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 10 Best Chase Credit Cards for Military Members [2024]

Carissa Rawson's image
Carissa Rawson
Carissa Rawson's image

Carissa Rawson

Senior Content Contributor

324 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 51U.S. States Visited: 36

Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business ...
Edited by: Juan Ruiz
Juan Ruiz's image

Juan Ruiz

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

234 Published Articles 866 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 41U.S. States Visited: 28

Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel. He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade. His work has been ...
& Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

52 Published Articles 3470 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
Jump to Section

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
  • 1090+ Expert Credit Card Guides

Serving in the armed forces isn’t easy. Whether it’s early-morning PT, after-work formations, or never-ending deployments, being a service member means you’re always on call. It’s a lot to sacrifice — but fortunately for those who’ve chosen to join, you’re also entitled to quite a few benefits. 

Yes, you probably already know about those discounted Disney tickets, and you hopefully flash your ID at the Home Depot to get your 10% off. You may have even read our article about American Express cards being the best for military members. But did you know that Chase is also an excellent option?

With a slew (and ever-increasing number) of high-end credit cards, service members can gain some pretty sweet perks while enjoying waived annual fees. Do you know what this means? Free stuff. What kind of free stuff? Hundreds of dollars in travel credits (including TSA PreCheck), free hotel nights, elite status, airline lounge memberships, and more.

Let’s take a look. 

Which Credit Cards Waive Annual Fees for Military Members?

Fortunately for service members, most large banks will waive the annual fee for their credit cards. Not all of them will waive those fees for cards you acquired prior to joining, but they will for cards you open while on active duty. 

American Express, Chase, Citi, and Capital One will not charge the annual fees for credit cards if you’re on active duty. 

Unfortunately for veterans and reservists, these benefits only apply to those who are actively serving. This means that when your enlistment or commission ends, these banks will begin charging you for your cards, so keep that in mind when opening your accounts. 

Chase and Citi will both waive fees for all consumer cards. All in all, Chase offer some of the best military credit card options.

How Many Chase Credit Cards Can You Have?

Unlike some other banks, Chase doesn’t have a hard limit on how many credit cards you can hold — some of us at Upgraded Points even have 7 Chase cards! This is good news for all you future credit-card aficionados since you’ll be able to get and hold quite a few cards. 

How To Get a Chase Credit Card

Most of Chase’s premium credit cards also require an excellent credit score and an established credit history. Generally speaking, you’ll want to have a credit score of at least 720, as well as history on your credit report.

What does this mean? Well, a lot of younger folks will check their credit score and see that they’ve got a high score, say somewhere in the mid-700s. But if their credit score is a result of not having any credit at all, that 700+ isn’t going to get you anywhere. You’ve got to establish history, whether through a starter credit card, auto loan, or being added as an authorized user to someone else’s card before your high credit score has any meaning behind it. 

Even without a perfect score or a lot of history, you have options. Chase’s mid-tier cards have less stringent requirements, which means you can still see some benefits even if you’re not yet qualified for the most premium credit cards.

Just because Chase hasn’t established a specific limit on how many cards you can have doesn’t mean you’ll be able to have unlimited cards. Anecdotally, Chase will limit your cards based on your total credit line. This means that it will extend a certain amount of credit to you, and once you’ve hit that limit it will no longer approve credit cards. 

Hot Tip: Chase has instituted some very specific once-per-lifetime rules on some of its cards, including the Chase Sapphire line. Be sure to read the fine print to find out if you’re eligible for a sign-up bonus when you apply. 

If you’ve been denied for a card due to maxing out your total credit line, it’s possible to get approved by calling the reconsideration line at 888-270-2127 and asking them to move existing credit to your new card. This isn’t guaranteed but can work out in your favor and get you approved. 

Beware, however, that Chase also uses the 5/24 rule to weed out applicants who’ve acquired too many credit cards too recently.

What Is the Chase 5/24 Rule?

The bane of many an award traveler’s existence, the Chase 5/24 rule is this: Chase will not allow you to open a new credit card if you’ve opened 5 or more credit cards within the last 24 months. This applies across a broad spectrum of cards, not just Chase, and includes pesky things like store cards and being added as an authorized user to someone else’s credit card (though that can be clarified via the reconsideration line).

So if you’re new to the points and miles community and would like to get a Chase credit card, be aware that Chase will count and track how many cards you’ve opened in the last 2 years. There is no getting around this.

When Should You Get Each Chase Credit Card?

Every bank does something different when it comes to acquiring credit cards. These rules are in response to credit card churning, which is the practice of opening credit cards for their sign-up bonuses then closing them once you’ve earned the welcome offer. This practice is highly discouraged by banks — hence Chase’s 5/24 rule, which is among one of the stricter rules.

This is something really important to consider, especially if you’ve decided you really want to start investing in points and miles. The order in which you open your credit cards is important. If your credit is just OK and you won’t qualify for any premium cards just yet but you want them later, you’ll need to make sure you leave room for them based on 5/24.

Let’s look at this from 2 different scenarios:

Scenario 1: You Already Have Great Credit

In scenario 1, you’ve got established credit and an excellent credit score. You’re really interested in having the best perks possible and aren’t afraid of high annual fees if or when you choose to leave the military (though depending on how long you stay in, you could be getting thousands of dollars worth of free credits in the meantime).

In this case, you’d probably want to aim for Chase’s premium credit cards immediately in order to receive as many benefits as possible for as long as possible. Once you’ve got those cards, you can pick what you’d like from among the mid-tier cards left available based on 5/24. You’ll do all this before attempting to acquire any other card from any other bank. 

Scenario 2: You Have Good Credit But Want To Improve

In scenario 2, you have good credit but probably won’t qualify for Chase’s more expensive cards. In this case, you’ll get 1, maybe 2, of Chase’s mid-tier credit cards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good option as a starter card (though again, be excruciatingly aware of the once-per-lifetime language, especially with the Sapphire cards). Otherwise, one of the co-branded hotel or airline cards is a decent option, especially if you’re looking to use those free hotel certificates.

Once you’ve got a few months of charges and on-time payments under your belt, you’ll want to consider getting one of the premium Chase cards. The idea here is to build your credit and your goodwill with Chase simultaneously. You will — again — not get any other credit cards from other banks in the meantime. Chase is super strict about 5/24 and 2 entire years is a long time to wait before getting a new Chase credit card.

Whether you’ve got great or good credit, once you’ve gotten all the Chase cards you’d like to have, you can go hog-wild picking up all the other travel cards you desire — as long as you’re abiding by the other banks’ rules.

Bottom Line: How and when you apply for a Chase credit card matters. Do your research on the situation for the best chances of success. 

The Best Chase Credit Cards for Military: Premium Cards

Like we’ve already said, Chase is going to waive all annual fees for its consumer credit cards as long as you’re an active-duty service member. This means that it’s premium cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, are going to cost you nothing out of pocket while still giving you hundreds of dollars in perks each year.

These cards are going to give you the most bang for your (non-existent) buck or are going to be the most worthy slots in your 5/24 wallet.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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)
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.
60,000 points
$1,200
$550
21.74% - 28.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons
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 through March 31, 2025
  • 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025
Cons
  • $550 annual fee
  • Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $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 $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

One of the kings of the travel credit card world, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card’s $550 annual fee is waived for military members.

So what comes with that hefty annual fee? Tons! The card is chock-full of high-end benefits to up your travel game.

Additional Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Benefits

  • Elite status with Avis and National and primary car rental insurance coverage
  • DoorDash DashPass subscription (must activate by December 31, 2027)
  • $5 monthly DoorDash credit
  • Trip and luggage insurance
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 10x points per $1 on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
  • 5x or 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)

So, to recap here, you’ll pay $0. In return, you’ll get a $300 travel credit, Priority Pass airport lounge access (upon enrollment), free food delivery, bonus points on purchases, and no foreign transaction fees, so that when you swipe your card at the Green Beans downrange, it won’t cost you anything extra.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
90,000 miles
$1,080
$525
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
  • Complimentary United Club membership (up to $650 value per year)
Cons
  • $525 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
  • 4x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on all other travel and dining
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
  • Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.24% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Are you a United flyer? If not, become one, because this credit card is going to give you major perks when flying with United — and you won’t even have to be in uniform.

The best thing about the United Club Infinite card is that it’s going to give you a United Club membership, which means whenever you fly you’ll be able to enter the United Club lounge. The card normally costs $525 per year, but that fee will be waived for service members.

Additional United Club Infinite Card Benefits

  • United Club membership that allows you to bring in 2 companions
  • 2 free checked bags for you and a companion
  • Gives you eligibility for space-available complimentary upgrades on award flights
  • Platinum elite status with IHG One Rewards
  • Complimentary upgrades on award tickets for companions

In case you’re wondering why exactly you should want an airport lounge membership when you’ve already got the USO, just know that United Club lounges tend to offer better food — and they include alcohol.

The free checked bags are also nice. Although many airlines will give you free checked luggage even if you aren’t traveling on orders, it’s always a possibility that they won’t, and they definitely don’t extend that courtesy to a companion. This guarantees the baggage for both of you will be checked for free.

United Quest℠ Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER
United Quest℠ Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.
Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
70,000 miles
$840
$250
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

The newest addition to United’s lineup of cards is the United Quest℠ Card. With it, you can bolster your United MileagePlus miles, thanks to the bonus categories, while enjoying the card’s many perks designed to help save you money on each United flight.

With an annual fee that falls between the United℠ Explorer Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x miles per $1 on United purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 spent on travel, dining, and select streaming services
  • $125 annual United credit
Cons
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
  • Does not offer airport lounge access
Card Highlights
  • Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
  • 3x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
  • Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and priority boarding
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 21.24% - 28.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

United’s newest credit card, the United Quest card, offers some pretty decent perks for its $250 annual fee — which, of course, will be waived for you. These include things like an annual United credit usable for airfare, inflight purchases, and more.

Additional United Quest Card Benefits

  • 2 free checked bags for you and a companion
  • A TSA PreCheck, Nexus, or Global Entry credit
  • Travel and purchase protection
  • 25% back on United inflight purchases (includes Wi-Fi, food, and beverages)
  • Eligibility for space-available complimentary upgrades on award flights

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

NEW OFFER
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, travel credit, upgrades, and money back on inflight purchases.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
This card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, travel credit, upgrades, and money back on inflight purchases.
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
$400 + 40,000 points
$880
$149
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is the most premium personal Southwest card offering from Chase. When you peel back the curtain, it is easy to see why.

Not only does the card offer multiple bonus categories to help you earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points, but it is also loaded with benefits that are sure to offer quite a bit of value to Southwest flyers.

Here is a full overview of the card to help you decide if it is a good fit for your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshare purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming purchases
Cons
  • $149 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable points
Card Highlights
  • Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
  • 7,500 anniversary points each year.
  • Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
  • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
  • $75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

Southwest is already an extremely generous airline, with 2 free checked bags for everyone and no fees for seat selection (active-duty military passengers board between groups A and B). That said, its most premium credit card, the Southwest Priority Card, is going to give you a free travel credit and free reward points each year on what would otherwise be a $149 annual fee card.

Additional Southwest Priority Card Benefits

  • 4 upgraded boardings per year, with reimbursement for A1-15 paid boarding when purchased at the counter
  • Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) towards elite status for every $5,000 in spending
  • 25% back on inflight purchases, including food and Wi-Fi

The Best Chase Credit Cards for Military: Mid-Tier Cards

Although Chase only has a few really high-end credit cards, it excels at mid-tier cards. These don’t feature the same premium benefits as the other Chase cards but still punch way above their weight class when it comes to perks. This includes things like free hotel nights, elite status, and flight discounts.

These cards may also be a better option for you if you’re younger and don’t have a ton of credit history or if you otherwise don’t have the excellent credit required for Chase’s more expensive cards.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

BEST BEGINNER CARD
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
A fantastic travel card with a great 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.
60,000 bonus points
$1,200
$95
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons
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)
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The younger brother of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is an excellent starter card for those just entering the points and miles world. It doesn’t feature tons of benefits, but it does earn Ultimate Rewards points that can be used for valuable airline and hotel redemptions.

Additional Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Benefits

Hot Tip: You can quickly earn lots of Ultimate Rewards points once you have been approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card — check out our guide to how to get maximum value out of those points.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

NEW OFFER
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

Earn Southwest points on every purchase, plus anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass!

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
Earn Southwest points on every purchase, plus anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass!
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
$400 + 40,000 points
$880
$99
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

Another week, another flight. Flying weekly can get tiring, but you know that every flight gets you closer to taking some great vacations with your significant other or your favorite travel buddy.

To save money on the flights, you like to use Southwest Airlines.

So why not get the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card to help you earn extra Rapid Rewards points?

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
  • 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
  • 6,000 anniversary points each year.
  • Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
  • Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
  • 2 EarlyBird Check-In® each year.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

Another Southwest card, the Southwest Premier card really only has 1 main perk: a 6,000 point bonus on your cardmember anniversary. We value Southwest points at 1.4 cents each, making this bonus worth $84 per year. You’ll earn 3x points per dollar on all Southwest purchases, and all points earned count towards Southwest’s coveted Companion Pass.

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to check out the additional hotel and flight discounts you may be eligible for as a member of the military.

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

British Airways Visa Signature® Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 card is great for British Airways frequent flyers, and traveling couples will find great value in the Travel Together Ticket.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
This card is great for British Airways frequent flyers, and traveling couples will find great value in the Travel Together Ticket.
Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
75,000 Avios
$938
$95
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

The British Airways Visa Signature® Card is a stellar option for travelers who regularly travel with the airline. From all of the Avios the card helps you earn, to a 10% discount off cash tickets, and the award flight statement credits, you can get tons of value out of the card each year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x Avios per $1 on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL purchases
  • 2x Avios per $1 on hotel accommodations purchased directly through hotels
  • 1x Avios per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
  • Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
  • Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
  • 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
  • Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
  • Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

British Airways Executive Club

Unlike other airline credit cards, the British Airways Visa card doesn’t offer free checked bags or priority boarding. Instead, it offers unique perks that help offset the actual cost of any flights you’ll be taking.

Additional British Airways Visa Card Benefits

  • Receive an award ticket statement credit for taxes and fees on award tickets to London — $100 for economy and premium economy or $200 for business and first class — up to 3x per year
  •  No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.
125,000 points
$875
$95
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
  • Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

While American Express has most of Marriott Bonvoy’s credit cards (including its most premium option), Chase maintains the Marriott Boundless card for its members, which includes elite status and an annual free hotel night, which means you can reap hundreds of dollars in benefits from this single card.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent.
Up to 60,000 points
$900
$95
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
  • 1x point per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
    • $95 annual fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
  • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
  • Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
  • Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
  • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
  • Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

Similar to the Marriott Boundless card, the World of Hyatt card gives its holders elite status and a free hotel night each year.

Additional World of Hyatt Card Benefits

  • No foreign transaction fees

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
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 perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)
The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
140,000 points
$700
$99
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
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)
Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
  • 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
  • 3x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable points
Card Highlights
  • Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The IHG Premier card offers the most generous hotel elite status you’re going to find with a Chase card by giving its cardholders automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status. While this status isn’t as bountiful as others, it’s still nice to have and can score you some excellent upgrades at IHG hotels.

Additional IHG Premier Card Benefits

Hot Tip: If you’re earning Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, or IHG One Rewards points (or even all 3!), we have plenty of inspirational guides for redeeming your points at Marriott, Hyatt, and IHG properties!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a big traveler or not, there’s no reason not to get at least a few of these Chase cards if you’re a service member. From the World of Hyatt card to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, military members can all find something from which to benefit.

With waived annual fees for active-duty folks, you can score yourself hundreds of dollars in travel credits, elite status, airline lounge memberships, and more — and it won’t cost you a thing.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chase waive annual fees for military?

Yes! Chase will waive the annual fee on all its consumer cards for active-duty military members.

How do I access cash rewards on a Chase military credit card?

If you have a Chase card that earns cash back, you can access these rewards by logging into your online account and heading to the Rewards tab.

Is Chase a good bank for military?

Chase offers some really great perks for military members, including waived fees on its credit cards and bank accounts.

What are the Chase credit card military benefits?

In order to comply with the SCRA, Chase will offer certain benefits to its active-duty customers. These include waived annual fees on its credit cards.

Carissa Rawson's image

About Carissa Rawson

Carissa served in the U.S. Air Force where she developed her love for travel and new cultures. She started her own blog and eventually joined The Points Guy. Since then, she’s contributed to Business Insider, Forbes, and more.

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