Hey there, fellow military members! If you’re constantly on the move, whether for duty or leisure, why not take advantage of unbeatable perks while you travel? I’m here to introduce you to the top three best credit cards for military personnel. Not only do these cards offer incredible travel benefits, but they also waive annual fees for active duty service members, thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA). Let’s dive into the comparison and find the right military-friendly credit card for you!
Best Credit Cards for Military Members
1. American Express Platinum Card: Luxury & Elite Benefits
The American Express Platinum Card is a game-changer, particularly for military members looking to enjoy premium travel experiences. Here’s why this card stands out:
No Annual Fee: Military personnel get the $695 annual fee waived, allowing you to enjoy luxury perks for free.
Priority Pass Lounge Access: Get access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the luxurious Centurion Lounges.
Hotel & Airline Elite Status: Enjoy elite status with hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton, as well as benefits with airlines such as Delta.
$200 Uber Credits: Use it for Uber rides or Uber Eats, a fantastic perk for frequent travelers.
Bonus Points: Earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked directly through American Express.
While the benefits are stellar, it’s important to keep in mind that the card comes with a high minimum spending requirement for its welcome bonus. However, if you travel frequently, the perks more than justify it.
Related Source: American Express Platinum Benefits for Military
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve: Travel Credits & Flexible Rewards
Next up is the Chase Sapphire Reserve, another excellent credit card for military personnel. If flexibility in travel rewards is what you’re after, this card should be on your radar:
No Annual Fee for Military: Typically, this card charges a hefty $550 fee, but military members have it waived.
$300 Annual Travel Credit: This credit can be applied to various travel expenses like flights, hotels, and even taxis.
Priority Pass Select: Like the Amex Platinum, you’ll enjoy lounge access in airports around the globe.
Ultimate Rewards Points: Earn 3x points on travel and dining and transfer them to a multitude of airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines and Hyatt.
TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Get reimbursed for the application fees, speeding up your airport security experience.
However, some users report that redeeming the $300 travel credit can be challenging, as it doesn’t always apply to certain expenses. Despite this, the flexibility of Ultimate Rewards points and the ease of transferring to airline partners make the Chase Sapphire Reserve a top contender.
Related Source: Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Benefits
3. Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card: Simple & Effective
If you’re looking for straightforward rewards without the frills, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card might be your best bet. Here’s what makes it stand out:
No Annual Fee: Again, this card’s annual fee is waived for active-duty military members, saving you $95 each year.
Flat-Rate Rewards: Earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1.5x points on all other purchases.
$100 Airline Incidental Credit: This helps cover costs like baggage fees or in-flight purchases.
Travel Protections: Benefit from travel insurance, trip delay coverage, and purchase protection, making this a reliable card for frequent travelers.
While this card doesn’t come with luxury perks like lounge access or hotel elite status, its simplicity and flat-rate rewards system can appeal to those who want to earn without the hassle.
Related Source: Bank of America Premium Rewards for Military
Why Military Personnel Should Prioritize Airline Credit Cards
If you’re an active-duty service member or even a veteran, taking advantage of the SCRA and MLA benefits is crucial when choosing a credit card. These laws ensure that credit card companies waive fees and offer additional financial protections to military members, allowing you to enjoy high-value rewards without worrying about annual costs.
In addition to fee waivers, these military-friendly credit cards offer robust travel protections, ranging from trip cancellation coverage to lost baggage insurance. As a military traveler, whether on deployment or simply taking a much-needed vacation, these protections offer peace of mind on your journey.
Final Thoughts: Which Airline Credit Card Is Best for You?
Choosing the right credit card depends on your personal travel preferences:
If you value luxury perks and elite status, the American Express Platinum Card is hard to beat.
For those who prefer flexible rewards and valuable travel credits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is a fantastic option.
If you’re looking for simplicity and solid rewards, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card offers straightforward value.
Each card is packed with travel benefits, annual fee waivers, and exclusive perks, making them perfect companions for military members on the go. Whether you're PCS’ing to a new base, flying home to see family, or taking a much-needed vacation, these cards will elevate your travel experiences.
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So, what are you waiting for? Elevate your travel game with one of these top-notch military credit cards, and enjoy perks, points, and peace of mind—all without worrying about pesky annual fees. Safe travels!
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