Did you know that active-duty military members can get high-end credit cards with their annual fees waived? Thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA), military members can access premium credit cards with waived fees. These protections allow service members to access luxury credit cards that typically come with high fees, but for $0 instead.
When considering which premium credit cards to apply for, it’s essential to prioritize based on the benefits and how each card aligns with your spending habits and travel needs. Here’s the order I would go about getting these cards, starting with the ones that offer the most immediate value and rewards potential:
1. American Express Platinum Card
Annual Fee: $695 (waived for eligible military members)
Check out the dedicated post: American Express Platinum Card – A Military Must Have (Ballin While Broke)
American Express Platinum Card
700+ (Good – Excellent)
- Complimentary access to 1,400+ airport lounges (Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs)
- Hilton Honors Gold & Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- $200 airline fee credit per year (for incidental fees like checked bags)
- $240 digital entertainment credit (Disney+, Hulu, The New York Times)
- $200 Uber credit per year
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee reimbursement
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
Check out the dedicated post:
Chase Sapphire Reserve
720+ (Excellent)
- $300 annual travel credit (applies automatically to travel purchases)
- Priority Pass Select membership (1,300+ airport lounges worldwide)
- Excellent travel protections: trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, primary rental car insurance
- Luxury hotel perks through Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
- TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee reimbursement
3. American Express Gold Card
Check out the dedicated post: American Express Platinum Card – A Military Must Have (Ballin While Broke)
American Express Gold Card
700+ (Good – Excellent)
- 4X points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
- 1X point on all other purchases
- $120 dining credit ($10/month) for Grubhub, Seamless, Cheesecake Factory & more
- $100 airline fee credit (for checked bags or seat upgrades)
- Access to Amex Offers for extra discounts and rewards at select retailers
4. U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
Check out the dedicated post: US Bank Altitude Reserve: The Best Travel Card You’ve Never Heard Of
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
720+ (Excellent)
- 3X points on travel (airfare, hotels, car rentals)
- 3X points on mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
- 1X point on all other purchases
- $325 annual travel credit (automatically applied to travel purchases)
- Priority Pass Select membership (airport lounge access)
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement
- Luxury travel perks, including special offers at hotels and resorts
5. Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
Check out the dedicated post: American Express Platinum Card – A Military Must Have (Ballin While Broke)
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
720+ (Excellent)
- 2X points on travel and dining purchases
- 1.5X points on all other purchases
- $300 Annual Airline Incidental Credit (baggage fees, lounge fees, seat upgrades)
- $150 Annual Lifestyle Credit (streaming, food delivery, fitness, rideshares)
- $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement (every 4 years)
