USAA auto loans: 2024 review

USAA is best for military and veteran car financing 

USAA focuses on car loans that meet the needs of military families, with competitive APRs, customized payment options and flexible repayment terms. Special features include allowances for a vehicle to travel with a family overseas or loans for vehicles specially designed to meet the needs of disabled veterans. 

USAA offers rates on new cars among the lowest of the lenders we reviewed. The 84-month term gives borrowers a low payment option to help manage expenses during transitional periods.

Where USAA stands out

• Competitive rates and terms: USAA members who own cars may qualify for some of the lowest APRs and flexible repayment terms of Bankrate-reviewed auto lenders. 
• Multiple types of loans: You can choose everything from a new car dealer purchase to the refinance of your current car loan. Used car rates are competitive, and USAA even offers an older car loan option if you need to stick to a lower price to fit your budget. 
• Fully online experience: Borrowers can apply, set up their loan and even sign final documents online. This can make life much easier for families trying to buy a car with a deployed military family member. 

Where USAA falls short

• No prequalification option: The online application process requires a hard inquiry, which could cause a slight temporary dip in your scores. 
• Membership required: You won't be eligible for USAA's auto loans unless you’re a military service member or related to one.
• Approval standards not published: The lender's website doesn’t provide any information about requirements for loan approval. 

USAA customer experience 

Customer support

USAA doesn’t list regular auto loan phone support contact hours on its website. There is a virtual chat option for general questions, but it appears most digital communications with a live representative are handled through the lender’s mobile app. 

Digital experience

USAA's mobile app on the App Store scores 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 1.8 million reviews. Members consistently cite the quality of service when handling a variety of banking products, including loans. Negative feedback varied from complaints about tracking payment due date change requests to dissatisfaction with specific products. 

What people are saying about USAA

The bulk of the reviews on Trustpilot were regarding negative experiences with its car insurance product. The average Trustpilot score is 1.3 stars out of 5, and many reviewers were long-time customers who expressed frustration with the level of service they’ve received in recent years. 

One customer said:

"Absolutely the worst bank and worst customer service. They’re completely lost in the loan department. If you need to talk to someone on the phone, be prepared to be passed around, lost and hung up on multiple times."

— Trustpilot User

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How Bankrate rates USAA

Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by Bankrate.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the lender’s website for the most current information.