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As a newly minted Airman, I was floored when I first found out about all the credit card perks active duty military members receive. After picking my jaw back up, I started immediately applying for some of the best credit cards that offer benefits for active-duty service members, which include things like waived annual fees, lowered interest rates, and even military-specific credit cards.
Here are some of the best credit cards for active-duty military — and some of the valuable perks you can receive.
Compare the Best Credit Cards for Military Members
The Platinum Card® from American Express
4.4/5
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
See Rates and Fees
$695
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
See Rates and Fees
$695
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.
If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership
Show more
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
See Pay Over Time APR
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
4.4 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
Cons
Bonus categories leave something to be desired
One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards
Highlights
More Information
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$695
Intro offer
120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership
120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at shipping providers, US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million per calendar year). Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on other eligible purchases.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$695
Intro offer
120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership
120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at shipping providers, US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million per calendar year). Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on other eligible purchases.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best small-business cards with an elevated bonus and top-notch benefits (and a premium annual fee to match). It's an excellent offer if you like earning Membership Rewards points and you can maximize the bonus spending categories and perks — but be sure to assess whether the annual fee is worth it for you before you commit.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at shipping providers, US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million per calendar year). Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$695
Intro offer
120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership
120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership
Show more
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
N/A
Editor's Rating
4.5/5
4.5 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
More travel benefits than you'll find on any other business credit card
Generous airport lounge access options, from American Express Centurion Lounges to Priority Pass (enrollment required)
Complimentary hotel elite status (enrollment required)
Access to Amex concierge services
Cons
Very high annual fee
Limited opportunities to earn bonus points
Annual statement credits won't be useful for everyone
Highlights
More Information
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
4.8/5
Annual Fee
$450
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Many of the best credit cards come with high annual fees that certainly aren't for everyone, and that's definitely the case with the $450-annual-fee Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card . This is Hilton's most expensive (and rewarding) card, and it's geared toward loyal Hilton travelers who can make the most of its many generous benefits.
Details
Rewards
Earn 14x Points on hotels & resorts at eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Earn 7x Points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. Earn 7x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, and for takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 3X Points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$450
Intro offer
150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Editor's Rating
4.8/5
4.8 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Complimentary top-tier Hilton elite status
Get a weekend night reward each year after you renew your card
High welcome bonus
Valuable annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases
Cons
High annual fee
Highlights
More Information
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Business Insider.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership
14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies
7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your card at U.S. restaurants
3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your card
95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
If you're loyal to Marriott, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card can help you save money and improve your stays, thanks to automatic Marriott Platinum elite status and lots of opportunities to earn additional points.
Details
Rewards
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program. Earn 3 points at Worldwide Restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. Earn 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee
$650
Intro offer
95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.3/5
4.3 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Annual statement credits can save you money on Marriott stays
You get a free reward night each year after your renewal month
Cons
High annual fee
Other cards are more rewarding for earning points on your spending
Highlights
More Information
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card at restaurants worldwide.
With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
Earn 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® program. 3 points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2 points on all other eligible purchases.
Marriott Brilliant Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
$100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
Enroll in Priority PassTM Select, which offers unlimited access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
You can be reimbursed for your costs to repair or replace your damaged or Stolen cell phone for a maximum of $800 per claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is one of the best airline credit cards for frequent Delta flyers who can use benefits like airport lounge access, which can make the $550 annual fee worthwhile.
Details
Rewards
Earn 3x Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1X Miles on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$550
Intro offer
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening
Show more
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.1/5
4.1 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Annual companion certificate benefit, which is valid for domestic first class and Comfort+ as well as the main cabin
Access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges when you're flying Delta
Earns 3x miles on Delta purchases
Cons
Very high annual fee
Doesn't offer bonus miles on non-Delta purchases
Highlights
More Information
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® for you when traveling on a Delta flight.
Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
Earn up to 60,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) With Status Boost® per year. After you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 15,000 MQMs up to four times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights.
Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+® or domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$550
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$550
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you're new to rewards credit cards you may want to start elsewhere, but if you know you want to earn Chase points and you spend a lot on travel and dining, the Sapphire Reserve is one of the most rewarding options.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5x points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$550
Intro offer
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Show more
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
22.49% - 29.49% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
4.4 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Show more
Pros & Cons
Pros
Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
Strong travel insurance
Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
Cons
Very high annual fee
Highlights
More Information
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. 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 PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges. Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel. Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges. Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel. Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
While a few of the best travel credit cards are great for United flyers, the United Club℠ Infinite Card is the most high-end of the bunch. Not only does it offer a full United Club airport lounge membership, but it can also help you rack up the miles for free trips quickly through everyday spending.
Details
Rewards
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges. Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel. Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining including eligible delivery services. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$525
Intro offer
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Show more
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
21.74% - 28.74% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.4/5
4.4 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Great intro bonus offer
If you want United Club membership, this card gets you it for less than buying it outright
Get two free checked bags on United
Earns 4x miles on United® purchases
Cons
Steep annual fee, especially for an airline credit card
The non-United bonus categories (travel and dining) only earn 2x miles
Highlights
More Information
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
Earn up to 8,000 Premier qualifying points (500 PQP for every $12K you spend on purchases)
50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you can make use of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card's many benefits and perks, it's well worth the annual fee. Otherwise, have a look at other Southwest cards like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, which have lower annual fees but the same elevated welcome bonus offer.
Details
Rewards
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2 points on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$149
Intro offer
50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Editor's Rating
3.75/5
3.75 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Generous annual benefits, including a Southwest travel credit and 7,500 points, plus upgraded boardings and in-flight discounts
If you fly Southwest several times a year, the benefits easily outweigh the annual fee
Annual fee is low compared to other premium airline credit cards
Cons
Highest annual fee among Southwest consumer cards
Highlights
More Information
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
7,500 anniversary points each year.
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$95
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$95
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
If you like staying at Hyatt hotels, The World Of Hyatt Credit Card is an excellent complement to Hyatt's generous and competitive loyalty program that offers free nights and a path toward higher-tier elite status. Even if you're not a hardcore Hyatt fan, the card's useful benefits can appeal to most travelers — and make the card worth keeping year after year.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays (4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels and 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$95
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening
30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening
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Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.3/5
4.3 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Valuable annual reward night
Hyatt points are valuable, and this card earns 2x points on several bonus categories
If you spend a lot on this card, you can earn a second free night
Cons
Not too many extra benefits
Highlights
More Information
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$99
Intro offer
140,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening
140,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG Hotel & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$99
Intro offer
140,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening
140,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG Hotel & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you stay at IHG properties even just a few times a year, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great way to save money on your hotel stays and enjoy extra benefits. The annual free night alone can easily be worth much more than the annual fee, and perks like up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash and valuable annual spending incentives make the card even more compelling.
Details
Rewards
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG Hotel & Resorts. Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$99
Intro offer
140,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening
140,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening
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Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Editor's Rating
4.3/5
4.3 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Anniversary reward night can be worth more than the annual fee
Cons
Could offer better rewards on non-IHG purchases
Highlights
More Information
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points plus up to $100 in IHG® statement credits.
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 points total per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards that offers 5% back on popular rotating categories up to a spending limit. Your rewards are matched by Discover after the first 12 months, and the card has no annual fee.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
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Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.24% - 28.24% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Editor's Rating
3.8/5
3.8 out of
5 Stars
Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. The rating system considers various factors and evaluates cards against others of the same type so you can pick a card that is a good fit for your goals.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
From July 1 to September 30, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at Gas Stations and Digital Wallets on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
No annual fee
Cons
Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
If the quarterly categories aren't convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card
Highlights
More Information
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click through to Discover's website to see terms and conditions.
If you're looking for a no-annual-fee credit card with a simple rewards structure, the Discover it® Miles is worth considering. Its biggest strength is the 1.5x miles it earns across the board, along with Discover's Unlimited Bonus program that matches all the rewards you earn in the first year.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on all purchase
Annual Fee
$0
Intro offer
Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
Show more
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.24% - 28.24% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Editor's Rating
3.8/5
3.8 out of
5 Stars
Our editor's ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases
Discover matches all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year
Cons
Limited benefits compared to other travel rewards cards
Highlights
More Information
Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you've earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There's no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It's free, activate with the mobile app.
Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch either on the mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Click through to Discover's website to see terms and conditions.
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
3.8/5
Annual Fee
$49
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening plus a 1.99% intro APR on purchases for 9 months from account opening and a free year of Amazon Prime® (expires on 02/28/23)
Rewards
Earn 3x points on travel and 2x points on everything else
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
3.8/5
Annual Fee
$49
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening plus a 1.99% intro APR on purchases for 9 months from account opening and a free year of Amazon Prime® (expires on 02/28/23)
Rewards
Earn 3x points on travel and 2x points on everything else
For just $49 per year, the Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card offers competitive perks you typically find from more expensive rewards credit cards on the market. In fact, as the credit union's top card, it features benefits like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit, 3x points on travel, and travel insurance coverage.
Details
Rewards
Earn 3x points on travel and 2x points on everything else
Annual Fee
$49
Intro offer
30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening plus a 1.99% intro APR on purchases for 9 months from account opening and a free year of Amazon Prime® (expires on 02/28/23)
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
14.24% - 18.00% Variable
Editor's Rating
3.8/5
3.8 out of
5 Stars
Pros & Cons
Pros
Good earning rate on travel (3x) and other purchases (2x)
Decent welcome bonus offer which includes a free year of Amazon Prime
Travel benefits including car rental insurance and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cons
Must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify
Annual fee
Some other comparable travel cards have more benefits
Highlights
More Information
The information related to the Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening plus a 1.99% intro APR on purchases for 9 months from account opening and a free year of Amazon Prime® offer expires on 02/28/23)
3X points on travel
2X points on everything else
Receive statement credits (up to $100) for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
The card has a $695 annual fee, but that's waived for active-duty military.
Welcome bonus: The Amex Platinum Card currently offers an excellent welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
Why the Amex Business Platinum is worth it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the small-business version of its popular card. It offers similar benefits while also targeting small-business owners' needs, such as up to $400 per calendar year in Dell credit** (this isn't offered on the personal Platinum card). It also comes with up to $200 per calendar year in airline incidental fee credits** on your selected airline, Hilton and Marriott gold elite status**, and airport lounge access.
Newer Amex Business Platinum benefits include new 1.5x earning categories and statement credits for wireless, Indeed, and Adobe purchases, in addition to a higher statement credit for Dell.
The annual fee is $695 — but again, it's waived if you're active-duty military.
Welcome bonus: With the Amex Business Platinum Card card, you'll earn a bonus of 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases with your card within the first three months of card membership.
Why the Amex Hilton Aspire is worth it: The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
is the only hotel credit card that comes with automatic top-tier elite status. It's an excellent choice for travelers who like Hilton hotels, and because the $450 annual fee is waived for active-duty service members, you can get a ton of value from its perks.
These include Hilton Diamond elite status, which gets you extras like upgrades, hotel lounge access, free breakfast, and a free annual night each account anniversary valid for use at nearly any Hilton hotel worldwide.
You'll also receive up to $250 per cardmember year in Hilton resort credits and up to $250 per calendar year in airline incidental fee credits** on your selected airline.
Welcome bonus: The Hilton Honors Aspire Card offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. You'll also receive a Hilton free reward night after you open your account, and again after each card anniversary.
Why the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is worth it: Marriott Bonvoy loyalists can get huge value from the high-end Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, which offers cardholders hundreds of dollars in credits and benefits each year. You'll get perks like up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, and an annual free night after your card renewal month, valid at hotels at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Cardholders also enjoy Priority Pass Select membership for airport lounge access, and a $100 property credit when booking eligible paid stays of two nights or more at Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels.
There's a $650 annual fee, but it's also waived for active-duty service members.
Welcome bonus: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a substantial welcome bonus: 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership.
There's a $550 annual fee, waived for active-duty military.
Welcome bonus: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with a solid welcome bonus: 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening.
Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve is worth it: Considered a premium travel card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides cardholders with hundreds of dollars in benefits each year, including up to $300 per year in travel credits, which you can use toward just about anything travel-related.
You'll also get Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, access to Chase Sapphire lounges, excellent travel insurance features, and a statement credit reimbursing the application fee for either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS.
There's a $550 annual fee but Chase waives it for active-duty military members.
Welcome bonus: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® currently offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. That's worth $1,080 in travel, based on Insider's valuation of Chase points.
Why the Chase United Club Infinite is worth it: Fans of the United MileagePlus loyalty program can potentially save thousands of dollars a year in travel with Chase's most-expensive United Airlines credit card. The United Club℠ Infinite Card comes with valuable travel benefits that include United Club airport lounge membership, including entry for two companions, and two free checked bags on United flights.
You'll also get Premier access, which includes priority check-in, security screening, and boarding, and Hertz Gold Plus President's Circle elite status which can get you rental car upgrades.
The annual fee is $525, but it's waived entirely for active-duty military.
Welcome bonus: The card currently offers a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Why the Chase Southwest Priority is worth it: If you're a deal hunter, you probably fly Southwest. Owning the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card will drastically improve your experience while also handing you free credits each year. You'll also get valuable day-of-travel perks and other benefits like $75 in annual Southwest credit, 7,500 anniversary points each year when you renew the card, four upgraded boardings per year (A1-A15) when available, and 25% off inflight purchases.
Points earned with the card get you on your way to qualifying for the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows a designated companion to fly with you for nearly free (just pay taxes and fees) on paid and award tickets. There's a $149 annual fee, also waived for active-duty military.
Welcome bonus: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why the World of Hyatt Card is worth it: Although it doesn't have as many features as some higher-end credit cards, The World Of Hyatt Credit Card offers plenty of perks and still costs you nothing out of pocket if you're active-duty military (otherwise, the annual fee is $95).
Cardholders receive an annual award night valid at any Hyatt Category 1-4 hotel, which can easily be worth hundreds of dollars. If you spend $15,000 on the card in an account year, you'll earn another free night (valid at the same categories).
You'll also get automatic Hyatt Discoverist elite status, which comes with perks like bonus points and early check-in/late checkout when available.
Welcome bonus: The World Of Hyatt Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening.
Why the Chase IHG One Premier is worth it: The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card comes with valuable perks like an anniversary award night each year worth up to 40,000 points and IHG Platinum elite status.
You can also save points with the fourth award night free on all standard award redemptions of four nights or more, which translates to a 25% discount just for being a cardholder. The card also offers up to a $100 statement credit for the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee.
There's an $99 annual fee, again waived for active-duty military.
Welcome bonus: One of the more generous hotel credit cards, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers an elevated welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn up to $100 in IHG® statement credits on purchases at IHG® Hotels and Resorts during the first 12 months from account opening.
Why the Discover it Cash Back is worth it: With a rotating selection of 5% cash back categories every quarter, it's easy to maximize your earnings with the Discover it® Cash Back. Discover's 5% cash back calendar often includes categories and merchants that fit everyday spending habits. You'll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases (then 1% back) in these categories each quarter when you activate the bonus (from July 1 to September 30, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at Gas Stations and Digital Wallets on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).
Welcome bonus: The card doesn't offer a welcome bonus per se, but Discover will match all cash back earned at the end of your first year as a new cardmember.
Why the Discover it Miles is worth it: The Discover it® Miles is good for those who don't want any fuss at all, offering a flat 1.5x miles on all purchases. Miles can be redeemed for a value of up to 1 cent each.
Welcome bonus: Similar to the Discover it® Cash Back, Discover will match all the rewards you've earned at the end of your first year.
Why the Navy Federal Flagship is worth it: The Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
offers high reward-earning opportunities and a very low interest rate. You'll also receive up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck applications.
You'll earn 3 points per dollar on travel and 2 points per dollar on everything else. And the current interest rate is 14.24% - 18.00% Variable.
Welcome bonus: This card's welcome offer is currently 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening plus a 1.99% intro APR on purchases for 9 months from account opening and a free year of Amazon Prime® (expires on 02/28/23).
Many of these card benefits are offered to comply with the Servicemembers Credit Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA), which offer financial protections that civilians don't receive. Even better, many card issuers go above the legal requirements and offer additional benefits to all eligible servicemembers, even when it's not mandatory.
Though my days in the service are gone (along with those sweet perks), these offers are still available. With waived annual fees for active-duty servicemembers, some cards can get you hundreds of dollars in benefits and credits each year — not to mention the rewards you'll earn from charging your everyday purchases.
Best Military Credit Cards of 2023
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Miles
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
American Express
American Express offers some of the most generous policies for active servicemembers. Unlike other banks, Amex will waive annual fees for all of its credit cards, whether they're business or personal.
With a huge suite of premium credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, military members can receive hundreds (or thousands) of dollars per year in free perks. Depending on the card, these include benefits such as monthly or yearly travel and shopping credits, free hotel stays, top-tier elite status, and airport lounge access — all for absolutely nothing out of pocket.
Even if you're not a traveler, you can still take advantage of perks, like up to $400 per calendar year in credit at Dell**, up to $100 per calendar year credit at Saks Fifth Avenue**, and monthly credits for free food delivery. Coupled with the ability to earn a substantial amount of Amex Membership Rewards, airline miles, or hotel points via welcome bonuses and bonus category spending, applying for one of these Amex cards is almost a no-brainer if you're active duty.
Chase
While Chase doesn't waive annual fees for its small-business credit cards, it will waive them for all its personal cards. With a host of co-branded airline and hotel credit cards and Chase Ultimate Rewards cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, military members can take advantage of tons of great perks.
Depending on the card, these include benefits such as travel credits, free hotel stays, food delivery credits, and airport lounge access. And even if you're not interested in the reward travel game, Chase offers huge potential with its Ultimate Rewards program, which offers tons of redemption options including statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise.
Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal is a credit union available to those who are tied to the US military. As an active-duty service member, you and your family are eligible to enroll and enjoy membership, which extends beyond good credit cards.
USAA credit cards are rated as some of the best credit cards for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Here are some of the best USAA credit cards:
Credit Cards for Military Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are military credit cards guaranteed approval?
Military members will have their credit vetted just as anyone who applies for a credit card. Many of the cards we've listed above require at least good credit to be approved. If your credit score is below that, it's wise to avoid applying for rewards credit cards until you reach a score of at least 700 to give yourself the best chance for approval.
Are the best credit cards for military members worth it?
The above cards either waive annual fees for active duty military or don't incur an annual fee to begin with. Therefore, all are free to try without any risk. Considering civilians pay annual fees costing up to $695 for these cards, they are worth opening. You could receive thousands of dollars worth of free travel and statement credits.
Which credit cards waive fees for military?
Not all credit card issuers waive annual fees for military members. However, most personal credit cards (not small business) issued by American Express, Chase, Citi, and U.S. Bank should be free for active-duty military and spouses.
Carissa Rawson is a personal finance and credit cards expert who has spent the last five years helping consumers make informed decisions.When she's not planning elaborate trips using points and miles, she can be found sipping coffee and writing for publications such as Forbes, The Balance, and The Points Guy. Before launching a career as a journalist, she spent seven years in the US Air Force as an Arabic translator, which included a deployment with special forces. Carissa is usually based somewhere on a plane but due to the current situation, she's made herself at home in San Diego, California.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of Discover it® Miles, please click here.
For rates and fees of Discover it® Cash Back, please click here.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.
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