Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Benefits for Active-duty U.S. Military Members

Those who choose to serve in our country’s military are highly respected due to the understanding of the commitment and sacrifices the service member must make. Military service also comes with inherent challenges, some of which can be financial.

While not a blanket solution to this problem, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act of 2003 (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA) established in 2006 made significant strides toward easing some of the financial restraints affecting those on active-duty military service.

Credit card issuers must adhere to these laws, but some issuers, Chase included, go beyond the law and waive annual fees on certain credit cards for active-duty military members.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, which we’ll discuss today, is one of the best military credit cards as it’s loaded with useful benefits and has a high annual fee that can be waived.

In this article, we’ll look at all the key benefits of the card and the potential value each one could have to a qualifying military member.

How Do the SCRA and MLA Acts Work?

In an effort to relieve some of the financial burdens our active-duty military members faced, 2 legislative acts were passed years ago to help address the issue. In brief, the SCRA act applies to the debt of active-duty military members acquired prior to military service. The SCRA caps interest rates, including application fees, transaction fees, and other associated fees, at 6%.

The MLA applies to financial transactions and credit acquired during active-duty military service and caps interest rates, including associated fees, at 36%.

For example, if a service member opens an eligible financial account, then enters active-duty military service, the SCRA would apply. If a service member is already on active duty and is then extended credit, the MLA would apply.

Extending credit to service members via the approval of credit cards fell under these acts when it was amended in 2017. Chase has been extending benefits offered to active-duty military members by waiving annual fees for some of its credit cards ever since.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is an eligible card for having the annual fee waived.

Bottom Line: The SCRA and MLA Acts put caps on the maximum interest rates/fees that can be charged for debt incurred or credit extended to eligible military members prior to, and during, active duty. Credit cards fall under the law but some credit card issuers, including Chase, extend additional benefits such as waiving annual fees and associated transaction fees. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Overview

Before we look at each of the individual benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, let’s look at a snapshot of the key features of the card.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.99% - 28.49% 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 card application.

Excellent

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.

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

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-duty Military

We like that the Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns well on travel purchases. Booking travel through the Chase Travel portal can yield up to 8x earnings, but even flights and hotels booked directly, outside of the portal, yield 4x points per dollar.

Additional benefits include:

• 8x points on all purchases via Chase Travel
• 5x points on Lyft rides, plus a $10 monthly in-app credit (through September 30, 2027)
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through December 31, 2027)
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• Earns flexible rewards points that can be redeemed for increased value via Chase Travel and Points Boost
• $300 statement credit each year for travel purchases
• Ability to transfer points to hotel or airline partners for even greater potential value
• Worldwide lounge access via complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursement
• Travel/shopping benefits and protections

With this previous snapshot as a foundation, let’s now look at each benefit with an accompanying estimated potential value for active-duty military members which could add up to $7,100 in value.

Fee Benefits

Cancel Out the Annual Fee ($795 Value)

Premium travel rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card also offer premium benefits. These cards, however, typically come with high annual fees. If you can secure a premium travel rewards card and cancel out the annual fee, you’re sure to realize added value.

No Additional Fees ($195 Value)

Adding an authorized user to the Chase Sapphire Reserve card normally comes with a $195 fee for each additional user. Chase waives these fees as well as all other transaction fees, except late fees and insufficient funds fees.

Earning Potential

Welcome Offer ($2,000 Value)

We estimate the value of Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, therefore the value of the welcome offer can vary depending on how you redeem your rewards.

Redemption Options

Earning rewards can be exciting but the real fun comes at redemption time.

Travel Purchases via Chase Travel Portal (up to $2,000 Value)

That’s when you’ll have several ways to redeem your rewards for travel. You can use your rewards to purchase travel via the Chase Travel portal and receive more value.

If you redeem 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points a year, instead of receiving the standard 1 cent per point in travel value ($1,000), you could receive up to 2 cents per point for select flights and hotels via Points Boost, or $2,000 in travel.

Pay Yourself Back ($1,800 Value)

Pay Yourself Back allows you to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for 1.25 to 1.5 cents each for statement credits that offset rotating category purchases. Examples of these categories include groceries, dining, and qualifying charitable contributions.

If you were to spend $150 each month or $1,800 in a year on dining, as an example, you could reimburse these expenses for 120,000 to 144,000 Ultimate Rewards points (worth $1,800) versus 180,000 Ultimate Rewards points at 1 cent in value each without using Pay Yourself Back.

Statement Credits (Vaue=Priceless)

Redeeming Ultimate Rewards points for a statement credit is not the best value for the rewards earned on your card, but it’s always good to have the option. If you need to pay an unexpected bill or have a household emergency when cash is short, you can always redeem your points for 1 cent each as a statement credit.

If you redeem 100,000 points, for example, you would receive a statement credit of $1,000.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card comes with valuable earning and redemption benefits including a welcome offer worth several hundreds of dollars, greater value for rewards used for travel and Pay Yourself Back, and in a pinch you can use your rewards for a general statement credit. 

Travel Benefits

Travel Statement Credit ($300 Value)

The $300 travel statement credit is pure economic value and easy to use. Simply make an eligible travel purchase with your card and receive a statement credit equal to the purchase, up to $300 each card anniversary year.

Access to Hotel and Airline Transfer Partners (Value Varies)

The greatest potential value for your Ultimate Rewards points can be when transferring your points to hotel and travel partners. The value of this benefit can vary depending on the transfer partner you use and the value of the hotel night or airline ticket you purchase, but it is reasonable to expect 2 cents per point in value by doing so.

Worldwide Lounge Access ($680 Value)

Airport lounge membership is expensive. Having a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can save you money by not only providing access to over 1,300 airport lounges throughout the world, but you’ll also have access to Minute Suites, Be Relax spas, and Gameway locations.

Just 1 traveler using 10 lounge visits per year ($50 x 10 =$500), 5 restaurant visits ($28 x 5 = $140), and 1 Be Relax spa service ($40) could result in $680 worth of value. If traveling with another person, you could double that value.

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

Pay your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee or renewal with your card and receive a statement credit equal to the amount of the fee, up to $120 once every 4 years. You can also use your card to pay for family members and/or friends and receive the credit.

Hot Tip: Learn how to get TSA PreCheck for free as an active-duty military member in our article on the topic.

The Edit by Chase Travel (Value of $100+)

If you’re looking to splurge and be treated royally, perhaps for a special occasion, the benefits that come with these luxury hotel collections could be a nice perk.

Book your stay with The Edit by Chase Travel using your Chase Sapphire Reserve card and receive daily breakfast for 2, an upgraded room when available, complimentary Wi-Fi, early check-in and late checkout when available, and an onsite benefit worth $100.

Visa Infinite Hotels benefits include all the same benefits of The Edit, plus an additional $25 food and beverage credit and VIP status during your stay.

No Foreign Transaction Fees ($90 Value)

Foreign transaction fees can add expense to an international trip. You won’t have to worry about these extra charges on foreign transactions as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card does not charge these fees.

If you were to make $3,000 in foreign purchases, you would save $90.

Travel Protections

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver ($200 Value)

The car rental insurance that comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is primary coverage, meaning you do not first have to file a claim with any other applicable insurance before the card coverage takes effect.

Use your card to reserve and pay for your entire rental, decline the rental car agency’s CDW/LDW coverage, and receive protection for damage and theft of the rental car. Exclusions and limitations apply.

If you were to rent a car for 10 days and not have to pay for coverage costing $10 a day, that’s a savings of $200 on just 1 rental.

Trip Related Insurance (Value of $100)

Should a trip you paid for with your card, with rewards earned on your card, or a combination of the 2 need to be canceled or is interrupted for a covered event, you could receive up to $10,000 per trip per person, $20,000 per occurrence, with a maximum of $40,000 within a 12-month period.

If your trip is delayed more than 6 hours for a covered reason, you could receive up to $100 a day for up to 5 days as reimbursement for covered incidental expenses such as lodging, toiletries, and meals.

Baggage Insurance ($100 Value)

If your luggage is lost or stolen, you could receive up to $3,000 per person, per trip. If your baggage is delayed 6 hours or longer, you could receive up to $100 per day, for up to 5 days, in reimbursement for covered incidentals.

Limited Medical and Emergency Evacuation Insurance (Value Varies)

In the unlikely event you have to use this coverage, the value could be significant. The emergency transportation and evacuation benefit can provide up to $100,000 in coverage for you and eligible family members if you’re accidentally injured or fallen ill and need to be evacuated.

Additionally, you could receive up to $2,500 for emergency medical or dental services and medicines (subject to a $50 deductible). If, after recovery, you need to stay in a hotel room before returning home, you could receive up to $75 per day for up to 5 days.

Roadside Assistance ($50 Value)

The roadside assistance benefit that comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card will provide help if you’re stranded roadside by dispatching the nearest service provider. The fee for the service call is included, up to $50 per event, for up to 4 service calls per 12-month period.

Service calls can include limited towing, jump-start service, tire changing with an inflated spare, standard winching, fuel delivery, and lockout service. Any services that exceed $50 will be charged to your card.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card delivers an extensive list of valuable travel benefits and protections, including primary car rental coverage, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, baggage insurance, evacuation insurance, and roadside assistance. Plus, the card does not charge foreign transaction fees. Learn more about the excellent travel insurance benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card in this detailed article. 

Shopping Protections (Value Varies)

Purchase Protection

Purchase an eligible item with your card and receive coverage for damage and theft for up to 120 days from the date of purchase with purchase protection. Coverage limits are $10,000 per claim, up to $50,000 per year.

Return Protection

With return protection, you could receive up to $500 per item, up to $1,000 each year, if the merchant will not accept a return within 90 days from the date of purchase.

Extended warranty adds an additional year of warranty protection to eligible items that have manufacturer’s warranties of 3 years or less, up to $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account.

Shopping Benefits

DoorDash DashPass Membership and Credit ($180 Value)

Receive a free 1-year DoorDash DashPass membership, normally $9.99 a month, with free delivery for orders more than $12 and reduced fees. You’ll also receive a $5 DoorDash account credit each month. Registration is required to receive the complimentary DashPass. Register by December 31, 2027.

Chase Offers and Shop through Chase ($100 Value)

You could potentially save hundreds of dollars each year if you took advantage of all the available Chase Offers, but let’s be conservative and say you’ll save $100. You can review Chase Offers by logging into your online Chase account online or via the app. Select the offers you want to use, make the required purchase with your card, and receive a statement credit.

You can also earn additional Ultimate Rewards points by making purchases via the Chase shopping portal. Log in to your Ultimate Rewards account and use the Shop through Chase retailer and service provider links to make your purchase.

Hot Tip: The Chase Offers system is intuitive — the more you use your Chase credit card, the more Chase Offers you’ll receive!

Who Qualifies for Chase’s Active-duty Military Benefits

Chase has a simple definition of who qualifies for its SCRA and MLA benefits. Active-duty military members, active-duty National Guard members, and National Guard Reserve members who are called to active-duty are described as qualifying for benefits.

Spouses and eligible dependents may also qualify but all members must be registered with the Department of Defense Service Member Database.

How To Request Military Benefits

You can request benefits by logging in to your online Chase card account, selecting Secure Messages, then New Message, then from the drop-down box, select Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). You will then be able to create a message, attach any supporting documents, and submit your message to Chase.

Alternatively, you can mail your request and documents to Chase, Attention SCRA Request, P.O. Box 183240, Columbus, Ohio, 43218-3240.

Chase offers a military hotline for service members to call to discuss benefits. The benefit hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT. If calling from outside of the U.S., dial 318-340-3308, or within the U.S. call 877-469-0110.

Everything Else You Need To Know

Chase will waive annual fees on personal consumer credit cards for eligible active-duty military members and their spouses but does not waive annual fees for business credit cards. Fortunately, there are Chase business credit cards that have no annual fee or a lower annual fee. Check out our list of the best Chase business credit cards.

You will need an excellent credit score, generally 800 or better, to increase your chances of approval for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. You may be approved with a 740 score (or higher) with solid accompanying credit history.

Chase does not limit the number of cards you can have with the issuer but does have rules as to the maximum number of cards you’ve secured in the recent past. Be sure to review Chase’s 5/24 rule prior to applying for any Chase card.

Finally, please note that this is a sampling of some of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card and not an all-inclusive list. Plus, we’ve abbreviated benefits descriptions and not added all of the terms and conditions that apply.

Additional Chase Cards Recommended for U.S. Active-duty Military

Chase issues a variety of cards that are packed with benefits and have annual fees that can be waived. Keep in mind that each card comes with its own specific welcome offer that you can earn immediately after card approval when completing minimum spending requirements.

Here are just a few Chase-issued cards offering good value for active-duty military:

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.74% - 27.99% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why We Like the Card for Active-duty Military

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is a popular first-time travel rewards card. The card earns flexible rewards for travel purchases and you’ll have several options to redeem those points for travel. Plus, the card has a lower annual fee, making it a card you can keep far beyond your active-duty military service.

Here are some of the key additional benefits you’ll find on the card:

• 5x points on travel purchased via Chase Travel
• 3x points at online grocery stores, on dining, and on select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel
• 1x points on all other purchases
• Redeem rewards for up to 75% more in value via Chase Travel or transfer to hotel and airline partners for even greater potential value
• Travel/shopping benefits and protections including primary car rental insurance

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

NEW OFFER

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

125,000 points + 1 Free Night

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,225

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.74% - 28.24% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases annually 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: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

If you frequently stay at a particular hotel brand, having the associated hotel-branded credit card can elevate your stay experience, help you earn free nights faster, and deliver benefits that can make travel more comfortable.

The Marriott Boundless card offers a lot of Marriott Bonvoy-related benefits for a mid-tier card. Because of its lower annual fee and Marriott-centric benefits, you may want to keep the card indefinitely.

Why We Like the Card for Active-duty Military

• Elevated earning of up to 17x points per dollar spent at Marriott
• A free hotel night certificate each card anniversary year worth 35,000 points
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with a pay to Gold Elite status when you spend $35,000 on the card
• 15 Elite Night Credits toward higher elite status

The New United Club℠ Card

The New United Club℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

The New United Club℠ Card

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

80,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$695

APR

20.24% - 28.74% 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 card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The New United Club℠ 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 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

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 bonus miles
• 4x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• United Club℠ card membership - at least a $750 value
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• Earn a 10,000-mile award flight discount after $20,000 in purchases to use toward an eligible award flight - up to two times each calendar year
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

If United is your airline of choice, you’ll enjoy your travels more with the premium United Club card.

Why We Like the Card for Active-Duty Military

• Complimentary United Club membership
• 4x miles for United purchases
• 2x miles on travel and dining
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS fee reimbursement
• United flight benefits, such as free checked bags and 25% statement credit for inflight purchases
• Visa Infinite benefits

Hot Tip: To learn more about some of the best Chase cards that can add value for active-duty military members, check out this comprehensive list.

Final Thoughts

Realistically, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to realize all the potential value the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can provide, however, with so many available benefits, the card can be one of the best choices for a qualifying military member.

Also, the actual value of the benefits you receive will depend on your spending mix, your redemption priorities, and how many additional benefits you are able to use. If an active-duty military member could use just a few of the card’s benefits, the card easily earns a place in their wallet.

It’s worth noting that Chase is not the only card issuer that waives credit card annual fees for qualifying active-duty service members. Check out our list of these additional top rewards cards we recommend for military members for extraordinary value.