If you use USAA or Navy Federal, which do you prefer for your finances?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 02:17:47 -0400

I've asked multiple people who use each and they all have their specific reasoning as to why, but what do you guys prefer if you use either of these companies for your finances?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Mar 22 at 2017 2:25 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 02:25:23 -0400

I've been with USAA for fifty years come November.

I started with car insurance, but now have car, home, and personal belongings insurance with them as well as home mortgage, vehicle financing, and revolving credit. They have always been as easy to deal with as family and I haven't seen anyone beat their prices yet.

I have also used USAA's buying service to buy my vehicles at pre-negotiated prices, which has been a lower price than I could negotiate by myself.

I don't have any experience with Navy Federal, so I cannot compare them.

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Mar 22 at 2017 2:41 AM

PFC Jonathan Albano — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 02:41:24 -0400

I haven't used USAA, however, I started banking with Navy Fed a few years back. The people working there consistently have impressed me with their great customer service.

Around the time I chose Navy Fed, I looked into USAA as well. It comes down to there's good points about both USAA and Navy Fed. It just comes down to which one lines up best with your personal plans.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 22 at 2017 3:01 AM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 03:01:17 -0400

Coming up on 30 years with NFCU. Best bank I've ever dealt with. Either way, you can't go wrong, I don't think, but my vote is for NFCU.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 4:42 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 04:42:11 -0400

I use both and have never had a problem with either. I've been with both for over 30 years. You probably won't find cheaper insurance anywhere than USAA. In the past other companies have contacted me and when I tell them I use USAA for car insurance they quickly say that they can't beat their rates and don't call again. Customer service for both are top-notch. I had an issue with a scumbag vendor for stuff paid for with NFCU VISA. Their agent got on a conference call with them and got results. I have not used USAA for investments but a friend did and was very pleased. They have some decent mutual funds that get good and safe returns. They both understand the military challenges and pattern their services to make finances easier. I'd recommend both to anyone and if the question is which of the two, my answer would again be both. USAA for insurance and NFCU for banking. They both have lower rates on their credit cards and I have one from each. I refinanced home a few years back with NFCU at 2.375 for 15 years and that has worked out well. I also get a profit sharing check from USAA every year that fluctuates based on their performance for the year. If you bundle insurance with USAA the rates get even lower. In over 30 years I've never had a problem with either and could enthusiastically recommend both without reservation.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 6:03 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 06:03:51 -0400

I lean more to credit unions for banking. But you can't go wrong with either. Love USAA for insurance! Another you might consider is PENFED.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 22 at 2017 8:04 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:04:49 -0400

I've been using USAA on and off since I was in the military. I recently went back to them for my car and home insurance. They have been great for that. I have looked into using them for banking but I prefer to have the ability to walk into an office and speak with someone when needed so I stick with PNC for my banking.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Mar 22 at 2017 8:06 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 08:06:30 -0400

Have both, hands down, I believe USAA is better. Navy Fed have hidden fees that don't cost much, but irritates me in principle such as foreign transaction fees and debit fees when you get cash back. In nearly 20 years, I never a single issue with USAA. No crazy fees or weird charges. Always professional customer service and quick response. Never had any problems with their insurance either. When I had to file a claim; they assisted me from start to finish.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 22 at 2017 9:17 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:17:40 -0400

I have a credit card and a couple loans through Navy Federal, and I like their products and service.

As far as USAA, I once got a quote for auto insurance (the only service I shopped for with them), and they quoted me a price 3x what I was already paying! No accidents. Midrange credit. Up to that point, only 1 moving violation within the prior 13 years, and these turds wanted to charge me 3 times as much as my current insurance cost.

My response to the rep was "Are you fucking kidding me?!"

Am I inclined to give them my business? Not really.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Mar 22 at 2017 11:01 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:01:56 -0400

I've used USAA for around 30 years. Started with auto insurance as a cadet. Added investments and finally some banking. I've never had any issues. Most people that I know who use them are very happy & loyal. Never used Navy Fed, but never heard anything bad about them either.

I do wish that USAA would launch a redesign of their member website, I sometimes have to dig to find what I want, but its workable.

If physical branches are important to you, you might want to look at Navy Fed.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 22 at 2017 11:08 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:08:58 -0400

No experience with Navy Fed, but have been with USAA for going on 50 years. Back when I joined the USAA family they only offered insurance so had to go elsewhere for finances. You couldn't beat their rates, even my mother who was a Liberty Mutual agent couldn't come close. For finances I ended up with Kelly Field National Bank because they specialized in military banking. Don't recall how long I stayed with them, know they had one buy out by a bank in Minnesota as I recall. That buyout really didn't change the service much, but they in turn got bought by Wells Fargo and despite being called Wells Fargo Military Banking, the understanding of military needs was non existent. Fortunately by this time USAA had gotten into banking, so it was a no brainer to switch from Wells Fargo to USAA. Since that change I've used USAA bank for checking, savings, mortgage and investment services. Never had any issues except with mortgage servicing. Getting the mortgage was pretty straightforward, but once you have the mortgage they sub the mortgage out for servicing. Had several issues with that company which IMO was not up to normal USAA customer service standards. Ultimately we refinanced to get away from that servicing company. Being a military associated bank with people all over the world USAA pioneered many of the banking conveniences that seem common place now. Things like depositing checks or paying bills from home simply did not exist before USAA started these services. I think they set the standard for secure banking via the internet, so there is never any worry making transactions. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend USAA for financial and insurance needs.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 22 at 2017 11:25 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:25:12 -0400

I use NavyFed for banking and USAA for insurance. I didn't know USAA did banking until about a year ago so I can't give an opinion on them. I currently prefer NavyFed simply because I have a banking history with them, and I have a branch conveniently close.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 11:51 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:51:51 -0400

I use USAA for most of my finances, it's where my pay goes and I use their auto insurance. However due to being fresh out of high school when I joined and having no credit history, USAA would not give me a credit card so I got one through Navy Federal and now use that as my credit card and savings account. Both companies have been great to me customer service wise.

Response by SSG William Jones made Mar 22 at 2017 12:25 PM

SSG William Jones — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:25:51 -0400

@sgt dave tracy
@PVT Kenneth Wakefield
I had the same experience with USAA for my auto insurance. They couldn't get within smelling distance of National General (formerly GMAC). My rates are even lower with National General because we pay them annualy, not monthly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 1:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:09:35 -0400

I have been a USAA member for almost 10 years. No company is perfect, but they have done well by me so far. Their fraud team is tops!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 1:54 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:54:04 -0400

I have NavyFed for banking and USAA for insurance. The one thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is NavyFed has a branches on the overseas bases. Even with all the things you can do on the internet, over the phone or from an ATM it's still nice to walk into one of their branches and talk to someone face to face.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 2:28 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 14:28:41 -0400

Navy Federal 100%. I despise USAA, they have screwed me over 10 times before with Auto insurance, gave me a 13% interest loan when Navy Fed gave me 5% for the same car. The lack of local Credit Unions on USAA is also a negative.

Navy Federal has been the best thing since sliced bread as far as banking and rates

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 24 at 2017 11:55 PM

COL Charles Williams — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 23:55:49 -0400

USAA hands down.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 1:04 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 01:04:36 -0400

USAA customer service is far and above better than Navy Federal. I have now refinanced once with Navy Federal that took 9 months to process and close and just tried going through a mortgage process with them. I started in May and still have not closed. USAA had a closing date of 6/23. I applied for a VA loan but didn't realize the requirements changed in 2015. I am in the Air Guard and only have 5 years of service without any Title 10 activations of at least 90 days. I sent in my Certificate of Eligibility at the end of May and the VA sent a rejection to Navy Federal June 7. Navy Federal only told me on July 15, 4 days before the closing date of July 19 that I was not eligible. It got so bad with Navy Federal that I found another lender that gave me a better deal than the conventional loan Navy Federal could give me (3.625% for VA, 4.75 for conventional - $80,000 more in payments over the life of the loan). Navy Federal a week later countered with a better offer but said my income did not count as I work a per diem, contract job on the civilian side. Yesterday they called and said my income would count and my loan was approved. I told the other company thank you but it was all business and I was going to go with Navy Federal. Today I called up Navy Federal to inquire about the closing disclosure and now they have told me I don't qualify for the loan after I cancelled my application with the other lender. Navy Federal may have better interest rates but the stress and negative impact this has had on my health are not worth it. I will be paying off my refinance within the next 5-8 years and will never conduct any business again with Navy Federal. USAA has always taken care of my needs whether it is car insurance, home insurance, checking account, etc. I can get a hold of someone on the phone very easily during business hours. If only USAA could match other interest rates on mortgages I would have been all set.

Response by Cpl Joe Simpson made Nov 13 at 2017 6:00 PM

Cpl Joe Simpson — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 18:00:37 -0500

I have USAA and just recently hit a deer and they totaled my car. I found out their customer service is great until you need them. They held the process up. Also, they use CCC one for their ACV (actual cash value). CCC one is notorious for lowballing vehicle values to save the insurance company. Google USAA low ACV there are countless complaints about this. Other insurance companies use this as a starting point to negotiate with you. USAA will not negotiate.

Response by MSG Charles Turner made Mar 10 at 2018 11:09 PM

MSG Charles Turner — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 23:09:15 -0500

I prefer another USAA!

Response by SrA Doug R made Aug 7 at 2018 1:26 PM

SrA Doug R — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 13:26:11 -0400

USAA is a corrupt organization that is no different than a wolf in sheeps clothing. Or as I like to refer to it as nothing more than a pretty girl or guy with the clap. It seems like a great deal. Nice customer service but that's only on the surface. I just had an experience with USAA that would make your head spin. I was actually surprised and than started to dig. USAA does not honor the military or veterans at all, they exploit them for profit.

After having one of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had with any company I moved my insurance to GEICO and my banking to Navy Federal. Although my car insurance is 15.00 more a month Sometimes you just have to say I'm not going to do business with a company that engages in unethical business practices.

After a simple screw up on the part of USAA (replacing a lost debit card with the wrong replacement and stranding me without access to cash) they refused to accept any responsibility. In the process of complaining I ran into two incredibly rude customer service reps in the "escalations" department. When I called back to discuss my concerns with them I then got another even ruder rep named Nicole who not only argued with me but repeatedly interrupted and spoke over me. When that pissed me off I raised my voice a bit and she did the same trying to shout me down. I have never experienced anything like this anywhere in a "professional" organization and ironically from the escalation department that are supposed to be trained to resolve conflicts and deal with upset customers. (I will admit for the most part the people who you make the initial contact with are very professional and often very nice). Unfortunately if you read reviews by employees themselves of the company from sites such as glassdoor it becomes apparent why this is. The people that work there are not treated very well and apparently it's not a great place to work. However it became apparent that the people at this level have no fear of being held accountable and seem to feel they can behave in any way they wish with no fear of reprisal or accountability which is obvious by the pattern of behaviors I experienced from these people.

I made 14 calls in 2 weeks complaining about the way I was treated and was met with more of the same hostility. This is the point when I cancelled my car insurance I informed the bank that I would be moving all of my money and closing my accounts. In fact I had already added the external account to move my money and found out it would take 3 days to verify so I would have to wait.

In the meantime I took out a loan for the sole purpose of paying off my credit cards so that I could make a clean break with this organization and have no reason to have any further contact with them.
In the process of having the loan wired to my account USAA blocked me from being able to access my account online through the website. When I called to inquire why that is they said they shut down my access to online banking because I was "rude" to their representatives on the phone. I asked for clarification in this manner. "So because I was, according to you, rude to your phone staff the proper thing to do is to restrict my access to online banking so that I have no choice but to have more contact with your phone staff? The woman I was speaking to didn't respond to my questioning the logic. I than pointed out to her that this was clearly retaliatory in nature and actually somewhat childish and in fact now creating a hardship on me as all my bills were paid from that account.

I found out on call number 15 that not one person I had spoken to lodged the complaint that I requested. NOT ONE> In the meantime I filed a complaint with the BBB and while having a large sum of money wired into my account to pay off my credit card I made it clear to the Bank that I was closing my accounts and would no longer do business with them. After the run around I than received a call from "Jolene" who stated she was calling to respond to my complaint, (with the BBB). She than went on to summarize my concerns about the debit card issue. My seven paragraph complaint to the BBB was a result of the poor customer service and the debit card was merely mentioned as the catalyst. In the process of listening to Jolene ramble on about nonsense I asked her if she even read the complaint. She admitted she had not. I than asked her if she had reviewed the recorded calls. She admitted she had not. This is on a recorded line so it's easily provable. I than asked her what the point was to cut off access to my online banking to which she replied that USAA had decided to not do business with me anymore and that's why I couldn't access my account. This was an attempt at trying to make up excuses because her timeline doesn't match what actually happened. Regardless, I than asked Jolene this question:

"So you never even bothered to read the complaint, you never listened to the calls, you supposedly are calling me without doing either of those things to discuss the issue, which according to you had already resulted in a decision by USAA which by your own account was made without any investigation whatsoever. She refused to answer. I than told her that I would be recording the calls from this moment forward to which she stated "I don't give you permission to record the calls" I told her than I don't want to speak to someone on a recorded line either. She hung up on me.

Last night I called to review information on my credit card statement since I have no access to online banking. The person at the credit card services refused to give me the information. I called back and was told by 4 different customer service reps that the credit card division was closed for the night. This was multiple calls. On the 5th call the rep clearly didn't read the notes and said, I'll transfer you to credit card services. I told him I was told they were closed. He responded with, "No, they are open, there is someone there". He transferred me and indeed someone was there who also was not helpful but once again an example of multiple reps outright lying. Something I had become accustomed to at this point.

I currently have a pending case with the BBB. I have also filed a complaint with the TX state attorney general and the FDIC which forwarded my complaint to a consumer advocacy group for banking. I am in the process of considering litigation against the bank and will continue to share my experience. The sad thing is after this happened I started to do some research and this is where it became very disturbing. This is a company that claims to stand by and support veterans and military. Yet they quietly sponsor The View, Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews, The HRC, and Jake Tapper to name a few. Yet they pulled their advertising on a conservative program and only reversed course when they received over 1800 calls in one day. And lets not forget the NFL issue where they continued to support and sponsor the NFL ins spite of angry protests from their customers.

Just remember that the majority of people they advertise and fund are openly hostile to the military, to veterans in general and to conservatives as a whole which is how a majority of their customers identify. There you have the wolf in sheeps clothing. No doubt USAA was once a great organization. Those days are gone and they are living off of a borrowed reputation. Sadly veterans and the military no longer stand in solidarity with each other to push back against unethical businesses such as this and this business is the epitome of unethical behavior.

If you think this is an anecdotal or isolated case I suggest people get on the internet and do some research. Someday it might be you that is getting the shaft by this company and it's a sad feeling to have people respond to your issues with comment's like, "I've never had a problem with them".

So do business with them at your own risk and realize where the money you are putting in their pockets is going and who you are supporting. Because it's not veterans, and it's not the military. It's Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews and MSNBC. That's the real face of USAA. People can believe what they want but there is nothing sleazier than this business practice because it's deceitful to the core. The literal wolf in sheeps clothing.

If you have any questions, want verification or direction to validate anything stated please go to the Facebook page "Vets against USAA" I will pulling comments and experiences from people all over the web to consolidate as much as I can in one location. I have decided that I'm not going to just drop this and move on. I'm going to make it a goal to educate people about this corrupt organization.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 7 at 2018 2:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 14:13:36 -0400

Just the other day, the MileIQ charged my debit card $60 without my permission. In three days I have received a new card and was refunded the $60. I like the no fuss car insurance and cheap rental insurance.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 8 at 2018 3:40 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 03:40:20 -0400

I use USS for auto insurance [since 1982] and Armed Forces Insurance Exchange for home and personal property insurance [since 1976] SGT Private RallyPoint Member
Thank you for mentioning me SSG William Jones

Response by PO1 Jk W made Aug 21 at 2019 7:48 AM

PO1 Jk W — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 07:48:14 -0400

NFCU for 38 years (since I was 18) and USAA for 18 years. Both are low fee, good rates. I guess it's who does what better:
NFCU: Better rates on CD's. Website much easier to navigate, less cluttered, easier to review savings checking & pay bills.
USAA: Offers auto insurance, offers mutual funds directly administered by USAA.

Response by SPC Frank A. Westgate made Feb 3 at 2020 9:40 AM

SPC Frank A. Westgate — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 09:40:15 -0500

Both are a good choice, Navy Fed has just a little bit lower loan rates. I like Navy Fed security options but I haven't banked with USAA just know a few friends that do and there are satisfied

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 10:33 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 22:33:27 -0400

Navy Federal always seemed to be easier to talk to and it helps having a physical branch outside almost every post.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 2 at 2022 6:06 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 06:06:25 -0400

Thanks for sharing