Which credit cards waive the annual fee for military members?

Question

It’s easy to get a credit card annual fee waived. You just have to pick the right card. Lots of credit cards waive the annual fee during the first year as a promotion, and many have no annual fee at all. But beyond that, you’re unlikely to get your credit card’s annual fee waived unless you’re an active-duty member of the military. Still, it never hurts to ask, even if success is a long shot.… read full answer

Being well-informed about your rights and alternative credit card options definitely will help your chances. And you can find the most important info below.Here’s how to get a credit card annual fee waived:

• If you’re employed full-time by the U.S. military, call your issuer and tell them you’d like your SCRA benefits. Exactly how the process works differs by company, but they will ask you to prove your active military status. For example, you might provide a copy of your active duty orders. Once you send the issuer proof, they should waive your annual fee as well as reduce your interest rate. When applying for a card, there’s sometimes a box you can check to indicate your military status, too.

• If you’re not in in the military, you can still ask your card’s issuer to waive or lower its annual fee. Long-time customers and high-spenders with great credit who always pay in full likely have the best chance.

• It’s a common credit card promotion to waive the annual fee for the first year your account is open. This will be noted on the offer when you apply, though. It’s not something you have to ask for.

• If you really want to avoid fees, get a no annual fee credit card. Hundreds are available, including cards with rewards and 0% APRs. You might be able to get a better deal overall by paying an annual fee for more rewards.

Since annual fees help pay for the benefits credit cards provide, issuers aren’t eager to waive them. But there’s no penalty for asking. And if you’re in the military, you should definitely take advantage of the waiver you’ve earned with your service.

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Answer 1 · 2021-05-19 02:20:57

Cameron DiGiovanni, Writer

@cdigiovanni20 • 05/19/21 This answer was first published on 05/19/21. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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Many credit cards waive the annual fee for military members, including certain cards from American Express, Chase, and Citi. The most notable credit cards that waive annual fees for military personnel are The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Both of these cards normally have a high annual fee, but active military personnel do not have to pay it. The American Express Platinum card and Chase Sapphire Reserve are therefore great offers for military members, since the luxury perks on these cards can be enjoyed at no cost.

Credit Cards that Waive Annual Fees for Military Members

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Airport Lounge Access
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Travel and Dining Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Introductory Bonus
Citi Prestige® Card: Best for Hotel Perks
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best Airline Card

Card issuers are required to give some benefits to military members with SCRA-eligible accounts. Yet many credit card companies go above and beyond these requirements by waiving annual fees. In particular, American Express, Citibank, and Chase are among the best credit card issuers for active military members because they offer some high-end cards that military personnel can take advantage of without the price tag.

Which credit cards waive the annual fee for military members?

Cameron DiGiovanni, Writer

Credit Cards that Waive Annual Fees for Military Members

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