You need military service history and a valid ID to open a USAA account

USAA requires proof of military service — either your own, or a family member's if you are a spouse or dependent. You will also need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID) and a Social Security number. The process takes about 15 minutes online, and your account opens the same day.

USAA does not have physical branches, so everything happens through their website, mobile app, or phone. You cannot walk into a location and open an account in person. If you do not have internet access, you can call 1-800-531-USAA (8722) and a representative can walk you through the process over the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have served in the military yourself, or be a spouse or dependent of someone who did, to open a USAA account.
  • The online application takes about 15 minutes and you can start using your account the same day.
  • You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and proof of military service (your military ID, discharge papers, or a military email address).
  • USAA offers checking and savings accounts, and you can link them to external bank accounts for transfers.
  • If you cannot verify your military service online, USAA can mail you a verification form to complete and return by mail.

What counts as proof of military service

USAA accepts several forms of proof. If you have a military ID card (CAC, dependent ID, or retiree card), you can upload an image of it during the online application. If you have your discharge papers (DD Form 214), those work too. You can also use a military email address — if you have a .mil email account, USAA can verify your service through that.

If you do not have any of those documents on hand, USAA will mail you a verification form. You fill it out, sign it, and mail it back. This adds about one to two weeks to the process, but your account still opens once USAA receives and processes the form. You can still use your account while waiting for the form to be verified.

The online application step by step

Go to usaa.com and click "Open an Account" or "Join USAA." You will be asked whether you served in the military, or whether a family member did. Answer honestly — USAA will verify whatever you claim.

Next, enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Upload a photo of your government ID (both sides). If you have military ID or discharge papers, upload those too. If you do not, select the option to receive a verification form by mail.

USAA will then ask what type of account you want. Most people start with a checking account, but you can open a savings account at the same time. Choose your debit card design if you want one (this is optional). Review the account terms, agree to them, and submit.

Within minutes, USAA will send you a confirmation email with your account number and routing number. You can log in to the mobile app or website right away. If you ordered a debit card, it arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if USAA cannot verify your service

If your military service does not show up in USAA's system, they will ask you to mail in a verification form. This can happen if you served a long time ago, if your records are incomplete, or if there is a name mismatch (for example, if you changed your name after discharge). USAA will email you the form and instructions.

Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back to the address USAA provides. Processing takes one to two weeks after USAA receives it. Your account remains open and usable during this time — you are not locked out while waiting for verification.

If you have questions about whether you will be able to open an account, call USAA before you apply. They can tell you whether your service record is in their system and what documents you will need.

Linking an external bank account

Once your USAA account is open, you can link it to a checking or savings account at another bank. This lets you transfer money between accounts without waiting for an ACH transfer to clear. USAA uses Plaid, a third-party service, to verify the external account.

To link an account, log into USAA online or in the app, go to "Transfer Money," and select "Link External Account." Enter the bank name and account number, and USAA will ask for your login credentials for that bank. Plaid verifies the account in real time, and the link is usually active within minutes.

Once linked, you can transfer up to your daily limit (which varies by account type). Transfers out of USAA typically arrive within one business day. Transfers into USAA may take one to three business days depending on the other bank.

Account types and what each one costs

USAA offers a checking account and a savings account. The checking account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no overdraft fees (USAA declines transactions instead of charging you). The savings account also has no monthly fee and no minimum balance.

Both accounts come with online and mobile banking, bill pay, and the ability to deposit checks by taking a photo with your phone. The checking account includes a debit card and ATM access (USAA reimburses ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide).

USAA also offers money market accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs), but those are separate products with different terms. Start with checking and savings unless you have a specific reason to choose something else.

What to do if you are a dependent or spouse

If you did not serve in the military but your spouse or parent did, you can still open a USAA account. During the application, select "I am a family member of someone who served." You will be asked for the service member's name, branch, and years of service. USAA will verify this information.

You will still need your own valid ID and Social Security number. The application process is the same as for service members. If USAA cannot verify the service member's record, they will mail you a verification form just as they would for a service member.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a debit card after I open my account?

USAA mails debit cards within one to two business days of account opening. Delivery takes 7 to 10 business days depending on where you live. You can use your account and transfer money before the card arrives — you do not have to wait for the physical card.

Can I open a USAA account if I was dishonorably discharged?

USAA membership is restricted to those with an honorable or general discharge. A dishonorable discharge disqualifies you. If you received a discharge under other than honorable conditions, contact USAA directly — they review these cases individually.

What if I do not have a government ID?

You need a valid government-issued ID to open any bank account. If you do not have a driver's license or passport, you can get a state ID card from your local DMV. A military ID also works if you still have one.

Can I open a joint account with someone who is not military?

No. Both account holders must have military service or be may be able to access family members. If your spouse did not serve and is not a dependent of a service member, they cannot be a joint account holder on a USAA account.

What if I moved and my address changed after I opened my account?

Update your address in the USAA app or website under "Profile" or "Account Settings." Changes take effect immediately. If you ordered a debit card before changing your address, it will be mailed to your old address — contact USAA to have a new card sent to your current address.