The Best Credit Cards for Veterans and Military Retirees in 2025

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 relief on 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. 

• Best overall: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
• Best Travel Rewards: USAA Eagle Navigator® Visa Signature® Credit Card
• Best Airline Rewards: The New United Explorer Card
• Best Hotel Rewards: World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Best Simple Cash Back: Citi® Double Cash Card
• Best Everyday Spending: NFCU More Rewards American Express® Card
• Best for Building Credit: cashRewards® Secured Credit Card
• Best for Balance Transfers & Low Rates: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Best for Small Businesses: Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
• Best Gas Rewards: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card

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.

Credit Card	Best For	Annual Fee	Intro Bonus	Apply Now
card_name	Best Overall	annual_fees	bonus_miles	Get Started
card_name	Travel Rewards	annual_fees	bonus_miles	Get Started
card_name	Airline Rewards	annual_fees	bonus_miles	Get Started
card_name	Best Hotel Rewards Card	annual_fees	bonus_miles	Get Started
card_name	Simple Cash Back	annual_fees	bonus_miles	Get Started
NFCU More Rewards American Express® Card	Everyday Spending	$0	Earn 20K Bonus Points When You Spend $2K Within 90 Days of Account Opening and a Walmart+ Statement Credit.	Get Started
Navy Federal cashRewards Secured Credit Card	Building Credit	$0	N/A	Get Started
card_name	Balance Transfers & Debt Consolidation	annual_fees	bonus_miles	Get Started
card_name	Small Businesses	annual_fees	bonus_miles	Get Started
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card	Gas Rewards	$0	Earn 15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening.	Get Started

Credit Card	Best For	Apply Now
card_name	Best Overall	Get Started
card_name	Travel Rewards	Get Started
card_name	Airline Rewards	Get Started
card_name	Best Hotel Rewards Card	Get Started
card_name	Simple Cash Back	Get Started
NFCU More Rewards American Express® Card	Everyday Spending	Get Started
Navy Federal cashRewards Secured Credit Card	Building Credit	Get Started
card_name	Balance Transfers & Debt Consolidation	Get Started
card_name	Small Businesses	Get Started
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card	Gas Rewards	Get Started

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 relief on 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 not charged. 

It’s important to reassess your financial habits and needs after separating from service. Consider whether your current cards still offer good value with the full annual fee, 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 MLA relief) 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.