Best Credit Cards for Military Members (2025 Guide)
- tress14plaid
- Mar 16
- 7 min read
Navigating the world of credit cards can be challenging, but for military members, there are unique opportunities and benefits available. Many credit card issuers offer special perks, such as waived annual fees and tailored rewards, to active-duty service members and their families. This comprehensive guide will help you understand these benefits and identify the best credit cards for military members in 2025.
Understanding Military Benefits with Credit Cards
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides various financial protections to active-duty military members, including reduced interest rates on pre-existing debts and protection against certain legal actions. Some credit card issuers extend additional benefits under the SCRA, such as waived fees and reduced interest rates on existing accounts. It’s essential to contact your card issuer to understand the specific benefits they offer under the SCRA.
Military Lending Act (MLA)
The Military Lending Act (MLA) offers further protections for active-duty service members and their dependents. One of the key provisions is the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) cap of 36%, which includes interest rates and certain fees. Additionally, many credit card issuers waive annual fees for accounts opened during active duty, providing significant savings on premium credit cards.
Best Credit Cards for Military Members in 2025
Here are some of the best credit cards available to military members in 2025, considering benefits, rewards, and issuer policies regarding annual fee waivers:
Annual Fee: $695 (waived for active-duty military members)
Key Benefits:
• Membership Rewards Points: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year) and 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
• Travel Credits: Up to $200 in airline fee credits and up to $200 in Uber Cash annually.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass Select lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta.
• Hotel Status: Complimentary Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Why It’s Great for Military Members:
The Platinum Card® offers extensive travel benefits, making it ideal for service members who travel frequently. With the annual fee waived under the MLA, military members can enjoy premium perks without the high cost.
Annual Fee: $550 (waived for active-duty military members)
Key Benefits:
• Ultimate Rewards Points: Earn 3X points on travel and dining and 1X point on all other purchases.
• Travel Credit: $300 annual travel credit applicable to a broad range of travel expenses.
• Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.
• Travel Protections: Comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary car rental coverage.
Why It’s Great for Military Members:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is renowned for its robust travel rewards and protections. With the annual fee waived for military members, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking luxury travel benefits.
Annual Fee: $250 (waived for active-duty military members)
Key Benefits:
• Membership Rewards Points: Earn 4X points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), and 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
• Dining Credits: Up to $120 in annual dining credits at select establishments.
• Uber Cash: Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S.
Why It’s Great for Military Members:
The Amex Gold Card offers substantial rewards on dining and supermarket purchases, making it ideal for everyday spending. With the annual fee waived, military members can maximize these rewards without additional costs.
Annual Fee: $95 (waived for active-duty military members)
Key Benefits:
• Miles Rewards: Earn 2X miles on every purchase.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel.
Why It’s Great for Military Members:
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers straightforward rewards and travel benefits. With the annual fee waived, it’s a valuable option for military members seeking flexible travel rewards.
Annual Fee: $0
Key Benefits:
• Cash Back: Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with an increased 2% cash back for PenFed Honors Advantage Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Suitable for international use.
Why It’s Great for Military Members:
This card offers straightforward cash back rewards with no annual fee, making it a practical choice for everyday spending. PenFed’s affiliation with the military community ensures that the card’s benefits align with service members’ needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Card
When selecting a credit card, military members should consider the following factors:
Annual Fees
Many premium credit cards come with high annual fees. However, issuers like American Express and Chase waive these fees for active-duty military members under the MLA. It’s crucial to verify with the issuer whether the annual fee will be waived before applying.
Rewards Structure
Consider your spending habits to choose a card that offers rewards aligned with your lifestyle. For example, if you spend heavily on dining and groceries, a card that offers higher rewards in those categories would be beneficial.
Additional Benefits
Look for cards that offer additional perks such as travel credits, lounge access, or statement credits for services like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. These benefits can enhance your travel experience and provide added value.
Foreign Transaction Fees
For military members stationed overseas or who frequently travel internationally, selecting a card without foreign transaction fees is essential to avoid additional charges on purchases made abroad.
How to Apply for SCRA and MLA Benefits
To take advantage of the benefits under the SCRA and MLA, follow these steps:
1. Contact Your Card Issuer: Reach out to your credit card issuer’s customer service to inquire about SCRA or MLA benefits. Some issuers automatically apply these benefits, while others require you to submit a request.
2. Provide Necessary Documentation: You may need to provide proof of active-duty status, such as a copy of your military orders or a letter from your commanding officer.
3. Confirm Benefit Application: After submitting your request, confirm with the issuer that the benefits have been applied to your account. Keep records of all communications for future reference.
Maximizing Credit Card Benefits
To fully leverage the benefits of your credit card, consider the following strategies:
Utilize Rewards and Credits
Make sure to use any travel credits, dining credits, or other statement credits offered by your card. Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions to ensure you don’t miss out on these benefits.
Monitor Your Credit
Regularly check your credit reports and scores to ensure accuracy and identify any potential issues early. Many credit card issuers provide free credit score monitoring as a cardholder perk, so take advantage of these tools to track your financial health.
Avoid Interest and Fees
To maximize the benefits of any credit card, always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. While some military protections limit interest rates, carrying a balance still reduces the overall value of your rewards. Additionally, be mindful of late payment fees and make timely payments to maintain a strong credit score.
Use Multiple Cards Strategically
If you have multiple credit cards, use them in a way that optimizes rewards. For instance:
• Use the Amex Gold Card for dining and groceries to earn 4X points.
• Use the Chase Sapphire Reserve for travel purchases to maximize the 3X points and benefit from trip protections.
• Use a flat-rate cashback card, like the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Card, for non-bonus spending to earn consistent cash back.
Take Advantage of Lounge Access
If your card provides Priority Pass or Centurion Lounge access, make the most of these benefits while traveling. Many lounges offer free food, beverages, and comfortable seating, significantly improving your airport experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do military veterans get the same credit card benefits as active-duty members?
Most SCRA and MLA benefits apply only to active-duty service members and their dependents. However, some credit card issuers, particularly USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), and PenFed, offer special benefits for veterans, including low-interest rates and rewards programs.
2. Are military spouses eligible for MLA fee waivers?
Yes, dependents of active-duty service members, including spouses, are eligible for MLA protections. However, the credit card account must be opened while the service member is on active duty for the benefits to apply.
3. What happens to my credit card benefits if I leave the military?
If you transition out of the military, most MLA-related benefits (such as waived annual fees) will no longer apply. However, some issuers, such as Amex and Chase, allow you to keep premium cards with waived fees until your next account review, which typically occurs annually. At that point, you can decide whether to keep the card and pay the fee or downgrade to a no-fee option.
4. Can I get multiple premium credit cards with waived fees?
Yes. Under the MLA, there is no limit to how many qualifying cards you can have with waived annual fees. Many military members take advantage of this by holding multiple premium cards from Amex, Chase, and Capital One to maximize rewards and benefits.
5. What’s the best credit card for military members stationed overseas?
For overseas service members, look for a credit card with:
• No foreign transaction fees (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, or Capital One Venture Rewards).
• Worldwide acceptance (Visa and Mastercard are more widely accepted than Amex in some countries).
• Strong travel protections, including trip delay insurance and rental car coverage.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Capital One Venture are excellent options due to their lack of foreign transaction fees and robust travel rewards.
Final Thoughts
Credit cards offer military members an opportunity to earn rewards, build credit, and take advantage of valuable perks. Thanks to SCRA and MLA benefits, many premium cards with high annual fees can be used at no cost to active-duty service members.
The best credit card for you depends on your spending habits and financial goals. If you travel frequently, cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve are excellent choices. If you prefer simple cash back, the PenFed Power Cash Rewards Card or Capital One Venture Rewards are solid options.
Before applying for a credit card, always verify the SCRA/MLA benefits with the issuer and use your cards responsibly to maximize their value. With the right strategy, military members can significantly enhance their financial well-being and lifestyle with the best credit cards available in 2025.
Comments