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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs USAA Rewards Visa Signature

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the USAA Rewards Visa Signature from USAA at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,475 more in estimated value) than the USAA Rewards Visa Signature's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the USAA Rewards Visa Signature after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedUSAA Rewards Visa Signature
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$25
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressUSAA
Card categorybusinessrewards
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
      Read the full review
      American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
      $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
      Read the full review
      USAA Rewards Visa Signature
      $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points

      Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

      Editorial take: USAA Rewards Visa Signature

      Common questions

      Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or USAA Rewards Visa Signature?
      The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards Visa Signature.
      Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards Visa Signature?
      At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the USAA Rewards Visa Signature's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
      Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and USAA Rewards Visa Signature?
      Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and USAA) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
      Should I get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the USAA Rewards Visa Signature first?
      Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 spend in 6 months. USAA Rewards Visa Signature: $0 in 0 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

      Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.