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The USAA Eagle Navigator™ Visa Signature® Credit Card is a solid travel rewards card option for USAA members.
Smart frequent travelers, veterans, and military families can earn 3x points on travel purchases, a $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fee every four years, and pay no foreign transaction fees.
USAA Eagle Navigator™ Visa Signature® Credit Card
Learn how to apply on our partner's secure site
- Must be a USAA member, or become a member, to apply.
- Earn 10,000 Bonus Points every year – applies after you complete eligible hotel or car booking. That's equal to a $100 travel value
- 3X points on travel purchases: triple your points on tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights and more.
- 2X points on everyday purchases – double your points on groceries, gas, dining, bills and more.
- Earn 10,000 Bonus Points every year – applies after you complete eligible hotel or car booking. That's equal to a $100 travel value.
- Up to $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fee every four years.
- Enjoy valuable travel benefits and protection, including Auto Rental Coverage, Travel Accident Coverage, Trip Interruption Coverage, Baggage Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Security and Cell Phone Protection
- Points never expire for the life of the account and there are no spend caps on point earning.
- Redeem points your way, on your schedule.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- $95 annual fee.
- See Rates and Fees for details
In this post:
Exclusive to USAA Members
First and foremost, eligibility for the USAA Eagle Navigator card requires USAA membership, catering specifically to military members, veterans, and their families. This exclusivity ensures that the benefits are tailored to the unique needs of the military community.
Rewarding Travel and Everyday Purchases
Earn Points Rapidly
- Travel Purchases: The card triples your rewards on travel-related expenses, including tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more, by offering 3X points.
- Everyday Purchases: It also doubles the points on daily spending such as groceries, gas, dining, and bills, offering 2X points.
Bonus Points
Cardholders are rewarded with 10,000 bonus points annually following an eligible hotel or car booking, translating to a $100 travel value. This recurring bonus is a unique feature that can significantly boost your points balance.
Comparison with Competitors
While the USAA Eagle Navigator Credit Card offers impressive rewards, how does it stack up against giants like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express?
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Known for its extensive travel benefits and higher rewards rate on dining and travel, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® comes with a higher annual fee, although the annual fee is waived for active duty and military spouses under the Military Lending Act. The USAA card offers a more affordable alternative with competitive travel rewards and protections, especially for military veterans that are not eligible for MLA or SCRA benefits.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: While The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a luxurious suite of travel perks and a higher rate of point accumulation on specific purchases, its steep annual fee might not appeal to everyone. The USAA Eagle Navigator card stands out as a more cost-effective option for those seeking valuable travel benefits without the hefty fee.
Additional Card Benefits
- TSA PreCheck® Global Entry® Credit: Up to $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fees every four years, streamlining your travel experience.
- Comprehensive Travel Protection: The card includes Auto Rental Coverage, Travel Accident Coverage, Trip Interruption Coverage, Baggage Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Security, and Cell Phone Protection, offering peace of mind to travelers.
- Points Flexibility: Points never expire for the life of the account, with no spend caps on point earning, and can be redeemed in a variety of ways, on your schedule.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Making international purchases more economical.
Fees and Considerations
The USAA Eagle Navigator™ Visa Signature® carries a $95 annual fee, which is moderate compared to the high-value travel benefits and protections it offers. However, potential cardholders should weigh the benefits against the fee to determine if it aligns with their spending habits and lifestyle.
Conclusion
For USAA members not eligible for MLA or SCRA annual fee waivers, the USAA Eagle Navigator™ Visa Signature® Credit Card offers a compelling mix of rewards, bonuses, and travel protections. Its competitive edge lies in the exclusive benefits tailored to military families, paired with the annual bonus points and a reasonable annual fee.
While the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express have their own strengths, the USAA Eagle Navigator card emerges as a robust, value-packed option for those eligible to apply. Whether it's earning points on everyday purchases or enjoying the perks of travel benefits, this card is designed to enhance your financial flexibility and travel experience.