No ATM fees and is needed for the Cow year loan
Is USAA the only source for the loan now? We had several options "a few years ago".
One cadet, who is a Cow now, said that they use USAA only. He didn't mention any other banks
My entire family (parents, siblings, self, children) use USAA for everything (insurance, banking, investments, buying services, vacations). Epic customer service is accurate. They are accustomed to customers living all over the world and being on the move. Use your cadet's status to become a member yourself. You will not be sorry especially when the big rebate check arrives at the end of the year!
I do not believe as a parent you can use your cadet's eligibility to become a USAA member, unless you are prior service yourself, which in that case you wouldn't need your cadet's status anyway. Navy Federal Credit Union however DOES allow for this type of membership benefit.
But as a USAA member, I can tell you that the service and products are as remarkable as previously mentioned. We switched from Allstate after having been members for over 30 years and our auto insurance rates were cut over half, for a better policy. Hard to beat that type of offer.
I believe any (most) individuals can use USAA for everything except auto insurance
I believe any (most) individuals can use USAA for everything except auto insurance
Why do you need a USAA ATM? USAA reimburses the ATM charges, and you can deposit on line easily with USAA (just scan the check). I've been with USAA for my insurance for 36 years and my banking since the early 80s and never had a problem doing business with them for anything. In all that time I have actually been to USAA just once - (I felt an obligation to go to the home office once in San Antonio on my way to 6 Flags just to say I had been there and made a deposit). They are a great company for a service member.I've heard a lot of good things about USAA, which was one of the main reasons why I opened an account for myself before getting here. But I also know something that is NOT a benefit to having just an account at USAA. What is with all the PenFed atms atms at West Point? Do they have like a partnership with the school? I dont have anything against PenFed (I have an account there too) but it really unnerves me sometimes that USAA seems to be just as/more popular than PenFed and yet you can't find a single USAA atm within the school.
USAA also has some pretty good investment services. for those of you who are interested in making investments with some or your cadet pay or Cow loan, USAA is convenient because it's easy to transfer funds between your banking accounts and investments.
Among other investments, some of their mutual funds are well rated, and they do offer CDs with "competitive rates" (haven't researched this myself, but thats what they say.)
I already have an account with USAA through my family, and I like how easily transferring money between investments, insurance, checking, and savings is. Also, you can't beat the iPhone app for mobile banking and depositing checks; all you have to do is sign the check, take a picture of the front and back, type in some information, and you're done! the check money has been deposited to your account of choice
I've heard the exact opposite from the Economics head at USMA (Economics PhD). He said USAA is great for everything except investments. They aren't the worst, but there certainly are way better options. Then again, that's just one opinion.