The Best Military Credit Cards in April 2025 (Active Duty + Veterans)

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Whether you’re an active-duty service member benefiting from protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), a veteran looking for exclusive perks from issuers like USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), or a military spouse managing household finances, there’s a card tailored to your needs.
Enjoy premium travel rewards, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees—features that bring real value to military members. For veterans and military spouses, specialized credit cards offer competitive rates, cash-back rewards, and military-friendly benefits designed to support your lifestyle.
Start exploring the best credit card options for military service members, veterans, and spouses. Maximize your financial benefits and unlock new opportunities for travel, family, and future planning.
ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY: The 3 Best Credit Cards (Amex + Chase)
American Express offers benefits to active-duty military that go beyond the letter of the law.
American Express Cards (Annual Fee Reductions, Superior Card Perks & Benefits)
The best part about Amex is that it does not limit benefits to credit cards opened before active military service.
Instead, Amex offers reduced annual fees and interest rates on all of its credit cards, even newly acquired ones.
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express (No Annual Fee, Best Card for Airport Lounge Access, Premium Perks)
BEST FOR LOUNGES

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 Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Up to $1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
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 (enrollment required), 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)
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.
- With American Express Global Lounge Collection® you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
- $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 ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- $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.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
2. The American Express® Gold Card (Earn Lots of Bonus Points on Dining & U.S. Supermarkets)

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
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.
This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Up to $1,200
$325
See Pay Over Time APR
Why We Like This Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a game-changer.
With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.
There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
- 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com
Cons
- $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
- No lounge access
Card Highlights
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Amex Benefits Provided
- Reduction in annual membership fees and other fees such as late payments, returned payments, and over-limit fees
- A cap of 6% on interest rates for cards acquired prior to active duty or 36% (Military Annual Percentage Rate) for cards acquired during active duty
- Newly acquired cards are not capped
How to Request Benefits (Do This After You’re Approved For The Amex Card)
- Online: Log in to your credit card account online and click on “account services.” Under the account services tab you will find “credit management.” You will see SCRA Benefits under that tab and be able to request the benefits there.
- Phone: Call 800-253-1720 from the U.S., or outside of the U.S. call collect at 336-393-1111.
- Fax: Fax active duty documents with American Express account numbers to 623-444-3000.
- Mail: Mail documents with account numbers to American Express, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, PO Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535
If you are currently active-duty military with an American Express card but you haven’t applied for benefits, you could save hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest and annual fees by doing so.
Chase Credit Cards (Waived Annual Fees, Excellent Card Benefits)
Benefits Provided
Chase offers benefits for active military members in accordance with the MLA law for those under active duty who applied for cards after September 20, 2017. Benefits apply only to personal credit cards, not to Chase business credit cards.
- Waived annual fees and other fees (except late fees and insufficient fund fees)
- Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) won’t exceed 36% (includes any fees)
- Any introductory promotional interest rates (0% APR, etc.) will be honored
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ($95 Annual Fee Waived, Excellent First Time Card)

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
$2,000
$95
19.99% - 28.24% Variable
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
Card Highlights
- Earn 100,000 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, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.99% - 28.24% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
How to Request Benefits (Do This After You’re Approved)
After applying for the credit card of your choice, you can request SCRA/MLA benefits:
- Access your Chase.com online banking profile
- Select “secure messages” in the upper left of the page
- Select “compose message”
- Under “inquires,” select Military SCRA benefits
- Include your account number
- Attach supporting documents
You can call 1-877-469-0110 to ask about credit card fee waivers for Chase credit cards (8 am-10 pm Monday through Friday, and 9 am-6 pm Saturdays). Internationally, call collect at 318-340-3348.
VETERANS & MILITARY SPOUSES: The Best Credit Cards (NFCU + USAA)
Veterans and military spouses may not qualify for the same low fees and luxury perks available to active-duty service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). However, they still have access to exclusive offers and benefits through military family-only institutions like USAA and Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). These cards are designed to provide exceptional value, with competitive rates, generous cash-back rewards, and specialized features tailored to the financial needs of military families.
Explore the top NFCU and USAA credit cards below to find options that support your goals, from everyday spending to building a brighter financial future for your family.
Note: You must be a member of the NFCU to apply for one of their credit cards below.
Best NFCU Credit Cards

The Navy Federal More Rewards card is a great everyday spending earning card: 3x points at supermarkets, on gas and transit, at restaurants, plus 1x points on everything else.
The Navy Federal More Rewards card is a great everyday spending earning card: 3x points at supermarkets, on gas and transit, at restaurants, plus 1x points on everything else.
$0
14.90% - 18.00% Variable
Why We Like This Card
We like the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card because it offers 3x points on groceries, gas, transit, and restaurants, with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Additionally, it is available to Navy Federal Credit Union members, making it an excellent option for veterans to maximize rewards on everyday spending.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No annual fee
- 3x points at restaurants
- 3x points at supermarkets
Cons
- You must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to be eligible
- No o% intro APR available on purchases
Card Highlights
- From 4/1/25 through 1/1/26, get 20,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 within your first 90 days of account opening.
- Maximize your everyday spending.
- 3x points at supermarkets, gas, transit, and restaurants.
- 1x points on everything else.
- No annual fees, no balance transfer fees, no foreign transaction fees, no cash advance fees.
- No limit on rewards.
- Points can be redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, and merchandise.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 14.90% - 18.00% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The cashRewards Credit Card offers no annual fee, 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, and no limit to your rewards.
The cashRewards Credit Card offers no annual fee, 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, and no limit to your rewards.
$0
14.90% - 18.00% Variable
Why We Like This Card
The cashRewards credit card offers a straightforward and competitive 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it an attractive option for everyday spending.
Additionally, it stands out with no balance transfer, foreign transaction, or cash advance fees, providing exceptional value and flexibility for cardholders.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Earn 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
- No annual fees
- No balance transfer fees
Cons
- No ability to earn bonus cash-back above the 1.5% flat rate
- Cash-back only, can’t earn transferrable points
Card Highlights
- From 4/1/25 through 6/30/25, 1.99% intro APR for 12 months on balances transferred from non-Navy Federal credit card within 60 days of account opening & $250 cash back when you spend $2,500 within 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Start redeeming as soon as you earn.
- No annual fees, no balance transfer fees, no foreign transaction fees, no cash advance fees.
- No rewards limit.
- No rewards expiration while account is open.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 14.90% - 18.00% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card was made for the traveler in mind. Earn big on travel - not just flights and hotels.
The Visa Signature Flagship Rewards Credit Card was made for the traveler in mind. Earn big on travel - not just flights and hotels.
$49
15.49% - 18.00% Variable
Why We Like This Card
The Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card has a handful of perks usually found on more expensive cards, all for a low annual fee of $49.
This card offers a lucrative welcome bonus that more than offsets its cost. Plus, it includes a variety of travel-friendly features. For budget-conscious travelers seeking flexibility and value, this card is an excellent choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Generous welcome bonus offer
- 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases
- Flexibility with using rewards
Cons
- Charges an annual fee
- Must be an NFCU member to apply
Card Highlights
- Get the most rewards with our top-tier credit card. From 4/1/2025 through 1/1/26, get 35,000 bonus points when you spend $3,500 within your first 90 days of account opening & a free year of Amazon Prime.
- Earn 3x points for every $1 you spend on travel.
- Earn 2x points on everything else.
- No balance transfer fees, no foreign transaction fees, no cash advance fees.
- Receive statement credits (up to $120) for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
- No rewards limit or expiration.
- Enjoy free Amazon Prime® for a year.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 15.49% - 18.00% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Best USAA Credit Cards
USAA offers a range of credit cards designed to meet the needs of military members, veterans, and their families. As a member-focused organization, USAA provides competitive rates, rewards, and benefits tailored to those who have served.
Note: You must be a member of USAA to apply for their credit cards.

The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card offers no annual fee, a low APR rate, and no penalty APR.
The USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card offers no annual fee, a low APR rate, and no penalty APR.
$0
11.15% to 25.15% variable regular APR
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Low variable APR on purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Does not earn rewards
- No welcome bonus
Card Highlights
- Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
- Intro Offer: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks that post within 90 days of account opening. After this time, the variable regular APR of 11.15% to 25.15% will apply to introductory balances.
- A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies. If you transfer a balance or write a convenience check to take advantage of the introductory rate offer, you will immediately incur interest on purchases until you pay your balance in full, including any transferred balances.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 11.15% to 25.15% variable regular APR.
- See Rates and Fees for details.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 11.15% to 25.15% variable regular APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash-back, easy to redeem rewards, and a good intro offer reward bonus.
The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash-back, easy to redeem rewards, and a good intro offer reward bonus.
$0
16.15% to 28.15% variable regular
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Has an intro reward bonus offer
- Unlimited cash-back with no category restrictions or caps
- No annual fee
Cons
- No intro purchase or balance transfer offer
- No cash-back bonus categories
Card Highlights
- Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, no category restrictions, no caps on cash back.
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 reward bonus when you spend $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.
- Auto Deductible Reimbursement (ADR) up to $200.
- A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies.
- No annual fee.
- Cash back rewards never expire.
- Redeem cash back your way, on your schedule.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 16.15% to 28.15% variable regular APR.
- Terms and Restrictions apply. See the Reward Terms and Conditions and the ADR Benefit Guide on USAA’s website for details.
- See Rates and Fees for details.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 16.15% to 28.15% variable regular
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The USAA Eagle Navigator® Credit Card earns 3x on travel purchases, including tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more!
The USAA Eagle Navigator® Credit Card earns 3x on travel purchases, including tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more!
$95
19.15% to 27.40% variable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 3x points on travel purchases
- 2x points on all other purchases, such as groceries, gas, and utilities
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Annual fee of $95
- No point transfer travel partners
Card Highlights
- Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
- Intro Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points ($300 travel value) after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.
- 3X points on travel purchases – triple your points on tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights and more.
- 2X points on everyday purchases – double your points on groceries, gas, dining, bills and more.
- Earn 10,000 bonus points every year – applies after you complete eligible hotel or car booking. That’s equal to a $100 travel value.
- Up to $120 credit towards TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fee every four years.
- Enjoy valuable travel benefits and protection, including Auto Rental Coverage, Travel Accident Coverage, Trip Interruption Coverage, Baggage Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Security and Cell Phone Protection.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Points never expire for the life of the account and there are no spend caps on point earning.
- Redeem points your way, on your schedule.
- A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies.
- 19.15% to 27.40% variable regular APR.
- $95 annual fee.
- See Rates and Fees for details.
- Terms and Restrictions apply. See the Guide to Benefits and Reward Terms and Conditions on USAA’s website for details.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.15% to 27.40% variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None