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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.
$0
N/A
16.40% - 28.40% variable
Earn a $200 reward bonus
Good, Excellent
- No annual fee
- No bonus categories to keep track of
- Comes with some travel coverage
- Like other USAA products, only available to current and former military as well as their spouses and dependents
- You can earn more cash back with more redemption options on other cards
- Charges a balance transfer fee
The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card could make sense for military members and their families who want to earn flat-rate rewards on each dollar they spend. A handful of travel perks also come standard with the card.
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card- Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, no category restrictions, no caps on cash back.
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 reward bonus when you spend $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.
- Auto Deductible Reimbursement (up to $200).
- A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies.
- No annual fee.
- Cash back rewards never expire.
- Redeem cash back your way, on your schedule.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 16.40% - 28.40% variable regular APR.
- Terms and Restrictions apply. See the Reward Terms and Conditions and the ADR Benefit Guide on USAA's website for details.
- See Rates and Fees for details.
Here are some of the best credit cards for active-duty military — and some of the valuable perks you can receive.
Best Credit Cards for Military Members
$695
N/A
See Pay Over Time APR
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points
Good to Excellent
- 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
- Bonus categories leave something to be desired
- One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards
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, and more.
Amex Platinum Card- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- 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 through American Express Travel using 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, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- 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.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $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: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 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.
- 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.
- $695 annual fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
$550
N/A
20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points
Good to Excellent
- 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
- High annual fee
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 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.
Hilton Honors Aspire
$650
N/A
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points
Good to Excellent
- Annual statement credits can save you money on Marriott stays
- You get a free reward night each year after your renewal month
- High annual fee
- Other cards are more rewarding for earning points on your spending
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.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card- 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) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® 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 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
- 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 a Brilliant 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 ($120) 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.
- Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits 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.
- With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim 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 with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
$650
N/A
19.99% - 28.99% Variable
Earn 70,000 bonus miles
Good to Excellent
- 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
- Very high annual fee
- Doesn't offer bonus miles on non-Delta purchases
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 $650 annual fee worthwhile.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
- Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express 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.
- With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
$550
N/A
21.74% - 28.74% Variable
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- 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
- Very high annual fee
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.
Chase Sapphire Reserve- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $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 Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. 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 Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
$525
N/A
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
Excellent
- 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
- Steep annual fee, especially for an airline credit card
- The non-United bonus categories (travel and dining) only earn 2x miles
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.
United Club℠ Infinite Card- Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
- 4x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on all other travel and dining
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
- Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
- Member FDIC
$149
N/A
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Earn a $400 statement credit and 40,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- Generous annual benefits, including a Southwest travel credit and anniversary 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
- Highest annual fee among Southwest consumer cards
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.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
$95
N/A
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Earn up to 60,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- 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
- Not too many extra benefits
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.
World Of Hyatt credit card- Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. 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 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 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
- Member FDIC
$99
N/A
20.74% - 27.74% Variable
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
Good to Excellent
- Anniversary reward night can be worth more than the annual fee
- Could offer better rewards on non-IHG 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.
IHG One Rewards Premier Card- Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
- Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
- Earn up to 26 total points 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 cardmember
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) 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®
- Member FDIC
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
18.49% - 27.49% variable APR (rates as of 12/12/2024)
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match™
Good to Excellent
- From January 1 to March 31, 2025, earn 5% cash back at restaurants, home improvement stores, and select streaming services 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
- 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
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.
Discover it Cash Back- Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–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 you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- 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.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
- Terms and conditions apply.
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
18.49% - 27.49% variable APR (rates as of 12/12/2024)
Unlimited match of all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year
Good to Excellent
- Unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases
- Discover matches all the miles you've earned at the end of your first year
- Limited benefits compared to other travel rewards cards
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.
Discover it® Miles- Unlimited Bonus: Unlimited Mile-for-Mile match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You could turn 35,000 Miles to 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
- No annual fee
- Turn Miles into cash. Or redeem as a statement credit for your travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% - 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
- 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.
- Terms and conditions apply.
$49
N/A
15.74% - 18.00% Variable
Earn 35,000 bonus points and a free year of Amazon Prime
Very Good to Excellent
- 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
- Must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify
- Annual fee
- Some other comparable travel cards have more benefits
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.
Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Travel Rewards Credit Card- Get the most rewards with our top-tier credit card. From 1/2/2025 through 3/31/2025, get 35,000 bonus points when you spend $3,500 within your first 90 days of account opening & a free year of Amazon Prime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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.
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.
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.
Military Credit Card Reviews
Top Military Credit Cards
- American Express Platinum card
- Hilton Honors Aspire card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card
- Delta Reserve
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- United Club Infinite card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card
- World of Hyatt credit card
- IHG One Rewards Club Premier credit card
- Discover it Cash Back card
- Discover it Miles
- Navy Federal Flagship Rewards credit card
American Express Platinum
Why the Amex Platinum is worth it: The Platinum Card® from American Express is the original "status" card, and has some of the broadest benefits of any card, from any bank. Amex Platinum cardholders receive a slew of valuable credits and perks you can enroll in, including up to $200 per calendar year in Uber credits (good for Uber rides or UberEats), up to $200 per calendar year in airline incidental fee credits on your selected airline, and up to $100 per calendar year in Saks Fifth Avenue credit.
The Amex Platinum Card added a ton of new benefits you can enjoy after enrollment, including up to $300 annually in Equinox credits, $199 per year in credits for CLEAR® Plus membership, up to $200 per year in credits toward eligible prepaid hotel bookings, up to $240 in annual credits toward eligible digital subscriptions, a monthly credit for Walmart+ membership, and up to $300 back for purchasing a SoulCycle At-Home Bike through Equinox+.
Cardholders also get complimentary Hilton and Marriott gold elite status (enrollment required) and airport lounge access including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when you're flying Delta, and Priority Pass lounges.
Welcome bonus: The Amex Platinum Card currently offers an excellent welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
American Express Platinum card review
American Express Hilton Aspire
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 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 offers a welcome bonus of 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card within your first six months of card membership (offer ends 1/8/2025). You'll also receive a Hilton free reward night after you open your account, and again after each card anniversary.
Hilton Honors Aspire card review
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express
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.
Welcome bonus: The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a substantial welcome bonus of 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.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card review
Delta Reserve American Express
Why the Amex Delta Reserve is worth it: Even if you only fly Delta occasionally, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers perks that make it well worth keeping in your wallet. The card's benefits include an annual Delta companion ticket, free Delta Sky Club lounge membership, a free checked bag on Delta flights, and priority boarding. Note that effective 2/1/25, Reserve card members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
Welcome bonus: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with a solid welcome bonus: 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
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.
The card also comes with great perks like DashPass membership, DoorDash credits, and Lyft Pink All Access membership.
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.
Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card review
Chase United Club Infinite
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.
Welcome bonus: The card currently offers a welcome bonus of 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
United Club Infinite card review
Chase Southwest Priority
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.
Welcome bonus: The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is currently offering a welcome bonus of a 40,000 bonus points and $400 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card review
Chase World of Hyatt Card
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 you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening plus up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2 bonus points per $1 in the first six months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point.
World of Hyatt credit card review
Chase IHG One Rewards Premier
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.
Welcome bonus: One of the more generous hotel credit cards, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
IHG One Rewards Club Premier credit card review
Discover it Cash Back
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 January 1 to March 31, 2025, earn 5% cash back at restaurants, home improvement stores, and select streaming services 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.
Discover it Cash Back card review
Discover it Miles
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.
Navy Federal Visa Signature Flagship
Why the Navy Federal Flagship is worth it: The Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Travel 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 15.74% - 18.00% Variable.
Welcome bonus: This card's welcome offer is currently 35,000 bonus points when you spend $3,500 within your first 90 days of account opening, plus a free year of Amazon Prime (from 1/2/2025 through 3/31/2025).
Navy Federal Flagship Rewards credit card review
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.
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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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