Editorial take: United Gateway Card
The no-fee United card. Doesn't include free bags (that starts with the Explorer), so it's really only worth it for credit-building purposes.
All credit cards
Side-by-side
United Gateway Card vs USAA Rewards Visa Signature
Both are well-respected travel cards. The United Gateway Card comes from Chase at $0/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
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.
| Feature | United Gateway Card | USAA Rewards Visa Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 30,000 miles | 2,500 USAA Rewards points |
| Bonus value (est.) | $390 | $25 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $1,000 in 3 mo | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | Chase | USAA |
| Card category | travel | rewards |
| Best earning category (United) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
|
Read the full review
United Gateway Card
$0/yr · 30,000 miles
Read the full review
USAA Rewards Visa Signature
$0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points
Editorial take: USAA Rewards Visa Signature
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, United Gateway Card or USAA Rewards Visa Signature?
- The United Gateway Card has the bigger bonus, 30,000 miles, worth roughly $390, versus 2,500 USAA Rewards points (~$25) on the USAA Rewards Visa Signature.
- Is the United Gateway Card's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Rewards Visa Signature?
- The United Gateway Card has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Rewards Visa Signature's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Rewards Visa Signature's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the United Gateway Card.
- Can I have both the United Gateway Card and USAA Rewards Visa Signature?
- 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 United Gateway Card or the USAA Rewards Visa Signature first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. United Gateway Card: $1,000 spend in 3 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.