and is not guaranteed until you redeem your Cash Back. If you do not have enough Cash Back for the reward benefit desired, in some instances, we may allow you to pay the difference with your USAA credit or debit card.
Cash Back is not your property and has no monetary value until redeemed. Additionally, Cash Back cannot be transferred to any other person, entity, or by operation of law (such as by inheritance, in bankruptcy, or in connection with division of property). You are responsible for any federal, state, or local tax liability related to participating in the Program. Consult your tax advisor if you have any questions about your personal tax situation.
Will my Cash Back ever expire?
The Cash Back you earn will not expire while your Account is open.
For more information, see "Can USAA prevent me from receiving or redeeming my Cash Back?"
What happens to my Cash Back if I pass away?
If there is not another Cardmember on the Account, and we are informed of your passing, the Cash Back associated with your Account will automatically be redeemed for a Cash Reward in the form of a credit to your Account. If your Account does not have a balance due, or the Cash Reward is greater than the balance due, the estate executor may request a check be issued for the excess amount by calling us at 210-531-USAA (8722), 800-531-8722, (TTY:711/TRS) or #8722 on their mobile device, otherwise a check will automatically be issued typically within 180 days.
Can USAA change these Terms and Conditions or terminate this Program?
Yes, we reserve the right to terminate this Program or to change, delete from, or add to these Terms and Conditions at any time. We will notify you of any changes to the Program and will provide you a 45-day notice of any changes we deem to be significant and adverse to you. You may access the most up-to-date version of these Terms and Conditions on usaa.com.
If we terminate this Program and your Account is open, you may redeem your Cash Back for 90 calendar days from the date we send you notice that the Program was terminated, or if your Account is voluntarily closed at the time of the termination of this Program, you may redeem your Cash Back for 90 calendar days from the date we send you notice that your Account was closed.
Why are some words in these Terms and Conditions capitalized?
All capitalized terms are defined somewhere in these Terms and Conditions, or if not here, then in the USAA Credit Card Agreement, which is incorporated into these Terms and Conditions by reference. For purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the pronouns "you," "your," "I," and "my" are intended to mean any Cardmember, including a joint Cardmember. The pronouns "we" and "our" mean USAA Federal Savings Bank.
What laws govern these Terms and Conditions?
The laws of Arizona govern these Terms and Conditions. Program void where prohibited by law.
I have questions about the Program, who should I contact?
For questions regarding the Program, please visit the USAA Rewards Center on the USAA Mobile App, online at usaa.com or call us at 210-531-USAA (8722), 800-531-8722, (TTY:711/TRS) or #8722 on your mobile device.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY
NEITHER WE NOR ANY OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAM IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEFECTS IN ANY REWARD BENEFIT FOR WHICH YOU REDEEM YOUR CASH BACK. YOU RELEASE USAA AND ANY OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS, EXPENSE, ACCIDENT, INJURY, DEATH, OR INCONVENIENCE THAT MAY ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR DEFECT OF ANY REWARD BENEFIT, THE ACTIONS OR INACTIONS OF USAA OR ANY SERVICE PROVIDER, OR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM.
Shop With Rewards
What is Shop with Rewards?
Shop with Rewards allows USAA cardmembers with an eligible USAA Credit Card Account that participates in the Reward Program to redeem their rewards at certain Shop with Rewards Participating Merchants.
How do I redeem my Cash Back for Shop with Rewards Purchases?
When you use your Credit Card to make a purchase with a Participating Merchant, USAA will provide the Participating Merchant with information about your USAA Reward Account in order to determine if your purchase is eligible for Shop with Rewards. If your purchase is eligible for Shop with Rewards, you may be presented a redemption offer at the point of sale that will allow you to use Cash Back to pay for some or all of your purchase. You will have the option to accept or decline to redeem your Cash Back toward that purchase. If you choose to accept the offer, USAA will deduct the amount of Cash Back you redeemed from your USAA reward balance.
How much Cash Back do I need for a Shop with Rewards redemption?
USAA or the Participating Merchant may set a minimum amount of Cash Back redemption requirement which may vary by Participating Merchant. The amount of Cash Back required for a Shop with Rewards redemption offer may vary and will be presented to you at the point of sale.
How do I return purchases made with Shop with Rewards redemptions?
Purchase transactions redeeming any amount of Cash Back at Shop with Rewards Participating Merchants are subject to the merchant's return and refund policy, which may include restocking fees. All fuel purchases are final and may not be returned.
Are there are any restrictions on Shop with Rewards redemptions?
Participating Merchants may have additional restrictions pertaining to their Shop with Rewards redemption offers and may restrict the use of Cash Back for purchases of certain items. Before redeeming your Cash Back for Shop with Rewards purchases, review any merchant-specific terms, conditions, disclosures, or agreements that may apply. More information about Participating Merchant redemption offers may be found at the USAA Rewards Center Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
Where can I find more information about the Participating Merchants?
Participating Merchant information can be found by visiting the USAA Rewards Center Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. Participating Merchants list is subject to change without notice.
Travel Rewards
What is a Travel Reward?
A Travel Reward redeems your Cash Back toward the purchase of travel accommodations which may include airline tickets, cruises, hotel stays and car rentals.
How do I redeem my Cash Back for a Travel Reward?
To redeem your Cash Back rewards for a Travel Reward, you must visit the USAA Rewards Center.
How much Cash Back do I need for a Travel Reward?
The amount of Cash Back needed for a Travel Reward varies, is subject to change without notice and is not guaranteed until you redeem your Cash Back. To learn more about the current redemption levels, visit the USAA Rewards Center.
We do not control the price of any travel accommodations available through the Program. The price of all accommodations available through the USAA Rewards Center are set by the carriers participating in the Program.
What if I do not have enough Cash Back for my Travel Reward?
If you do not have enough Cash Back to book the entirety of your Travel Reward, in some instances, we may allow you to pay the difference with your USAA credit or debit card.
Does it matter which carrier I want to use?
Yes, you can only redeem your Cash Back for a Travel Reward on carriers that can be booked through the USAA Rewards Center. Most major carriers may be booked through the USAA Rewards Center, but not all carriers are available.
We reserve the right to exclude any carrier from the Program for safety or other reasons.
What restrictions apply to a Travel Reward?
You can only redeem your Cash Back for a Travel Reward on carriers that can be booked through the USAA Rewards Center. Depending upon the carrier, accommodations may not be refundable or changeable and are subject to applicable availability and restrictions. We do not guarantee the availability of any carrier, date, time, or other accommodation. Any change to an itinerary issued in connection with the Program is subject to the carrier's terms, conditions, disclosures, and agreements, including any applicable change fees. All additional costs, such as fees, taxes or other charges applied by the carrier (such as baggage fees, resort fees, or hotel surcharges) are at the traveler's expense and are to be paid directly to the travel service provider. A minimum amount of Cash Back may be required to redeem for a Travel Reward.
Before you travel, confirm your booking itinerary details with the applicable carrier to ensure it reflects all expected accommodations. We are not responsible for any carrier booking errors or a carrier's failure to honor them. If you fail to arrive for your booked Travel Reward as scheduled, all payments, whether made with Cash Back or your USAA credit or debit card, will be forfeited.
How do I receive my travel itinerary?
After you book your travel accommodations through the USAA Rewards Center, the itinerary, tickets and all other materials and notifications will be mailed or emailed to the address where we mail your Account statements.
Merchandise and Gift Card Rewards
What is a Merchandise and Gift Card Reward?
A Merchandise and Gift Card Reward redeems your Cash Back for available merchandise or gift cards.
What types of merchandise and gift cards can I get with my Cash Back?
Merchandise and gift card selections change from time to time, and it is not guaranteed that any particular merchandise or gift card will be available when you redeem your Cash Back. To learn more about the current merchandise or gift cards available, visit the USAA Rewards Center.
Are there are any restrictions on the merchandise or gift cards I can get with my Cash Back?
Yes, merchants may have additional restrictions pertaining to their merchandise or gift cards. Before redeeming your Cash Back for available merchandise or gift cards, review any merchant-specific terms, conditions, disclosures, or agreements that apply. Gift cards are valid at participating merchants only and are subject to the gift card terms and conditions, which, if permitted by law, address expiration policies and non-usage fees which may be changed at the sole discretion of the gift card issuer.
You may not redeem your Cash Back for digital or electronic gift cards if you do not have a valid email address associated with your Account. Digital or electronic gift cards may only be delivered to a valid email address associated with your Account. You can update your email address or other profile information associated with your Account on the USAA Mobile App, online at usaa.com or by calling us at 210-531-USAA (8722), 800-531-8722, (TTY:711/TRS) or #8722 on your mobile device. These updates may take up to five business days to process before enabling your ability to redeem your Cash Back for digital or electronic gift cards.
How do I redeem my Cash Back for merchandise or gift cards?
To redeem your Cash Back rewards for a Merchandise and Gift Card Reward, you must visit the USAA Rewards Center.
How much Cash Back do I need for a Merchandise and Gift Card Reward?
The amount of Cash Back needed for available merchandise and gift cards varies, is subject to change without notice and is not guaranteed until you redeem your Cash Back. To learn more about the current redemption levels, visit the USAA Rewards Center.
Can I return or get a refund for the merchandise or gift card I received?
No, there are no returns, exchanges, or refunds of any merchandise or gift card received from a Merchandise and Gift Card Reward. However, if your merchandise or gift card arrives damaged, defective, or gets lost in transit, you may contact us by calling 210-531-USAA (8722), 800-531-8722, (TTY:711/TRS) or #8722 on your mobile device, and we will research your inquiry and may work with the merchant to replace it or provide a substitute product of equal value.
Does the merchandise I receive by redeeming my Cash Back have any warranty?
The manufacturer's warranty, if any, is the only warranty covering any merchandise received in connection with a Merchandise and Gift Card Reward.
NEITHER WE NOR ANY SERVICE PROVIDER USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAM MAKE ANY GUARANTEES, WARRANTIES, OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE MERCHANDISE OR OTHER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY ANY MERCHANT IN CONNECTION WITH A MERCHANDISE AND GIFT CARD REWARD.
Certain ancillary credit card benefits that are typically available in connection with the Purchases made with your Account, such as Price Protection or Extended Warranty Coverage, do not apply to the merchandise you receive in connection with the Program.
How do I receive a Merchandise and Gift Card Reward?
When you redeem your Cash Back for merchandise or a gift card, you will be able to select from shipping options available. Some shipping restrictions, fees, and rates apply which may vary and are subject to change without notice. Applicable taxes, fees, surcharges, shipping, handling, or other charges are your responsibility. Adding or editing a shipping address for delivery of a Merchandise and Gift Card Reward will not change your Account address on file with USAA.
Cash Reward
What is a Cash Reward?
A Cash Reward redeems your Cash Back for a statement credit or an electronic deposit to your eligible USAA account.
A Cash Reward may be in the form of one of the following:
- A one-time redemption where you choose the amount of Cash Back to redeem and the eligible USAA account to apply the credit or deposit.
- A "cover my purchase" redemption where you choose to cover the amount of a recent Qualifying Purchase with the necessary amount of Cash Back to credit your Account for that Purchase amount.
- A recurring redemption where you schedule an automatic redemption of your Cash Back for a credit or deposit to an eligible USAA account of your choosing when you earn a targeted reward amount.
Certain USAA products or accounts may not be eligible for a Cash Reward credit or deposit. Eligible USAA accounts will appear as a Cash Reward option through the USAA Rewards Center.
How do I redeem my Cash Back for a Cash Reward?
To redeem your Cash Back for a Cash Reward, you must visit the USAA Rewards Center.
How much Cash Back do I need for a Cash Reward?
Depending on the way you request your Cash Reward, the minimum amount of Cash Back required for the lowest redemption level of a Cash Reward may vary, is subject to change without notice and is not guaranteed until you redeem your Cash Back rewards. To learn more about the current redemption levels, visit the USAA Rewards Center.
How long does a Cash Reward take to post to my Account?
Generally, a Cash Reward credit or deposit will post to your eligible USAA account within five business days. Any Cash Reward will be applied as a credit to the outstanding balance of your USAA account but may take up to five business days to post to your account. Please ensure that you make your minimum payment by the payment due date to avoid late fees or other charges.
What other restrictions apply to a Cash Reward?
To redeem your Cash Back for a Cash Reward, you must visit the USAA Rewards Center. Cash Reward credits or deposits may only apply to your eligible USAA accounts. A recurring redemption may only be scheduled for a Cash Reward; no other reward benefits may be scheduled as a recurring redemption.
Charitable Contribution Reward
What is a Charitable Contribution Reward?
A Charitable Contribution Reward redeems your Cash Back in the form of a donation to participating charities.
Which charities can I donate to?
Participating charities may change from time to time, and it is not guaranteed that any particular charity will be available for your donation when you redeem your Cash Back. To learn more about the current participating charities, visit the USAA Rewards Center.
How do I redeem my Cash Back for a Charitable Contribution Reward?
To redeem your Cash Back for a Charitable Contribution Reward, you must visit the USAA Rewards Center.
How much Cash Back do I need for a Charitable Contribution Reward?
The amount of Cash Back needed for a Charitable Contribution Reward varies, is subject to change without notice and is not guaranteed until you redeem your Cash Back. To learn more about the current redemption levels, visit the USAA Rewards Center.
Is the donation made with my Charitable Contribution Reward tax deductible?
Likely no, but you should check with your tax advisor. We will not provide any receipt or other documentation stating the dollar amount of any charitable donation you make in connection with a Charitable Contribution Reward, nor do we control the actions of any participating charity.