USAA has a history of providing military members and their families with many services, while also striving for excellent customer service. In the 2015 Temkin Customer Service Ratings, USAA's banking services came out on top, ranking number one overall for customer service. Customer service is very important in this industry as customer's need answers to questions regarding their auto loan options. The company also offers many other great advantages to their service, such as:

No application fees
Low APRs
No early-pay penalty

Incentives

USAA frequently offers incentives and special offers on their website. For example, if USAA members buy through the USAA Car Buying Service before a designated date, they can receive discounted loan rates. The USAA website states that previous members have already saved an average of up to $3,485 on their MSRP simply because they are signed up with the USAA Car Buying Service. USAA also offers discounts for clients who sign up for their automatic loan payment system, and they offer exclusive manufacturing incentives. USAA does not penalize members for paying off their loans early, nor do they charge application fees. Some companies in the industry charge fees when customers pay their loans off early, some companies also charge application fees. We like that USAA doesn't charge for either of these.

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The Bad

Must have a military affiliation
No free credit score check
Lacking information

Exclusive to Military Members and their Families

Borrowers who do not already have a USAA account or any military affiliation are unable to qualify for USAA services. This limits who can apply for loans with USAA. If you do have military affiliation, you can qualify for an auto loan through USAA, as well as benefit from all of their other great services.

No Free Credit Score Option

When applying for auto loans, it's good to know your credit score so you're aware what type of APR you might be offered. Some companies in the industry offer a free credit score, or help customers find their credit score through a free third party website. We would like to see USAA add a free credit score option so members can know where they stand before applying for a loan.

Lacking Information

The USAA website offers minimal information about auto financing, the loan process, explanation of APR, and other similar details that borrowers find helpful. Borrowers who choose to work with USAA will want clarification on the process, terms of the loan, and other details with USAA. Potential customers should research these items before they finalize their loan so that they can ensure they understand what they're committing to.

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The Bottom Line

USAA offers some great features for their members. However, they are lacking some information we would like to see, and are exclusive to military members and their families. USAA offers an easy online application, low APRs, quick approval times, and several ways to get discounts. For military personnel and their families, we recommend USAA as a great option for a car loan.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

4.1

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46 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

65%

4 grade

11%

3 grade

2 grade

1 grade

17%

Sentiment Criteria

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peter harmatuk Poolesville, MD

The ABSOLUTE best company around for all types of insurance, on-line bank services, credit cards, home and auto lines and insurances. I have been a satisfied customer since 1977 and go no other place when I need a financial instrument. Their auto owners insurance is some of the lowest cost instruments in the marketplace. Low cost does not mean low service. Often my claims have been settles before I even complete the paperwork. My wife and I were in a bicycle accident on out Tandem. We were hit by an uninsured motorist....USAA stepped in a paid all of our medical expenses, restored out tandem and provided my wife a sizable compensation for her pain and suffering....all beyond their legal requirement.... Only used USAA car buying service and lines once....the loan was 2+points lower than the dealer could offer through its selection of financial instruments....we are USAA for LIFE

5 years ago

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Robyn Brady Kent, OH

I recently married a retired Marine and switched everything to USAA. They haven't always been the cheapest for insurance but the customer service by far exceeds everyone else. Proud to be the wife of a 22 year retired Marine. Thanks USAA for your continued dedication to the families of all our service men and women

5 years ago

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Martha Sensiba Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

My husband and I have been members of USAA for over 40 years. We have been very happy with the service we have received. Whenever we call to ask questions or have them help us with a problem, they are responsive and helpful.

8 years ago

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Gabe Burton Riverton, UT

I like how easy it is to change, update, or add your insurance, especially through the app. Filing claims is super easy too, they even have a place to upload your pictures. They totally saved me a ton of money when a Semi side swiped my van last summer. They had to total it, unfortunately, but they paid almost the entire amount for a new car! And gave me a really good rate!

5 years ago

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Jec Canby, OR

Fabulous. I’ve never had a problem with them covering a claim and I love that they take care of it with me and then go to the other company so I don’t have to deal with a company I don’t know. They are always polite and helpful. The have long hours since they service people all over the world. I’m never leaving USAA.

4 years ago

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Paige Ellis Slade Gilbert, AZ

We have had USAA insurance on our car for over 10 years now. We have never had any issues with it and we expect to have it for many many years to come! Billing is easy with auto pay. The customer service always makes us feel valued. They go above and beyond when it comes to helping find car rental deals.

5 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Alexander Kunz Houston, TX

I originally published a negative review of the loan process with USAA which was terrible to begin with. They have since called back and provided excellent service.

4 years ago Edited March 14, 2022

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Melissa Castillo Baytown, TX

We've used USAA for the majority of our vehicle loans and feel the process was easy and very clear. We were able to speak to representatives each time with any questions.

5 years ago

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Richard White

Loan terms and interest rates are very reasi\onable. They also provide discount buying services from many auto dealerships and insurance through another department.

8 years ago

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Cynthia Pottala Libertytown, MD

USAA is reliable and stands by its customers. Their terms are reasonable and they listen to their customers. Their customer service is above reproach.

8 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Jaron Thorley Orem, UT

I switched to USAA after being frustrated with the experience with State Farm. I was impressed by USAA customer service, and that’s why my whole family uses them.

5 years ago

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Abby Los Angeles, CA

My husband has had USAA since he was a teenager and they have always been so helpful. So glad I married into a family that allows me access to using USAA!

5 years ago

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Kimsreview Olney, MD

Very pleased with USAA car loan I had. They are very easy to work with and have incredible customer service.

6 years ago

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Laurie Massie Gulfport, MS

Beat every loan company’s rates- HANDS DOWN! Great rates, easy to work with! Definitely recommend!

6 years ago

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A very disappointing experience

USAA offers great let and structured to help their members. Very helpful associates make their offer a great value.

8 years ago

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alfred

Low an competitive interest rates. I shop for the car on USAA and know the price before purchasing.

8 years ago

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Amy Gardiner Germantown, MD

USAA made buying a car simple and easy! I loved the low rate and the dealership could not compete. The automatic payment makes life easy.

5 years ago

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Peter Harmatuk Columbia, MD

Used USAA for a car loan in the past. The whole experience was quick and easy, and their rates were extremely competitive if not the best available.

5 years ago

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ben Iowa City, IA

Great service. Rates are reasonable. They make the whole process easy. Their web site provides a car buying service as well.

7 years ago

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Tanya Lehi, UT

The car loan process was easy and quick, from application to finalizing - and yes, they’ll finance rebranded/reconditioned title vehicles

8 years ago

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Jeffrey Foutz American Fork, UT

Super easy. Call and got approved over the phone. Had the funds quickly to get the car. Payments were easy; could be done online.

8 years ago

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Christina

interest is low and USAA is a great company all around... but not to buy a house...

8 years ago

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michael

interest is low and USAA is a great company all around... but not to buy a house...

8 years ago

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Robert Stephenson

Easy application with working relationship with MB. Low rates and hassle free servicing of loan.

8 years ago

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Darluap Pleasant Grove, UT

Have had several auto loans through them. Sort easy to deal with. Great rates. Great customer service.

8 years ago

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Sally

I have been a USAA member for decades. They are exceedingly hard to beat.

8 years ago

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G. Goodrich

Great customer service. Work really hard to keep the customer happy.

8 years ago

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Laura White Detroit, MI

We’ve been part of USAA for about 15 years now. Love this company very easy to work with

4 years ago

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James R R Dobyns

Very competitive, and I have insurance with them.

8 years ago

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Jordan

excellent products ywrms rtes service and support

8 years ago