USAA auto loans: 2024 review

Types of car loans that USAA offers

New/used car loans

USAA members can get an auto loan rate as low as 4.89 percent for a 36-month term for a new car. The vehicle must be 2023 or newer, and the rate includes a discount for automatic payment enrollment. For military families that need a lower payment, the term can be extended to as long as 84 months. 

Used car rates are slightly higher but are below 6 percent for a three-year term. Your vehicle must be a model between 2017 and 2022 to be eligible. You also have the 84-month term option and the same 0.25 percent discount for enrolling in autopay. 

Refinance loans

You can refinance a non-USAA loan by using the online link on the lender’s website. Auto owners with a current USAA loan must contact an 800 number to start the process. 

Lease buyout loans

USAA’s website doesn’t provide much information about its lease buyout program. However, you can get information about it by calling the 800 number provided. 

Where USAA stands out

• Competitive rates and terms: USAA members may qualify for some of the lowest APRs and flexible repayment terms of Bankrate-reviewed auto lenders. 
• Multiple loan types: 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 resources

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. You can also call the toll-free number listed on the website and request to be routed to the auto loan department for assistance.

Digital experience

USAA's mobile app on the App Store scores 4.8 out of 5 stars with over 1.9 million reviews. Members consistently cite the high 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.

How this lender compares

USAA vs. M&T Bank

USAA’s starting rates for vehicles are significantly lower than M&T Bank, which could mean a much lower monthly payment. USAA also offers loans throughout the U.S., while you’ll need to live in Washington, D.C. or one of the 12 states where M&T Bank operates in to borrow from this lender.  

If you need money for an inexpensive form of transportation, M&T Bank offers loan amounts as small as $2,000, compared to USAA’s $5,000 minimum. You can also reach an M&T Bank representative by phone 24/7, compared to USAA’s virtual-only mobile app communication system.

USAA vs. Navy Federal

USAA offers some payment flexibility that Navy Federal doesn’t, giving you the choice of monthly, twice a month or bi-weekly payment that aligns with your paycheck schedule. USAA also offers special benefits for cars that need to be delivered overseas that Navy Federal doesn’t offer. 

Navy Federal offers lower APRs and more flexible terms than USAA, with terms as short as 12 or as long as 96 months — compared to 36 months and 84 months USAA offers. You also have 24/7 phone access to a Navy Federal representative, rather than waiting for a digital response from USAA’s mobile app. 

Do you qualify for a USAA auto loan?

USAA does not disclose specific eligibility guidelines, but to qualify for a loan, you must meet its general membership requirements and provide the following information:

• Information about your current employment and income.
• Proof of your income, such as a pay stub.
• Current address information.
• Authorization for USAA to run your credit.

How Bankrate rates USAA

USAA gets two Bankrate Scores for its auto loan products. One is for its new and used offerings, the other is for its refinance products.

 Methodology