Capital One Venture X Card Benefits for Active-Duty U.S. Military Members

Serving in the U.S. military can present obvious challenges for military members and their families, including managing physical, emotional, social, and practical challenges that come with trying to find a balance between home, duty, and commitment. Some of the not-so-obvious challenges may also be financial challenges.

There is some relief for military members, however, available via 2 acts that were passed years ago. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA), updated since originally becoming law, apply to certain financial transactions involving active-duty military members.

We’ll talk about these acts briefly in a minute, but for now, the importance of these acts as they relate to this article is their effect on credit card fees and how the savings can present value for active-duty military members.

Capital One is one credit card issuer that waives annual fees for certain eligible military members. Its Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One. is not only one of the best credit cards for military members who qualify, but it’s also a card that delivers great value, even if you would have to pay the annual fee.

To illustrate, we’ll review all the key attributes of the card and provide an estimated potential economic value of each benefit for active-duty military members.

Capital One Venture X Card Overview

We’ll cover all the key benefits of the Capital One Venture X card shortly, but first, let’s look at a quick overview of the card.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit 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.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

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 (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

How Do the SCRA and MLA Work?

The SCRA provides relief by capping interest rates and fees on applicable credit granted to qualifying active-duty service members prior to their active duty. The MLA covers credit acquired during active duty.

The SCRA limits interest rates to 6% on applicable loans, but Capital One has instituted a 4% cap on interest rates for eligible loans and credit products. Capital One also waives additional fees.

While Capital One follows the letter of each of these laws on all applicable loans and credit products, for credit cards specifically, only active-duty members who qualify under the SCRA receive annual fee waivers. Capital One does not waive fees under MLA (credit acquired during active duty) for credit cards.

This is an important distinction if you’re a military member looking for a Capital One credit card. You would need to acquire the card prior to active-duty service and then apply for SCRA benefits during active duty.

Bottom Line: If you’re on active duty and have a Capital One credit card acquired prior to that period, you can apply for Capital One SCRA benefits. If you are not on active duty, you can secure a Capital One credit card, but you will not qualify for Capital One SCRA benefits until you are on active duty. 

Why We Like This Card for Active-duty Military Members

We like that the Capital One Venture X card has a lower annual fee compared to other premium travel rewards cards.

Additional reasons we like the card:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals via Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases
• Up to $300 credit annually for booking via Capital One Travel
• Redeem rewards for travel via Capital One Travel
• Ability to transfer rewards to hotel and airline partners for greater potential value
• Worldwide access to airport lounges and airport lounge alternatives
• 10,000 bonus miles at each card anniversary
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
• Cell phone insurance, plus travel benefits and protection

Bottom Line: The Capital One Venture X card has a lower fee than other premium travel rewards cards, making it a good choice to keep beyond active-duty military service. The card also offers a long list of earning, redemption, travel, and shopping benefits. 

Earning and Redeeming Potential ($2,842 in Value)

With the previous snapshot as a base, let’s look closer at each benefit and the potential value each could offer a military member.

Welcome Offer ($1,350 Value)

Immediately after you’re approved for the Capital One Venture X card, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a welcome bonus. You’ll easily be able to receive at least 1 cent each in value for Capital One miles, but we value each mile at approximately 1.8 cents each due to the flexible redemption options.

This means a 75,000-mile welcome offer will be worth $750 to $1,350 in value when redeemed for travel.

You’ll need to complete the stated minimum spending requirements to receive the welcome bonus.

Earning and Redeeming Capital One Miles (Up to $1,242 Value)

It’s difficult to say how much value you’d receive when earning and redeeming your Capital One miles as so much depends on your spending mix and how you redeem your rewards. However, we can look at a sample spending mix to give you an idea:

• 10x earnings hotels and rental cars via Capital One Travel on $3,000 = 30,000 miles
• 5x earnings on flights via Capital One Travel on $3,000 = 15,000 miles
• 2x earnings on all other spending on $12,000 = 24,000 miles

That’s a total of 69,000 miles worth at least $690 when redeemed via Capital One Travel or $1,242 (or more) when transferred to travel partners. This is a conservative estimate and does not include finding a potentially good deal when transferring rewards to travel partners.

Referral Bonus Opportunities ($250 Value)

You could earn up to 100,000 miles each year for referring friends/family for a Capital One Venture X card. Each referral who gets approved results in 25,000 Capital One miles, worth at least $250 in value.

Fee Benefits and Reductions

Waived Annual Fee ($395 Value)

For active-duty members who qualify to have the annual fee waived, you’ll realize a value of $395 (rates & fees).

No additional fees and Interest (Value Varies)

Capital One waives all fees for eligible military members and caps interest rates on credit cards at 4% (rates & fees). While we recommend not carrying a balance to avoid any interest charges, if you needed to, you could realize some savings.

Travel Benefits

$300 Travel Credit ($300 Value)

It’s easy to utilize the $300 credit for purchases via Capital One Travel. Just use your card to make travel purchases via the portal and you’ll receive a credit, $300 each year.

Bonus Miles at Card Account Anniversary ($100 Value)

Each year when you renew your card, you will receive 10,000 Capital One miles as a bonus, which will be worth at least $100 when used for travel via Capital One Travel.

Worldwide Lounge Access ($500 Value)

Priority Pass Lounges and Lounge Alternatives

With your complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, you will have access to over 1,400 properties worldwide, including airport lounges, participating restaurants, Minute Suites, Be Relax spas, and Gameway Lounges.

You and up to 2 additional guests can enjoy complimentary access. There is a fee of $27 for each additional guest per visit.

To purchase a Priority Pass annual membership would cost $469 and complimentary access does not include guests.

Capital One Lounges

In addition to Priority Pass properties, Capital One Venture X card members will also receive access to Capital One Lounges. Currently, there only the Capital One Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is open, but more are scheduled to open soon.

Plaza Premium Lounges

Capital One Venture X cardholders can access over 100 Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide. Cardholders, plus 2 additional guests, receive complimentary access. Without the Capital One Venture X card, you would need to pay $35 to $65 for a 2- to 6-hour pass.

Worldwide Lounge Access for Authorized Users ($162 Value)

There is no additional fee to add authorized users to your Capital One Venture X card. These additional users also receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, including access for 2 additional guests. Adding family members to your card makes it possible to gain complimentary access for your entire family to lounge properties.

If you travel with more than 2 members of your family, you could save on lounge passes for those additional members by adding them to your card. With just 3 visits each year at $27 per visit, per person, your savings could be $162.

Complementary Hertz President’s Circle Elite Status ($100 Value)

Normally you’d need 15 rentals and $3,000 in spending with Hertz to qualify for President’s Circle, but you’ll receive complimentary elite status with the Capital One Venture X card. President’s Circle status gives you car upgrades, no additional driver fees in the U.S., free car selection from the President’s Circle car section, terminal drive-back service, and more.

Just a couple of car upgrades and the savings of not having to pay to add another driver can add up if you’re a frequent Hertz customer.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Fee Reimbursement ($120 Value)

Pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application or the renewal fee with your card and receive reimbursement via statement credit for up to $120. You are eligible for the statement credit once every 4 years.

Travel Protection Perks

Primary Car Rental Insurance ($200 Value)

Pay for your entire rental car agreement with your card, decline the rental car agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive coverage for damage or theft of your rental car. Primary coverage means that you do not have to file a claim with any other applicable insurance before the card’s coverage kicks in.

If you were to rent just once a year for 10 days and not have to pay an estimated $20 per day for this additional coverage, you could save $200 on just 1 rental.

Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay Insurance ($100 Value)

Purchase your ticket with your card and receive up to $2,000 per person for non-refundable expenses if your trip is interrupted or needs to be canceled for covered reasons. If your trip is delayed 6 hours or more, or overnight, you could receive up to $500 for each purchased ticket for reasonable additional expenses.

Lost Luggage Insurance ($100 Value)

If your luggage is lost or stolen during your trip, you could receive up to $3,000 per trip (up to $2,000 for New York residents). Since the airlines do cover lost/stolen luggage, it’s unlikely you’d use this benefit unless the airline doesn’t pay you the full value of your luggage … then this benefit could come in handy!

No Foreign Transaction Fees ($90 Value)

You can keep the Capital One Venture X card in your wallet while you travel knowing you won’t be charged fees on any foreign transactions you make (rates & fees).

Typical foreign transaction fees can be 3% of the purchase amount. If you were to spend $3,000 in a year, that would result in $90 in savings.

Shopping Benefits and Protections

Purchase Security, Extended Warranty, and Return Protection ($100 Value)

Eligible items purchased with your card can qualify for additional protection should something go wrong with your purchase. If an item is damaged or stolen within 120 days of the purchase date, you could receive up to $500 per item, a maximum of $10,000 per account with purchase security coverage.

Additionally, eligible items with manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less will receive 1 additional year.

If an eligible item is not accepted for return by the merchant within 90 days from the date of purchase, you could receive up to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per account.

Capital One Offers (Value Varies)

Log in to your account and click through Capital One Offers for cash-back in the form of statement credits on purchases at select retailers.

Hot Tip: Note that these are not all of the benefits of the Capital One Venture X card and our benefit descriptions have been abbreviated. You’ll want to access the card’s Guide to Benefits for complete descriptions and terms and conditions.

Cell Phone Protection ($750 Value)

Pay your monthly bill in full with your Capital One Venture X card and receive up to $800 for damage, theft, and “involuntary and accidental parting” of your cell phone. There is a $50 deductible for each claim and there is a maximum limit of 2 claims per 12-month period. Any cell phone bill paid for in full with your card each month can also have coverage. Learn more about Capital One Venture X card cell phone coverage here.

Qualification For Capital One SCRA Benefits

Capital One will waive credit card fees for cards obtained prior to active duty for eligible military members. An eligible active-duty military member is defined as the following:

• Active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Army or Air National Guard, Coast Gard, and Coast Guard Reserves
• Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) commissioned officers
• Commission officers of the Public Health Service
• U.S. citizen members of an allied nation’s military service
• Spouses and dependents of eligible members listed above

Eligible Accounts

Some credit card issuers waive annual fees for eligible active-duty military members for cards opened before, and during, active duty. Capital One, however, restricts fee waivers to only those credit cards opened prior to the start of active duty.

In addition to credit card accounts, lines of credit, auto loans, mortgages, home equity loans, and installment loans can also qualify for Capital One SCRA benefits.

How To Request SCRA Benefits (After Card Approval)

To receive benefits for any eligible credit card accounts or loans, you’ll complete this simple form to submit your request.

Alternatively, you can request benefits via mail by submitting your request to: Capital One, Attention: SCRA Request, P.O Box 30285, Salt Lake City, UT, 84130-0285. You can also fax your request to 866-516-4023.

Requests should include the service member’s name and Social Security number, the active-duty start date, and the branch of service. You will also need to provide a copy of your active-duty military orders for Capital One to review or a letter from your executive or commanding officer on official letterhead.

You may also request benefits in person at the nearest Capital One branch.

Your Defense Manpower Data Center (DATC) record showing active duty status will be verified by Capital One. If there is any problem or additional information is needed, Capital One will contact you.

The deadline for requesting SCRA benefits is 1 year after leaving or completing active duty.

Hot Tip: Capital One has a 24/7 military support SCRA hotline (855-227-1645) that you can call to have your questions answered. 

Additional Premium Travel Rewards Cards for Active Military

The best travel rewards cards for eligible service members who qualify for annual fee exmeptions will generally be those cards that offer the most premium benefits with corresponding high annual fees.

Here are 2 premium cards that fall into those categories, making the cards potentially good choices for military members:

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

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.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

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

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 & Cons

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 AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• 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 through American Express Travel using 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.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $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: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 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.
• 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

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-duty Military

The Amex Platinum card is known as one of the best premium travel rewards cards. Membership Rewards points earned on the card are valuable for securing travel via AmexTravel.com but even more so for the potentially greater value when points are transferred to the American Express transfer partners.

Here is a sample of some of the benefits you’ll find on the card:

• Generous welcome bonus
• High annual fee not charged for qualifying active-duty military (rates & fees)
• 5x points for flights booked through the airline and AmexTravel.com ($500,000 limit) and prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com
• Worldwide lounge access to over 1,400 properties
• Up to $200 back in statement credits for qualifying Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection purchases
• Up to $100 each year in Saks Fifth Avenue credits towards purchases of $50 January through June, and $50 July through December
• Up to $240 annual digital entertainment credit, up to $2o each month for qualifying purchases
• Up to $200 airline incidental fees credit
• Up to $200 Uber Cash good for Uber rides or Uber Eats in the U.S.; $15 credit each month from January through November and $35 credit in December
• Up to $300 Equinox credit for qualifying membership purchases
• Up to $199 CLEAR membership credit
• Up to $155 Walmart+ membership credit at $12.95 each month
• Travel and shopping benefits and protections

To learn more about these benefits and the value of the Amex Platinum card for active-duty military, our detailed article will give you additional information.

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 card. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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

Read Full Review

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.
• 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.
• 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

• APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-duty Military

If you want a card with good earning potential, solid value at redemption time, and a long list of travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card checks those boxes.

Here are some of the additional reasons we like the card for military members:

• Generous welcome bonus
• High annual fee waived for qualifying active-duty military
• 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked via Chase Travel
• 10x points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points for flights booked via Chase Travel
• 3x points on dining, including delivery and takeout
• Redeem points for 1.5 cents each for travel via Chase Travel
• $300 statement credit each year for travel purchases
• Transfer points to hotel and airline partners for even greater potential value
• Lounge access, including complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to worldwide airport lounges and lounge alternatives
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursement
• Travel and shopping benefits and protections

We cover more benefit details of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for active-duty military in our article on this topic.

Final Thoughts

Since Capital One only waives fees for credit cards acquired prior to active duty, not during active duty, the opportunity for having the fee waived on the Capital One Venture X card can be limited. Don’t dismiss the card based on this factor alone, however, as the card has tremendous potential value.

American Express and Chase do not charge fees for credit cards acquired both during and prior to active duty for eligible military members under the SCRA and the MLA. You can check out several recommended cards in our articles on the best American Express and best Chase cards for active-duty military.