For military servicemembers and their families seeking a premium travel rewards credit card, the newly updated card_name sets a new standard.
With the annual_fees annual fee waived for active-duty military personnel and their spouses, thanks to protections under the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), this card delivers unmatched value.
The latest updates to the Sapphire Reserve increase the annual cardmember value to over $2,700.
From richer point-earning potential and new statement credits to broader airport lounge access and a refreshed Points Boost redemption system, the Sapphire Reserve continues to be a top-tier option for military members and frequent travelers alike.
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
While The Platinum Card® from American Express still leads in luxury travel experiences like Centurion Lounge access and concierge services, the newly updated card_name matches—and in some cases exceeds—its value with over $2,700 in annual benefits, easier-to-use credits, and stronger flexibility for everyday travelers.
For military servicemembers who qualify for the annual fee waiver, it stands out as a powerful, well-rounded alternative.
- Annual Fee: annual_fees (waived for active-duty military members under MLA/SCRA benefits)
- Authorized User Fee: $195 per card
- 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
Travel, Dining, and Lifestyle Benefits at a Glance
The new card_name now offers more value than ever, with over $2,700 in annual cardmember value.
Travel in Style
- Earn 8x points on all travel booked through Chase Travel, replacing the previous 5x and 10x tiered structure.
- Earn 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly with airlines or hotel providers—up from 3x on general travel.
- Receive a $500 annual credit when you book luxury stays through The Edit, Chase Travel’s curated hotel collection.
- Enjoy enhanced redemptions through Points Boost:
- Redeem points for up to 2x value on top airlines and hotel bookings through Chase Travel.
- For travel purchases not eligible for Points Boost, points redeem at a 1:1 ratio (replacing the former 1.5x baseline).
- If you applied before June 23, 2025, and earned points prior to October 26, 2025, you retain 1.5x redemption value on those points until October 26, 2027—automatically applied when more favorable than Points Boost.
- Unlock complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status.
- Continue enjoying foundational travel benefits:
- $300 annual travel credit applied automatically to a wide range of travel purchases.
- $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit every four years.
- Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club, as well as 1,300+ lounges via Priority Pass Select and select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges when flying Star Alliance.
- Complimentary access to Reserve Travel Designers, offering expert, personalized itinerary planning.
- A market-leading suite of travel protections, including primary rental car insurance and trip interruption/cancellation coverage.
Elevated Dining Benefits
- Receive a $300 annual dining credit valid at restaurants nationwide.
- Enjoy priority reservations through Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables, a curated list of high-demand restaurants available via OpenTable and powered by The Infatuation and Visa Dining Collection.
- Continue earning 3x points on all dining worldwide.
Curated Lifestyle Rewards
- Get $250 annually in complimentary subscriptions to Apple Music and Apple TV+.
- Enjoy a $300 StubHub credit toward concert and event ticket purchases.
- Receive $120 per year in Lyft credits, doled out as $10 monthly; earn 5x points on eligible Lyft rides.
- Unlock $300 in annual DoorDash promos, with continued DashPass membership worth an additional $120 per year.
- Earn 10x points on eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases, and receive up to $120 annually toward Peloton memberships.
Premium Benefits Unlocked with $75,000 Spend
- Spend $75,000 in a calendar year and unlock:
- IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite status
- Southwest A-List status, plus a $500 Southwest Airlines credit when booked through Chase Travel
- A $250 credit for The Shops at Chase, an exclusive shopping experience featuring brands like Dyson, Sony, Tumi, and Therabody
Travel and Purchase Protections
Chase Sapphire Reserve includes one of the most comprehensive travel insurance packages on the market, ideal for military families who travel frequently for PCS, TDY, or vacation
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $10,000 per person (or $20,000 per trip) for non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to illness, weather, or other covered reasons.
- Primary Rental Car Insurance: Covers up to $75,000 in theft or collision damage when you rent a car, in the U.S. or abroad—no need to file with your personal auto insurer.
- Baggage Delay Insurance: Up to $100 per day (for five days) to cover essentials like clothing and toiletries if your bags are delayed more than six hours.
- Trip Delay Reimbursement: Up to $500 per ticket to cover meals, lodging, and other expenses if your flight is delayed six hours or more, or requires an overnight stay.
- Travel Accident Insurance: Up to $1,000,000 in coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling on a common carrier paid for with your card.
- Emergency Evacuation Coverage: Up to $100,000 for emergency medical transportation if you’re injured or sick while 100+ miles from home.
Purchase Protections
Your card also offers strong consumer protections on eligible purchases:
- Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Extended Warranty: Adds one extra year to eligible U.S. manufacturer warranties of three years or less.
- Return Protection: Get reimbursed for eligible items the store won’t take back within 90 days—up to $500 per item and $1,000 annually.
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA, with our Card Finder tool powered by CardRatings.
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%, which includes interest, annual fees, and certain other finance charges on credit accounts opened while on active duty.
- 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 fees for active-duty military under the MLA for accounts opened while on active duty. This includes the card_name, which has an annual fee of annual_fees. 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.
For accounts opened prior to service, benefits may be available under the SCRA, but are not guaranteed and must be requested separately.
Chase does not advertise these benefits but provides more information verbally at 1-800-235-9978.
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 a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which grants access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Members can enjoy free Wi-Fi, food, drinks, and comfortable seating in airports worldwide.
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 annual_fees) | $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 is based on 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 annual_fees 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 in both scenarios to see how the numbers play out.
For Servicemembers with the Annual Fee Waived
For active-duty servicemembers who qualify for the MLA waiver, the Sapphire Reserve is about as good as it gets. Just the automatic credits alone—the $300 travel credit, $300 dining credit, $500 hotel credit via The Edit, $300 StubHub credit, and a $250 Apple subscription credit—add up to $1,650 in straightforward, high-utility value.
Now factor in $120 from Lyft, $120 from Peloton, $300 from DoorDash, and another $120 value from Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and you’re looking at over $2,300 in real, redeemable perks without even touching the rewards structure.
Then there are the points. With moderate spending—say $12,000 annually on travel and dining and $6,000 elsewhere—you’d earn 42,000 and 6,000 points respectively. That’s 48,000 points, worth $720 if redeemed through Points Boost at 1.5x value (or more if you time redemptions with 2x offers).
Throw in lounge access (valued at $429 if bought separately), elite hotel status, and premium travel insurance, and the total value easily crosses $2,700+.
And all of it comes at no cost to those eligible for the waiver.
For Veterans or Servicemembers Without the Fee Waiver
Even at annual_fees per year, the Sapphire Reserve can still be a good value—if you actually use the benefits.
Start with the $300 travel credit, which applies automatically to flights, hotels, car rentals, and even certain transit costs. That effectively lowers your out-of-pocket cost to $495.
Next, the $300 dining credit is split into two $150 periods—one from January to June, and the other from July to December. To qualify, purchases must be made at select restaurants that are part of the Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables program, including tables at select restaurants through the Visa Dining Collection on OpenTable.
The $500 hotel credit via The Edit requires booking through Chase Travel’s curated collection of luxury hotels. These properties average around $250–$400 per night, so a two-night stay per year is usually enough to maximize this benefit. If you take at least one moderate-to-upscale trip annually, this credit can easily be used.
Other statement credits like the $300 StubHub credit (concerts, sports, events), $250 Apple subscription credit (including Apple Music and TV+), and $300 in DoorDash promos (plus free DashPass) add everyday lifestyle value. These aren’t abstract or hard to use—they cover things many cardholders already spend money on.
Assuming moderate spending and smart redemptions, your points could be worth $720 or more annually, especially if you take advantage of Points Boost offers. Priority Pass and Chase Sapphire Lounge access is easily a $400+ perk for travelers.
When you add it all up, this card can absolutely justify the annual fee for veterans who travel occasionally, eat out regularly, attend events, or stream Apple content.
But if you’re unlikely to use at least 60–70% of the perks, there are lower-cost alternatives that might serve you better.
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. 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 the annual fee automatically at the time of application if your active-duty status is confirmed in the MLA database. No manual request is needed.
Benefits include a $300 annual travel credit, extensive travel protections, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and Priority Pass Select membership.
Yes, the card offers substantial value through travel credits, rewards, and travel protections, especially for those with the annual fee waiver.
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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