Credit Cards That Honor Military Service: The Best Options for Active-Duty Members and Veterans
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post..
Military families carry enormous responsibility — and often face unique financial hurdles. Between deployments, moves, and everyday expenses, credit cards can be both a tool and a challenge.
Thankfully, federal protections and a few generous issuers help lighten the load for those who serve.
How Federal Laws Protect Military Members
Two key laws ensure fair lending practices for active-duty service members and their families:
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
- Applies to accounts opened before active duty
- Caps interest rates at 6%
- Limits extra fees on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages
Military Lending Act (MLA)
- Applies to accounts opened during active duty
- Caps interest and fees on consumer credit (including credit cards)
- Covers active-duty service members and qualifying dependents
These protections are automatically applied when your active-duty status is verified in the Department of Defense database.
Why American Express Leads the Way
American Express voluntarily extends even more generous benefits beyond what the law requires.
For qualifying active-duty service members, Amex waives the annual fee on many of its premium rewards cards — including some that normally cost hundreds per year.
Who Qualifies
Eligible applicants include:
- Active-duty or reserve members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or National Guard (with orders exceeding 30 days)
- Commissioned officers in the Public Health Service or NOAA
- Spouses and dependents (as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(4))
You can verify eligibility by logging into your Amex account or calling 800-253-1720.
Top American Express Cards for Active-Duty Military
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: $0 for active-duty (normally $895)
Highlights:
- Access to 1,500+ airport lounges worldwide
- Hilton and Marriott Gold Elite Status
- Up to $200 airline incidental credits
- Monthly Uber Cash and Saks Fifth Avenue credits
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee reimbursement
- Extensive travel, purchase, and cell phone protections
Value for military members: Thousands in annual perks with no annual fee.
American Express® Gold Card
Annual Fee: $0 for active-duty (normally $325)
Highlights:
- 4× points at restaurants worldwide
- 4× points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25K/year)
- 3× points on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
- Monthly dining credits and Uber Cash
A strong everyday card for families who spend heavily on groceries and dining.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Annual Fee: $0 for active-duty (normally $550)
Highlights:
- Complimentary Hilton Diamond Status
- Annual free-night certificate
- $400 Hilton resort credit (split semi-annually)
- $200 airline incidental credits
- Priority Pass lounge membership
Perfect for service members who frequently stay at Hilton hotels and resorts.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: $0 for active-duty (normally $695)
Highlights:
- 5× points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
- 2× points on select business purchases
- Annual airline credit
- Airport lounge access and Global Entry reimbursement
For small business owners or side hustlers, this card turns business expenses into premium travel rewards.
How To Apply and Verify Benefits
- Confirm your active-duty status
- Apply using your legal name as listed on your military ID.
- American Express usually applies benefits automatically, but if not, call customer service or upload verification documents through your online account under Account Services → Credit Management → SCRA Benefits.
The Bottom Line
For active-duty military members and their spouses, waived annual fees unlock thousands of dollars in luxury travel perks, hotel upgrades, and financial protections — all at no cost.
If you qualify, this is one of the most valuable financial benefits available to service members today.
These cards not only honor your service — they reward it.
Related Reading:
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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