You need to be military-connected and pass USAA's verification to open a checking account

USAA checking accounts are available only to people who meet their military affiliation requirement. That means you must be active duty, retired, a veteran, or a spouse or dependent of someone in one of those categories. USAA will verify your military status during the account opening process using information from the Department of Defense.

Once you confirm you meet the military requirement, the account opening itself happens online or by phone. You'll provide personal information, choose your account type, and fund the account. The whole process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes online, though account set up can take up to one business day.

Key Takeaways

  • USAA checking accounts require military affiliation verified through the Department of Defense — active duty, retired, veteran, or may be able to access family member status.
  • You can open an account online at usaa.com, by phone at 1-800-531-8722, or at a USAA Financial Center location if one is near you.
  • You'll need a Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of current address to complete the account opening.
  • Your account becomes active within one business day, and USAA will mail you a debit card and checks within 7 to 10 business days.
  • USAA checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee, but some account types require a minimum opening deposit.

Military affiliation verification happens through the Department of Defense

USAA uses the Defense Enrollment may be able to access Reporting System (DEERS) to confirm your military status. If you are active duty or retired, your information is already in that system. If you are a veteran, USAA will verify your discharge status through the VA. If you are a spouse or dependent, USAA will check your relationship to the service member.

The verification is automatic during account opening — you do not need to submit separate military documents. However, if USAA cannot verify your status electronically, they will ask you to provide a copy of your military ID, discharge papers (DD Form 214), or dependent ID card. This usually takes a few extra days.

What you need to have ready before you start

Gather these items before you begin the account opening process. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID), and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to decide how much money you want to deposit to open the account. Some USAA checking account types require a minimum opening deposit of $25, while others have no minimum. Have that money available in another account so you can transfer it during setup.

Opening the account online at usaa.com

Go to usaa.com and click "Open an Account" or "New Member" in the top navigation. Select "Checking" as the account type. You will be asked to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. USAA will then verify your military status electronically.

Next, you will choose which checking account product you want. USAA offers several types — the basic Checking Account, the Interest Checking Account, and the Cash Management Account. Each has different features and fee structures. Review the comparison on USAA's website to see which fits your needs.

After you choose your account type, you will verify your identity by uploading a photo of your government-issued ID and providing proof of address. You will also set up online banking credentials — username and password — and choose security questions. Finally, you will review the account terms and authorize the opening.

Once you submit, USAA will send you a confirmation email. Your account becomes active within one business day. USAA will mail your debit card and starter checks to the address you provided, usually arriving within 7 to 10 business days.

Opening by phone or at a USAA Financial Center

If you prefer to open your account by phone, call USAA Member Services at 1-800-531-8722. A representative will walk you through the same steps as the online process. They will verify your military status, confirm your identity, and help you choose your account type. The call usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

USAA also operates Financial Centers in select cities — currently in San Antonio, Austin, and Las Vegas. You can visit in person to open an account with a representative. Bring your government-issued ID, proof of address, and the money you want to deposit. In-person account opening takes about 30 minutes, and your account is active when ready.

What happens after your account opens

Your account is ready to use within one business day of opening, even if your physical debit card has not arrived yet. USAA gives you a temporary virtual debit card number that you can use for online purchases and bill payments right away. You can also set up direct deposit or transfer money from another bank account to start using your checking account when ready.

Your permanent debit card and starter checks arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once they arrive, you can use them at ATMs, in stores, and to write checks. USAA has no monthly maintenance fee on any of their checking accounts, and they reimburse ATM fees charged by other banks worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm a spouse or dependent — do I need my own military ID?

No. USAA will verify your relationship to the service member through the Department of Defense. You need your own government-issued ID and Social Security number, but not a military ID. If USAA cannot verify your relationship electronically, they will ask you to provide a copy of your marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Can I open an account if I'm a veteran but my discharge was more than a few years ago?

Yes. USAA recognizes all honorably discharged veterans, regardless of when you separated. USAA will verify your veteran status through the VA. If you have a DD Form 214 (your discharge papers), having it ready can speed up the verification process.

What if USAA cannot verify my military status electronically?

USAA will contact you by email or phone and ask you to submit military documents. This might be a military ID, discharge papers, or dependent ID card. You can upload these documents through your online account or email them to USAA. Verification usually takes 3 to 5 business days after you submit the documents.

Do I need to have a minimum balance to keep the account open?

No. USAA checking accounts have no monthly maintenance fee and no minimum balance requirement. You can keep the account open with zero dollars in it, though you will not earn interest on a basic checking account with a zero balance.

Can I open a joint account with my spouse?

Yes. During the account opening process, you can add a joint owner. Both owners must meet USAA's military affiliation requirement. USAA will verify both people's military status before the account opens.