Best Airline Credit Cards for Military Servicemembers

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Expert reviewed by Ariana Arghandewal.

For military members and their families, who often travel for PCS moves, deployments, or well-earned vacations, airline credit cards can unlock a host of high-value perks. Pairing a frequent flyer membership with a co-branded airline card helps you earn more miles, access upgrades, and save money along the way.

Major carriers like American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United offer rewards programs backed by credit cards that reward everyday spending. Many of these cards also offer exclusive benefits for servicemembers, such as waived annual fees under the Military Lending Act (MLA) or bonus perks designed with military lifestyles in mind.

Whether you’re flying for duty or downtime, the right airline card can help you stretch your travel budget, enjoy smoother airport experiences, and rack up rewards that take you even farther.

Our Top Picks

We’ve reviewed the top airline credit cards on the market and highlighted the ones that offer the best value for servicemembers, veterans, and military families. 

These cards stand out not just for their rewards and welcome bonuses, but also for the unique travel perks and military-specific benefits they offer — like waived annual fees, priority boarding, lounge access, and more.

Whether you’re loyal to a specific airline or simply want to make the most of your miles, the cards below can help you travel better — and in some cases, for free.

See how we rate credit cards here. 

• Best airline card for overall travel value and global reach: card_name
• Best airline card for domestic flyers and families: card_name
• Best airline card for companion travel and Oneworld access: card_name
• Best airline card for no annual fee: card_name
• Best airline card for occasional Delta flyers: card_name

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The New United Explorer Card earns our top recommendation for military members and veterans thanks to its generous travel perks, waived annual fee for active-duty servicemembers, and valuable airline benefits that extend well beyond the terminal.

Why It’s Our Top Pick for Military Travelers

• No Annual Fee for Active-Duty Servicemembers: Under the Military Lending Act (MLA), Chase waives the card’s $150 annual fee for active-duty personnel, making it a premium airline card with zero out-of-pocket cost.
• Free First Checked Bag: Cardholders and a companion on the same reservation each get their first bag checked for free — a potential savings of up to $160 per round trip.
• Priority Boarding: Enjoy earlier access to overhead bin space and a smoother boarding experience.
• United Club Passes: Receive two complimentary United Club lounge passes each year — perfect for relaxing before a deployment or long-haul family trip.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Get reimbursed up to $120 for application fees every four years.
• Military-Friendly Rewards: Earn 2x miles on United purchases, dining, and hotel stays, and 1x on everything else — ideal for frequent PCS moves, TDYs, or vacation travel.
• Wide Domestic and International Route Network: United’s global reach makes this card especially useful for Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) assignments or military families stationed abroad.
• Hidden Perks That Add Even More Value: In addition to the well-known features, the Explorer Card includes several spending-based benefits that can enhance your travel experience and offset costs:
  • $100 United Travel Credit: Spend $10,000 in a calendar year and get a $100 statement credit toward United travel purchases.
  • 10,000-Mile Saver Award Discount: After you spend $20,000 on the card within a calendar year, receive 10,000 miles off your next eligible United Saver Award flight.
  • $60 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $60 annually ($10 per month for 6 months) in statement credits for rideshare purchases like Uber or Lyft, when activated via Chase Offers (may vary by offer and time).
  • 25% Back on Inflight Purchases: Receive a 25% statement credit on purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi aboard United flights.

Tip: If you’re putting regular expenses or PCS-related costs on this card, these perks are easily attainable and can save you hundreds per year.

Ideal for Retired and Veteran Travelers Too

While the MLA waiver doesn’t apply to retirees and veterans, the card’s benefits more than justify the $150 annual fee if you travel United even a couple of times a year. The free checked bags and lounge access alone can pay for the card multiple times over.

Learn more about the The New United Explorer Card here. 

Southwest’s transparent pricing and flexible change fees have made it a military family favorite. The Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card builds on that reputation with valuable annual perks, strong earning potential, and the ability to spend your way to A-List status.

Why It’s a Great Pick for Military Travelers

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months.
• Annual Travel Credit: Get a $75 Southwest® travel credit every year — ideal even if you only fly once annually (valid through December 31, 2025).
• 7,500 Anniversary Points: Get a bonus each year on your account anniversary (valid through December 31, 2025).
• 4 Upgraded Boardings per Year: When available, enjoy earlier boarding access (valid through December 31, 2025). Spend Your Way to A-List Status: Earn 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) for every $5,000 you spend.
• Flexible Earning Categories:
  • 4 points per $1 on Southwest purchases
  • 2 points per $1 on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (valid through December 31, 2025).
  • 2 points per $1 at gas stations and restaurants
  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel with ease during OCONUS assignments or overseas vacations.

Considerations for Military Members

• Annual Fee: annual_fees, which may not be waived under the Military Lending Act (MLA). However, frequent Southwest travelers can easily offset this cost through the travel credit, anniversary points, and upgraded boardings
• No Assigned Seats: While Southwest doesn’t offer seat selection, upgraded boarding helps mitigate this for military families or travelers with gear.

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The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card delivers powerful value for military travelers who want airline-specific perks, partner award access, and one of the best companion benefits in the industry — all for a modest annual fee.

Why It’s a Great Pick for Military Travelers

• Generous Welcome Bonus: Earn 65,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. The bonus alone can cover multiple domestic flights or a round trip to Hawaii.
• Famous Companion Fare: Each year you hold the card, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare — letting a travel partner fly with you for just $99 + taxes and fees (starting around $23). It’s especially valuable for couples or families traveling together.
• Free Checked Bags: You and up to six companions on the same reservation each get a free first checked bag when you book with your card — a savings of up to $420 per round-trip.
• Priority Boarding: Board early and secure overhead bin space, a helpful perk when traveling with gear or children.
• Strong Ongoing Rewards
  • 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases
  • 2x miles on gas, EV charging stations, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
• Oneworld Alliance Redemption: As part of the Oneworld Alliance, Alaska’s Mileage Plan miles can be used on partner airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and more — often at competitive redemption rates, especially on international routes.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: A strong choice for military families stationed overseas or traveling internationally.
• Travel Discounts and Extras:
  • 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases
  • $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ membership
  • Up to 30,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) per year through credit card spending

Considerations for Military Members

• Annual Fee: $95. While this may not be waived under the Military Lending Act (MLA), frequent Alaska flyers or those taking advantage of the Companion Fare can still easily recoup the cost.
• Best for West Coast and Partner-Focused Flyers: Alaska’s route network is strongest on the West Coast, but its alliance membership offers impressive reach across the U.S. and abroad.

Learn more about the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card

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If you’re looking for a no-annual-fee way to earn airline miles, the AAdvantage® MileUp Card is one of the most accessible airline credit cards available — and a great entry point for military travelers who prefer American Airlines.

Why It’s a Strong Pick for Military Members

• No Annual Fee: Whether you’re active duty or retired, there’s no fee to worry about — making this one of the most budget-friendly airline cards on the market.
• Solid Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full — a low hurdle for many military families.
• Simple Rewards Structure:
  • 2x miles on American Airlines purchases
  • 2x miles at grocery stores, including eligible delivery services
  • 1x miles on everything else
• 25% Off In-Flight Purchases: Receive a discount on food and drinks when you fly with American Airlines.
• Loyalty Points Toward Status: Cardholders earn 1 Loyalty Point per $1 spent towards AAdvantage elite status.

Considerations for Military Travelers

• No Free Checked Bags: Unlike American’s higher-tier cards, the MileUp card doesn’t include free checked baggage. If you fly American frequently, consider upgrading to the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select®.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it’s not ideal for use while stationed overseas or traveling internationally.

Learn more about the American Airlines AAdvantage® MileUp Card here.

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The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex is a mid-tier airline card that delivers strong value, especially for military members who qualify for special military protections or travelers who fly Delta a few times a year and want essential perks like a free checked bag and early boarding.

Why It’s a Solid Choice for Military Flyers

• $0 Introductory Annual Fee: No annual fee for the first year, then $150 after that — American Express provides fee relief under special military protections for active-duty servicemembers.
• Free First Checked Bag: Save up to $70 per round-trip — even if you only fly Delta once or twice per year, this benefit can make the card worth it.
• Priority Boarding allows you to board earlier and settle in sooner, a useful perk for families or those carrying on gear.
• Easy-to-Earn Welcome Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months (bonus may vary by offer).
• Bonus Miles Where It Matters:
  • 2x miles at restaurants, including delivery and takeout in the U.S.
  • 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
  • 2x miles on Delta purchases
  • 1x miles on everything else
• 20% Back on In-Flight Purchases: Get a discount when buying food or drinks on Delta flights.
• 15% Award Discount: Receive 15% off award travel booked on Delta award flights.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Cardhodlers get a $100 annual credit towards prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays.

Considerations for Military Travelers

• No Lounge Access or Companion Ticket: If you value airport lounges or fly with a partner often, you might prefer the Reserve version of the Delta Amex.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None — making it a safe pick for OCONUS travel or overseas vacations.

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card here.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Best Airline Credit Cards for Military Members

Feature	United Explorer	Southwest Priority	Alaska Airlines Visa	AA MileUp	Delta Gold Amex
Best For	Overall travel value and global reach	Domestic flyers and families	Companion travel and partner redemptions	No-annual-fee entry point	Occasional Delta flyers
Annual Fee	annual_fees (waived for active duty)	annual_fees	annual_fees	annual_fees	annual_fees (fee relief provided for active duty)
Welcome Bonus	60,000 miles after $3,000 in 3 months	100,000 points after $4,000 in 5 months	65,000 miles + Companion Fare after $3,000 in 90 days	15,000 miles after $500 in 3 months	50,000 miles after $2,000 in 6 months
Free Checked Bags	Yes, for you + 1 companion	Yes, first checked bag free	Yes, for you + 6 companions	No	Yes, for you + 8 companions
Lounge Access	2 United Club passes/year	None	$100 off Lounge+ membership	None	None
Companion Ticket	No	10,000 points toward Companion Pass	Yes — annual Companion Fare from $99 + taxes	No	No
Bonus Categories	2x on United, dining, hotels	4x Southwest; 2x gas, restaurants, streaming, transit, more	3x Alaska; 2x gas, streaming, transit; 1x all other	2x AA, grocery stores	2x Delta, restaurants, supermarkets
Foreign Transaction Fees	None	None	None	3%	None
TSA/Global Entry Credit	Yes	No	No	No	No
Military Highlights	Waived fee, great OCONUS reach	Solid perks for regular Southwest flyers	Great value with alliance access + companion fare	No fee at all	Waived fee + great entry-level perks
Annual Travel Credits	Up to $120 TSA/PreCheck credit	$75 Southwest travel credit + 4 Upgraded Boardings	Companion Fare (worth $300-$500+); $100 Lounge+ discount	None	$100 Delta Stays + 15% award discount

How Airline Credit Cards Work

Airline credit cards are powerful tools that reward you for spending and loyalty — but understanding how they work is key to getting the most value. Here are the essentials:

1. Earn Miles on Everyday Spending

Most airline cards earn at least 1 mile per dollar spent, with bonus categories for things like airline tickets, dining, or hotels. The more you use the card strategically, the faster your points accumulate.

2. Get a Lucrative Welcome Bonus

Most cards offer a welcome bonus if you spend a certain amount in the first few months — often enough for a free round-trip flight. For example, you might earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in 90 days.

3. Unlock Elite Status or Perks

Some cards help you qualify for elite status faster, or even grant limited status outright. This can come with perks like priority boarding, seat upgrades, and free checked bags.

4. You’ll Still Pay Taxes & Fees on “Free” Flights

Even when you book a flight using miles, you’re still responsible for government-imposed fees and taxes:

• Domestic flights: around $5.60 per leg
• International flights: Can range from $100 to $300+, depending on destination and carrier

Compare the top airline credit cards of the year, head-to-head

How Frequent Flyer Programs Work

While airline credit cards help you earn miles faster, it’s the airline’s frequent flyer program that determines how and when you can redeem them. Each program has its own structure, but most fall into one of three categories:

1. Distance-Based Redemptions

These programs base the number of miles needed on the length of the flight. Shorter flights require fewer miles, while longer flights cost more.

Example: British Airways Avios

2. Fare-Based Redemptions

With this model, the cash price of the ticket determines how many miles you need. When fares go up, so does the cost in miles.

Example: Southwest Rapid Rewards

3. Region-Based (or Award Chart-Inspired) Redemptions

Some programs base redemptions loosely on geographic regions (e.g., North America to Europe) rather than distance or fare. While these airlines now use dynamic pricing, they often retain elements of region-based logic when calculating award costs.
Examples:

• American Airlines AAdvantage – Dynamic pricing, but still offers Web Special and Saver Awards tied to region-based values.
• Delta SkyMiles – Fully dynamic, but redemptions often fall within predictable ranges for specific regions.
• United MileagePlus – No published award chart, but flights between certain regions frequently price within set bands.

Military Travel Tip: If you’re planning leave or R&R with fixed travel dates, region-based programs may offer better value than purely fare-based ones — especially if you book well in advance.

Learn more about top airline credit cards

How to Select an Airline Credit Card

Choosing the right airline credit card depends on more than just the biggest sign-up bonus. For military members, additional factors like annual fee waivers, OCONUS travel needs, and access to major hubs can make one card far more valuable than another.

Here’s what to consider before you apply:

1. Match the Card to Your Travel Habits

• Where do you fly from? Choose a card tied to an airline that serves your nearest base or airport.
• Domestic or international? Some cards offer better value for short-haul flights, while others shine on overseas routes.
• OCONUS stationing? Cards from airlines with strong international partners (like United or American) may serve you better.

2. Consider Your Spending Style

• Look for cards that reward the categories where you spend the most — travel, dining, groceries, etc.
• Make sure you can comfortably meet the welcome bonus spending requirement within the allotted time period.

3. Compare Annual Fees — and Waivers

• Many of the best airline cards charge between $95 and $350 per year.
• Active-duty servicemembers may qualify for waived fees under the Military Lending Act (MLA).
• Veterans and retirees should evaluate whether the perks (like free bags or lounge passes) offset the annual fee.

4. Evaluate the Perks

Beyond earning miles, the best cards offer valuable travel benefits:

• Free checked bags
• Priority boarding
• Companion certificates
• Lounge access
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit

These extras can save you hundreds of dollars per year — especially if you travel with family.

5. Look at International Acceptance

• Use a card with no foreign transaction fees if you travel abroad.
• Stick to cards on major networks like Visa or Mastercard for better acceptance overseas.
• Many overseas merchants require chip-and-PIN capability — increasingly common with newer cards.

6. Know Your Credit Score

Top airline cards typically require good to excellent credit (usually 700+). Check your score in advance to avoid a hard inquiry if you’re unlikely to qualify.

Airline Credit Cards vs. General Travel Credit Cards

If you’re trying to decide between a co-branded airline card and a general travel rewards card, the right choice depends on your travel patterns, loyalty to specific airlines, and the types of perks you value most.

Here’s how they compare:

Feature	Airline Credit Cards	General Travel Credit Cards
Best For	Travelers loyal to one airline	Flexible travelers or deal-seekers
Point Redemption	Miles tied to one airline (and its partners)	Points are transferable to numerous airlines or redeemable for qualifying travel purchases
Perks	Free checked bags, priority boarding, elite status boosts	Travel credits, flexible redemptions, higher rewards on all travel
Annual Fee Waivers for Military	Many (especially Chase, Amex) waive under MLA	Often waived too — check issuer policy
Foreign Transaction Fees	Often none, if the card has an annual fee	Typically none on premium travel cards
Flexibility	Limited to specific airline programs	Can book with any airline, hotel, or travel provider
Companion Tickets / Lounge Access	Available on premium airline cards	Available on premium cards, but less airline-specific

When to Choose an Airline Card:

• You frequently fly with one airline (e.g., United or Delta)
• You value airline-specific perks like free bags or upgraded boarding
• You want to work toward elite status or get a companion certificate

When a General Travel Card Might Be Better:

• You don’t fly the same airline regularly
• You prefer to book travel through deal sites or want cash-like redemption options
• You want to transfer points to multiple travel partners instead of being locked into one

Military Pro Tip:

If you’re eligible for waived annual fees under the Military Lending Act, consider holding both types of cards — a general travel card for flexible redemptions and an airline card for loyalty perks. You can maximize benefits without paying a dime in annual fees if you’re on active duty.

Final Thoughts: Choose the Card That Serves Your Mission

Whether you’re gearing up for a PCS move, planning post-deployment travel, or simply looking to turn everyday purchases into free flights, the right airline credit card can deliver serious value, especially when paired with the exclusive benefits many issuers extend to military members.

If you’re active duty, take advantage of waived annual fees through the Military Lending Act to unlock premium travel perks at no cost. And if you’re a veteran or retiree, the right card can still pay for itself through benefits like free checked bags, companion tickets, and lounge access.

Need help deciding?

• Check out our guide to the best military credit cards
• See our top picks for veterans and military retirees
• Or explore our top travel credit card picks

Wherever your service takes you — make sure your credit card is ready to go with you.

_{To see rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, please visit this link.}

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