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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.
Featured Offer for Military Members
USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
Regular APR
17.15% – 31.15% variable
Recommended Credit
Fair, Good, Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
No annual fee
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A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
No bonus categories to keep track of
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Intro APR period
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Comes with some travel coverage
Cons
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Like other USAA products, only available to current and former military as well as their spouses and dependents
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You can earn more cash back with more redemption options on other cards
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Charges a balance transfer fee
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No welcome bonus
Product Details
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: Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. After this time, the variable regular APR of 17.15% to 31.15% will apply to these introductory balances.
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.
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
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Insider’s Rating
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4.4/5
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
Cons
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Bonus categories leave something to be desired
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One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards
Product Details
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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 with American Express Travel when you pay with 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, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
$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: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 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.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. 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.
Terms Apply.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Insider’s Rating
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4.8/5
Regular APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable APR on purchases
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Complimentary top-tier Hilton elite status
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Get a weekend night reward each year after you renew your card
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
High welcome bonus
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Valuable annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases
Cons
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Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’.
High annual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Insider’s Rating
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A five pointed star
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4.3/5
Regular APR
20.99% – 29.99% Variable
Limited Time Offer: Earn two Free Night Awards (each with a redemption level of up to 85,000 points)
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Annual statement credits can save you money on Marriott stays
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
You get a free reward night each year after your renewal month
Cons
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High annual fee
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Other cards are more rewarding for earning points on your spending
Product Details
Earn two 85K Free Night Awards after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card in your first 6 months. Each award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Card Members could enjoy a value of up to $1,200 when redeeming each reward. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer ends 11/1/2023.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant 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®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Marriott Brilliant 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 an 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 ($100) 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. Terms apply.
Enroll in Priority PassTM Select, which offers unlimited access 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.
Terms Apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
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4.1/5
Regular APR
20.99% – 29.99% Variable
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Annual companion certificate benefit, which is valid for domestic first class and Comfort+ as well as the main cabin
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges when you’re flying Delta
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Earns 3x miles on Delta purchases
Cons
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Very high annual fee
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Doesn’t offer bonus miles on non-Delta purchases
Product Details
Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Enjoy Delta Sky Club® access at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 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.
Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card through 12/31/23, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
Eligible 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.
Receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+® or domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
$550 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
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4.4/5
Regular APR
22.49% – 29.49% Variable
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Annual travel credit can effectively shave $300 off the annual fee if you use it
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Strong travel insurance
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Strong bonus rewards on travel and dining
Cons
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Very high annual fee
Product Details
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$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 Ultimate Rewards® 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 Ultimate Rewards®. 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 PassTM Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Member FDIC
United Club℠ Infinite Card
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
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4.4/5
Regular APR
21.74% – 28.74% Variable
Recommended Credit
Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Great intro bonus offer
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
If you want United Club membership, this card gets you it for less than buying it outright
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Get two free checked bags on United
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Earns 4x miles on United® purchases
Cons
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Steep annual fee, especially for an airline credit card
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The non-United bonus categories (travel and dining) only earn 2x miles
Product Details
Earn 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying purchases
Earn 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and Premier Access® travel services
10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada
Earn up to 8,000 Premier qualifying points (500 PQP for every $12K you spend on purchases)
Member FDIC
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
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3.75/5
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Generous annual benefits, including a Southwest travel credit and 7,500 points, plus upgraded boardings and in-flight discounts
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
If you fly Southwest several times a year, the benefits easily outweigh the annual fee
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Annual fee is low compared to other premium airline credit cards
Cons
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Highest annual fee among Southwest consumer cards
Product Details
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
7,500 anniversary points each year.
Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases.
Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
$75 Southwest® travel credit each year.
No foreign transaction fees.
Member FDIC
The World Of Hyatt Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
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4.3/5
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Valuable annual reward night
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Hyatt points are valuable, and this card earns 2x points on several bonus categories
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
If you spend a lot on this card, you can earn a second free night
Cons
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Not too many extra benefits
Product Details
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 at Hyatt hotels & 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
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
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4.3/5
Regular APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Anniversary reward night can be worth more than the annual fee
Cons
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Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’.
Could offer better rewards on non-IHG purchases
Product Details
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
Earn up to 26 points total 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 card member
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 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
Discover it® Cash Back
Insider’s Rating
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3.8/5
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
17.24% – 28.24% Variable
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
From October 1 to December 31, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Target on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
No annual fee
Cons
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Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
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If the quarterly categories aren’t convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card
Product Details
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
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.
Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Discover it® Miles
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
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A five pointed star
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3.8/5
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Regular APR
17.24% – 28.24% Variable
Unlimited match of all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Unlimited 1.5x miles on all purchases
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Discover matches all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Cons
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Two crossed lines that form an ‘X’.
Limited benefits compared to other travel rewards cards
Product Details
Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 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 – with no annual fee.
Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% – 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
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.
Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch either on the mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card
Insider’s Rating
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
A five pointed star
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3.8/5
Regular APR
14.24% – 18.00% Variable
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Good earning rate on travel (3x) and other purchases (2x)
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Decent welcome bonus offer which includes a free year of Amazon Prime
Check mark icon
A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction.
Travel benefits including car rental insurance and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Cons
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Must be a member of Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify
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Annual fee
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Some other comparable travel cards have more benefits
Product Details
The information related to the Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening plus a 1.99% intro APR on purchases for 9 months from account opening and a free year of Amazon Prime® offer expires on 02/28/23)
3X points on travel
2X points on everything else
Receive statement credits (up to $100) for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
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 of 2023
American Express Platinum card Hilton Honors Aspire cardMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex cardDelta ReserveChase Sapphire ReserveUnited Club Infinite card Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority credit card World of Hyatt credit cardIHG One Rewards Club Premier credit cardDiscover it Cash Back cardDiscover it MilesNavy 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, 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 credits**.
The Amex Platinum Card added a ton of new benefits, including up to $300 annually in Equinox credits**, $189 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** 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 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 Card offers a welcome bonus of 150,000 points after spending at least $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. 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: two Free Night Awards, each with a redemption level of up to 85,000 points, after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the card in your first six months of card membership (offer ends 11/01/2023).
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 (good on domestic flights and including first class), 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 10 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: 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening.
Delta Reserve review
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, Instacart 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 80,000 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 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three 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 spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, and up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning with 2 points per dollar, up to $15,000, on purchases that normally earn 1 point in the first six months of account opening.
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 miles 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 October 1 to December 31, 2023, you can earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Target 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.
Discover it Miles review
Navy Federal Visa Signature Flagship
Why the Navy Federal Flagship is worth it: The Navy Federal Credit Union® Visa Signature® Flagship 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 14.24% – 18.00% Variable.
Welcome bonus: This card’s welcome offer is currently 30,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of account opening plus a 1.99% intro APR on purchases for 9 months from account opening and a free year of Amazon Prime® (expires on 02/28/23).
Navy Federal Flagship Rewards credit card review
Carissa Rawson
Freelance Writer
Carissa Rawson is a personal finance and credit cards expert who has spent the last five years helping consumers make informed decisions.
When she’s not planning elaborate trips using points and miles, she can be found sipping coffee and writing for publications such as Forbes, The Balance, and The Points Guy. Before launching a career as a journalist, she spent seven years in the US Air Force as an Arabic translator, which included a deployment with special forces. Carissa is usually based somewhere on a plane but due to the current situation, she’s made herself at home in San Diego, California.
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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
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.
For rates and fees of Discover it® Miles, please click here.
For rates and fees of Discover it® Cash Back, please click here.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.
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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