Introduction: Unlocking Hidden Financial Benefits

Being on active duty in the military comes with unique challenges, but it also unlocks some fantastic financial perks, particularly when it comes to credit cards. I remember when I first joined the service; neither my colleagues nor I had a clue about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) or the Military Lending Act (MLA). Looking back, I wish I had known then what I know now. I could have saved thousands of dollars on annual fees alone! Whether you’re fresh out of basic training, on active orders in the National Guard or Reserves, or a seasoned veteran, understanding these benefits can significantly improve your financial situation. So, let’s dive into the world of military credit cards and explore how you and your family can take advantage of these often-overlooked opportunities.

The Best Military Credit Cards: An Overview

Many credit card companies go above and beyond what’s legally required by the SCRA and MLA. For example, American Express and Chase waive annual fees for active duty military members on some of their premium cards. However, it’s crucial to remember that you need to request the appropriate relief – either the MLA or SCRA – depending on the account opening date and your entry date into service. But don’t worry, I will walk you through that. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the best credit cards for active duty military members:

* The Platinum Card from American Express * Chase Sapphire Reserve * Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card * Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card * Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

These are just a few of the exceptional credit cards available with perks for US service members. These cards provide amazing benefits and rewards that you should consider.

American Express Platinum: A Travel Powerhouse with Military Perks

For those seeking premium travel benefits and unparalleled lounge access, the Amex Platinum is a stellar choice, especially when you factor in the waived annual fee. This card is a game-changer because it opens the door to luxury travel experiences without the hefty annual cost. Here’s why I think it’s a winner:

* No Annual Fee: Under the SCRA or MLA, active duty military members enjoy a $0 annual fee, a saving of $695. * Welcome Bonus: As an added bonus, you can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months. * Lounge Access: I love this card because it provides me access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, with over 1,400 lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs. * Airline Credit: I also enjoy the up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees on my chosen airline. * Digital Entertainment Credit: For entertainment, the card offers up to $240 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $20 per month) for Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, the Disney Bundle, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal purchases. * Hotel Credit: I make use of the up to $200 back in statement credits each calendar year for prepaid American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel. * Uber Cash: I love the up to $200 annually in Uber Cash for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (split into monthly up to $15 credits, plus an up to $20 bonus in December). * Walmart+ Credit: The card offers up to $155 in statement credit per calendar year (up to $12.95 monthly, plus applicable taxes) that covers the cost of a monthly Walmart+ membership when paying with the Amex Platinum.

Remember that enrollment is required for some of these perks, and terms apply.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: A Versatile Rewards Card for Military Travelers

If you’re looking to accumulate Chase Ultimate Rewards points and take advantage of the card’s annual $300 travel credit, the Sapphire Reserve is an excellent option. I find that this card offers a great balance between earning potential and travel perks. Here’s what makes it stand out for military members:

* No Annual Fee: Active duty military members covered under the SCRA or MLA won’t be charged the $550 annual fee as long as the account was opened after Sept. 20, 2017. * Welcome Bonus: You can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. * Annual Travel Credit: I love the simplicity of the $300 in statement credits on travel purchases made with the card each account anniversary year. * Lounge Access: I use the access to Chase Sapphire airport lounges and the extensive network of over 1,700 Priority Pass lounges when I’m traveling.

If you opened the account before Sept. 20, 2017, you might need to close the account before reapplying for the MLA benefits. For further assistance, you can contact Chase’s military specialist line at 1-877-469-0110.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express: Unlock Elite Status and Hotel Rewards

For families who frequent Marriott properties and can benefit from the loyalty program’s top-tier card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex is a fantastic choice. The complimentary Platinum Elite status and valuable credits can elevate your hotel stays. I know many military families who rave about this card, and here’s why:

* No Annual Fee: Under the SCRA or MLA, the hefty $650 annual fee is waived. * Welcome Bonus: You can earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. This offer ends May 14. * Elite Status: As a cardholder, you’ll enjoy complimentary Platinum Elite status, which unlocks a host of perks at Marriott properties. * Elite Night Credits: You’ll receive 25 elite nights toward status each calendar year, making it easier to reach higher elite tiers. * Dining Statement Credit: You can get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide. * Free Night Award: I always look forward to receiving one free night award, worth up to 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, every year after your card renewal month. * Lounge Access: The card provides access to Priority Pass lounges after enrollment in Priority Pass Select.

Remember that enrollment is required for Priority Pass, and terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express: Fly High with Delta Perks

If you’re a Delta enthusiast seeking top-tier benefits, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex is an excellent choice. The lounge access, companion pass, and other perks can significantly enhance your Delta flying experience. As someone who flies Delta often, I appreciate the value this card provides:

* No Annual Fee: As with the other premium cards, the $650 annual fee is waived for eligible military members. * Welcome Bonus: You can earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. * Lounge Access: I maximize the 15 visits per Medallion year to Delta Sky Clubs when flying with Delta. You can unlock an unlimited number of visits after spending $75,000 on purchases in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four one-time guest passes each Medallion year. You’ll also receive complimentary access to Centurion Lounges when you book your Delta flight with your card. * Annual Companion Pass: I take advantage of the annual companion certificate for a first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after card renewal. * First Checked Bag Free: Checking your first bag free on Delta flights is another convenient perk. * Inflight Discount: I enjoy the 20% savings in the form of a statement credit when I use your card on eligible inflight food-and-beverage purchases. * MQD Boost: You can earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar toward status for every $10 you spend on the card. * MQD Headstart: You’ll receive 2,500 MQDs each qualification year to apply toward earning status. * Resy Credit: You can receive up to $20 in statement credits each month (up to $240 annually) after paying with your card at eligible U.S. Resy restaurants or making other eligible Resy purchases. * Ride-Hailing Credit: The card offers up to $10 back in monthly statement credits (up to $120 annually) each month after using your card for U.S. ride-hailing purchases with select providers.

Remember that enrollment is required for some perks, and terms apply.

Hilton Honors Aspire Card: A Haven for Hilton Loyalists

For those who frequently stay at Hilton properties, the Aspire Amex is the ultimate card for maximizing your Hilton Honors benefits. The complimentary Diamond status, airline fee credit, and free night rewards can lead to exceptional value. I know that Hilton enthusiasts swear by this card, and here’s why:

* No Annual Fee: Eligible military members can enjoy the card’s premium benefits without the $550 annual fee. * Welcome Bonus: You can earn 175,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. The offer ends April 29. * Elite Status: You’ll receive complimentary top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond status. * Airline Fee Credit: The card provides up to $200 in quarterly statement credits applied to flight purchases made directly with an airline. * Free Night Reward: You’ll receive an annual free night reward in your first year of card membership and every year you renew your card. * Hilton Resort Credit: The card offers up to $400 in semiannual statement credits for eligible purchases made with Hilton resorts.

Understanding SCRA and MLA Benefits

Now that you know some of the best cards out there, let’s delve into the SCRA and MLA, which make these perks possible. The SCRA is designed to provide service members relief from financial burdens while on active duty, capping interest rates on debts incurred prior to active duty at 6%. The MLA protects service members and their dependents from predatory lending practices, preventing creditors from charging more than 36% annually in total credit-related charges. These protections extend to:

* All active duty members of the uniformed services * Reservists and National Guard personnel on federal active duty * Dependents (spouses, children under 21, and certain other dependents)

To be eligible, you must meet these conditions when you become obligated on a credit transaction or open an account. Once you no longer meet the conditions, your accounts will no longer be covered, and annual fees will resume. Also, remember that dependents only fall under the MLA.

Final Thoughts

There are numerous benefits available to the military community. However, you must be a responsible borrower and have the credit score to support opening new accounts. Military life can be stressful, and tracking finances while constantly moving can be challenging. But, if you manage it, you can take advantage of these amazing rewards while on active duty. If you keep your credit journey organized, I would encourage you to take advantage of the rewards offered while on active duty.