Best Credit Card for Military in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

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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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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Military

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For service members, selecting a credit card goes beyond simply comparing rewards rates; it’s about leveraging powerful financial protections and travel perks tailored to the unique demands of a military lifestyle.

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It's easy to get lured in by a hefty welcome offer, but a major pitfall is choosing a card that doesn't fit your long-term spending, especially when stationed abroad. Service members should also be wary of assuming all annual fees are automatically waived under military benefits and should verify which protections apply to avoid unexpected costs.

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Key Factors

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• SCRA and MLA Benefits: Look for issuers that fully honor Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA) protections, which can cap interest rates and waive most fees.
• Annual Fee Waivers: Many premium travel cards waive their hefty annual fees for active-duty military, giving you access to high-end perks without the cost.
• Travel Rewards and Perks: Prioritize cards with benefits that align with a military lifestyle, such as airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and flexible points for flights and hotels.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: A card without foreign transaction fees is essential for assignments and travel outside the U.S. to avoid extra charges on international purchases.
• Card Issuer Policies: Benefits are not universal, so it's crucial to confirm each bank's specific military policy, as some are more generous with fee waivers and protections than others.

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What to Watch Out For

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While military benefits waive many fees, watch out for costs that aren't covered, like late payment penalties, which still apply. It's also a mistake to apply for too many cards in a short period, as the credit inquiries can lower your score and affect eligibility for important financing like a VA loan. Lastly, don't get distracted by a card's flashy perks without confirming its reward ecosystem is actually practical for your current or future duty stations.

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Decision Flow

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Navigating the credit card landscape can feel complex, but your mission dictates the best choice. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide based on your priorities as a service member:

• If you want elite travel perks without the high cost, focus on premium travel cards. Thanks to MLA benefits, the substantial annual fees on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are often waived for active-duty personnel. This unlocks benefits like worldwide airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and hotel elite status for free. For the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, keep in mind that points on travel are earned only after you’ve spent the first $300, which is reimbursed as part of the card’s annual travel credit. For American Express benefits, Terms Apply.
• If your spending is concentrated at the commissary and on dining, a card that excels in these categories is a smart move. The American Express® Gold Card, for instance, offers high reward rates at U.S. supermarkets, which often includes commissaries, and at restaurants worldwide. This allows you to accumulate points quickly on your most frequent expenses. Enrollment may be required for select benefits, and Terms Apply.
• If you value simplicity and predictable rewards, a no-fuss cash back card is an excellent option. You won't have to track points or navigate transfer partners. Prioritize a card that has no annual fee and, crucially, no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra charges during overseas assignments.
• If you anticipate frequent PCS moves or international travel, choose a card with a flexible point system. The ability to transfer points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, a key feature of cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, provides the adaptability needed to handle unpredictable travel plans and find award availability.

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Maximize Your Return with Military

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Getting the most value from your credit card rewards is an art form. Here are a few tips to help you master it:

• Stack your rewards:Don't just rely on your card's earning rate; combine it with online shopping portals, browser extensions, and store loyalty programs to multiply your earnings on a single purchase.
• Redeem wisely:Understand the value of your points, as redeeming for cash back might yield less value than transferring them to a high-value airline or hotel partner.
• Focus on welcome offers:The quickest way to accumulate a large balance of points or miles is by earning a new card's welcome offer, which often provides tens of thousands of points for meeting a minimum spending requirement.
• Maximize bonus categories:Always use the right card for the right purchase; using a card that earns 5% on groceries for your grocery shopping instead of one that earns 1% can make a significant difference over time.
• Activate card-linked offers:Check for special offers from your card issuer, like Amex Offers or Chase Offers, which can provide extra points or statement credits for purchases at specific retailers you already frequent.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Take the guesswork out of maximizing your rewards with Kudos, a free tool that automatically selects the best card for every purchase. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond the big-name travel cards, it's wise to consider your overall financial strategy. A store-specific card, for instance, might offer significant savings if you frequently shop at one particular retailer or commissary. Regardless of the card you choose, disciplined debt management is paramount; always aim to pay your balance in full each month to avoid accumulating interest. This same principle applies to managing cash reserves and any Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans, as they are all components of your financial health. Staying on top of all forms of credit and debt ensures you remain financially prepared for whatever comes next.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I get my credit card annual fees waived as a military member?

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Most issuers automatically apply Military Lending Act (MLA) benefits when you apply, but some may require you to call and request them. You may need to provide documentation to verify your active-duty status.

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Do military credit card benefits apply to veterans?

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Generally, benefits like fee waivers under the MLA and SCRA are for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses. These benefits typically do not extend to veterans after they leave the service.

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What happens to my waived fees when I separate from the military?

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Once you are no longer on active duty, you will lose eligibility for MLA and SCRA benefits. Issuers will typically reinstate the card's standard annual fee on your next account anniversary.

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