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As a newly minted Airman, I was floored when I first found out about all the credit card perks active duty military members receive. After picking my jaw back up, I started immediately applying for some of the best credit cards that offer benefits for active-duty service members.
Here are some of the best credit cards for active-duty military — and some of the valuable perks you can receive.
Best Credit Cards for Military Members
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are military credit cards guaranteed approval?
Military members will have their credit vetted just as anyone who applies for a credit card. Many of the cards we've listed above require at least good credit to be approved. If your credit score is below that, it's wise to avoid applying for rewards credit cards until you reach a score of at least 700 to give yourself the best chance for approval.
Are the best credit cards for military members worth it?
The above cards either waive annual fees for active duty military or don't incur an annual fee to begin with. Therefore, all are free to try without any risk. Considering civilians pay annual fees costing up to $695 for these cards, they are worth opening. You could receive thousands of dollars worth of free travel and statement credits.
Which credit cards waive fees for military?
Not all credit card issuers waive annual fees for military members. However, most personal credit cards (not small business) issued by American Express, Chase, Citi, and U.S. Bank should be free for active-duty military and spouses.
Military Credit Card Reviews
Top Military Credit Cards of 2023
- American Express Platinum card
- Hilton Honors Aspire card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card
- Delta Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- United Club Infinite card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card
- World of Hyatt credit card
- IHG One Rewards Club Premier credit card
- Discover it Cash Back card
- Discover it Miles
- Navy Federal Flagship Rewards credit card
American Express Platinum
Why the Amex Platinum is worth it:
The
Cardholders also get complimentary Hilton and Marriott gold elite status** and airport lounge access including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when you're flying Delta, and Priority Pass lounges**.
Welcome bonus: The
American Express Platinum card review
American Express Hilton Aspire
Why the Amex Hilton Aspire is worth it: The
These include Hilton Diamond elite status, which gets you extras like upgrades, hotel lounge access, free breakfast, and a free annual night each account anniversary valid for use at nearly any Hilton hotel worldwide.
You'll also receive up to $250 per cardmember year in Hilton resort credits and up to $250 per calendar year in airline incidental fee credits** on your selected airline.
Welcome bonus: The
Hilton Honors Aspire card review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express
Why the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is worth it: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists can get huge value from the high-end
Cardholders also enjoy Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, and a $100 property credit when booking eligible paid stays of two nights or more at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels.
Welcome bonus: The
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card review
Delta Reserve American Express
Why the Amex Delta Reserve is worth it: Even if you only fly Delta occasionally, the
Welcome bonus: The
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth it: Considered a premium travel card, the
You'll also get Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, access to Chase Sapphire lounges, excellent travel insurance features, and a statement credit reimbursing the application fee for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
The card also comes with great perks like DashPass membership, DoorDash credits, Instacart credits, and Lyft Pink All Access membership.
Welcome bonus: The
Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review
Chase United Club Infinite
Why the Chase United Club Infinite is worth it: Fans of the United MileagePlus loyalty program can potentially save thousands of dollars a year in travel with Chase's most-expensive United Airlines credit card. The
You'll also get Premier access, which includes priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, and Hertz Gold Plus President's Circle elite status which can get you rental car upgrades.
Welcome bonus: The card currently offers a welcome bonus of
United Club Infinite card review
Chase Southwest Priority
Why the Chase Southwest Priority is worth it: If you're a deal hunter, you probably fly Southwest. Owning the
Points earned with the card get you on your way to qualifying for the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with you for nearly free (just pay taxes and fees) on paid and award tickets.
Welcome bonus: The
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card review
Chase World of Hyatt Card
Why the World of Hyatt Card is worth it: Although it doesn't have as many features as some higher-end credit cards,
Cardholders receive an annual award night valid at any Hyatt Category 1-4 hotel, which can easily be worth hundreds of dollars. If you spend $15,000 on the card in an account year, you'll earn another free night (valid at the same categories).
You'll also get automatic Hyatt Discoverist elite status, which comes with perks like bonus points and early check-in/late checkout when available.
Welcome bonus:
World of Hyatt credit card review
Chase IHG One Rewards Premier
Why the Chase IHG One Premier is worth it: The
You can also save points with the fourth award night free on all standard award redemptions of four nights or more, which translates to a 25% discount just for being a cardholder. The card also offers up to a $100 statement credit for the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee.
Welcome bonus: One of the more generous hotel credit cards, the
IHG One Rewards Club Premier credit card review
Discover it Cash Back
Why the Discover it Cash Back is worth it: With a rotating selection of 5% cash back categories every quarter, it's easy to maximize your earnings with the
Welcome bonus: The card doesn't offer a welcome bonus per se, but Discover will match all cash back earned at the end of your first year as a new cardmember.
Discover it Cash Back card review
Discover it Miles
Why the Discover it Miles is worth it: The
Welcome bonus: Similar to the
Navy Federal Visa Signature Flagship
Why the Navy Federal Flagship is worth it: The
You'll earn 3 points per dollar on travel and 2 points per dollar on everything else. And the current interest rate is
Welcome bonus: This card's welcome offer is currently
Navy Federal Flagship Rewards credit card review