Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The 6 Best Military Credit Cards for Active-Duty Members in March 2024 [Waived Annual Fees]

Christine Krzyszton's image
Christine Krzyszton
Christine Krzyszton's image

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

305 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 98U.S. States Visited: 45

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.

  • Content by Leading Industry Experts
  • Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
  • First-Hand Credit Card Experience
  • Shared Across 200+ Top Outlets
  • Methodical “U.P. Rating” System
  • 1017+ Expert Credit Card Guides

Serving in our country’s military brings added responsibility and commitment — but it can also bring financial challenges.

Years ago, some of the financial challenges that military families face were recognized and addressed with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) and the subsequent Military Lending Act (MLA). If you’re an active-duty military member, chances are you’re familiar with these laws and their revisions.

These Federal laws impose limits on interest rates and fees lending institutions can legally charge active military members, their spouses, and domestic partners.

While the laws include special consideration with regards to vehicle leases, payday loans, mortgages, and housing rights, the importance of these laws as they apply to credit cards is significant. Specifically, opportunities have been created allowing military members to take advantage of some of the more elite benefits of rewards-earning credit cards without incurring high annual fees.

The SCRA applies to credit card accounts opened prior to active military service, but many credit card issuers extend the benefits to credit cards acquired during active duty as well. The MLA governs credit cards acquired during active military service.

Both laws have positively affected how credit card issuers administer their credit card terms for active military. Today, we’ll focus on which credit card issuers go above and beyond the minimum requirements of these laws and how their actions benefit active military.

Let’s take a look at our recommendations for the best military credit cards for active members (including spouses), and the associated card benefits.

American Express (Waived Annual Fees, Best Card Benefits & Perks)

American Express offers benefits to active-duty military that go beyond the letter of the law.

They do not limit benefits to credit cards opened prior to active military service. Instead, Amex is waiving fees and offering reduced interest rates on all of their credit cards — even newly acquired ones.

Benefits Provided

  • Waived annual membership fees and other fees such as late payments, returned payments, and over-limit fees
  • A cap of 6% on interest rates for cards acquired prior to active duty or 36% (Military Annual Percentage Rate) for cards acquired during active duty
    • Newly acquired cards are not capped

How to Request Benefits (Do This After You’re Approved)

  • Online: Log in to your credit card account online and click on “account services.” Under the account services tab you will find “credit management.” You will see SCRA Benefits under that tab and be able to request the benefits there.
  • Phone: Call 800-253-1720 from the U.S., or outside of the U.S. call collect at 336-393-1111.
  • Fax: Fax active duty documents with American Express account numbers to 623-444-3000.
  • Mail: Mail documents with account numbers to American Express, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, PO Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535

Hot Tip: If you are currently active-duty military with an American Express card but you haven’t applied for benefits, you should strongly considering doing so. You could save hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest and annual fees. 

Best American Express Credit Cards for Active Military

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 Annual Fee Waived, Best Card for Worldwide Lounge Access, Premium Benefits & Perks)

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits including best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros

  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
  • Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Access to Amex International Airline Program
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
  • $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Why We Like the Card for Military Members

If you travel a lot, having lounge access can add economy and comfort to your trip. You can grab a free drink, a bite to eat, and relax during your journey. Cardmembers will have access to upscale Centurion lounges, considered to be some of the best airport lounges available.

In addition, you’ll enjoy Priority Pass Select membership, which allows you and 2 guests complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Priority Pass is the world’s largest lounge network with nearly 1,400 lounges.

If you travel on Delta Air Lines, you’ll also enjoy access to Delta Sky Clubs (cardholder only).

The Global Entry credit is also a nice perk that reimburses you when you pay for your application or renewal with your Platinum Card®.

Hot Tip: For a lot more information, see our post on the benefits of the Platinum Card for Active U.S. Military members. Remember that the $695 annual fee is waived if you’re active military (including spouses and domestic partners), making this an incredible opportunity to pick up a card with a huge welcome bonus and packed with benefits and perks!

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong
Centurion Lounges are some of the best in the world, and you’ll have complimentary access. Image Credit: Greg Stone

2. The American Express® Gold Card ($250 Annual Fee Waived, Earn Lots of Bonus Points on Dining & U.S. Supermarkets)

BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

American Express® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
60,000 points
$1,320
$250
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros

  • 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
  • 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
  • Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
  • Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash: get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
  • No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
  • Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
  • Access to American Express transfer partners

Cons

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 90,000 points with the Amex Gold card. The current public offer is 60,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Why We Like the Card for Military Members

Because the Membership Rewards points you earn on everyday spending can be redeemed easily for travel, the Gold Card strikes a balance of being an everyday earning credit card and a travel rewards credit card.

For those who travel occasionally but spend regularly on dining and at U.S supermarkets, this card is an excellent match. You can read our post for more on the benefits of the Amex Gold Card for active-military members.

Bottom Line: American Express offers over 60 different cards, and they waive annual fees on all of them for active military.  

Chase (Waived Annual Fees, Excellent Card Benefits)

Benefits Provided

Chase offers benefits for active military members in accordance with the MLA law for those under active duty who applied for cards after September 20, 2017. Benefits apply only to personal credit cards, not to Chase business credit cards.

  • Waived annual fees and other fees (except late fees and insufficient fund fees)
  • Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) won’t exceed 36% (includes any fees)
  • Any introductory promotional interest rates (0% APR, etc.) will be honored

How to Request Benefits (Do This After You’re Approved)

After applying for the credit card of your choice, you can request SCRA/MLA benefits:

  • Access your Chase.com online banking profile
  • Select “secure messages” in the upper left of the page
  • Select “compose message”
  • Under “inquires,” select Military SCRA benefits
  • Include your account number
  • Attach supporting documents

You can call 1-877-469-0110 to ask about credit card fee waivers for Chase credit cards (8 am-10 pm Monday through Friday, and 9 am-6 pm Saturdays). Internationally, call collect at 318-340-3348.

All Chase personal credit cards are included for Military benefits; here are some of the most popular that we recommend.

Best Chase Credit Cards for Active Military

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ($95 Annual Fee Waived, Excellent First Time Card)

POPULAR FIRST CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros

  • 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
  • 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel worldwide
  • $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
  • 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
  • Excellent travel and car rental insurance
  • 10% annual bonus points
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A great first time rewards credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a nice balance of practical travel benefits and earning valuable Ultimate Rewards points.

  • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • 5x points on Lyft (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
  • 3x points on dining
  • 3x points on online grocery store purchases
  • 3x points on select streaming services
  • 2x points on all other travel purchases
  • Travel protections and benefits, including trip interruption/cancellation and primary rental car insurance
  • Redeem for 25% more value on the Ultimate Rewards travel portal

Why We Like the Card for Military Members

Earning valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards is a real benefit and being able to redeem them for travel on the Chase travel portal for 25% more is an added bonus.

Ultimate Rewards points can also be transferred to travel partners for even more value.

If you’re a Military Member renting a vehicle, know that you’ll be protected with primary car rental insurance.

4. Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 Annual Fee Waived, Priority Pass Lounge Access)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros

  • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
  • 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
  • 5x points on airfare booked through Chase TravelSM
  • 3x points on all other travel and dining purchases; 1x point on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • Priority Pass airport lounge access
  • TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS credit
  • Access to Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
  • Rental car elite status with National and Avis

Cons

  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a premium travel rewards credit card with a long list of benefits for active-duty military.

  • Priority Pass Select Membership with access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide after enrollment.
  • $300 travel credit each card anniversary year
  • 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel
  • 3x points on other travel and dining
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 (through March 31, 2025)
  • Transfer Ultimate Rewards to travel partners for potential added value
  • Redeem Ultimate Rewards points for 50% more value on travel purchased through the Chase Travel portal
  • Global Entry, Nexus, or TSA PreCheck credit up to $100

Why We Like the Card for Military Members

If you’re traveling frequently, the worldwide lounge access benefit will make your journey more comfortable and economical. The $300 travel credit each card anniversary year is easy to use and adds immediate value.

With elevated earning on travel and dining purchases and 50% more value when redeeming through the Chase travel portal, any military member who travels will utilize this card’s benefits.

5. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300 cash back
$0
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros

  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
  • Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
  • Ability to pool points

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you want a great point earning card and like the idea of having a choice between cash-back and Ultimate Rewards points, the Freedom Unlimited will make sure every purchase is earning rewards you can use.

  • 5% cash-back on travel through Chase Travel
  • 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% cash-back on all other purchase
  • 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; regular APR applies thereafter
  • $0 annual fee for all cardholders, including military

Why We Like the Card for Military Members

If you have a major purchase to make, you can save a lot on interest charges with the 0% APR rate for the first 15 months you have the card.

Hot Tip: Chase credit cards are subject to their 5/24 rule, which limits the number of credit cards for which you can be approved. Review the 5/24 rule carefully before applying. 

Discover

Discover provides benefits for active military members regardless of when they apply for a credit card, and does not limit benefits to only those credit cards acquired prior to the law.

In fact, Discover does not charge an annual fee on any of its cards to anyone, including military.

One of the best features of most Discover cards is that all the cash back you earn in your first year is matched at the end of your first card anniversary.

Benefits Provided

  • Interest rate not exceeding 5.9%
  • No late fees or fees for being over limit
  • Any introductory purchase or balance transfer rates are calculated at the promotional rate (if less than 5.9%)

Requesting Benefits (Do This After You’re Approved)

There are several options for requesting benefits.

  • Online: Sign in to your Discover card online account and click on the “manage” tab. You will see the link for SCRA benefits. Then click on “request benefits now.”
  • Phone: Call 1-844-337-4645, or from overseas call 1-801-451-3730.
  • Mail: Send a request via mail to Discover, SCRA Department, P.O. Box 30907, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0907
  • Fax: Fax your request to 1-224-813-5767, attention SCRA Department

Discover will attempt to verify your service through the Defense Manpower Data Center. You do not need to submit verification documents unless requested to do so.

Benefits With Other Credit Card Issuers

The following credit card issuers cap credit card interest rates and/or waive annual fees for credit cards opened prior to active military service only.

  • Capital One: Waives all fees including annual fees and caps interest rates at 4%
  • Citi: Waives all fees including annual fees and lowers interest rates to 0%
  • Bank of America: Caps interest rates at 6%
  • Barclays: Caps interest rates at 6%
  • U.S. Bank: Waives all fees and caps interest rates at 6%

Bottom Line: While all credit card issuers adhere openly to the SCRA and MLA laws, American Express, Chase, and Discover deliver benefits beyond the law’s minimum requirements. 

Best Credit Cards for Veterans

Most of the benefits of the SCRA and MLA laws expire within a specific period of time once you’ve left active duty, usually 12-15 months.

During your service, you may have become familiar with these financial institutions that provide continuing services to retired military. Note that you must be a member of these organizations prior to applying for their credit cards.

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card

Best for: Everyday spending

  • Requires average to excellent credit
  • Welcome bonus worth $300 after spending $3,000 in first 3 months after card approval
  • 3X points at supermarkets and gas stations
  • 2X points at restaurants
  • $0 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees

USAA

USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card

Best for: Everyday spending

  • Maximum 4% APR for 12 months during deployment or after active military service
  • 3X points for dining
  • 2X points for gas stations and supermarket purchases
  • 1X points all other purchases
  • $0 annual fee

Pentagon Federal Credit Union

PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Best for: Everyday spending

  • Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or merchandise at less than 1 cent each
  • $100 welcome bonus after minimum spending requirement
  • 5X points on gas station purchases
  • 3X points at grocery stores

Hot Tip: For a lot more information on this topic, see our guide on the best credit cards for military veterans.

Final Thoughts

Those who are about to embark on active duty or who have already done so can benefit greatly from having the annual fees waived on some very rewarding credit cards.

Premium travel credit cards can have fees exceeding $500 per year, plus additional fees for authorized users. Having these fees waived while qualifying for the valuable benefits offered can result in significant savings.

Keep in mind that balances still need to be paid off each statement period to avoid interest charges (even reduced ones), and payments must be made on time to preserve your good credit score.


The information regarding the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card, USAA Rewards™ American Express® Card, and PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For the rates and fees of the Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For the rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here

Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status