Best Travel Credit Cards for US Military Members in 2026
Active-duty servicemembers can carry premium travel cards like the Amex Platinum ($895 fee) or Chase Sapphire Reserve ($795 fee) for $0 a year, because Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One voluntarily waive annual fees under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA). One notable exception is arriving: PenFed is ending its military fee waiver on the Pathfinder Rewards card starting September 28, 2026. Here's how the top options compare.
| Card | Standard Annual Fee | Military Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | $0 (SCRA/MLA) | First premium travel card |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | $795 | $0 (SCRA/MLA) | Lounge access + travel credits |
| Amex Platinum | $895 | $0 (SCRA/MLA) | Maximum lounge network |
| Amex Gold | $325 | $0 (SCRA/MLA) | Dining and grocery rewards |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | $0 (SCRA only) | Flat-rate miles + lounges |
| USAA Eagle Navigator | $95 | $95 (no waiver needed) | Built for military families |
| PenFed Pathfinder Rewards | $95 | $95 after Sep 28, 2026 | Priority Pass on a budget |
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase waives the Sapphire Preferred's $95 fee for active duty, qualifying Guard/Reserve, and military spouses, whether the account predates service (SCRA) or was opened during it (MLA). You keep 2x points on travel and dining plus a 25% Chase Travel redemption bonus.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Sapphire Reserve's $795 fee — raised from $550 in mid-2025 — disappears for qualifying military cardholders, who still keep Priority Pass lounge access, a $300 travel credit, and 8x points on Chase Travel bookings.
3. American Express Platinum
Amex's Servicemembers Civil Relief page confirms the Platinum's $895 fee is waived for eligible active-duty members, spouses, and dependents, while Centurion Lounge, Priority Pass, and Delta Sky Club access stay intact for free.
4. American Express Gold
The Gold Card's $325 fee is waived the same way, verified through DoD records. It keeps 4x points at restaurants and US supermarkets, $10 monthly Uber Cash, and no foreign transaction fees.
5. Capital One Venture X
The Venture X's $395 fee drops to $0 under SCRA — but only if the account opened before active duty began. Qualifying holders also get a 4% APR cap plus unlimited Capital One Lounge and Priority Pass access.
6. USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature
Built for USAA's military membership, the Eagle Navigator carries a flat $95 fee for everyone, no waiver needed. It earns 3x on travel, 2x on everyday spending, a $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit every four years, and no foreign transaction fees.
7. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards
PenFed's Pathfinder Rewards has let military members waive its $95 fee through Honors Advantage. Per NerdWallet, that waiver ends September 28, 2026 — weigh whether its Priority Pass and Global Entry credit still justify $95 after that.
People also ask
Does the SCRA require issuers to waive annual fees?
No. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act only caps interest on pre-service debt at 6%. Fee waivers from Amex, Chase, and Capital One go beyond what the law requires.
What's the difference between SCRA and MLA waivers?
SCRA covers accounts opened before active duty; MLA covers accounts opened during it. Capital One, for instance, only waives fees under SCRA, so timing matters.
Do military spouses qualify too?
Often, yes — Chase and Amex both extend fee waivers to spouses of active-duty servicemembers, though documentation requirements vary by issuer.
Fees, waiver policies, and program terms were checked against issuer and government sources as of September 8, 2026. Confirm current terms directly with the issuer before applying, since military fee-waiver policies can change.
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