Military Credit Card Annual Fee Waivers 2025

Break-Even Math: When $0 Fees Turn Cards into Cash Machines

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With annual fees eliminated, these cards become pure profit engines. Let's run the numbers on a typical military member's spending:

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Example: Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($795 fee waived)

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Civilian cost-benefit:

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• Annual fee: $795

• $300 travel credit: -$300

• Net cost: $495

• Must earn 49,500 points (at 1¢ each) to break even

• Requires ~$8,250 in dining/travel spending at 6x rewards

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Military member cost-benefit:

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• Annual fee: $0 (waived)

• $300 travel credit: -$300

• Net value: You're up $300 before earning a single point

• Every point earned is pure profit

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At $2,000/month spending:

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• Dining/travel (3x): $600/month = 1,800 points

• Other (1x): $1,400/month = 1,400 points

• Monthly total: 3,200 points = $32+ value

• Annual points value: 38,400 points = $384+

• Total annual value: $684+ ($300 credit + $384 points)

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For a 5-year enlistment: $3,420 in value, with zero out-of-pocket cost.

The 5 Cards Worth Getting (And What You'll Actually Use)

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Not every fee-waived card deserves wallet space. These five deliver the highest real-world value for military members who travel, dine out, and want flexibility.

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1. Chase Sapphire Reserve® – The All-Access Travel Card

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Why military members love it: Combines premium lounge access with a $300 annual travel credit that essentially pays you to hold the card.

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Annual fee: $795 → $0 for active duty + spouses

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Best for: Frequent travelers, PCS moves, overseas assignments

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Key benefits you'll actually use:

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• $300 travel credit (automatically applied to flights, hotels, gas)

• Priority Pass Select membership (1,300+ airport lounges worldwide—critical for long layovers during PCS moves)

• 10x points on Chase Travel purchases

• 3x points on dining and travel

• $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit every 4 years

• Primary rental car coverage (huge for PCS trips)

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Break-even at $0 fee: You're ahead $300 immediately. Earn just 1 point and you're in profit.

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Who should skip this: If you deploy frequently or rarely travel commercially, downgrade to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® ($95 fee waived) for similar earning rates without premium perks.

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2. American Express Platinum Card® (See Rates & Fees) – Lounge Life + Streaming Credits

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Why military members love it: Stacks the most statement credits of any card—$1,480+ in annual value if you use everything.

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Annual fee: $895 → $0 for active duty + spouses

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Best for: Frequent flyers, those stationed near Centurion Lounges, families using streaming services

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Key benefits you'll actually use:

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• Up to $200 airline fee credit (checked bags, in-flight purchases)

• Up to $200 Uber Cash ($15/month + $20 in December)

• Up to $240 digital entertainment credit ($20/month for Disney+, Hulu, NYT, Peacock, etc.)

• Up to $200 hotel credit (Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings through Amex Travel)

• Up to $199 CLEAR credit (speeds through security at 50+ airports)

• Centurion, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass access—over 1,300 lounges

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines

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Break-even at $0 fee: Use just the Uber and streaming credits ($440/year) and you're ahead by hundreds.

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Who should skip this: If you're deployed/remote and can't use credits regularly, or if you're not near Centurion Lounges. Consider the American Express® Gold Card ($325 fee waived) for 4x points on dining instead.

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^{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – The Everyday Travel Workhorse

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Why military members love it: Delivers 90% of the Reserve's value at a lower profile—ideal if you don't need lounge access.

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Annual fee: $95 → $0 for active duty + spouses

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Best for: Moderate travelers, those building points for future redemptions

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Key benefits you'll actually use:

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• 75,000 bonus points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (worth $750+ in travel)

• 5x points on Chase Travel purchases

• 3x points on dining and streaming services

• 2x points on all other travel

• 10% anniversary bonus (extra points on total annual spend)

• Primary rental car coverage

• $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel

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Break-even at $0 fee: Welcome bonus alone is worth $750+. Every subsequent dollar spent earns profit.

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Who should skip this: If you qualify for the Reserve and travel frequently, jump straight to that card for lounge access. Otherwise, this is the sweet spot for most military members.

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4. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® – Free Admirals Club Access

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Why military members love it: Gives you American Airlines lounge access (normally $650/year) completely free.

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Annual fee: $450 → $0 for active duty

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Best for: Those flying American frequently, stationed near AA hubs (Dallas, Charlotte, Miami, Phoenix)

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Key benefits you'll actually use:

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• Admirals Club membership (worth ~$650/year)—walk-in access before every American flight

• First checked bag free for you + 4 companions (saves $30-$40 per flight)

• Preferred boarding on American flights

• 2x miles on American Airlines and eligible hotels/car rentals

• $50 statement credit after first AA purchase each year

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Break-even at $0 fee: Lounge access alone justifies holding this card. If you fly American 6+ times per year, this is a no-brainer.

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Who should skip this: If you're not flying American regularly or aren't based near AA hubs, choose a more flexible travel card.

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5. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite – The Mobile Wallet Power Card

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Why military members love it: Rewards mobile wallet spending (Apple Pay, Google Pay) at an elite rate, making everyday purchases more valuable.

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Annual fee: $400 → $0 for active duty + spouses

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Best for: Those who use mobile wallets for everything, tech-forward spenders

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Key benefits you'll actually use:

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• $325 annual travel credit (applied to airfare, hotels, car rentals, etc.)

• 3x points on mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

• 3x points on travel and select streaming services

• Priority Pass Select membership (1,300+ lounges)

• $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

• Points worth 1.5¢ each when redeemed for travel through Real-Time Rewards

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Break-even at $0 fee: $325 travel credit makes you profitable immediately. Use mobile wallets for most purchases and earn 3x on everything.

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Who should skip this: If you still primarily swipe physical cards, you won't maximize the 3x mobile wallet rate. Choose Chase Sapphire Reserve® instead.

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How to Get Your Fees Waived (Step-by-Step Process)

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Step 1: Confirm Your MLA Status‍

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Visit the Department of Defense MLA Database and verify your active-duty status is current. Most banks check this database automatically, but confirm before applying.

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Step 2: Apply for Cards During Active Duty (For MLA Benefits)‍

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When you apply for a Chase, Amex, Citi, or U.S. Bank card while on active orders, MLA protections apply automatically. The issuer will waive your annual fee without you asking.

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Step 3: Request SCRA Benefits for Pre-Service Accounts‍

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If you opened a card before joining the military, contact the issuer within 180 days of starting active duty. Submit a copy of your orders to request SCRA benefits:

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• Capital One SCRA: Submit orders via secure message or call 1-800-227-4825

• Chase SCRA: Call the number on your card or use the secure message center

• Citi SCRA: Upload orders through online account or call customer service

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Step 4: Add Your Spouse (If Applicable)

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‍Military spouses qualify for the same fee waivers on their own credit card accounts. When your spouse applies, indicate they're a military dependent. Some applications ask directly; others require calling after approval to add military status.

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Step 5: Verify the Waiver on Your Statement‍

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Most issuers automatically credit the fee or never charge it. If you see an annual fee post to your account, call customer service immediately and reference your active-duty status. They'll refund it within 1-2 billing cycles.

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Step 6: Know When Waivers End‍

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Annual fees resume after you separate or retire—typically at the next card anniversary after you leave active duty. Plan ahead: decide if the card's benefits are worth paying for, downgrade to a no-fee version, or cancel before the fee hits.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get These Cards

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You should prioritize military fee waivers if:

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✅ You're on active duty for 12+ months (maximizes value of annual credits)

✅ You travel commercially 4+ times per year (lounge access pays off)

✅ You PCS or TDY frequently (travel credits, rental car coverage, no foreign transaction fees)

✅ You have dependents who fly with you (companion lounge access, free checked bags)

✅ You're strategic about earning rewards (fee waivers turn every purchase into profit)

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You should skip or downgrade if:

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❌ You're deploying for 6+ months (can't use statement credits during deployment)

❌ You're stationed remotely with no commercial flight access (lounge access is wasted)

❌ You rarely travel or dine out (you won't earn enough points to justify the hassle)

❌ You're separating in <6 months (not enough time to maximize benefits before fees resume)

❌ You already have 5+ cards and can't manage them effectively (simplicity > marginal gains)

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Alternative strategy: If premium cards don't fit your lifestyle, stick with no-annual-fee cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited® (1.5% cash back on everything) or USAA Rewards cards. These don't require military waivers and work better for simple, deployment-proof finances.

5 Common Mistakes That Cost Military Members Thousands

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Mistake #1: Applying to the wrong issuer‍

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Not all banks waive fees. Applying for a Barclays or Discover card while on active duty means you'll pay the full annual fee. Stick to Chase, Amex, Citi, U.S. Bank, and Capital One (SCRA only).

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Mistake #2: Not requesting SCRA benefits on pre-service accounts‍

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If you had a Capital One Venture X before joining the military, the fee won't automatically drop to $0—you must request SCRA benefits. Failing to do so costs you $395/year unnecessarily.

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Mistake #3: Holding premium cards during deployment‍

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If you're deploying for 8 months, you can't use lounge access, statement credits, or travel perks. Downgrade temporarily to a no-fee version (e.g., Chase Freedom Unlimited®) and upgrade when you return.

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Mistake #4: Forgetting to downgrade before separating‍

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Annual fees resume after active duty ends. If you separate and forget to downgrade your Chase Sapphire Reserve® before the next anniversary, you'll owe $795. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before separation to review all cards.

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Mistake #5: Not tracking statement credits‍

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The average Amex Platinum cardholder forgets to use $624 in annual credits. Set reminders to use your Uber Cash, airline fee credits, and streaming credits every month. Tools like Kudos automatically track these for you.

How Kudos Maximizes Your Military Cards (Even at $0 Fees)

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Getting fees waived is step one. Actually maximizing those cards requires knowing which to swipe when—and which perks you're forgetting to use.

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Kudos does three things most military members miss:

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1. Tells you the best card for every purchase‍

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Buying plane tickets? Kudos suggests Chase Sapphire Reserve® (10x points on Chase Travel) instead of your Amex Platinum (5x on airlines). That's a 100% earnings boost per dollar—pure profit when fees are $0.

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2. Tracks your unused credits automatically‍

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Kudos sends alerts when you're about to waste statement credits. "Your $200 Uber Cash expires in 10 days" or "You have $50 unused on your Amex airline fee credit." The average user saves $624/year by not forgetting perks.

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3. Calculates real ROI on annual fees (for when you separate)‍

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Planning to leave active duty? Kudos shows you exactly how much value each card delivered over the past year. If your Chase Sapphire Reserve® earned you $1,200 in value, it's worth keeping post-service at $795. If it earned $400, downgrade before the fee hits.

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Military members using Kudos save an average of $1,100+ annually by optimizing card usage and never missing a credit. When your annual fees are already $0, that's pure savings.

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Sign up for Kudos free to automatically track your military card benefits and maximize every swipe.

Planning Your Cards for Post-Military Life

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Fee waivers end when you separate, but your credit card strategy doesn't have to. Here's how to plan ahead:

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Option 1: Keep the card if it pays for itself‍

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Run the math 90 days before separation. If your Chase Sapphire Reserve® delivered $1,200+ in value this year, the $795 fee is worth it. Keep the card and adjust your budget accordingly.

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Option 2: Downgrade to a no-fee version‍

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Most premium cards have no-annual-fee alternatives:

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve® → Chase Freedom Unlimited® (keeps your points, no fee)

• Amex Platinum → Amex EveryDay Credit Card (keeps Membership Rewards, no fee)

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive → Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® ($99 fee)

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Call your issuer 60 days before your card anniversary to request a product change. You keep your credit history and points—just lose premium perks.

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Option 3: Cancel strategically (and apply again later)‍

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If you won't use the card post-service and there's no suitable downgrade, cancel it. But maintain at least one no-fee card with the same issuer to preserve your relationship and credit history.

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Pro tip: If you plan to stay in the Reserves, you can reapply for fee waivers whenever you're on active orders for 30+ consecutive days. Some Reservists cycle premium cards on/off depending on activation status.

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The 30-day rule: Set a calendar reminder for 30 days before your separation date. Review every card, decide which to keep/downgrade/cancel, and execute changes before fees post.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Do all credit card companies waive annual fees for military?‍

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No. Only major issuers like Chase, American Express, Citi, U.S. Bank, and Bank of America (for fees >$100) waive fees for active-duty members. Barclays, USAA, Navy Federal, Discover, PenFed, and Wells Fargo do not waive fees on accounts opened during active duty.

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Does Chase waive annual fees for military spouses?

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‍Yes. Chase waives annual fees on all personal credit cards for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses under MLA protections. This includes cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred®.

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What's the difference between SCRA and MLA for credit cards?‍

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SCRA protects accounts opened before joining the military—banks must waive fees and cap interest at 6% on those pre-service debts. MLA protects accounts opened during active duty, capping the MAPR at 36% (including fees). Both result in $0 annual fees on covered cards, but apply to different timing scenarios.

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Can I get my annual fee refunded if I forgot to request a waiver?‍

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Yes. Call your issuer immediately, provide proof of active-duty status (orders or MLA database confirmation), and request a refund. Most banks process refunds within 1-2 billing cycles. You may need to submit documentation through secure message or by fax.

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Does Capital One waive fees for active-duty military?‍

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Partially. Capital One waives fees under SCRA for accounts opened before active duty starts. But if you open a Capital One card during active duty, the annual fee is not waived—even under MLA. To get Capital One fee waivers, open the card before enlisting, then request SCRA benefits after starting active duty.

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How much money can military members save with fee waivers over a career?‍

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Substantial amounts. A single Chase Sapphire Reserve® saves you $795/year. Over a 5-year enlistment, that's $3,975. If you hold multiple cards (e.g., Amex Platinum + Chase Sapphire Reserve®), you save $1,490/year—or $7,450 over 5 years. Over a 20-year career, responsible use of 2-3 premium cards saves $30,000+ in fees alone, while still earning rewards.

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What happens to my fee waiver if I deploy?‍

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Your fee waiver continues as long as you're on active duty, regardless of deployment status. However, you may not be able to use statement credits (Uber Cash, dining credits, etc.) while deployed. Consider downgrading to a no-fee card before deployment, then upgrading when you return—or gift credits to family members if the issuer allows authorized users.

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Can I use my military fee waivers on business credit cards?‍

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No. Most issuers (Chase, Amex, Citi) only waive annual fees on personal credit cards. Business cards like Chase Ink Business Preferred® or Amex Business Platinum are not covered under MLA or SCRA fee waivers. You'll pay full annual fees on business cards even as an active-duty servicemember.

Bottom Line – Claim Your $3,850+ in Free Benefits

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Military fee waivers aren't a perk—they're one of the most financially powerful benefits available to servicemembers. Holding just two premium cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve® + Amex Platinum) saves you $1,490 annually in fees you never pay, while unlocking lounge access, travel credits, and elite earning rates that civilians pay hundreds to access.

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The strategy is simple:

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1. Apply for 2-3 cards from Chase, Amex, Citi, or U.S. Bank while on active duty
2. Use Kudos to maximize every swipe and never miss a statement credit
3. Plan your downgrade strategy 90 days before separation

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The math is undeniable: Over a 5-year enlistment, you save $3,850+ in fees on premium cards—and that's before counting the points, credits, and perks those cards deliver. Use them strategically, and you're looking at $10,000+ in total value.

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Stop leaving money on the table. Claim your fee waivers, optimize your spending with Kudos, and turn your military service into a financial advantage that lasts well beyond your time in uniform.

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Ready to maximize your military cards? Sign up for Kudos free and start earning rewards on every purchase—while paying $0 in annual fees.