Best Credit Cards for Military in 2024

Credit cards can be a great tool to earn rewards for your family’s necessary spending. And, when you face gaps or variations in income, credit cards can help you manage cash flow issues.

Because military members qualify for special benefits, like greater rewards rates and lower interest rates, credit cards can be even more beneficial for military members than they are for civilians. The right credit card will help you manage your family’s finances and reach your financial goals.

What makes a credit card good for military members?

There are plenty of credit card options for military members, and the card that’s best for you will depend on your spending habits, credit score, and unique financial situation. If you need to build credit or pay off debt, there are options for you. And if you simply want to earn rewards for your everyday purchases, you’ll find a good selection of credit cards that will meet your needs as well.

Military families spend on gas and groceries just like civilians, and credit cards with high rewards rates in these categories can help families get cash back for spending or saving for the future. If you’re a servicemember who travels frequently, you may also consider looking at some of the best travel credit cards.

And if you’re just looking to have access to credit with the lowest possible interest rate, you’ll find some great options offered specifically to military members — especially if you’re currently deployed, and thanks to something known as the SCRA.

What is the SCRA?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) was enacted to ease military members’ financial responsibilities during times of service. It affects things like rental agreements, income tax payments, interest rates, and more.

One of the most important benefits under the SCRA is the requirement that lenders charge no more than 6% APR, including most fees, to servicemembers during periods of service. That means if you provide a creditor with proof of your military service within 180 days of the end of service, the creditor will have to retroactively forgive any interest above 6% APR.

While 6% is the maximum you’ll be charged on a credit card during deployment, some cards offer even lower interest rates.

Our list of the best credit cards for military members

To help you decide on the right credit card for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for military members based on a variety of financial needs and goals. Whether you’re staying on-base or traveling, earning rewards or paying off debt, there’s something for everyone on our list, even servicemembers with bad credit.

Our favorite credit cards for military members are organized below into categories, so you can easily choose a card that will be a good fit for you. You should choose a card that you’ll likely qualify for based on your credit score and history and pick a card with rewards that reflect your spending habits.

Best general cash back rewards card

PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature^® Card

Who Should Get It: The PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature^® Card offers higher-than-average cash back as an exclusive benefit to military members. While cash advances, credit card checks, and balance transfers do not earn cash back, there are no other purchasing limitations for the cashback benefit. Plus, it’s a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, so you won’t be charged an extra fee when making international purchases.

Why We Like It:

• 2% cash back on all purchases for PenFed Honors Advantage Members; 1.5% cash back on all purchases for other cardmembers

• $100 bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days

• 0% intro APR for 12 months on transfers made within the first 90 days of account opening (then 17.99% (non-variable))
  

• $0 annual fee
  
• No foreign transactions fees
  

Drawbacks to Consider: The introductory 0% APR (then 17.99% (non-variable)) on balance transfers is generous but does incur a 3% fee on each transfer. Also, cardholders who prefer paper statements will be charged $1 per month for them, but electronic statements are free.

Best for: Service members who often shop with their PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card can earn more cash back than with other cards, and there are no limitations on what you can purchase to earn rewards since each purchase is eligible.

Best credit card for military members who travel frequently

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

Who Should Get It: Service members who frequently travel can benefit from the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®’s high points earnings on both travel and dining purchases, along with several travel-related perks. All other purchases also qualify to earn points, but the main highlights are specific benefits toward travel expenses and dining.

Why We Like It:

• 5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3X points on other travel and dining & 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
  
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Redeem points for travel at a higher rate – points are worth 50% more when used towards travel and redeemed through the Chase portal
  
• Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide with Priority Pass Select
  

Drawbacks to Consider: The Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550, making it one of the more expensive travel rewards cards available, but cardholders who travel regularly can easily take advantage of the annual travel credit to help ease the cost.

Best for: Service members who travel often and want the convenience of traveling with ease. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card helps cardholders earn cash and points back that can be applied towards future travel plans. In addition, it’s a fantastic option for those who dine out often as well.

Check out our full Chase Sapphire Reserve review.

Best credit card for military members for general travel

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

Who Should Get It: Military members and civilians alike can earn generous rewards to put towards travel using the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card. Plus, earn 5X points for every dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ and 2X for other travel purchases purchases. Other perks, like shopping discounts, DoorDash benefits, and extended warranty protection also help save additional money.

Why We Like It:

• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases
  
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase Travel℠
  
• Points bonus equal to 10% of the total purchases you made in the previous year each card anniversary
• Trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay insurance, primary coverage for auto rental collision damage
• No foreign transaction fees
  

Drawbacks to Consider: While the Chase Sapphire Preferred does incur an annual fee of $95, cardholders who are able to take advantage of the card’s ample benefits can ultimately save more than the annual fee.

Best for: Service members who travel regularly enough to utilize a travel credit card and can take advantage of the rewards. While not the main highlight of the card, the generous earnings rate on both dining and travel-related purchases is excellent for everyday use.

Check out our full Chase Sapphire Preferred review.

Best credit card for military members on base

USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express^® Card

Who Should Get It: For service members who live on base, a comprehensive credit card rewards structure for military base purchases is a huge perk with the USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express^® Card. Gas, groceries, and other on-base purchases earn maximum cash back without penalty APRs or over-limit fees.

Why We Like It:

• 5% cash back on gas and at military bases (combined first $3,000 annually), 2% cash back on groceries (first $3,000 annually), and unlimited 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases, cash back in the form of statement credits
• 4% APR on all balances for up to 12-months during deployments or PCS
  
• $0 annual fee (terms apply)
  
• No foreign transaction fees
  

Drawbacks to Consider: Cash back earning categories are capped at $3,000 per category, per year, which can be a drawback if you’re a big spender.

Ideal for: Service members eligible for USAA cards who either live on or spend time regularly on base, and can take advantage of this no-fee card and it’s generous cash back benefits.

Best overall no-annual fee card

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express

Who Should Get It: The Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express is an excellent option for service members looking for a card with a $0 annual fee to use on everyday spending. You also receive 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 18.24% - 29.24% (variable) and 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months, then 18.24% - 29.24% (variable).

Why We Like It:

• 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases, in the form of statement credits
  
• Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
  
• $0 annual fee (terms apply)
  

Drawbacks to Consider: While not necessarily a drawback to everyone, cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Ideal for: Service members with good or excellent credit looking for a cashback card will appreciate the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express for its high cashback earnings potential and long introductory APR offers.

Best credit card for dining

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Who Should Get It: The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card perfectly caters to those interested in earning high cash back rewards on dining and entertainment. It shines even further by offering other generous lifestyle rewards with cash back on groceries and other purchases made using the card.

Why We Like It:

• 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  
• $0 annual fee

Best for: Service members who dine out often and/or enjoy entertainment purchases on a regular basis will appreciate this card. It’s easy to use, doesn’t require cardholders to sign-up for bonus categories or keep tabs on rotating categories, and offers great rewards in return.

Best low-interest credit card

USAA Rate Advantage Visa^® Platinum Card

Who Should Get It: Service members looking for a credit card with low interest will find the USAA Rate Advantage Visa^® Platinum Card’s low APR hard to beat, especially as these perks are not available to the general public.

Why We Like It:

• Enjoy the lowest APR of any major bank in the U.S.
  
• Same low rate on purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances
  
• $0 annual fee
  
• No foreign transaction fees
  
• No penalty APR
  

Drawbacks to Consider: While praised for being straightforward and simple, the USAA Rate Advantage Platinum Visa is not one of the best rewards credit cards because it doesn't offer rewards like points or cash back; it’s main value is its low interest rate.

Best for: Service members eligible for USAA cards looking for a basic credit card with low interest rates and no annual fee.

Check out our full USAA Rate Advantage Visa Platinum Card review.

Best credit card for paying off debt

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Who Should Get It: Service members looking for a generous introductory APR period will appreciate the benefits of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. Plus, cardholders can earn a one-time cash bonus and unlimited cash back on every purchase, every day.

Why We Like It:

• 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
• Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 19.49% - 29.49% (Variable) and 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers, then 19.49% - 29.49% (variable) APR; Balance transfer fee applies
• $0 annual fee
  
• No foreign transaction fees
  

Drawbacks to Consider: The introductory APR period is among the best available and beneficial for those looking to pay off debt, but if cashback rewards are more important, there are better rewards cards available.

Best for: Service members who are working on paying down debt and can benefit from the long intro APR period offered by the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. Even after the lengthy promotional period ends, cardholders enjoy an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, without the worry of paying an annual fee.

Best credit card for building credit

USAA Secured Platinum Visa Card

Who Should Get It: Service members with limited or fair credit who are rebuilding or just starting to establish credit can benefit from the USAA Secured Card. The card automatically connects to a CD that grows while your account stays open, helping you earn interest and establish credit simultaneously.

Why We Like It:

• Easy to choose your own credit limit
  
• Special features available for military recruits
  
• Free credit score reports
  
• Excellent, standard features for those new to credit or rebuilding credit
  

Drawbacks to Consider: While the USAA Secured Card does help rebuilding and establish credit, it does have a small annual fee.

Best for: Service members eligible for USAA cards looking for assistance with establishing or rebuilding credit.

Best credit card for fair or bad credit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Who Should Get It: For service members who have lower credit, fair or below, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers cash back rewards and can help improve your credit score. By making on-time payments for at least five consecutive months, you could become eligible for a higher credit limit on the card.

Why We Like It:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase; plus 5% unlimited cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  
• Earn a higher credit line by making the first 5 payments on-time
  
• Free credit score reports and tools to monitor your credit profile
  
• Rewards never expire
  

Drawbacks to Consider: The ongoing APR for the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is higher than some other available options, however, those with lower credit can get access to cash back rewards savings better than other programs. There is also a $39 annual fee.

Best for: Service members who find it challenging to get approved for lower interest rate cards. This card can help you steadily increase your credit score while earning rewards along the way.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

We select the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Some of the factors we evaluate include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and signup bonuses. For rewards credit cards, we also consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options, and redemption difficulty. Cards are eligible to be chosen in multiple categories.

How to choose the best credit card for you

To choose the best credit card for you, consider what you’ll use it for:

• If your main concern is building credit, you’ll want to choose a card that’s easy to qualify for and simple to use.
• If you’re trying to pay off debt, choose a card with a low APR.
• If you’re wondering which rewards cards to choose, calculate your monthly spending in categories like gas, groceries, and travel to maximize your rewards earnings.

Remember that your individual financial situation will dictate which credit card is right for you, and the best fit for you might not be the same card your peers would choose.

We’ve hand-selected these credit cards because we believe you deserve to have access to the best financial opportunities out there. Thank you for your service!

Premium Travel Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$550

Rewards Rate

5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3X points on other travel and dining & 1X points per dollar on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Up to $300 in annual travel credits
• Great rewards on travel purchases and dining
• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• Comprehensive travel protections, including trip delay and cancellation insurance
• 50% point redemption bonus when booking through Chase Travel

Drawbacks

• $550 annual fee
• High spending requirement for the welcome offer
• $75 annual fee for each authorized user

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC