The Best Credit Cards for Military Veterans in 2026

Life after military service comes with new opportunities and new financial decisions. One of the smartest moves veterans can make is choosing a credit card that works for their lifestyle and spending habits. While veterans do not receive benefits under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) or Military Lending Act (MLA), some banks and credit unions offer cards with better rewards, fewer fees, and travel perks for vets. This guide breaks down the top cards for veterans so you can choose the one that fits your financial needs.

Top Credit Cards for Veterans in 2026

• Best for veterans living on base: USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
• Best for travel benefits with a low annual fee: PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
• Best for cash back on dining and grocery spending: Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card
• Best for veterans who want to improve credit: Navy Federal cashRewards Secured credit card

USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

• Why we like it: USAA's Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card is a great pick for veterans who frequently spend money on base or on gas. It is one of the only credit cards that offers generous cashback in military-friendly categories. With this card, you can get 5% cash back on the first $3,000 spent on combined gas and military base purchases, and 2% cash back on the first $3,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets. You will earn 1% back on every other qualifying purchase.
• Fees: No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or penalty APR.
• Intro offer: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks that post within 90 days of opening an account.
• Minimum credit score: 700 or higher
• Best for: Veterans still living on base, or those who want a card with a simple cash back structure.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

• Why we like it: The PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is a powerful travel rewards card. Veterans who join the PenFed Honors Advantage membership program get 4X points on all travel categories and 1.5X points on everything else. The points you earn can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, and gift cards. The card comes with great travel benefits, like a free annual Priority Pass Select membership, access to luxury hotels, trip delay insurance, and rental car damage coverage. You can also choose a $120 credit for Global Entry or an $85 credit for TSA PreCheck.
• Fees: $95 annual fee (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage members), no foreign transaction fees.
• Intro offer: Earn 50,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days.
• Minimum credit score: 700 or higher
• Best for: Veterans who travel frequently and want premium travel rewards without the premium price.

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card

• Why we like it: Veterans who join Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) can get the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express® Card, which is one of the best no-annual-fee rewards cards on the market. You will earn 3X points at restaurants and on food delivery, 3X points at supermarkets, 3X points on gas and transit, and 1X points on everything else. There is no limit on the rewards you can earn, and your points never expire. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them as a credit statement, travel points, or gift cards.
• Fees: No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no balance transfer fees, no cash advance fees.
• Intro offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 within the first 90 days, and get a statement credit for an annual Walmart+ membership.
• Minimum credit score: 700 or higher
• Best for: Veterans who want to maximize rewards on everyday spending categories without paying an annual fee.

Navy Federal cashRewards Secured credit card

• Why we like it: For veterans who want to build credit or improve their credit score, the Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Secured credit card is a good pick. It requires a minimum deposit of just $200, but you can deposit up to $5,000. Your deposit becomes your credit limit. NFCU reports your credit activity to the three major credit bureaus, which helps build and improve your credit with on-time payments. After three months, you could receive a credit limit increase, and after six months, you could be eligible for an upgrade to a cashRewards unsecured card. Plus, you will earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase you make.
• Fees: No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or cash advance fees.
• Intro offer: None
• Minimum credit score: None
• Best for: Veterans who want to build their credit history or improve their credit score.

What Veterans Should Know Before Choosing a Card

Here are a few important points to keep in mind when choosing a credit card as a military veteran.

Consider the Fees

You can get an excellent credit card with no annual fee, but if you want the best features, like luxury travel rewards, you will probably have to pay one. Because of that, you should consider whether the annual fee justifies the benefits you will receive.

It is also important to pay attention to other fees. For example, if you are a frequent traveler, look for a card that does not have a foreign transaction fee. If you have a credit card balance and want to roll it over to a new card, pick a credit card that does not have a balance transfer fee.

Choose Rewards That Match Your Lifestyle

The best credit card for veterans will depend on your unique lifestyle and spending habits. For instance, if dining and groceries are your biggest spending categories, the NFCU More Rewards American Express® Card could be a better pick than a travel-focused card.

If you want to improve your credit, look for a secured card, like the NFCU cashRewards Secured credit card, which has no credit score requirement and can help you qualify for better credit cards in the future.

Do Not Choose a Credit Card for the Intro Offer Alone

Credit card sign-up bonuses can be attractive and provide value upfront. However, do not be tempted to choose a credit card just because it has an enticing intro offer. Make sure the credit card's reward structure makes sense for your spending habits and goals.

A big bonus offer will not matter much if the card's long-term rewards do not match your everyday spending or if the annual fees outweigh the benefits. A sustainable rewards structure and reasonable costs will serve you far better over time than a one-time perk.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right credit card can make a meaningful difference in your day-to-day finances. Veterans should compare fees, rewards structures, and additional perks to ensure the card they choose supports their budget and lifestyle beyond the introductory offers.

Military-focused institutions like USAA, PenFed, and NFCU can provide some of the most competitive options, and their cards often align well with the needs of veterans. But remember that the best credit cards for military veterans will depend on your lifestyle and long-term financial goals.

Frequently asked questions