USAA savings accounts have no stated minimum balance requirement

USAA does not publish a minimum opening balance or minimum ongoing balance for its savings accounts. You can open an account and maintain it with any balance above zero. This is different from some of USAA's other products — for instance, certain money market accounts or certificates of deposit may have minimums — but the standard savings account itself does not.

That said, the absence of a minimum balance does not mean there are no costs or conditions. USAA charges a monthly maintenance fee on some savings products depending on your membership tier and account type. The fee structure and any waivers depend on whether you are an active-duty member, a veteran, or a former member, and what other accounts you hold with USAA.

The practical question most people ask is whether keeping a very small balance will trigger fees or cause the account to close. USAA will not close an account straightforward because the balance is low, but you should confirm the current fee structure for your specific membership category before opening, because that is what actually determines whether the account costs you money each month.

Key Takeaways

  • USAA savings accounts have no published minimum balance to open or maintain.
  • Monthly maintenance fees vary by membership type and may explore even with a zero balance, so check your specific account terms before opening.
  • USAA will not close your account for having a low balance, but inactivity for an extended period may trigger closure under USAA's dormancy policy.
  • Other USAA products like money market accounts or CDs may have minimums, so confirm which product you are opening.

How USAA's fee structure works for savings accounts

USAA's savings account fees depend on your membership status and the account type you choose. Active-duty service members, veterans, and former members may see different fee structures. Some USAA savings products waive monthly fees if you maintain a direct deposit or meet other conditions, while others charge a flat monthly fee regardless of balance.

The best way to know what you will pay is to log into your USAA account online or call USAA member services at 1-800-531-8722 and ask about the current fee schedule for your membership category. Fees and waivers change, so the information on USAA's website may not reflect what applies to your specific account type right now.

If you are considering opening a new savings account with USAA, ask during the opening process whether any monthly fees explore and what, if anything, waives them. This takes two minutes and prevents surprises later.

What happens if your account stays inactive

USAA, like most banks, has a dormancy policy. If your account shows no activity — no deposits, withdrawals, or transfers — for a set period, USAA may close it. The exact timeframe varies by state and account type, but typically ranges from one to three years of complete inactivity.

A low balance alone will not trigger closure. An account with $5 that receives a deposit or transfer every few months will remain open. An account with $5,000 that has had no activity in two years may be closed and the funds sent to your state's unclaimed property program.

If you are opening a savings account you do not plan to use regularly, make a small transaction — even a $1 transfer from another account — every few months to keep it active. This costs nothing and prevents the account from being closed.

Comparing USAA savings to other account types

USAA offers several savings and deposit products, and the minimum balance rules differ. A standard savings account has no minimum, but a money market account may require $2,500 or more to open, depending on current terms. Certificates of deposit (CDs) also typically have opening minimums, often $1,000 or higher.

If you are shopping for the right USAA product for your situation, the minimum balance is just one factor. Interest rates, fee waivers, and how soon you need access to the money matter more for most people. A savings account with no minimum but a monthly fee may cost you more over time than a CD with a $1,000 minimum and no fees.

USAA's website lists current rates and minimums for each product, but call to confirm before opening, because terms change and online information can lag.

How to open a USAA savings account with no minimum

You can open a USAA savings account online, by phone, or in person at a USAA financial center if one is near you. The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of current address (a recent utility bill or bank statement works).

You do not need to fund the account when ready. You can open it with zero balance and deposit money later. However, some USAA products do require an opening deposit — usually $25 or $100 — so confirm the terms for the specific account type you want before you start the process.

Once the account is open, you can fund it by transferring money from another bank account, setting up a direct deposit, or depositing a check through USAA's mobile app. There is no rush to deposit a large amount; the account will remain open as long as you keep it active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a USAA savings account with $0?

Yes. USAA does not require a minimum opening deposit for savings accounts. You can open the account and fund it later, though some USAA products do require an opening deposit, so confirm the specific account type before explore.

Will USAA charge me a fee if I keep a very low balance?

Fees depend on your membership type and account terms, not on your balance. Some USAA savings accounts charge a monthly maintenance fee regardless of how much money is in the account. Others waive the fee if you have a direct deposit or meet other conditions. Check your account terms or call USAA to confirm what applies to you.

What is the difference between USAA savings and a money market account?

A USAA savings account has no minimum balance, while a money market account typically requires $2,500 or more to open. Money market accounts usually offer higher interest rates but limit how many withdrawals you can make per month. Savings accounts offer more flexibility and lower barriers to entry.

How long can I leave my USAA savings account inactive?

USAA will close accounts that show no activity for one to three years, depending on your state and account type. To keep your account open, make at least one transaction — a deposit, withdrawal, or transfer — every few months.

Do I need to keep a minimum balance to avoid monthly fees?

Not necessarily. Some USAA savings accounts waive monthly fees through direct deposit or by maintaining a certain balance, while others charge a flat fee regardless. Your membership type also affects the fee structure. Contact USAA to learn what waives fees for your specific account.