Military Credit Cards: Top 5 Options for 2025

"American Express is one of the credit card issuers embracing the purpose of the laws and extending benefits beyond what is required by the legislation. The issuer does this by setting annual fees to $0 for qualifying active-duty military members."

Eligibility for these benefits extends to active-duty members, Guard/Reserve personnel on active orders for 30 or more days, and military spouses. American Express typically verifies active-duty status automatically using Department of Defense records during the application process. However, if your account was established before your military service, you’ll need to submit a request for SCRA benefits along with proof of active-duty orders.

Some service members have reported fee refunds totaling up to $8,600 after applying SCRA benefits. Additionally, American Express waives fees like overlimit, late payment, and returned payment charges for eligible military members. With these fees eliminated, the card’s rewards and travel perks become even more valuable.

Rewards Structure

The Platinum Card® offers impressive rewards for frequent travelers. You’ll earn:

• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 annually).
• 5X points on prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.com.
• 1X point on all other purchases.

"American Express Membership Rewards is one of the most valuable credit card rewards programs available. The key to maximizing value lies in strategic card combinations, focusing on bonus categories, and choosing high-value redemption options like travel transfers."

The card also provides over $1,500 in annual statement credits, which is especially appealing since the annual fee is waived for eligible military members. To get the most out of your points, consider transferring them to airline and hotel partners, booking travel through Amex Travel, redeeming points for statement credits at 0.6 cents per point, or opting for gift cards at up to 1 cent per point.

Military-Specific Benefits

Beyond its rewards, The Platinum Card® offers robust protections tailored to military members. Under the Military Lending Act, American Express provides special benefits for "covered borrowers", which include active-duty service members, National Guard members, Air National Guard members, Reservists on Title 10 or Title 32 orders for 30+ days, and military spouses.

The card also includes a variety of recurring benefits and additional perks that can be unlocked through minimum spending or by enrolling in offers on the American Express website. These military-specific protections and perks remain active for the duration of your active-duty service, adding significant value to the card.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a high-end travel rewards card, offering waived fees and flexible benefits tailored for military members.

Annual Fee Waivers Under MLA

For active-duty service members and their spouses, Chase waives the card's $550 annual fee under the Military Lending Act (MLA). This fee waiver applies to any Chase personal credit card opened after September 20, 2017, and Chase confirms active-duty status through the MLA database. Additionally, the $75 fee for authorized users is waived for eligible military members. Now, let’s explore how these benefits pair with the card's rewards system.

Rewards Structure

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® uses the Ultimate Rewards program, offering flexible redemption options. Here’s how points stack up:

Points redeemed through Chase Travel℠ are worth 1.5 cents each, offering 50% more value. For example, 60,000 points translate to roughly $900 in travel. You can also transfer points to 11 airline and 3 hotel partners, potentially unlocking even greater value.

Military-Specific Benefits

While it doesn’t offer PCS or deployment-specific perks, the card’s travel benefits align well with military needs. The $300 annual travel credit can help offset relocation expenses during PCS moves. Plus, the included Priority Pass Select membership provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide - ideal for long layovers or travel delays.

Cardholders also benefit from robust travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption coverage, auto rental collision damage waivers, and lost luggage insurance. Additional perks include reimbursement for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fees. Through December 31, 2027, you can activate a complimentary DashPass membership, which offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service charges on DoorDash and Caviar orders.

3. USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express®

The USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® card is specifically designed for military members and their families, offering simple cashback rewards with no annual fee. Its features are tailored to align with the unique spending habits of service members.

Rewards Structure

This card provides 5% cash back on the first $3,000 spent annually on combined purchases at gas stations and military bases - perfect for shopping at commissaries and exchanges. It also offers 2% cash back on the first $3,000 spent at supermarkets and 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no limits. After exceeding the $3,000 cap in the 5% and 2% categories, those purchases earn 1% cash back. These rewards are designed to fit the everyday needs of military families.

Military-Specific Benefits

Beyond cashback rewards, this card provides benefits that cater to the unique challenges of military life. Service members on active duty may qualify for a reduced APR of 4%, thanks to protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The regular APR ranges from 16.15% to 28.15% (variable), but the lower rate during active duty can offer significant savings for families managing financial obligations.

Other perks include no foreign transaction fees, which is especially helpful for military families stationed overseas, and travel-related protections like auto rental coverage and travel accident insurance. These features make it a practical choice for those frequently on the move.

"The USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card is a good credit card for military families who plan to either spend modestly or use other cards too." - John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor, WalletHub

Membership and User Feedback

USAA membership is required to apply for this card, limiting eligibility to military members, veterans, and their immediate family members. The card has a 3.8/5 rating on WalletHub. While many users appreciate its benefits, some have noted occasional issues with tracking rewards and coding purchases made on military bases.

4. Navy Federal Credit Union CashRewards Card

The Navy Federal CashRewards card is tailored for military members, offering two versions based on approved credit limits.

Rewards Structure

If your credit limit is $5,000 or more, you’ll receive the CashRewards Plus Card, which earns 2% cash back on all purchases. For limits under $5,000, the standard CashRewards Card provides 1.5% cash back. The best part? Rewards are available for redemption immediately and never expire as long as your account remains open.

For those building or rebuilding credit, the CashRewards Secured Card offers 1% cash back on every purchase.

APR Reductions or Caps Under SCRA

Navy Federal goes above and beyond with its SCRA benefits, reducing the interest rate cap from the federally required 6% to 4% for eligible accounts - a policy effective since April 1, 2022. The standard variable APR for the card ranges between 14.90% and 18.00%. To take advantage of the reduced rate, accounts must be opened before active duty, and proper documentation must be submitted within 180 days of starting service.

Military-Specific Benefits

Navy Federal extends robust support to military members. This includes emergency relief loans of up to $5,000 during deployment, with fees waived, and an Active Duty Checking account that offers early access to military pay and up to $20 per month in ATM fee rebates.

Both card options come with no annual fee, and Navy Federal’s average APR is 7.25% lower than the industry average, providing extra savings for military families.

5. AAFES Military Star Card

The AAFES Military Star Card is a financial tool created specifically for military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, Purple Heart recipients, and Disabled Veterans. In 2021 alone, it provided over $408 million in value to its users.

Rewards Structure

Cardholders earn 2% rewards on every purchase, with one exception - the Military Clothing Line of Credit does not qualify for rewards. For every 2,000 points earned, cardholders receive a $20 Military Star Rewards Card, sent directly via email. There’s no cap on how many rewards cards you can earn each year, but points will expire if no purchases are made within a 12-month period. In 2021, the military community collectively earned $39 million through these rewards. As Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange's senior enlisted advisor, puts it:

"Missing out on MILITARY STAR rewards is like leaving money on the table."

These rewards are part of a broader set of benefits tailored to address the unique challenges faced by military families.

Military-Specific Benefits

The card is structured to ease financial burdens tied to military life, such as PCS moves, deployments, and retirement transitions. One key feature is the $1,000 interest-free Military Clothing Plan, designed to help with uniform-related expenses. For deployed service members, the card offers significant relief: no payments are required, and a 6% interest rate applies to both existing and new balances during deployment. Additionally, the card is widely accepted across all military exchanges and commissaries, making it a versatile choice for everyday purchases.

APR Reductions or Caps Under SCRA

The Military Star Card also complies with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which caps interest rates at 6% on debts incurred before active duty service. Eligible service members include those in the Active or Reserve Component or the National Guard who are mobilized or activated under Title 10 or Title 32 orders.

There’s no annual fee, and the program is committed to safeguarding service members from predatory lending practices. To access SCRA benefits, eligible cardholders need to submit a formal interest rate reduction request along with a copy of their activation orders to the Exchange Credit Program. Over the past decade, this initiative has contributed $639 million to Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs, further supporting the military community.

Credit Card Comparison Chart

Choosing the right military credit card can make a big difference in managing your finances. Below is a comparison chart highlighting the key features of several cards tailored to military members. Use it to find the card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.

Key Comparison Points

These cards are designed with military financial needs in mind, offering savings and benefits that cater to service members. For instance, both American Express and Chase waive their hefty annual fees for active duty military members and their spouses, as required by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA). These cards also provide premium travel perks, like airport lounge access and enhanced travel protections.

The USAA Cashback Rewards Plus card focuses on military-specific spending, offering cash back on gas station and military base purchases. Meanwhile, Navy Federal’s CashRewards card keeps it simple with flat-rate cash back and no annual fee, making it a practical option for everyday use. The AAFES Military Star Card is another no-fee option, though details about its rewards are less clear.

When it comes to interest rate protection, Chase stands out by capping APR at 4% on eligible balances during active duty and extending that rate for an additional year after service. Other cards typically cap APR at 6% on pre-service debt.

Conclusion

Finding the right military credit card means aligning it with your service lifestyle and financial goals. The cards we've discussed each bring something different to the table - from the travel perks of The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve® to the straightforward cash-back benefits of Navy Federal's CashRewards Card.

Your military status gives you access to fee waivers and savings that aren't available to civilian cardholders. When choosing a card, think about how your deployment or PCS (Permanent Change of Station) needs might influence your decision. For example, if you're preparing for deployment, look for cards with no foreign transaction fees and notify your issuer about your travel plans to prevent fraud alerts. If a PCS move is on the horizon, a card with an introductory low APR can help manage those unexpected moving expenses.

Additionally, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers valuable protections that go beyond fee waivers, so it’s worth contacting your card issuer’s military support team to see what benefits you might be eligible for - even if you haven’t already requested them.

Ultimately, the best card for you depends on your spending habits and lifestyle. Frequent travelers can benefit from premium travel cards, while those focused on everyday purchases might lean toward a flat-rate cash-back option. Whatever you decide, take full advantage of the benefits and protections your service has earned you. These perks can make a real difference in managing your finances during your military career and beyond.

FAQs

How do benefits like the SCRA and MLA make credit cards more valuable for military members?

Military-specific protections like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA) make credit cards especially beneficial for service members. For instance, the SCRA caps interest rates at 6% on debts incurred before active duty, offering relief from financial strain. Meanwhile, the MLA ensures additional safeguards by limiting the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) to 36% on loans and credit cards, protecting service members from exploitative lending practices.

These protections not only help lower costs but also promote a more secure financial environment. As a result, military-friendly credit cards can be a valuable tool for service members aiming to manage their finances effectively and with confidence.

What should military members consider when deciding between travel rewards and cashback credit cards?

When choosing between travel rewards and cashback credit cards, military members should consider their spending habits and financial priorities. If you frequently travel for duty or leisure, a travel rewards card might be the way to go. These cards often come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and extra rewards on travel expenses - helping to make your trips smoother and more affordable.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for simplicity or want to cut costs on everyday purchases, a cashback card might suit you better. With these cards, you earn a percentage of your spending back as cash, and some even offer boosted rewards for essentials like groceries and gas - perfect for service members and their families managing household budgets.

The best choice boils down to what you value more: travel benefits or flexible savings for day-to-day expenses.

How can military members make sure they’re getting all the benefits and fee waivers from their credit cards?

If you want to take full advantage of the perks and fee waivers offered by your military credit card, the first step is to contact your card issuer and request Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) or Military Lending Act (MLA) benefits. These programs often provide active-duty service members - and sometimes their spouses - with perks like waived annual fees and lower interest rates.

Make sure to confirm your eligibility and submit any necessary documents, such as proof of active-duty status. It’s also smart to regularly review your card’s terms and conditions to stay informed about available benefits and any changes that might affect you. These simple steps can help you make the most of the financial support tailored for military personnel.