Can you buy stocks through USAA?
Introduction
can you buy stocks through usaa — short answer: yes. USAA offers investment and brokerage services for eligible members that generally allow buying U.S. stocks, exchange‑traded funds (ETFs), and mutual funds through accounts held at USAA Investment Services Company and related custodial arrangements. This guide explains how USAA’s investing offerings work, the account types and securities you can buy, custody/execution partnerships, fees and platform features, regulatory protections, common limits, and practical next steps you can take today.
As of January 21, 2026, according to USAA’s official investing pages and regulatory records such as FINRA BrokerCheck and SEC mutual fund filings, USAA continues to provide brokerage and managed investment services to eligible members. Readers should verify current product details and pricing on USAA’s site or disclosures before opening or funding an account.
This article covers:
- Eligibility and background on USAA
- Account types you can open to buy stocks through USAA
- Securities and product availability
- How to place trades and typical steps to buy stocks
- Custody, execution and partner roles (including noted partnerships)
- Fees, pricing and historical review points to check
- Platform tools, suitability and limitations
- Regulatory status, investor protections and important documents to read
- Alternatives to USAA for different trading needs
- FAQs, references and further reading
Throughout, the exact question can you buy stocks through USAA appears where helpful so you can quickly confirm the answer and locate the sections most relevant to your needs.
Background on USAA
USAA (United Services Automobile Association) is a member‑owned financial services organization founded to serve U.S. military members, veterans, and their families. USAA provides insurance, banking, retirement products, and investment services to eligible members. Important facts:
- USAA is not a publicly traded company; it is member‑owned and operates for the benefit of its members.
- Its investment and brokerage activities are organized under entities such as USAA Investment Services Company and related trust structures for USAA mutual funds.
- As of January 21, 2026, official USAA documents and regulatory filings remain the authoritative source for the latest product, fee and partnership details.
This member‑owned structure means you cannot buy shares of USAA on public markets. That is a separate point from the main question can you buy stocks through USAA — which asks whether USAA’s brokerage services let members buy other companies’ stocks. The answer to that transactional question is addressed below.
USAA investment and brokerage services — overview
USAA provides a range of investing services aimed primarily at long‑term and retirement investors among its membership. Key parts of the offering include:
- Brokerage (taxable) accounts to buy and sell U.S. stocks and ETFs.
- Retirement accounts (Traditional and Roth IRAs, rollover IRAs) that can hold equities and mutual funds.
- Managed/advisory accounts where USAA or its advisors manage a portfolio on behalf of the member.
- USAA mutual funds (USAA Mutual Funds Trust) and access to third‑party mutual funds.
- Educational resources and research materials for investors.
These services are provided through registered broker‑dealer entities affiliated with USAA. For custody, clearing, or certain platform services, USAA may use partnerships with external custodians or service providers. As of January 21, 2026, USAA has publicly noted relationships with other financial firms for some operational functions; readers should consult current USAA disclosures for specifics.
Account types offered
Typical account types offered to eligible USAA members include:
- Individual taxable brokerage accounts (cash accounts)
- Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs
- Rollover IRAs for transferring 401(k) and other retirement assets
- Custodial accounts for minors (UGMA/UTMA type arrangements)
- Managed/advisory accounts (fee‑based investment advisory relationships)
Each account type supports different tax treatments and eligibility rules. When asking can you buy stocks through USAA, note that the answer depends on the account you open — you can buy stocks in taxable and many retirement account types, subject to individual product rules.
Securities and products available
Members can generally access:
- U.S.-listed common and preferred stocks
- Exchange‑traded funds (ETFs)
- Mutual funds, including USAA’s own mutual funds offered through the USAA Mutual Funds Trust
- Fixed‑income securities (bonds) and CDs in many accounts
What may be limited or unavailable without confirmation:
- Fractional shares (availability varies by platform and over time)
- Direct cryptocurrency trading through USAA brokerage (historically not offered — see the FAQ)
- Certain derivatives, advanced option strategies or access to extended international markets
If your priority is active day trading, fractional shares, crypto assets, or very advanced derivatives, confirm those items when comparing brokers. For most buy‑and‑hold investors and retirement savers, USAA provides the core capabilities to buy individual U.S. stocks and ETFs.
How to buy stocks through USAA — process
Below are the typical steps members follow when asking can you buy stocks through USAA and executing trades.
- Confirm eligibility
- USAA membership is required to open most USAA investment accounts. Eligibility generally includes active military, veterans, and certain family members. Check USAA’s membership rules for details.
- Choose account type
- Decide whether you need a taxable brokerage account, IRA, rollover IRA, or a managed account.
- Open the account
- Complete the online application or speak with a USAA representative. Expect identity verification and tax‑form collection.
- Fund the account
- Transfer funds via ACH, wire, or internal transfer from USAA bank accounts. Rollover or transfer processes for retirement assets may take additional documentation and time.
- Research and select securities
- Use USAA’s platform research tools to find the stock or ETF you want to buy. Confirm ticker, market, and order types.
- Place the trade
- Enter a buy order (market order, limit order, etc.) using the web or mobile platform. Review confirmations and expected settlement terms (usually T+2 for stocks).
- Monitor and manage
- Track holdings, dividends, tax documents, and periodic statements. For retirement accounts, pay attention to contribution limits and withdrawal rules.
Throughout, confirm current trade execution hours, order types supported, and any minimums or funding hold periods in the account agreement.
Custody, execution and partnerships
When exploring can you buy stocks through USAA, it helps to understand how USAA structures custody and execution:
- USAA Investment Services Company operates as a broker‑dealer offering brokerage services to members. Registered broker‑dealer status means trades and advisory services are provided under FINRA/SEC rules.
- For custody, clearing and technology infrastructure, USAA may rely on partnered custodians or third‑party service providers. For example, USAA has previously disclosed operational relationships with established industry firms for certain back‑office or custody functions; these arrangements can affect account features, transfer timelines and certain disclosures.
- Partnerships can also influence available trading tools, data feeds, and order routing practices.
Because these custodial and execution arrangements evolve, ask the USAA representative or review the account agreement to know which entities will hold your assets and execute trades on your behalf at the time you open an account.
Fees, commissions and pricing
Fee structures vary over time across the industry. When answering can you buy stocks through USAA, consider the cost dimension:
- USAA has historically offered a mix of per‑trade commissions, advisory fees for managed accounts, and expense ratios for mutual funds. Industry trends have driven many brokers to reduce or eliminate commissions for many equity and ETF trades, but fees for managed accounts and certain products often remain.
- Expect possible fees such as margin interest (if margin borrowing is offered), option contract fees (for option trades), account maintenance or inactivity fees in some account types, and mutual fund expense ratios.
- Third‑party costs may apply for wires, physical statements, or special services.
Independent reviews have noted that USAA’s fee levels and transparency have been competitive for long‑term investors but that active traders should compare pricing and execution practices across brokers. Always review the current USAA fee schedule and prospectuses before trading, because pricing can change.
Trading platform, tools, and suitability
USAA’s trading platform targets core investors and retirement account holders rather than high‑frequency active traders. Typical platform characteristics:
- Web and mobile interfaces to search, place and monitor trades
- Research and educational content geared to long‑term investing and retirement planning
- Basic order types (market, limit) and standard account statements
- Limited advanced charting, streaming data or pro‑level execution tools compared with specialized active trading platforms
If your primary need is buy‑and‑hold investing, IRAs, or a combined banking and investing relationship, USAA often provides a convenient integrated experience. If you require advanced real‑time tools, pro platforms, or ultra‑low latency execution, evaluate whether USAA’s available features meet those needs before opening an account.
Mutual funds and other investment products via USAA
USAA sponsors the USAA Mutual Funds Trust, which offers mutual funds covering equity, fixed income and asset allocation strategies. Points to note:
- Mutual funds are pooled investment vehicles with prospectuses and expense ratios; they trade at NAV once per trading day rather than intraday like stocks and ETFs.
- USAA mutual funds are distributed to eligible members through USAA’s investment channels. Prospectuses and SEC filings describe fees, objectives, and holdings.
- Buying a USAA mutual fund through a USAA account typically follows the mutual fund purchase/redemption mechanics outlined in the fund’s documents.
Because mutual funds and ETFs differ in structure, tax treatment and trading mechanics, decide which product type suits your goals and read the applicable prospectus or fund disclosure for details.
Restrictions and notable exclusions
Common limitations and exclusions to consider when you ask can you buy stocks through USAA:
- Membership requirement: USAA services are generally available only to eligible military members, veterans, and families.
- Certain securities and advanced trading instruments may be restricted or unavailable, depending on account type and regulatory rules.
- Direct cryptocurrency trading has historically not been a core USAA brokerage offering; members interested in crypto may need an external exchange or a different provider (see Alternatives).
- Some order types, fractional share programs, or pro‑level market data may be limited compared with specialized brokerage platforms.
Always check current account disclosures for any funding holds, trading eligibility restrictions (for example, for international securities), and product availability.
Regulatory status and investor protections
USAA Investment Services Company and affiliated entities are registered broker‑dealers and investment advisers subject to oversight by regulatory agencies such as FINRA and the SEC. Relevant protections and documents include:
- FINRA BrokerCheck entries for USAA Investment Services Company provide registration details, disciplinary history and other regulatory information.
- SIPC coverage (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) typically protects customer securities and cash held by a qualified broker‑dealer up to SIPC limits in the event the broker‑dealer fails, subject to SIPC rules.
- Account agreements, disclosures and mutual fund prospectuses detail the rights, fees and protections for investors.
As of January 21, 2026, potential and current customers should consult FINRA BrokerCheck and USAA’s own regulatory disclosures for the most recent compliance and disciplinary information.
Alternatives and considerations when choosing a broker
When considering can you buy stocks through USAA, you should compare USAA against other brokerage options on these axes:
- Eligibility and member benefits: USAA ties services to military membership and often integrates with banking/insurance products.
- Costs and fee transparency: Compare trade commissions (if any), advisory fees, margin rates and fund expense ratios.
- Platform tools and data: Active traders may prefer platforms with advanced charting, streaming market data and more order types.
- Product availability: If you need fractional shares, crypto trading, or extensive international markets, verify product lists.
- Customer service and trust: Consider reviews, regulatory history and how well customer service meets your needs.
If you need a web3‑native exchange or a dedicated crypto trading solution, consider Bitget for crypto spot and derivatives trading and use Bitget Wallet for Web3 custody and DApp access. For investors comparing traditional brokerage relationships, factor in USAA’s eligibility rules and whether an integrated military‑member relationship aligns with your priorities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: can you buy stocks through usaa if you are not military affiliated?
A: Most USAA investment accounts require membership, which is generally limited to current and former military members and certain family members. Non‑eligible consumers typically cannot open USAA brokerage accounts.
Q: can you buy stocks through usaa inside an IRA?
A: Yes. USAA offers Traditional and Roth IRAs where permitted securities such as U.S. stocks and ETFs can be held. Contribution limits and tax rules for IRAs still apply.
Q: can you buy stocks through usaa in fractional shares?
A: Fractional share availability has varied across brokers. Confirm fractional share support directly through USAA’s product disclosures or platform tools, as it may change over time.
Q: can you buy stocks through usaa and trade cryptocurrencies?
A: Historically, USAA’s brokerage accounts have not offered direct trading of cryptocurrencies. As of January 21, 2026, members seeking direct crypto trading may need to use a dedicated crypto exchange; for Web3 custody and wallet needs, Bitget Wallet is a recommended option by this guide. Always confirm USAA’s current product list before assuming availability.
Q: Is USAA a public company I can buy stock in?
A: No. USAA is a member‑owned association and is not publicly traded on stock exchanges.
Q: What protections apply if I buy stocks through USAA?
A: Securities held through USAA’s brokerage entities fall under broker‑dealer regulatory frameworks. SIPC protection may apply to missing assets if the broker‑dealer fails, subject to SIPC limits and rules. Regulatory records are available via FINRA BrokerCheck and USAA’s disclosures.
How to evaluate whether USAA is right for you
Answering can you buy stocks through USAA is the start. To decide whether to use USAA as your broker, evaluate:
- Your membership eligibility and whether you value an integrated military‑member financial relationship.
- Whether your investment style is buy‑and‑hold versus active trading. USAA is well suited to long‑term and retirement investors.
- Fee sensitivity: compare mutual fund expense ratios, advisory fees and any trading costs to other options.
- Product needs: confirm availability of ETFs, international trading, fractional shares, options, or crypto if you need them.
- Support needs: consider customer service hours, advisor access and online tools.
If you determine USAA is not a fit, alternatives include national retail brokers and dedicated crypto platforms. For crypto and Web3 interactions, this guide highlights Bitget and Bitget Wallet as options for users seeking an integrated Web3 experience.
Practical checklist before placing your first trade through USAA
- Verify membership eligibility and open the correct account type.
- Read the account agreement, fee schedule, and the prospectus for any mutual fund you plan to buy.
- Ensure funding is available and check for ACH/wire hold times.
- Confirm the specific securities you want to buy are supported in your chosen account.
- Understand order types and settlement rules (e.g., T+2 settlement for most stocks).
- Review tax reporting and how dividends or capital gains will be reported for your account type.
See also
- Broker‑dealer registration and FINRA oversight
- SIPC protection for brokerage customers
- Mutual funds and prospectus basics
- Roth and Traditional IRA rules
- Bitget: crypto trading and Bitget Wallet for Web3 custody
References and further reading
As of January 21, 2026, primary sources used for this article include USAA’s official brokerage and investing pages, USAA Mutual Funds Trust SEC filings and prospectuses, FINRA BrokerCheck entries for USAA Investment Services Company, and third‑party reviews (e.g., Investopedia and Motley Fool) summarizing USAA’s investing history and product scope. Readers should consult these authoritative sources and USAA’s current disclosures for the latest information.
Actionable next steps
If your question is can you buy stocks through USAA and you are eligible, consider these next steps:
- Log into your USAA account and review the investment products and fee schedule.
- Open the appropriate account and fund it following the stated procedures.
- Use USAA’s research tools to select investments or consult an advisor if you need guidance.
If you need direct crypto trading or Web3 wallet features, explore Bitget for trading and Bitget Wallet for secure Web3 access. For any broker comparison, always read current disclosures and regulatory records before making decisions.
Further practical guidance and tools are available from official USAA disclosures and regulatory records; check those documents before opening an account or placing trades.
