Best Credit Cards for Soldiers in 2025

Best military credit cards — black credit card on wooden desk with text overlay

Why Credit Cards Matter for Soldiers

Credit cards aren’t just about spending, they’re about building credit, earning rewards, and taking advantage of military benefits like waived annual fees under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The right card can help soldiers save money, travel for free, and build a strong financial foundation while serving.

This guide covers the best credit cards for soldiers in 2025, including military-only cards and mainstream cards with huge rewards.

Disclosure:

  • This post may contain affiliate links. If you sign up through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools I trust and believe are helpful.

  • This article is for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Always do your own research or speak with a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.

What to Look for in a Credit Card as a Soldier

  • SCRA Benefits — waived annual fees and capped interest rates while on active duty.

  • Rewards that fit soldier life — cash back, travel points, flexible categories.

  • Low fees & strong support — no hidden charges, military-friendly service.

  • Beginner-friendly approvals — good options for soldiers with little or no credit history.

Best Credit Cards for Soldiers

1. USAA® Credit Cards

Best for: Soldiers who want to keep all their finances with USAA and benefit from simple, military-focused credit cards.

  • Military-only options with cash back, travel rewards, and low APR.

  • SCRA protections: waived fees and strong support during deployments.

    👉 Explore USAA Credit Cards

2. Navy Federal Credit Union® Credit Cards

Best for: Soldiers who are already NFCU members and want great rewards with no annual fees.

  • Popular options: cashRewards, More Rewards, and Flagship Travel.

  • Generous rewards + military-focused service.

  • Must be a Navy Fed member, but well worth it.


    👉     See Navy Federal Credit Cards

3. PenFed Credit Union® Credit Cards

Best for: Soldiers looking for low APR cards with strong cash back programs.

  • Great options like Power Cash Rewards Visa and Platinum Rewards Visa.

  • Competitive cash back rates + military access.


    👉     Check PenFed Credit Cards

4. Capital One® Credit Cards

Best for: Young soldiers or first-time credit card users building credit.

  • Top picks: Quicksilver (cash back), Venture (travel), Savor (dining).

  • Easy to manage online + waived fees under SCRA.


    👉 See Capital One Credit Cards

5. Chase Sapphire Preferred®

Best for: Soldiers who travel often and want premium rewards with waived annual fees.

6. American Express® Platinum & Gold

Best for: Soldiers who want luxury travel benefits and rewards without paying annual fees.

  • Huge welcome bonuses + luxury perks.

  • Active duty = waived $695 Platinum annual fee under SCRA.

  • Perfect for soldiers who travel often.


    👉     Explore Amex Cards

7. Discover it® Cash Back

Best for: Soldiers who want simple cash back rewards and a beginner-friendly card.

  • 5% rotating categories and double rewards in the first year.

  • Strong beginner card for soldiers with limited credit.


    👉     Check Discover it Card

8. Citi® Premier & Double Cash

Best for: Soldiers who want either strong travel rewards or a simple flat-rate cash back card.

  • Citi Premier = strong travel rewards.

  • Double Cash = simple 2% back on everything.

  • Solid for soldiers looking for flexibility.


    👉     Explore Citi Credit Cards

9. Barclays® Credit Cards

Best for: Soldiers who fly often with airline partners and want miles or niche perks.

  • Offers like the AAdvantage Aviator (airline rewards) and Arrival Plus.

  • Good for travel perks and frequent flyers.


    👉     See Barclays Cards

10. Upgrade® Card

Best for: Soldiers who want flexible credit that works more like a personal loan.

  • Unique hybrid between a credit card and personal loan.

  • Flat-rate cash back + installment payments.

  • Easier approval for younger soldiers with limited credit.


    👉     Apply for Upgrade Card

My Recommendation

If you’re just starting out, begin with USAA, Navy Fed, or Discover it to build credit safely. Once you’ve got some history, move into high-reward cards like Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Preferred (especially since SCRA waives their fees).

For pure affiliate power, Capital One, Amex, and Chase are the big earners that can bring you the most rewards (and payouts).

Other Recommended Tools for Soldiers

More to explore:

Final Thoughts & Next Step

Credit cards can either work for you or against you. Use them to build credit, earn rewards, and take advantage of military perks, not to rack up debt. Pick one card that fits your goals and get started today.

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The information provided by Wealth While You Serve is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified advisor before making financial decisions. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue offering free resources for military members and their families.