After leaving the military, many veterans and retirees lose valuable credit card benefits as part of the Military Lending Act (MLA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). These include waived annual fees and capped interest rates, among others. That’s why we created this guide specifically for veterans and retired military members – to help you find the best credit cards based on your needs, even after those protections expire.
If you’re looking for our top credit card picks for active-duty, you can find those here.
Related: The Best Chase Cards for Military Members
How We Picked the Best Credit Cards
To pick the best credit cards, we analyzed dozens based on their category bonuses and ongoing rewards. We focused on cards that offer the best value, flexibility, and perks with manageable annual fees. We considered cards from major banks and credit unions known to support military families. From there, we chose the best credit cards in each category based on our editorial reviews and deep industry knowledge.
Read more about our methodology for picking the best credit cards here.
Compare Top Military Credit Cards
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA, with our Card Finder tool powered by CardRatings.
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a well-rounded rewards card with no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card is an outstanding choice. It earns 3X rewards on categories that matter the most to veterans, like gas, dining, and travel. Rewards can be redeemed for cash back or transferred to one of Wells Fargo’s airline or hotel programs. With no annual fee, it’s an excellent card to keep in your wallet long-term without worrying about recouping enough value.
Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Product Name: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
Product Description: A no-annual-fee rewards card that earns 3X points on popular everyday spending categories
Summary
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a versatile, no-annual-fee credit card that can be very rewarding for a veteran’s post-service lifestyle. Whether commuting to a new job, frequently dining out, or traveling the world, you’ll earn 3X points in popular spending categories. The card also includes perks like cell phone protection and travel-friendly benefits, making it a practical option with solid value. The rewards are versatile – you can redeem them at a flat 1 cent each towards travel expenses or transfer them 1:1 to seven airline and hotel transfer partners.
Apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph credit card today.
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Annual Fee:annual_fees
- Intro APR: intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
- Regular APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Credit Score Needed: credit_score_needed
- Rewards & Perks:
- 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming services, and phone plans
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
- Visa Signature benefits, including concierge and travel support
- Access to My Wells Fargo Deals for targeted cash back offers
- Points never expire as long as the account is open
- Redeem points for travel, gift cards, cash back, statement credits, or transfer them to popular loyalty programs at a 1:1 ratio
The Military Wallet’s Take
- High rewards in common spending categories
- No annual fee
- Includes cell phone and travel protections
- Ability to transfer points to programs like Choice Privileges, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Low welcome bonus
- Limited set of transfer partners
Best Travel Rewards
The USAA Eagle Navigator® Visa Signature® Credit Card is best for veterans seeking robust travel rewards and comprehensive benefits. With elevated points on travel and everyday purchases, plus annual travel perks, it’s a strong contender for those who frequently travel or plan to.
USAA Eagle Navigator® Visa Signature® Credit Card
Product Name: USAA Eagle Navigator® Visa Signature® Credit Card
Product Description: A travel rewards card offering elevated points on travel and everyday purchases, along with comprehensive travel benefits
Summary
The USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card is ideal for veterans, offering 3X points on travel purchases, including airlines, hotels, rental cars, and rideshares. All other purchases earn 2X rewards, making it excellent for everyday use. The card’s welcome bonus is comparatively low, but the straightforward redemptions might be worthwhile.
Apply for the USAA Eagle Navigator Visa Signature Credit Card Today
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- Intro APR: intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
- Regular APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Credit Score Needed: credit_score_needed
- Rewards & Perks:
- 3X points on travel and transit, including air, hotel, car and vacation rentals, rideshare, tolls, and more
- 2X points on other purchases
- Annual 10,000 bonus points (equals $100 in travel) after booking a hotel or car through the USAA Rewards Center
- $120 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit every four years
- Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver Coverage
- Travel Accident Insurance Baggage Delay Reimbursement
- No foreign transaction fee
The Military Wallet’s Take
- High reward rates on travel and everyday purchases
- The annual point bonus can offset the $95 annual fee
- $120 TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit every four years
- Low welcome bonus
- 10,000-point bonus only redeemable through the USAA Rewards Center
- $95 annual fee
Related: Are Credit Card Rewards and Frequent Flyer Miles Taxable?
Best Airline Rewards
The United Explorer Card stands out as a great choice for veterans seeking a credit card that offers valuable airline rewards and travel perks. This card enhances your travel experience with benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to United Club lounges, making your journeys more comfortable and rewarding.
The New United Explorer Card
Product Name: The New United Explorer Card
Product Description: United Airlines card that offers bonus miles on purchases and a host of travel perks to enhance their flying experience and save money on travel.
Summary
The United Explorer Card was recently relaunched with various perks to compensate for the annual fee increase. In addition to elevated rewards on travel spending, cardholders receive over $300 in annual statement credits toward travel and grocery purchases.
Beyond the generous welcome bonus, cardholders are incentivized to keep spending, with an annual award discount and $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000. Cardholders also receive two annual United Club passes and qualify for complimentary seat upgrades on select United-operated flights. They can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) on card spending.
Apply for The New United Explorer Card Today
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- Intro APR: intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
- Regular APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Credit Score Needed: credit_score_needed
- Rewards & Perks:
- 7x total miles on United flights
- 5x miles on hotel stays purchased through United
- 2x miles on direct hotel bookings, dining (including eligible delivery services)
- 1x miles on all other purchases
- Free first checked bag for the cardholder and one companion on the same reservation
- Priority boarding privileges
- Two United Club passes each year
- Up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS application fees every four years
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi onboard United-operated flights
- Up to $100 in annual credits for prepaid hotel stays booked through United Hotels.
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 with the card per calendar year
- Earn a 10,000-mile award discount after spending $20,000 in a calendar year
- No foreign transaction fees
Receive up to $300 in annual credits towards rideshare, rental car, JSX, and Instacart purchases
The Military Wallet’s Take
- Generous welcome bonus with a reasonable spending requirement
- Includes valuable travel perks like seat upgrades, annual lounge passes, and free checked bags
- Offers over $400 in annual credits and spend-based bonuses
- United’s dynamic award pricing can drive up the cost of flight redemptions based on demand.
- United miles are less versatile than points from a transferable rewards program like Amex Membership Rewards
- $150 annual fee is not waived the first year
Best Hotel Rewards
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers outsized value for anyone seeking a hotel card, thanks to Hyatt’s growing portfolio of hotels. From free nights to elite status and bonus points on everyday spending, this card offers outsized value for the $95 annual fee.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Product Name: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Product Description: A hotel credit card that rewards loyal Hyatt members with free nights, elite status, and bonus rewards on travel spending.
Summary
The World of Hyatt Credit Card packs a ton of value into a reasonable annual fee. Cardholders earn up to 4X points at Hyatt hotels and 2X points on dining, direct airline purchases, gym memberships, local transit, and commuting. Plus, the card offers five annual elite night credits and an instant upgrade to World of Hyatt Discoverist elite status, offering bonus rewards and the opportunity for room upgrades. You can spend your way to higher status, with two elite qualifying nights for every $5,000 spent.
Apply for the World of Hyatt Credit Card Today
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- Intro APR: intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
- Regular APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Credit Score Needed: credit_score_needed
- Rewards & Perks:
- 4x points on Hyatt hotel purchases
- 2x points on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from airlines, local transit, and gym memberships
- 1x point on all other purchases
- 1 free night at a Category 1–4 hotel every card anniversary
- Second free night after $15,000 in annual spend
- Automatic Discoverist status
- 5 elite night credits each year, plus two additional night credits for every $5,000 spent
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel and purchase protection through Visa Signature benefits
The Military Wallet’s Take
- Generous category bonuses on everyday spending
- Hyatt free nights start at just 3,500 points
- Annual free night award easily offsets the $95 annual fee.
- Ability to spend your way to top-tier Hyatt Globalist status via card spending.
- $95 annual fee
- Limited redemption options outside of Hyatt hotels
Best Simple Cash Back
For veterans seeking a straightforward cash-back credit card with no annual fee, the Citi® Double Cash Card stands out as a top contender. Its uncomplicated rewards structure and flexible redemption options make it an excellent choice for those who prefer simplicity and value from a credit card.
Citi® Double Cash Card
Product Name: Citi® Double Cash Card
Product Description: A cash-back card with no annual fee and the ability to convert rewards to airline or hotel points.
Estimated Annual Earnings
Everyday Spending Rewards
Summary
The Citi Double Cash Card is best for military veterans seeking a simple yet rewarding cash back card. It earns 2% cash back (1% when you spend and 1% as you pay it off), incentivizing timely payments. With no category bonuses to keep track of or enroll in, earning rewards is straightforward. Plus, the cash back can be converted to ThankYou points on a limited basis. You can transfer rewards to Choice Privileges at a 1:1.5 ratio or to JetBlue and Wyndham Rewards at a 5:4 ratio.
Apply for the Citi Double Cash Card today.
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- Intro APR: intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
- Regular APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Credit Score Needed: credit_score_needed
- Rewards & Perks:
- 2% cash back on all qualifying spending (1% when you spend and 1% when you pay it off)
The Military Wallet’s Take
- Simple 2% cash back rewards structure
- 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers for 18 months
- No annual fee
- Limited rewards potential on high-spending categories like travel, groceries, and gas
- No welcome bonus
- 3% foreign transaction makes it less ideal for veterans living or traveling abroad
Related: Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card Review
Best Everyday Spending
For veterans seeking a versatile card that rewards everyday spending, the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) More Rewards American Express® Card offers high earning potential across everyday spending categories.
NFCU More Rewards American Express® Card
Product Name: NFCU More Rewards American Express® Card
Product Description: A no-annual-fee card that offers 3X rewards on popular spending categories and charges no fees for foreign transactions, balance transfers, or cash advances
Summary
The NFCU More Rewards American Express Card is best for veterans wanting to maximize rewards on routine spending without incurring annual fees. Cardholders earn 3X points on restaurants, food delivery, supermarkets, gas, and transit. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, and merchandise. Additional perks include no foreign transaction fees, travel discounts, and comprehensive travel and purchase protections. ?
Learn how to apply for the NFCU More Rewards credit card here.
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 within 90 days of account opening.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 14.9% – 18% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Average to excellent (typically 670 – 850)
- Rewards & Perks:
- 3X points at restaurants and on food delivery
- 3X points at supermarkets
- 3X points on gas and transit
- 1X points on everything else
- Walmart+ membership ($98 one-time statement credit)
- 25% discount on rental cars
- No foreign transaction fees
Check your Navy Federal membership eligibility here
The Military Wallet’s Take
- High rewards on common spending categories
- Waives many fees charged by most banks
- Includes Walmart+ membership and Amex Offers discounts
- Low welcome bonus (valued at $200)
- Rewards can’t be converted to airline or hotel points
Related: Amex Trifecta vs. Chase Trifecta for Military Members
Best for Building Credit
For veterans aiming to establish or rebuild their credit, the Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) cashRewards® Secured Credit Card offers a solid pathway, combining credit-building features with a rewards program tailored to the military community.
cashRewards® Secured Credit Card
Product Name: cashRewards® Secured Credit Card
Product Description: A secured credit card designed for military members and their families to build or rebuild credit while earning rewards on everyday purchases
Credit-Building Potential
Summary
The NFCU cashRewards Secured Credit Card is best for veterans seeking to build (or rebuild) their credit. By securing the card with a refundable deposit ranging from $200 to $5,000, cardholders establish a credit line equivalent to their deposit. This card stands out by offering 1 point per dollar spent on purchases, redeemable for cash back, merchandise, or gift cards. After three months of responsible use, NFCU may increase your credit limit. After six months, your account may be eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured cashRewards card. Cardholders do not pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Learn how to apply for the NFCU cashRewards Secured credit card here.
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: None
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: None
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: None
- Regular APR: 18.00% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Poor to Fair (typically below 640)
- Rewards & Perks:
- 1X points on all spending
- Automatic credit line increase after three months (for eligible cardholders)
- Upgrade to an unsecured cashRewards card after six months (for eligible cardholders)
The Military Wallet’s Take
- Opportunity to build or rebuild credit with responsible use
- Earning rewards on purchases, uncommon among secured cards
- No fees for annual membership, balance transfers, foreign transactions, or cash advances
- Requires a refundable security deposit tied to the credit line
- May offer lower redemption value compared to unsecured rewards cards
Best for Balance Transfers & Low Rates
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card is a great option for veterans seeking a credit card that offers a generous balance transfer promotion and ongoing rewards.
Amex® Blue Cash Everyday Card
Product Name: Amex® Blue Cash Everyday Card
Product Description: A no-annual-fee credit card featuring a 0% introductory APR on purchases, balance transfers, and cash back rewards on everyday spending
Summary
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is best for veterans who want to manage existing debt through balance transfers while earning rewards on daily purchases. Cardholders can take advantage of 0% introductory APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR of 18.24% to 29.24%. Balance transfers incur a 3% fee, with a minimum of $5. In addition to its balance transfer features, the card offers 3% cash back in common spending categories.
Apply for the Blue Cash Everyday Credit Card Today
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- Intro APR: intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
- Regular APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Credit Score Needed: credit_score_needed
- Rewards & Perks:
- 3% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
The Military Wallet’s Take
- Earns 3% cash back in popular spending categories
- Offers $84 worth of credits towards Disney+ bundles
- Access to discounts and bonus reward opportunities via Amex Offers
- Low welcome bonus
- Cash back categories have low spending caps, and any purchases beyond those limits earn just 1% cash back
- 2.7% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases originating abroad
Related: Blue Cash Preferred® and Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Best for Small Businesses
For veterans running small businesses, the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is an excellent choice, offering generous cash-back rewards on business spending at no annual fee.
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Product Name: Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Product Description: A business credit card offering substantial cash back rewards on common business expenses, including office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services, with no annual fee
Business Rewards Potential
Summary
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card is a versatile, no-annual-fee credit card that can be very rewarding for a veteran’s post-service lifestyle. Whether you’re commuting to a new job, frequently dining out, or traveling the world, you’ll earn 3X points in popular spending categories. The card also includes perks like cell phone protection and travel-friendly benefits, making it a practical option with solid value. The rewards are versatile – you can redeem them at a flat 1 cent each towards travel expenses or transfer them 1:1 to seven airline and hotel transfer partners.
Apply for the Wells Fargo Autograph Card Today
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- Intro APR: intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
- Regular APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
- Credit Score Needed: credit_score_needed
- Rewards & Perks:
- 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year
- 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- 1% cash back on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
The Military Wallet’s Take
- Generous welcome bonus
- High cashback rates on everyday business expenses
- Introductory 0% APR for 12 months
- Bonus cash-back categories capped at $25,000 annually; spending beyond this earns just 1% cash back
- 3% foreign transaction fee applies to purchases originating abroad
Related: Featured Business Credit Cards for Small and Medium Companies
Best Gas Rewards
With gas prices continuing to climb, a credit card with bonus rewards on gas spending is crucial. The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature can help veterans recoup some of this spending via cash back-equivalent rewards.
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Product Name: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Product Description: A no-annual-fee credit card that provides elevated rewards on gas, EV charging, groceries, dining, and select streaming services
Estimated Annual Earnings
Summary
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa offers exceptional gas rewards at 3 points per dollar spent. However, this bonus expands beyond gas spending to groceries, dining, and select streaming services. Veterans will appreciate this card’s expansive bonus categories and versatile rewards at no annual or foreign transaction fees.
Learn how to apply for the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature credit card here.
Card Details
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,500 within 90 days of account opening.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Balance Transfer Intro APR: 0% for 12 months
- Regular APR: 17.99% variable
- Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (typically 690–850)
- Rewards & Perks:
- 5X points on gas paid at the pump and EV charging
- 3X points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart) stores
- 3X points at restaurants, TV, radio, cable, and streaming services
- 1X points on all other spending
- No foreign transaction fees
The Military Wallet’s Take
- Earns one of the highest bonuses on gas spending at 5X points
- Includes cell phone protection
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Low welcome bonus
- Rewards not transferable to airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Requires PenFed Credit Union membership
Methodology
To create our list of the Best Credit Cards for Veterans in 2025, we evaluated dozens of options across a wide range of financial needs and lifestyles. We understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all credit card—especially for those transitioning out of military service—so we organized our picks by category to help you find the right card for your specific goals.
Since many of the protections offered under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA) end after active duty, we prioritized cards that deliver strong long-term value. Our selection process focused on the following criteria:
- Low or no fees for balance transfers, cash advances, and foreign transactions
- Generous rewards programs with no or high earning caps
- Solid customer service reputations from trusted issuers, including military-affiliated credit unions
- Competitive APRs—especially for those carrying a balance or seeking financing
- Ongoing perks and benefits that justify any annual fees
Each card on this list has been chosen based on its overall value, accessibility, and usefulness for veterans managing post-service financial life. Be sure to evaluate each card’s features to find the best fit for your lifestyle and financial goals.
See below for more tips about credit card management and advice on choosing the best card for you.
What to Know About Credit Cards
Before applying for any credit card, it’s important to understand how they work. Credit cards can be powerful financial tools—but only when used responsibly. Here are a few key concepts to keep in mind:
Payments: Your credit card bill is due every month. To avoid interest charges, pay your balance in full on the due date.
Minimum payments: The minimum due every month to keep your credit account in good standing. Making only the minimum payment can lead to long-term debt, since interest is accrued. Try to pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges.
Interest rates (APRs): Annual Percentage Rates vary by card and your creditworthiness. Carrying a balance month-to-month can get expensive, especially with higher APRs.
Credit utilization: Keep your credit use below 30% of your total available credit line. This helps maintain a healthy credit score.
Annual fees: Some cards charge an annual fee, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth it. If you’re earning enough in rewards or using the card’s perks, the fee may pay for itself.
Rewards Redemption: Know how you can use your rewards—cash back, travel, gift cards, and more. Not all redemption options offer the same value.
Losing Your MLA and SCRA Protections After the Military
During active duty service, credit cards often come with perks thanks to protections under the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). These benefits can include waived credit card annual fees, capped interest rates, and more. However, those perks typically end once you leave the military. That transition can come as a shock, especially if you’ve been relying on cards with high annual fees that were previously waived.
It’s important to reassess your financial habits and needs after separating from service. Consider whether your current cards still offer good value without those waived fees, and look for options—like the ones in this guide—to save money. You might even be able to downgrade high-annual-fee cards to lower or no-annual-fee versions.
Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck
Some of the best rewards cards on the market charge an annual fee because they offer elevated perks and earnings. The key is to make sure the value you’re getting exceeds what you’re paying. Here’s how to maximize your credit card’s value:
- Get a card that align with your biggest spending categories (i.e., gas, groceries, travel).
- Use points for high-value redemptions (i.e. travel) and avoid low-value redemptions like gift cards and statement credits.
- Take advantage of all the card’s perks, including any annual statement credits that can offset the annual fee.
- Consider whether cards that were great for active duty (with waived fees) still make sense post-service. If you travel frequently, for example, a card like the United Explorer or World of Hyatt card may still be well worth the fee.
- If you’re no longer getting enough value out of a card to justify the annual fee, consider downgrading to a low or no-annual fee card. Call your issuer to discuss your options.
Credit Card Strategies
Whether you’re just getting started with credit or already have a few in your wallet, it helps to have a strategy. Here are some tips to make credit cards work for you, regardless of your military status:
Start simple: If you’re building or rebuilding credit, a simple cash back card is a great place to start. You can find plenty of cash back cards that offer 2% flat rewards on all purchases at no annual fee. These cards can be great long-term keepers, since they offer above-average rewards and no annual fee to justify beyond the welcome bonus.
Choose cards based on your goals: The “best card” is really the one that best meets your habits and goals. If you’re looking to save up points for a first-class trip to Europe, a cash-back card probably isn’t the best way to go. But if all you want is a no-fee card with an introductory 0% APR offer, you might want to steer clear of the luxury travel cards, which often lack this feature.
Time your application right: Most credit cards offer a welcome offers worth several hundred dollars (at least), but they also require thousands of spending within 3-6 months. Time your application so you can can meet the minimum spend responsibly.
Diversify your cards to match spending: Carrying more than one card can help you optimize your spending and earn maximum rewards. Evaluate your spending and choose cards that best fit your habits.
Always pay in full: Always aim to pay your full card balance each month to avoid interest fees. Paying interest actually negates the value of any rewards you’ll earn with your card.
Related: The Best Military Credit Cards for 2025
Types of Credit Cards
With so many credit cards on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for you, especially after transitioning out of the military. That’s why we’ve broken down the most common types of credit cards featured in this guide.
Whether you’re looking to earn travel rewards, rebuild your credit, or simply save money on gas, understanding the purpose of each card type can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.
Travel Rewards Cards
Travel rewards credit cards earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or other travel. They’re the most flexible of all rewards currencies, since they can be redeemed for cash or transferred to airline and hotel programs for added value.
If you’re ever short on miles for a flight, you might be able to transfer one of these currencies over almost instantly (and at a 1:1 ratio) to top off your account.
Most travel rewards cards carry an annual fee but typically offer higher welcome bonuses.
Cash Back Cards
Cash back cards offer a percentage of your spending back as a statement credit, deposit, or check. They’re great for anyone who prefers simple, straightforward rewards.
Most cash back cards have no annual fee, though a few premium ones do. They typically also have lower welcome bonuses.
Hotel Credit Cards
Hotel credit cards provide loyalty perks like annual free nights, elite status, and bonus points on stays. A few even offer mid-tier elite status, with the ability to spend your way to top-tier status. If you regularly stay at a specific hotel chain, these cards can offer major value.
You can save money on hotels, get better rooms through elite status perks, and earn more rewards on travel and other spending.
Airline Credit Cards
Airline credit cards are ideal for flyers loyal to a single airline who don’t travel enough to earn status. In addition to earning miles, you’ll often get perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases. Some of these freebies are even extended to travel companion on your itinerary, leading to hundreds of dollars in savings.
Airline cards often provide generous welcome bonuses and ongoing perks that can make their annual fees worthwhile. It’s the best way to experience elite status perks without having elite status.
Secured Credit Cards
Best for those building or rebuilding credit, secured cards require a refundable deposit that becomes your credit line. They often offer fewer rewards but help establish a strong credit history. Plus, many of them allow you to upgrade to a non-secured version after a certain period of time.
Check out our full guide to secured credit cards to learn more.
Small Business Credit Cards
Business cards help separate personal and business expenses and often come with higher earning potential on categories like office supplies, internet, and advertising.
Business cards are essential for veterans who run a small business, since it allows them to keep personal and business expenses separate.
But while they’re doing that, they can benefit from generous welcome bonuses and elevated rewards on business expenses. Plus, some business cards offer no annual fee, making them great for long-term use.
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