With the annual fee of annual_fees waived for active-duty military personnel and their spouses, the card_name offers a blend of valuable travel benefits, rewards, and protections that cater specifically to the needs of military members.
Thanks to the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), Chase waives the annual fee for eligible military members, making the card_name an incredible financial tool for both everyday expenses and luxury travel.
From TSA PreCheck to $300 annual travel credits, military cardholders can unlock a wealth of perks—all without the high cost.
Looking to get started right away? View the simple application process here to take advantage of the Chase Sapphire Reserve® benefits today, or continue reading our full review below.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Military Benefits and Rewards
Summary
The card_name doesn’t offer quite as many perks as The Platinum Card® from American Express, but it has plenty of valuable perks to appeal to many travelers – making it one of the best Chase credit cards. Here are the details on the main benefits of the Sapphire Reserve:
- Annual Fee: annual_fees (waived for active-duty military members under MLA/SCRA benefits)
- APR: Variable APR based on the Prime Rate, typically ranging from reg_apr,reg_apr_type on purchases and balance transfers
- Welcome Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Foreign Transaction Fees: foreign_transaction_fee
- Credit Needed: credit_score_needed
Rewards
- 3 points per dollar spent on travel (immediately after earning your $300 travel credit) and dining at restaurants worldwide
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Point Value: Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM (e.g., 60,000 points are worth $900 towards travel)
- Annual Travel Credit: $300 travel credit that automatically applies to travel-related purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
- Lounge Access: Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership providing access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years
Travel Protections
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimburses up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses, including passenger fares, tours, and hotels, if your trip is canceled or cut short by covered situations such as sickness, severe weather, or other eligible emergencies.
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: This provides primary coverage, reimbursing you for up to $75,000 in case of theft and collision damage for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad. It covers a rental period of up to 31 days.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: This policy reimburses essential purchases such as toiletries and clothing for baggage delays over six hours by passenger carrier, up to $100 per day for five days.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Provides up to $500 per ticket for expenses like meals and lodging if your trip is delayed more than six hours or requires an overnight stay.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Offers accidental death or dismemberment coverage of up to $1,000,000 for common carrier travel paid for with your Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
- Emergency Evacuation and Transportation Coverage: This policy covers up to $100,000 for emergency evacuation and transportation if you or an immediate family member is injured or becomes sick during a trip more than 100 miles from home.
Purchase Protections
- Purchase Protection Against Damage or Theft: This policy provides coverage for new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days from the date of purchase, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Extended Warranty Protection: This program extends the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty period by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Return Protection: Offers reimbursement for eligible items that the store won’t take back within 90 days of purchase, up to $500 per item and $1,000 per year.
Other Perks
- Luxury Hotel & Resort Benefits: Special benefits at over 1,000 properties worldwide through the Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
- Dining Benefits: Special access to events and experiences, including exclusive dining events and the Visa Infinite Dining Series
- Lyft Benefits: Earn 10x points on Lyft rides, plus get a complimentary 2-year Lyft Pink All Access membership, including member-exclusive pricing and benefits, when you activate by December 31st, 2024. Earn 10x total points on Lyft ride through March 31, 2025.
- DoorDash Benefits: When you activate by December 31, 2027, you will receive complimentary access to DashPass, a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar. This membership unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible orders for a minimum of one year.
- Peloton Membership Credit: Earn 10x total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (with a maximum earn of 50,000 total points through March 31st, 2025).
Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Waiver
The card_name military fee waiver eliminates the annual_fees annual fee, thanks to federal protections provided by the MLA and SCRA.
These laws ensure that service members on active duty and their spouses benefit from reduced financial burdens and can access premium credit card products without excessive fees.
What Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Fee Waiver?
Chase has a long-standing history of supporting the military community. In 2011, Chase launched their Military Banking Program, designed to align with both the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). These federal laws protect active-duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve members, from certain financial burdens and legal actions while serving.
Key Military Protections:
- Military Lending Act (MLA): Caps the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) at 36%, including fees and other credit-related products.
- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Allows service members to reduce interest rates on pre-service debts to 6%.
Given the typical credit card APR averages over 20%, and annual fees billed in a single month, some creditors waive annual fees for military personnel to avoid exceeding the MLA interest cap.
Chase waives annual credit card fees for active duty military, including the card_name, which has an annual fee of $550. Qualified applicants will receive an MLA Benefits letter stating that they “won’t charge you fees, other than late fees and non-sufficient funds fees, if applicable.” Fees are waived when applying as an active duty cardholder or spouse. However, some reports indicate that fees are not waived for existing cardholders as these protections fall under SCRA.
Chase does not advertise these benefits but provides more information verbally at 1-800-235-9978.
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA.
How to Apply for the Chase Sapphire Reserve Military Waiver
To make the application process for the card_name and the military fee waiver as smooth as possible, I recommend that you follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your MLA Status
Before applying, it’s important to verify your MLA status through the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). This ensures that you are recognized as eligible under the Military Lending Act, which is required to get the fee waiver.
Spouses can also apply under this waiver as long as they are correctly registered.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Visit this website to learn more and apply for the card_name card. You’ll need to provide your basic personal details and verify your military status through your Social Security number.
Chase typically waives the fee automatically if your MLA status is confirmed during the application process.
Step 3: Submit Additional Documentation (If Needed)
If for some reason the fee is not automatically waived, you can submit documentation proving your active duty status via Chase’s secure message system.
Simply log into your account, create a new message, and select “Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)” from the dropdown menu. You can upload any supporting documentation directly in the portal.
Step 4: Approval
Chase usually approves applications instantly, but if additional verification is needed, it may take a few days. Approved applicants will receive their card in 10–14 days and an MLA Benefits letter if their status is confirmed.
Strategies for Managing Your Card with Changing Military Status
Timing Your Changes
Based on feedback from service members, it’s advisable to wait until Chase requests a re-verification of your military status before downgrading or canceling the card. This can potentially extend your benefits.
Downgrading Options
If transitioning from active duty to reserve status and not on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days, consider downgrading to Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Freedom Unlimited to maintain your credit line without a high annual fee.
Benefits of Usage and Financial Planning
Understand how you use your card’s benefits, especially if your military status changes. If benefits like travel credits and insurance protections are frequently used and valued, maintaining the card could still be advantageous.
Military-Specific Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve
Beyond the annual fee waiver, the card_name card offers a variety of benefits that cater to the specific needs of military personnel.
These perks make it easier for service members to enjoy their time at home or abroad, whether traveling for leisure, on deployment, or during a PCS.
$300 Annual Travel Credit
Receive an automatic $300 travel credit each account anniversary year, which can be applied to flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related purchases.
Military members can use this credit easily, whether for personal trips or TDY-related travel.
Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS Fee Credit
Military personnel with a CAC ID are eligible for TSA PreCheck at no cost, but with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can also get up to $100 in statement credit every four years to cover the cost of Global Entry or NEXUS. This makes travel back to the U.S. from deployment smoother and faster.
Priority Pass Lounge Access
Military members traveling for duty or pleasure can relax with complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and comfortable seating in airports around the globe.
Comprehensive Travel Insurance Protections
For those on TDY or PCS moves, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers extensive travel insurance, including:
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Coverage of up to $10,000 per person for prepaid travel expenses.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimbursement for essential purchases if baggage is delayed over six hours, up to $100 per day for five days.
- Primary Rental Car Insurance: Covers up to $75,000 for damages when renting cars in the U.S. or abroad—perfect for military members needing transportation during moves or temporary assignments.
Comparing Chase Sapphire Reserve with Amex Platinum for Military
Military members often compare the card_name with The Platinum Card® from American Express, as both offer annual fee waivers under the MLA and SCRA and significant travel benefits.
Here’s a brief comparison of the two cards:
| Benefit | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Amex Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee for Military | $0 (waived from $550) | $0 (waived from $695) |
| Travel Credit | $300 annual travel credit | $200 airline fee credit |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Up to $100 every four years | Up to $100 every four years |
| Lounge Access | Priority Pass + Sapphire Lounges | Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass |
| Points Earning Rate | 3x on travel and dining | 5x on flights booked directly with airlines |
For military personnel, both cards offer compelling perks, but the Chase Sapphire Reserve excels with its $300 travel credit and lower point redemption thresholds for travel.
The Amex Platinum offers broader lounge access and more additional perks, but the choice comes down to personal travel habits and which perks you value most.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Worth the Annual Fee?
The value of the card_name card can vary significantly depending on whether the $550 annual fee is waived, as it typically is for active-duty military members under the Military Lending Act (MLA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Let’s break down the value for both scenarios—when the fee is waived and when it is not—to see if the card is worth the cost.
For Servicemembers with the Annual Fee Waived
For active-duty service members who benefit from the annual fee waiver, the card_name offers exceptional value. Here’s a look at how the math works out:
- $300 Travel Credit: This reduces out-of-pocket expenses by $300 annually and applies automatically to a wide range of travel-related purchases.
- Rewards Earning Potential: Assuming moderate spending, let’s estimate $12,000 spent annually on travel and dining (earning 3x points) and $6,000 on other purchases (earning 1x points). This results in 42,000 points from travel and dining, plus 6,000 from other purchases, totaling 48,000 points. If redeemed for travel through Chase Travel at a 50% bonus, these points are worth $720.
- Lounge Access: Priority Pass Select membership could cost up to $429 if purchased independently.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: A $100 credit every four years, averaging out to $25 per year.
- Travel and Purchase Protections: These are difficult to monetize but certainly add value, particularly for those traveling frequently or stationed overseas.
Total Annual Value: $1,300+ (Travel credit, points value, lounge access, and Global Entry) minus $0 (no annual fee for active duty) equals a net gain of over $1,300.
For Veterans or Servicemembers Without the Fee Waiver
When the annual fee is not waived, determining the value requires careful consideration of how much the cardholder will utilize the benefits:
- $300 Travel Credit: This still applies, effectively reducing the annual fee to $250.
- Rewards Earning Potential: Using the same spending scenario above, the 48,000 points earned are still worth $720 when redeemed for travel.
- Lounge Access: $429 value, assuming full utilization.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck: $25 annualized value.
Total Annual Value: $1,300+ (Travel credit, points value, lounge access, and Global Entry) minus $550 (annual fee) equals a net gain of $750+.
The Bottom Line on the Chase Sapphire Reserve
For Servicemembers with Fee Waiver
The card is unequivocally worth it. The benefits far outweigh any costs (which are null in this scenario), providing substantial value in travel perks, protection, and rewards.
For Veterans or Others Without Fee Waiver
The value here hinges on usage. If you travel frequently and utilize perks like lounge access and travel credits, the card can offer good value, surpassing the annual fee cost.
However, the card might not offer enough value to justify the fee for those who travel less or might not fully leverage the travel credits and lounge access. This calculation also assumes optimal redemption of points through Chase Travel for travel, which maximizes their value.
In both scenarios, how much one travels and one’s spending patterns play a critical role in the value assessment of the card_name card. The card offers exceptional value for active users, especially those who can waive the fee. For others, it might require more careful consideration to fully utilize the benefits to offset the annual fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Service members frequently ask these questions when researching the card_name and the military fee waiver.
Chase offers a military fee waiver for active-duty service members, waiving the annual fee of $550. This benefit extends to active-duty military spouses.
Check your MLA status, complete the online application, and submit proof of active duty status. Chase typically waives fees automatically for eligible applicants.
Benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, extensive travel protections, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and Priority Pass Select membership.
Yes, especially for those with the annual fee waiver, the card offers substantial value through travel credits, rewards, and travel protections.
Yes, the fee waiver extends to active-duty military spouses.
If your status changes, Chase may request re-verification. You can continue using the card with its full benefits, but if the fee waiver is removed, consider downgrading to a no-fee Chase card like Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
The Chase trifecta is a strategy that combines three Chase credit cards to maximize your ability to earn and redeem rewards, especially through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program. The trifecta typically includes the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Freedom Unlimited, and the Chase Freedom Flex.
By using the right card for the right purchases—Sapphire for travel and dining, Freedom Unlimited for everyday purchases, and Freedom Flex for bonus categories—you can maximize your rewards. These points can be redeemed for travel, transferred to travel partners, or used for other rewards through the Ultimate Rewards program, often at a higher value.
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