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

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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 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.

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. 

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.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms 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.
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
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.99% (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 (740-840)

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

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

 

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

 

  • 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 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
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

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 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. 

The Potential Value of the Capital One Venture X Card Benefits for Active-duty Military [$5,800+ in Value]

Soldier and his family buying groceries
Every purchase you make with the Capital One Venture X card earns double miles or more. Image Credit: Sean Murphy via Adobe Stock

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 — Value of $1,350

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.

Waived Annual Fee — Value of $395

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.

Earning and Redeeming Capital One Miles — Value of up to $1,242

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.

$300 Travel Credit — Value of $300

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 — Value of $100

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 — Value of $500

Plaza Premium Lounge Rio Bar
Complimentary airport lounge access can make your journey a lot more pleasant. Plaza Premium Lounge Rio Image Credit: Chris Hassan

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 — Value of $162

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.

Referral Bonus Opportunities — Value of $250

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.

Complementary Hertz President’s Circle Elite Status — Value of $100

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 — Value of up to $100

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 $100. You are eligible for the statement credit once every 4 years.

Primary Car Rental Insurance — Value of $200

Car keys
Save money on your next car rental with primary car rental insurance. Image Credit: Negative Space via Pexels

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 — Value of $100

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 — Value of $100

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 — Value of $90

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.

Cell Phone Protection — Value of $750

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.

Purchase Security, Extended Warranty, and Return Protection — Value of $100

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.

Qualification and Requesting Benefits

SCRA website
Use the official SCRA website to view and request your military status records. Image Credit: USA.gov

Who Qualifies 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

Request Benefits SCRA CapOne
Capital One makes it easy to request SCRA benefits. Image Credit: Capital One

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-duty Military Members

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

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

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:

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. 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®

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

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 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.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Capital One Venture X card worth it for active-duty military members?

Yes, if you qualify, the Capital One Venture X card can be worth it.

First, the annual fee may be waived for qualifying military members, which is a great savings. However, if you can utilize the credits for travel purchases, worldwide lounge access for you and authorized users, and travel insurance benefits, the card becomes even more valuable.

In addition, the card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase and up to 10x earnings when you use Capital One Travel. You’ll also enjoy several flexible redemption options.

Does Capital One waive credit card fees for active-duty military members?

Capital One will not waive credit card fees for cards acquired during active duty but will waive fees under the SCRA for eligible active-duty military members on cards acquired prior to active duty.

Terms and conditions apply.

When can I apply for SCRA benefits with Capital One?

You can apply for SCRA benefits with Capital One only while you are on active duty or within 1 year of leaving or completing active duty.

Does the Capital One Venture X card come with cell phone protection?

Yes, the Capital One Venture X card comes with cell phone protection. You may receive up to $800 for each eligible claim, up to 2 claims per year. Each claim has a $50 deductible.

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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.

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