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Side-by-side

IHG One Rewards Traveler vs USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum

Both are well-respected travel cards. The IHG One Rewards Traveler comes from Chase at $0/yr; the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum from USAA at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureIHG One Rewards TravelerUSAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonus80,000 pointsNone
Bonus value (est.)$480$0
Min spend to unlock bonus$2,000 in 3 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerChaseUSAA
Card categoryhotelrewards
Best earning category (Ihg)17x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • 4th night free on awards
  • 17x at IHG
  • No annual fee
  • Silver status
    Read the full review
    IHG One Rewards Traveler
    $0/yr · 80,000 points
    Read the full review
    USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum
    $0/yr · None

    Editorial take: IHG One Rewards Traveler

    The 4th-night-free benefit alone makes this a standout, on a 4-night IHG stay, you're effectively getting 25% off. Stack with transfer bonuses from Chase UR for serious savings.

    Editorial take: USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, IHG One Rewards Traveler or USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
    The IHG One Rewards Traveler has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points, worth roughly $480, versus None (~$0) on the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum.
    Is the IHG One Rewards Traveler's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
    The IHG One Rewards Traveler has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the IHG One Rewards Traveler.
    Can I have both the IHG One Rewards Traveler and USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Chase 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 IHG One Rewards Traveler or the USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. IHG One Rewards Traveler: $2,000 spend in 3 months. USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum: $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.