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Active-duty military servicemembers can unlock incredible credit card benefits—including waived annual fees, premium rewards, and more—thanks to little-known protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA). We've hand-picked the top 10 cards to maximize these perks today.
No single credit card is the best option for every military family, purchase, or budget. The Military Wallet has chosen some of the top credit cards of 2024 to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers for multiple situations. Be sure to check if you will receive MLA or SCRA protections on your account with the MLA Database or SCRA Database.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a standout choice for military servicemembers and veterans who value luxury travel and premium benefits. It offers an unparalleled suite of travel perks, including access to exclusive airport lounges worldwide, substantial travel credits, and comprehensive travel insurance. This card not only elevates travel experiences but also acknowledges and rewards the service and dedication of military personnel, offering them a level of comfort and convenience that matches their lifestyle.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® made our list of top military credit cards because of its powerful combination of waived annual fees and premium travel benefits. Thanks to the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active-duty military members and their spouses can enjoy a $550 annual fee waiver. With perks like a $300 annual travel credit, 3x points on travel and dining, and complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge access, this card delivers exceptional value for military members who travel frequently or want luxury benefits without the high cost.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers excellent value for frequent Marriott travelers, especially with benefits like a $300 dining credit, free night awards, and elite status perks. Its waived annual fee under the SCRA and MLA for military members makes it a top choice for those who regularly stay at Marriott properties. The generous 6x points on Marriott purchases and additional travel benefits add to its appeal for luxury travelers.
The USAA Eagle Navigator™ Credit Card stands out with its strong rewards structure, offering 3x points on travel purchases and 2x points on everyday purchases. It also provides excellent travel benefits like a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit and no foreign transaction fees. For military members who travel frequently, this card delivers solid value with minimal effort to offset the $95 annual fee, making it a top pick for those eligible for USAA membership.
The Navy Federal Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card is a strong choice for those seeking flexible travel rewards and valuable perks like triple points on travel and double points on everyday purchases. With a low annual fee of $49 (waived under SCRA if you opened the card before active duty) and benefits like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits and a free year of Amazon Prime, it offers substantial value without the high costs associated with other travel cards. The lack of foreign transaction fees and the no-limit rewards system make it ideal for frequent travelers and everyday use alike.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is perfect for frequent travelers who prefer popular IHG hotels like InterContinental®, Holiday Inn®, Kimpton®, and Crowne Plaza®. The ability to earn up to 26x points on IHG stays, combined with perks like a free anniversary night and a free fourth night on consecutive points stays, makes it a valuable card for loyal IHG guests. Additionally, the IHG collection offers at least a 5% military discount, allowing you to double up on savings and rewards, further enhancing the card’s value for military members and their families. With Platinum Elite status and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, this card offers a strong mix of rewards and travel perks at a reasonable $99 annual fee (waived under the SCRA/MLA).
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is a fantastic choice for frequent Hilton travelers looking to maximize rewards and enjoy valuable perks like complimentary Hilton Gold status and airport lounge access. With up to 12x points on Hilton stays and generous 6x points at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, it offers strong earning potential both on travel and everyday purchases. Additionally, the card's $150 annual fee (before military protections are applied) is easily offset by perks like a Free Weekend Night reward and up to $200 in annual Hilton credits.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is ideal for frequent Southwest travelers who want to maximize rewards and earn the coveted Companion Pass. With 3x points on Southwest purchases, a $75 annual travel credit, and 7,500 anniversary points, this card’s perks easily offset the $149 annual fee. Additionally, the card provides up to four upgraded boardings per year, no foreign transaction fees, and 25% off in-flight purchases—making it a great choice for Southwest loyalists, especially military members who benefit from waived fees under the SCRA/MLA.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is an excellent choice for frequent American Airlines travelers who want premium benefits like Admirals Club® lounge access, a free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions, and significant earning potential toward AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points. With a strong welcome bonus of 70,000 miles and no foreign transaction fees, this card offers exceptional value, especially for military members who can have the $595 annual fee waived under the MLA, making it a top pick for those flying American Airlines frequently.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers tremendous value for frequent travelers who want premium perks without the steep annual fees of competing cards. With benefits like a 75,000-mile welcome bonus, up to $300 in annual travel credits, and unlimited access to over 1,300 airport lounges, this card provides excellent travel rewards and perks. Military members can also benefit from the waived annual fee under the SCRA, making it even more attractive for servicemembers who want to maximize travel rewards and elite benefits.
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