Finance & accounting · Ranked by price to features
10 Best Credit Cards for Military Members of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 10, 2026 · Next review December 25, 2026
Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature is the best travel credit card for active duty military in 2026, because it earns 4X points on all travel and 3X on dining, adds a $100 airline credit and charges $95 a year with a variable APR capped at 18.00%. Capital One Venture X suits service members who want airport lounges, since Capital One's SCRA program caps interest at 4% and assesses no fees except bona fide insurance; Navy Federal cashRewards costs $0 a year and pays up to 2% cash back.
- Tools ranked
- 10
- With free plan
- 1
- Cheapest paid plan
- Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature, $95
- annual fee
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature | 01 | 9.0 | 9.3 | $95annual fee | No |
| Capital One Venture X | 02 | 8.9 | 8.9 | $395annual fee | No |
| Navy Federal cashRewards | 03 | 8.7 | 9.2 | Freeannual fee | Yes |
| The Platinum Card from American Express | 04 | 8.5 | 8.0 | $895annual fee | No |
| Citi Strata Premier Card | 05 | 8.4 | 8.6 | $95annual fee | No |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 06 | 8.3 | 7.7 | $795annual fee | No |
| PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature | 07 | 8.1 | 8.3 | Check price | No |
| PenFed Defender Rewards Visa Signature | 08 | 8.0 | 8.4 | Check price | No |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card | 09 | 7.8 | 7.2 | $650annual fee | No |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card | 10 | 7.7 | 7.1 | $650annual fee | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for active duty service members, Guard and Reserve members, veterans and military families comparing cards on travel rewards and on how each issuer handles the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). We compared documented features and published prices from each issuer's own card and military benefit pages, checked on November 10, 2026; we did not apply for the cards. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Here value covers the annual fee, APR and published military relief, features covers rewards, credits and lounges, and ease of use reflects eligibility and how much tracking the card needs. USAA cards are not ranked because USAA's card pages could not be loaded for verification from our location.
The verdict
Most service members should start with Navy Federal Flagship Premier: 4X points on all travel without a portal, 3X on dining, a $100 airline credit and up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, all for $95 and an APR no higher than 18.00%. If you want lounges, Capital One Venture X ($395) has the clearest published SCRA terms of the premium cards, with a 4% rate cap and no fees except bona fide insurance. Navy Federal cashRewards is the no-fee pick at up to 2% back. The Amex Platinum Card ($895) has the richest benefits, and Amex states that annual fees count as interest under SCRA's 6% cap for accounts opened before active duty. Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795) is excellent for travel, but Chase does not publish an annual fee waiver.
- 01Top value
Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature
9.0/10Navy Federal Credit Union's travel rewards card, the successor to Flagship Rewards, with 4X points on all travel and a $95 annual fee.
Price
$95annual fee
$95 annual fee
“$95 annual fee No balance transfer fees No foreign transaction fees” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.3
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.8
Best forActive duty members, veterans and military families who want strong travel rewards without a premium annual fee or a high APR.
Flagship Premier takes the top spot because it gives service members most of what premium travel cards offer at a $95 annual fee. It earns 4X points on all travel, a definition Navy Federal stretches to hotels, cruises, campgrounds, airlines, car rentals, rideshare, transit, parking and tolls, and you do not have to book through a portal. Dining earns 3X. Each year you get a $100 statement credit once you spend $100 on eligible airline purchases, plus up to $120 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The current welcome offer is 50,000 points after $4,000 in spending within 90 days. Fees are minimal: no balance transfer, foreign transaction or cash advance fee, and the variable APR ranges from 15.99% to 18.00%, which matters if a PCS move or deployment ever forces you to carry a balance. The tradeoffs are eligibility, since Navy Federal serves only the military community, and the lack of lounge access.
- ✓Variable APR runs from 15.99% to 18.00%, low for a travel card
- ✓No balance transfer, foreign transaction or cash advance fees
- ✓Travel bonus applies however you book, including rideshare, transit, parking and tolls
- ✕Membership is limited to the armed forces, the DoD, veterans and their families
- ✕No airport lounge membership
- ✕The $100 airline credit only triggers after $100 of airline spending each year
- Annual fee:
- $95
- Earn rate:
- 4X travel, 3X dining, 1X other
- Welcome bonus:
- 50,000 points after $4,000 in 90 days
- Variable APR:
- 15.99% to 18.00%
- Foreign transaction fee:
- None
Bottom line: The best travel card for most active duty members: 4X on all travel and an 18% APR ceiling for $95 a year. Pick a premium card only if you will use lounges heavily.
- 02
Capital One Venture X
8.9/10Capital One's premium travel card with 2X miles on everything, lounge access and a $395 annual fee.
Price
$395annual fee
$395 annual fee
“Annual Fee $395” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.9
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.7
Best forService members who fly often and want lounge access from a bank that publishes a 4% rate cap and no fees under its SCRA program.
Venture X is the premium pick that makes the most sense for the military because Capital One publishes the clearest servicemember policy among the big banks. Its SCRA page says eligible active duty accounts get interest of no more than 4% and that no fees are assessed except bona fide insurance, which goes beyond the 6% the law requires. On the card itself, you earn 2X miles on every purchase, 5X on flights and vacation rentals and 10X on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Primary cardholders get into Capital One Lounges and more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges, and paying your phone bill with the card adds up to $800 of cell phone protection. Miles never expire and transfer to more than 15 loyalty programs. The SCRA terms apply to accounts opened before active duty, and outside that relief the APR runs from 19.74% to 28.74%.
- ✓Capital One's SCRA program caps interest at 4% and assesses no fees except bona fide insurance on eligible accounts
- ✓2X on every purchase makes it easy to earn without tracking categories
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✕The 10X and 5X rates require booking through Capital One Travel
- ✕Variable APR of 19.74% to 28.74% outside SCRA relief
- ✕Requires excellent credit
- Annual fee:
- $395
- Earn rate:
- 10X/5X via Capital One Travel, 2X other
- Lounges:
- Capital One Lounges, 1,300+ Priority Pass
- Variable APR:
- 19.74% to 28.74%
- SCRA program:
- Interest capped at 4%, no fees except bona fide insurance
Bottom line: The premium travel card with the most generous published SCRA terms. Worth $395 for anyone who will use the lounges.
- 03
Navy Federal cashRewards
8.7/10Navy Federal's flat cash back card, paying 1.5% or 2% depending on the credit limit approved, with no annual fee.
Price
Freeannual fee
$0 annual fee
“No annual fee No balance transfer fees No foreign transaction fees No cash advance fees” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- Yes
- Value (40%)
- 9.2
- Features (35%)
- 7.9
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.2
Best forJunior enlisted members and military families who want simple cash back and an APR capped at 18%.
cashRewards is the no-fee answer for service members who do not want to manage points or a large annual fee. Navy Federal issues it in two versions: an approved credit limit of $5,000 or more gets cashRewards Plus at an unlimited 2% back, while a lower limit gets cashRewards at 1.5%. New accounts can earn $250 after $2,500 in spending within 90 days, and balances moved within the first 60 days get a 1.99% intro APR for 12 months with no transfer fee. After that the variable rate sits between 14.40% and 18%, and there is no annual, foreign transaction or cash advance fee. That fee sheet makes it a good card to carry on deployment or overseas assignment. It scores lower on features because it has no travel credits, insurance perks beyond the basics or lounge access, and the 2% rate depends on a limit you cannot choose.
- ✓No annual fee, so there is nothing to waive
- ✓APR ceiling of 18% is well below bank card ranges
- ✓Works abroad with no foreign transaction fee
- ✕No travel perks such as credits or lounges
- ✕You learn whether you earn 1.5% or 2% only after approval
- ✕Navy Federal membership is required
- Annual fee:
- $0
- Rewards:
- 2% (Plus) or 1.5% cash back
- Welcome bonus:
- $250 after $2,500 in 90 days
- Variable APR:
- 14.40% to 18%
- Foreign transaction fee:
- None
Bottom line: The best no-fee card for the military: up to 2% back and an 18% APR cap. Pair it with a travel card if you fly often.
- 04
The Platinum Card from American Express
8.5/10Amex's premium charge card with 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels, the largest lounge network and an $895 annual fee.
Price
$895annual fee
$895 annual fee
“The annual fee for the Platinum Card ® is $895” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.0
- Features (35%)
- 9.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.6
Best forService members who already held the card before active duty, or frequent travelers who will use the lounges and statement credits.
The Platinum Card has the deepest travel benefits on this list and a fee to match. It earns 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. Its Global Lounge Collection covers more than 1,550 lounges, including Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits on eligible Delta flights and Priority Pass. Statement credits include up to $600 for hotels, $200 for airline fees, $200 in Uber Cash and $219 for CLEAR+. For the military, the key detail is on Amex's SCRA and MLA page: for SCRA purposes, interest includes annual membership fees, and relief is capped at 6%. That covers accounts opened before active duty. Accounts opened on active duty fall under the MLA instead, which Amex applies automatically at opening. Without that relief, you pay $895 a year.
- ✓Amex's SCRA FAQ treats annual membership fees as interest under the 6% cap
- ✓More than 1,550 airport lounges, which Amex says is more than any other card company
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✕$895 annual fee if you do not qualify for SCRA relief
- ✕Most of the value depends on using many monthly and semi-annual credits
- ✕Amex says SCRA relief only covers accounts opened before active duty
- Annual fee:
- $895
- Earn rate:
- 5X flights and prepaid Amex Travel hotels, 1X other
- Lounges:
- 1,550+ via Global Lounge Collection
- SCRA:
- Annual fees count as interest under the 6% cap
- MLA:
- Applied automatically to eligible accounts opened on active duty
Bottom line: The richest travel card here, and Amex's SCRA policy counts the annual fee as interest. Without SCRA relief, the fee only pays off for heavy travelers.
- 05
Citi Strata Premier Card
8.4/10Citi's mid-tier travel card with 3X points across five everyday categories and a $95 annual fee.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.2
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forMilitary households who spend heavily on groceries, gas and dining and want transferable points without a premium fee.
Citi Strata Premier is the strongest everyday earner among the $95 cards here. It pays 3X points on air travel and hotels, and also at restaurants, supermarkets and gas and EV charging stations, which covers the bulk of most military household budgets. Hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through cititravel.com earn 10X. Once per calendar year you get $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more booked through Citi Travel, which by itself covers the $95 fee. There is no foreign transaction fee, and points can move to Citi's travel partners. It ranks below Flagship Premier because it lacks the airline credit and the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and because Navy Federal's 18% APR ceiling is lower than typical bank card rates. It does not need any military affiliation, so spouses and veterans who are not credit union members can apply.
- ✓Five 3X categories cover most family spending
- ✓No foreign transaction fee
- ✓$95 fee is easy to offset with the annual hotel benefit
- ✕No lounge access or Global Entry credit
- ✕The hotel benefit needs a single stay of $500 or more
- ✕Bank card APR ranges are higher than Navy Federal's
- Annual fee:
- $95
- Earn rate:
- 10X Citi Travel hotels and cars, 3X air, hotels, dining, groceries, gas
- Hotel benefit:
- $100 off a $500+ stay once a year
- Foreign transaction fee:
- None
- Rewards program:
- Citi ThankYou
Bottom line: A strong $95 option that rewards groceries, gas and dining as well as travel. Good for military families who are not Navy Federal members.
- 06
Chase Sapphire Reserve
8.3/10Chase's premium travel card with 8x points through Chase Travel, a $300 travel credit and a $795 annual fee.
Price
$795annual fee
$795 annual fee
“$795 annual fee” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.7
- Features (35%)
- 9.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.8
Best forFrequent travelers who value flexible Ultimate Rewards points and Sapphire lounges and can justify the fee without counting on a waiver.
Sapphire Reserve has premium travel benefits comparable to the Platinum Card, with simpler earning. You get 8x points on purchases through Chase Travel, 4x on flights and hotels booked directly, and 3x on dining worldwide. Each account anniversary year brings up to $300 in travel statement credits, and cardholders can use Chase Sapphire Lounges and more than 1,300 Priority Pass lounges with up to two guests. New cardholders can earn 100,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first three months. For service members the gap is documentation: Chase's SCRA page lists a reduction of interest rate among possible benefits and points to Chase Military Services, but it does not publish an annual fee waiver the way Amex counts fees as interest or Capital One assesses no fees. Treat the $795 fee as a real cost unless Chase confirms otherwise for your account.
- ✓The $300 travel credit applies to a broad range of travel purchases
- ✓Lounge access includes up to two guests
- ✓Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fee credit
- ✕Chase's SCRA page lists a reduced interest rate but does not publish an annual fee waiver
- ✕$795 annual fee and $195 per authorized user
- ✕Variable APR of 19.74% to 28.24%
- Annual fee:
- $795
- Earn rate:
- 8x Chase Travel, 4x direct flights and hotels, 3x dining
- Welcome bonus:
- 100,000 points after $6,000 in 3 months
- Variable APR:
- 19.74% to 28.24%
- Military help line:
- Chase Military Services, 1-877-469-0110
Bottom line: Excellent travel benefits, but Chase does not publish an annual fee waiver for servicemembers. Call Chase Military Services before relying on one.
- 07
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature
8.1/10Pentagon Federal Credit Union's travel points card with Priority Pass membership and travel fee credits.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.3
- Features (35%)
- 8.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forMilitary members and veterans who bank with PenFed and want lounge membership from a credit union card.
Pathfinder is the credit union option for service members who want lounge membership. PenFed includes a complimentary annual Priority Pass Select membership with an accompanying guest, though lounge visit fees apply. It adds a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck and up to $100 a year toward domestic ancillary travel fees such as in-flight food and drink and lounge day passes. All purchases earn points, with bonus points in travel categories and an extra 2.5X travel bonus for PenFed Honors Advantage members. New cardholders can earn 50,000 points after meeting a spending requirement in the first 90 days, there is no foreign transaction fee, and points can go toward travel, merchandise or gift cards. Two cautions: points expire after five years, and PenFed's page loads the APR, annual fee and exact earn rates with scripts, so confirm them on the application before you apply.
- ✓Priority Pass Select membership is unusual for a credit union card
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓No rotating categories and no cap on points
- ✕Points expire five years from the end of the month in which they are earned
- ✕The best travel earn rate requires Honors Advantage membership
- ✕PenFed's page loads its rates and annual fee with scripts, so we could not confirm them for this review
- Lounges:
- Priority Pass Select with a guest (visit fees apply)
- Travel credits:
- $120 Global Entry or $85 TSA PreCheck, up to $100 ancillary fees
- Welcome bonus:
- 50,000 points after a 90-day spend requirement
- Points expiration:
- 5 years
- Foreign transaction fee:
- None
Bottom line: A credit union travel card with Priority Pass and travel credits. Confirm the annual fee and earn rates on PenFed's site, since we could not verify them.
- 08
PenFed Defender Rewards Visa Signature
8.0/10PenFed's new rewards card built for military life, with bonus points on gas, EV charging, military exchanges and commissaries.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.4
- Features (35%)
- 7.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.3
Best forService members and families who spend mostly on gas and at exchanges and commissaries rather than on travel.
Defender Rewards is PenFed's newest card and the only one on this list designed around on-base spending. It earns 5X points on gas at the pump and EV charging, 3X at military exchange stores and commissaries, both on base and online, and at sporting goods stores, and 1X on everything else. New cardholders can earn bonus points after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days. As a Visa Signature card it carries no foreign transaction fee, includes travel accident coverage of up to $250,000 when you buy the ticket with the card, and gives access to the Luxury Hotel Collection. You can pick a Camo or Star design. It is not a travel card, so it ranks below the options with airline credits and lounges. PenFed loads the APR and annual fee with scripts, so confirm both on the application page.
- ✓The only card here with a bonus at military exchanges and commissaries
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓Travel accident coverage up to $250,000 when you buy the ticket with the card
- ✕Few travel perks beyond Visa Signature benefits
- ✕PenFed's page loads its rates and fees with scripts, so we could not verify the annual fee
- ✕Only 1X on purchases outside the bonus categories
- Earn rate:
- 5X gas and EV charging, 3X exchanges, commissaries and sporting goods, 1X other
- Welcome bonus:
- Bonus points after $1,500 in 90 days
- Travel accident coverage:
- Up to $250,000
- Foreign transaction fee:
- None
- Card designs:
- Camo or Star
Bottom line: The best fit for families who buy most of their groceries and household goods at the commissary and exchange. Confirm the fee with PenFed before applying.
- 09
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
7.8/10Delta's top co-branded card with Sky Club access, an annual Companion Certificate and a $650 annual fee.
Price
$650annual fee
$650 annual fee
“The annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card is $650.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.2
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.8
Best forService members based near a Delta hub who fly Delta often and want Sky Club access.
The Delta Reserve is the pick for service members whose travel runs through Delta. It earns 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and 1X elsewhere, so it is a weak everyday card. The value is in the perks: Delta Sky Club access, complimentary Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta, an annual Companion Certificate, free first and second checked bags, MQD Headstart and MQD Boost toward Medallion status, a $240 Resy credit and a $120 rideshare credit. There is no foreign transaction fee. As an Amex card, it falls under the same SCRA policy as the Platinum Card, where annual membership fees count as interest for accounts opened before active duty. Without that relief, $650 a year is a lot to pay for perks that only work on one airline, which is why it ranks near the bottom on value.
- ✓Lounge access tied to the airline you fly
- ✓Checked bag benefit helps on PCS and leave travel
- ✓Amex counts annual membership fees as interest under SCRA
- ✕Only Delta purchases earn a bonus
- ✕$650 annual fee without SCRA relief
- ✕Value depends heavily on flying Delta
- Annual fee:
- $650
- Earn rate:
- 3X Delta, 1X other
- Lounges:
- Delta Sky Club, Centurion Lounge on Delta flights
- Bags:
- First and second checked bag free
- Foreign transaction fee:
- None
Bottom line: Strong for loyal Delta flyers, weak for anyone else. Choose it only if Delta is your main airline.
- 10
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
7.7/10Marriott's premium card with Platinum Elite status, an annual Free Night Award and a $650 annual fee.
Price
$650annual fee
$650 annual fee
“The annual fee for the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card is $650.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.1
- Features (35%)
- 8.4
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.7
Best forService members who stay at Marriott hotels often on leave or official travel and want elite status.
Brilliant is the hotel card for the military traveler who stays with Marriott. It earns 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3X at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on everything else. Cardholders get complimentary Platinum Elite status, 25 Elite Night Credits, an annual Free Night Award, up to $300 in dining credits, a $100 property credit on qualifying stays, Priority Pass membership and a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. There are no foreign transaction fees, which matters at hotels near overseas bases. As with the other Amex cards here, Amex's SCRA FAQ counts annual membership fees as interest for accounts opened before active duty. It ranks last on this list because its value depends on staying with one hotel group, and the $650 fee is steep if you do not.
- ✓Platinum Elite status without the usual stay count
- ✓Priority Pass lounge membership
- ✓Amex counts annual membership fees as interest under SCRA
- ✕$650 annual fee without SCRA relief
- ✕Most value requires Marriott stays
- ✕Status and the Free Night Award only pay off at Marriott hotels
- Annual fee:
- $650
- Earn rate:
- 6X Marriott, 3X dining and direct flights, 2X other
- Status:
- Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite
- Lounges:
- Priority Pass
- Foreign transaction fee:
- None
Bottom line: Worth it for regular Marriott guests, especially with SCRA relief. Everyone else should start higher on the list.
What to check before you pay
Know whether SCRA or MLA applies to you
The two laws cover different accounts. Amex explains that SCRA relief applies to accounts opened before active duty and caps interest at 6%, while MLA covers credit opened while on active duty and caps the military APR at 36%. Amex applies MLA relief automatically at account opening; SCRA relief usually has to be requested, from the start of active duty up to 180 days after it ends.
Read each issuer's published fee policy
Issuers describe fee relief differently. Amex counts annual membership fees as interest under SCRA. Capital One says its SCRA program caps interest at 4% and assesses no fees except bona fide insurance. Chase's SCRA page lists a reduced interest rate but does not publish an annual fee waiver, so call Chase Military Services before counting on one.
Do not pay a premium fee you cannot use
Without relief, the premium cards here cost $395 to $895 a year. A $95 card such as Flagship Premier or Citi Strata Premier earns 3X to 4X on travel and dining without that risk. Pay for a premium card only if you will use the lounges and credits.
Check the APR ceiling
Deployments and PCS moves sometimes force a balance. Navy Federal caps its Flagship Premier and cashRewards variable APRs at 18%, while the bank cards here list ranges that reach 28.24% to 28.74%.
Skip foreign transaction fees
Every card on this list charges no foreign transaction fee, which matters for overseas assignments and leave travel. Check that any card you add outside this list does the same.
FAQ
What is the best travel credit card for active duty military?
Navy Federal Flagship Premier Visa Signature for most service members. It earns 4X points on all travel and 3X on dining, includes a $100 annual airline credit and up to $120 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and costs $95 a year with a variable APR of 15.99% to 18.00%. For lounge access, Capital One Venture X ($395) publishes a 4% SCRA rate cap with no fees except bona fide insurance.
What is the best credit card for the military?
It depends on how you spend. For travel, Navy Federal Flagship Premier ($95). For simple cash back with no annual fee, Navy Federal cashRewards, which pays up to 2% and caps its APR at 18%. For families who shop at the commissary and exchange, PenFed Defender Rewards pays 3X points there and 5X on gas.
Does American Express waive annual fees for military members?
Amex's SCRA and MLA page says that for SCRA purposes, interest includes fees such as annual membership fees, and SCRA caps interest at 6%. SCRA relief covers accounts opened before active duty and must be requested. Accounts opened on active duty fall under the MLA, which Amex applies automatically at opening.
Does Chase waive the Sapphire Reserve annual fee for military members?
Chase does not publish an annual fee waiver. Its SCRA page lists possible benefits such as a reduced interest rate and directs servicemembers to Chase Military Services at 1-877-469-0110. Ask Chase directly before choosing the $795 Sapphire Reserve on the expectation of a waiver.
What is the difference between SCRA and MLA for credit cards?
SCRA protects credit you took out before active duty and caps interest at 6%; you usually request it. MLA protects credit opened while you are on active duty and caps the military annual percentage rate at 36%; issuers such as Amex apply it automatically. Capital One goes further than the law on SCRA, capping interest at 4% and assessing no fees except bona fide insurance.
Why is USAA not on this list?
USAA's card pages did not load for us, so we could not check their current terms against the issuer's own site. We only rank cards whose fees and features we can confirm from the issuer. USAA members should compare its cards against the terms above.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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