Points Capital

If you are on active duty, some of the most expensive travel cards in America may cost you nothing to hold. Cards that charge civilians $550 to $895 a year can carry a $0 annual fee for eligible servicemembers, which changes the whole math: you are not trying to “earn back” a fee, you are simply deciding which perks you will actually use. The catch is that these waivers are mostly issuer policies, not line items in federal law, and they are not all published clearly. Below, we separate what official pages confirm (as of October 2026) from what is only widely reported.

Our favorite three: Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum and Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. If you’re an eligible active-duty servicemember, we see no reason not to have all three. With the annual fees waived, you get thousands of dollars a year in listed credits and perks for free, and all three are super easy to use. One caveat: Amex publishes its military fee policy, but Chase doesn’t, so confirm the Sapphire Reserve waiver with Chase Military Services (1-877-469-0110) before you apply. Details on each card are below.

Why this matters to us: several of Points Capital’s contributors are former service members, and none of us had these cards available to us when we were in uniform. If you’re serving now, don’t miss out.

The quick answer

• Who usually qualifies: servicemembers on active duty (including National Guard and Reserve members on active-duty orders of more than 30 days) and, under the Military Lending Act, certain dependents such as spouses. Status is checked when the account is opened.
• Who usually does not: veterans, retirees, and Guard/Reserve members who are not on qualifying active-duty orders.
• Clearest official policy: American Express. Its official SCRA/MLA FAQ says MLA relief is applied automatically when an eligible account is opened, and that fees not charged during relief resume when relief ends. That covers premium Amex cards like the Platinum Card ($895 normally) and the Gold Card ($325).
• Widely reported but not stated on public pages: Chase (Sapphire Reserve, $795 normally) and Citi. Many servicemembers report waived fees, but we could not confirm the policy on an official Chase or Citi page, so call before you count on it.
• Bottom line: policies change. Confirm with the issuer before applying.

Who qualifies, and who usually does not

• Active-duty servicemembers: the core group for both laws.
• National Guard and Reserve: covered under the MLA when on active-duty orders that are not limited to 30 days or fewer (or on AGR duty). Weekend drills and short annual training generally do not count. SCRA coverage applies from your orders date when called to active duty.
• Spouses and dependents: MLA coverage can extend to a spouse and certain dependents who open their own accounts while the member is on active duty. SCRA generally protects the servicemember’s own (and joint) pre-service debts, not accounts held only by a spouse, though some banks, such as Wells Fargo, extend certain benefits to spouses.
• Veterans and retirees: generally not covered by either law once active duty ends (aside from the 180-day window to request SCRA relief on eligible pre-service debt).
• When benefits end: issuers re-check status. Amex says it periodically reviews accounts with the Department of Defense and sends notice at least 45 days before relief ends. Capital One says SCRA benefits stay until one year after you leave active duty. Bank of America says card benefits generally extend six months after service.

Issuer policy table (as of October 2026)

“Confirmed” below means the statement appears on the issuer’s own military, SCRA, or MLA page. “Not confirmed” means we could not find it on an official page during our check, even if blogs report it.

Issuer	Waives annual fees?	MLA / SCRA	How to request	Notes
American Express	Yes, as indicated by its official FAQ (fees are not charged during MLA relief; annual fees count as SCRA “interest”)	Both	MLA: automatic at application. SCRA: online, 1-866-391-1460, fax or mail	Clearest published policy. 45-day notice before relief ends
Chase	Not confirmed on official pages; widely reported for personal cards under MLA	SCRA page confirmed; MLA fee policy not published	Secure message, Military Services 1-877-469-0110, or mail	Ask Chase to confirm before applying
Citi	Not confirmed (official page would not load for us)	Unverified	Call Citi	Blogs report an MLA fee credit that may depend on carrying a balance
Capital One	SCRA: yes (“no fees assessed… except bona-fide insurance”). MLA: not stated	SCRA	Online form, 1-855-227-1645, mail, or branch	4% SCRA rate; benefits last 1 year after active duty
U.S. Bank	SCRA: “waiver of all fees” (annual fee not named). MLA: not stated	SCRA	Online banking, 800-934-9555, fax or mail	Altitude Reserve closed to new applicants
Wells Fargo	Not stated	SCRA (6%)	Online upload, 1-855-872-2932, fax or mail	Extends certain SCRA benefits to spouses
Bank of America	Not stated; “select credit card fees” waived	SCRA (6%)	Online request, 877-345-0693	Card benefits generally extend 6 months after service
Barclays	Not confirmed (official page would not load for us)	Unverified	Call Barclays	Third-party reports conflict
USAA	“Waived account fees” under SCRA (annual fee not named)	SCRA (4%)	Online, app, fax or mail	Most USAA cards have no annual fee
Navy Federal	“Waiving account fees” under SCRA (annual fee not named)	SCRA (4%)	eMessage “Attn: SCRA,” 1-888-842-6328, branch	Flagship Premier is the only consumer card with a fee ($95)
PenFed	Not stated (no late or over-limit fees under SCRA)	SCRA (6%)	Secure upload	Pathfinder Rewards has a $95 fee

Card-by-card breakdown

Normal fees, credits, earning rates and offers below were checked on each issuer’s official card page as of October 2026. Credits are listed as the issuer describes them; many require enrollment. Welcome offers vary by applicant and change often.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Normal annual fee: $895. For eligible military: covered under Amex’s published MLA/SCRA policy, which says fees are not charged while relief applies. Official card page.

• Best credits: up to $600 a year in hotel credits ($300 every six months on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings), $200 in Uber Cash ($15 monthly plus $20 in December), $400 in Resy dining ($100 per quarter, enroll), $300 digital entertainment ($25 monthly, enroll), $300 lululemon ($75 per quarter, enroll), a $200 airline incidental fee credit on one selected airline, CLEAR+ up to $219, Walmart+ membership.
• How to use them: pick the airline you actually fly for the incidental credit, set calendar reminders for the quarterly Resy and lululemon credits, and save the hotel credit for a PCS house-hunting trip or leave.
• Earning: 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 a year), 5X on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel, 1X elsewhere.
• Lounges and status: Centurion Lounges, the Global Lounge Collection, Priority Pass (enroll), 10 Delta Sky Club visits a year when flying Delta, Marriott Gold Elite and Hilton Gold.
• Welcome offer: not shown in a fixed form on the official page during our check; Amex tailors offers by applicant. Check the card page for your offer.

Ready to apply for the Amex Platinum? You can see current offers and apply with our American Express referral link. Referral offers can differ from the public offer, so compare both before you apply.
Disclosure: This is our personal American Express referral link. If you’re approved through it, we may earn referral rewards, at no extra cost to you. You can always apply directly on American Express’s website. See our Advertising & Referral Disclosure.

American Express Gold Card

Normal annual fee: $325. For eligible military: covered under Amex’s published MLA/SCRA policy, which says fees are not charged while relief applies. Official card page.

• Best credits: $10 monthly dining credit at select partners (enroll), $10 monthly Uber Cash, $50 Resy credit twice a year (enroll), $7 monthly Dunkin’ credit (enroll).
• Earning: 4X at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 a year) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 a year), 3X on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel, 1X elsewhere.
• Lounges and status: no lounge access.
• Welcome offer: varies by applicant; check the official page.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Normal annual fee: $650. For eligible military: covered under Amex’s published MLA/SCRA policy, which says fees are not charged while relief applies. Official card page.

• Best credits: $20 monthly Resy credit (enroll), $10 monthly rideshare credit (enroll), $200 a year in Delta Stays credit, an annual Companion Certificate after renewal.
• Earning: 3X miles on Delta purchases, 1X elsewhere.
• Lounges and status: 15 Delta Sky Club visits per Medallion Year (unlimited after $75,000 in calendar-year spend), Centurion access when booking Delta with the card, a $2,500 MQD Headstart each year and $1 MQD per $10 spent.
• Welcome offer: varies; check the official page.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Normal annual fee: $550. For eligible military: covered under Amex’s published MLA/SCRA policy, which says fees are not charged while relief applies. Official card page.

• Best credits: $400 a year in Hilton Resort credits ($200 twice a year), $200 in flight credits ($50 per quarter), CLEAR+ up to $219, and a free night each card year.
• Earning: 14X points at Hilton, 7X on eligible flights, car rentals and U.S. restaurants, 3X elsewhere.
• Status: Hilton Diamond, which brings executive lounge access at many hotels.
• Welcome offer: varies; check the official page.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

Normal annual fee: $650. For eligible military: covered under Amex’s published MLA/SCRA policy, which says fees are not charged while relief applies. Official card page.

One of our personal favorites. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is one of the cards we like most, thanks to the benefits below.

• Best credits: $25 monthly dining credit (up to $300 a year) and a free night each year after renewal at hotels up to 85,000 points.
• Earning: 6X at Marriott hotels, 3X at restaurants and on flights booked directly, 2X elsewhere.
• Status: Platinum Elite and 25 Elite Night Credits a year. The official page was contradictory on Priority Pass access during our check, so confirm before relying on it.
• Welcome offer: varies; check the official page.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Normal annual fee: $795 (authorized users $195 each). For eligible military: widely reported as waived for MLA-covered cardholders, but not stated on Chase’s public pages. Confirm with Chase Military Services (1-877-469-0110) first. Official card page.

• Best credits: $300 travel credit each card year (applied automatically), up to $500 a year on prepaid stays of two nights or more with The Edit, $300 in OpenTable Exclusive Tables credits ($150 per half-year), $300 in StubHub credits ($150 per half-year, activate), Lyft and Peloton monthly credits, DoorDash DashPass, and Apple TV and Apple Music.
• Earning: 8X through Chase Travel, 4X on flights and hotels booked directly, 3X on dining, 1X elsewhere.
• Lounges and status: Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass with two guests, plus IHG Platinum Elite through 2027.
• Welcome offer (as of October 2026): 100,000 points after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Ready to apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve? You can apply with our Chase referral link. Confirm Chase’s current military benefits with Chase Military Services before you apply.
Disclosure: This is our personal Chase referral link. If you’re approved through it, we may earn a referral bonus, at no extra cost to you. You can always apply directly on Chase’s website. See our Advertising & Referral Disclosure.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Normal annual fee: $95. For eligible military: widely reported as waived for MLA-covered cardholders, but not stated on Chase’s public pages. Confirm with Chase Military Services (1-877-469-0110) first. Official card page.

• Best credits: $100 Chase Travel hotel credit each card year, DashPass and DoorDash promos.
• Earning: 5X through Chase Travel; 3X on dining, gas, select streaming and online grocery; 2X on other travel; 1X elsewhere.
• Welcome offer (as of October 2026): 75,000 points after $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

United Club Card (Chase)

Normal annual fee: $695. For eligible military: widely reported as waived for MLA-covered cardholders, but not stated on Chase’s public pages. Confirm with Chase Military Services (1-877-469-0110) first. Official card page.

• Best credits: $200 Renowned Hotels credit, $150 a year in rideshare credits (enroll), plus Instacart, JSX and Avis/Budget credits.
• Earning: 11X miles on United flights, 5X on other United purchases and Renowned Hotels, 2X on other travel and dining, 1X elsewhere.
• Lounges and status: full United Club membership, free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, and PQP toward Premier status.
• Welcome offer (as of October 2026): 90,000 miles after $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (plus 10,000 for adding an authorized user).

Capital One Venture X

Normal annual fee: $395. For eligible military: Capital One’s official SCRA policy assesses no fees on eligible pre-service accounts. Its pages do not state how cards opened while on active duty (MLA) are treated, so ask before applying. Official card page.

• Best credits: a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles (both listed on Capital One’s offer page).
• Earning: 10X on hotels and rental cars and 5X on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 2X elsewhere.
• Lounges: Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass (enroll). Guest and authorized-user access is more limited than it used to be.
• Welcome offer (as of October 2026): 75,000 miles after $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.

Cards we could not fully confirm

We could not confirm the annual fee or welcome offer for the Citi Strata Elite or Citi / AAdvantage Executive on Citi’s pages during our check, and Citi’s military policy page would not load, so we left them out of the breakdown. The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite ($550) and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey ($95) are solid cards, but neither bank publishes an annual fee waiver for military on the pages we checked. The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve no longer takes new applications.

How to request the benefit, step by step

1. Check your status first. Make sure DEERS is current. Spouses should confirm they appear as dependents, since issuers verify MLA status against DoD records.
2. Ask before you apply. Call the issuer’s military line and ask directly: “If I open this card while MLA-covered, is the annual fee waived, and does that include authorized users?”
3. For new cards (MLA): apply normally. At Amex, relief is applied automatically at account opening, and covered status appears in your Card Member Agreement. Check your first statement to confirm the fee was not charged or was credited.
4. For cards you already had (SCRA): send the issuer written notice with your orders or a commander’s letter through its portal, by fax or by mail. Do not send copies of your military ID.
5. Keep records of confirmation letters and the date relief started.

Strategy: getting real value without getting burned

With a $0 fee, a premium card stops being a math problem and becomes a menu. Even if you only use a few perks, such as lounge access during a long PCS travel day, a hotel credit for a leave trip, or the monthly dining credits, you come out ahead because nothing is being subtracted. Add a welcome offer worth tens of thousands of points, and the first year alone can be worth well over a thousand dollars in travel.

Some practical pairings: one transferable-points card (Amex Platinum or Gold, or Chase Sapphire Reserve) plus one airline or hotel card for the brand you use most often.

The catches are real:

• Credits are coupons. A $300 lululemon credit is only worth $300 if you would have shopped there anyway. Value the perks you would actually use, not the headline total.
• Benefits end with active duty. When relief ends, the full fee comes back. Amex says it sends at least 45 days’ notice. Before you separate or retire, decide which cards to keep, downgrade, or close, and redeem or transfer points you would otherwise lose.
• Plan around a PCS. Update your address, keep DEERS current, and watch for verification letters so a move does not interrupt your benefits.
• Interest still costs money. Pay in full every month. A 36% cap is not a good rate.
• Authorized-user fees may not be covered. Ask.

FAQ

Do veterans get annual fees waived?

Generally no. MLA protections require active duty when the account is opened, and SCRA relief must be requested within 180 days after service ends.

Can my spouse get the waiver on their own card?

Often yes under the MLA, if your spouse is a covered dependent when they open the account. Amex’s official FAQ lists spouses. Confirm with each issuer.

I’m in the Guard. Do I qualify?

Only while on qualifying active-duty orders (not limited to 30 days or fewer) or AGR duty. Drill weekends alone usually do not qualify.

What happens when I leave active duty?

Issuers re-check status, notify you, and start charging fees again. Timing varies: Amex sends notice at least 45 days ahead, Capital One keeps SCRA benefits for one year after service, and Bank of America generally extends card benefits six months.

Our take

For servicemembers, American Express currently offers the most transparent path: its official FAQ spells out automatic MLA relief and SCRA fee treatment, and its premium cards carry the biggest credits. Chase’s Sapphire Reserve is widely reported to come with a waived fee for MLA-covered cardholders, but get confirmation from Chase before applying, since its public pages do not say so. Pick the one or two cards whose perks fit how you actually travel, use the credits deliberately, and make a plan for each card before your active-duty status changes.

Sources

• CFPB: What is covered under the Military Lending Act?
• eCFR: 32 CFR 232.3 (definitions, covered borrower)
• eCFR: 32 CFR 232.4 (36% MAPR, bona fide fees)
• DoD Military Lending Act website
• U.S. Department of Justice: SCRA 6% interest rate cap
• Military OneSource: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
• American Express: Service Members Civil Relief & MLA FAQs
• Chase: SCRA benefits
• Citi: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
• Capital One: Military benefits
• Capital One: Military FAQs
• U.S. Bank: Military financial assistance
• Wells Fargo: SCRA commitments
• Bank of America: Military benefits
• Bank of America: Military banking FAQs
• Barclays: SCRA help center
• USAA: SCRA benefits
• Navy Federal: SCRA
• PenFed: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
• Military Money Manual: Credit cards that reduce annual fees for military (updated June 2026)
• The Platinum Card from American Express
• American Express Gold Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• United Club Card
• Capital One Venture X
• Capital One Venture X offer page
• Citi Strata Elite
• Citi / AAdvantage Executive
• Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Card offers, terms, and military benefit policies change frequently; confirm current terms with the issuer before applying. Points Capital is not a financial advisor.