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Credit card bonus offers present an excellent opportunity for active duty military members and veterans to earn significant rewards quickly. These offers, which can provide hundreds of dollars in rewards for opening a new credit card account, but the best deals are time-sensitive and may not last long.
We have thoroughly researched the market to identify the top credit card bonus offers available for military members and veterans. Cards are judged on the value of the bonuses, the fees associated with the card, and the rewards program. We have evaluated both travel credit cards and cash-back credit cards, providing a comprehensive list of options that will meet the needs of different military personnel and veterans.
Things to keep in mind: Some of these credit cards come with an associated annual fee. That said, most of the cards with an annual fee offer some form of annual bonus in the form of increased loyalty points, free travel or hotel vouchers, etc. In many cases, these bonuses equal or exceed the cost of the annual fee (for example, many airline-branded credit cards charge a $100 annual fee, but offer a free companion airline ticket or travel voucher each year).
Best Overall Credit Card Bonuses
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card’s out there. Below are some of the best bonus offers currently available from top card issuers.
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» Next Step: Learn more about the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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» Next Step: Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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» Next Step: Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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» Next Step: Learn more about the American Express® Gold Card
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» Next Step: Learn more about the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
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» Next Step: Learn more about the Citi Premier® Card
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» Next Step: Learn more about the The Platinum Card® from American Express
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» Next Step: Learn more about the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
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» Next Step: Learn more about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
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» Next Step: Learn more about the Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA.
Notes About Credit Card Welcome Bonuses:
Many credit card companies offer great sign-up bonuses that almost anyone can use to their advantage. Even some of our featured rewards credit cards come with a new member bonus. Just be sure to pay your card off every month to avoid fees. Remember, opening a new card for a bonus offer is never worth it if you carry a credit card balance. Only use credit cards if you can pay them off in full each month.
Look for additional credit card offers. Part of your criteria for credit card offers should be more than just the bonus offer. Be sure to look for a balance transfer credit card, 0% interest credit card, or a cash rewards credit card to ensure this will be a credit card worth using long after you get your new member bonus.
Anyone can sign up! Some of these cards are business cards, but anyone can open a business credit card by signing up as a sole proprietorship without filling out any additional forms. Just use your social security number as your business ID.
Avoid annual fees when possible (unless they are worth it!). You’ll notice that several of these cards state the first year’s fees are waived. You can use this to your advantage to earn the reward points, then later decide if you wish to continue using the card, or possibly downgrading it to a card without an annual fee.
Also keep in mind that some annual fees more than pay for themselves in the form of bonus rewards, free airline tickets, free nights’ stay at a hotel, and other benefits. So some annual fees are worth paying.
Earn additional bonus points. This works for American Express, but it may not work for all credit card companies. You can have all your bonus points directed to one account. I have an American Express Business Gold Rewards Card. The only other American Express card I have is my corporate card from my day job.
Your mileage may vary, but when I contacted American Express, the CSR offered to direct any points earned from that card to my American Express business card, free of charge! Sign me up! (no word on whether or not my company has a problem with that… Hmmm, I better ask!).
The Military Wallet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Military Wallet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on The Military Wallet are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear, but does not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations. The Military Wallet does not include all card companies or all available card offers.
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