SCRA & MLA Benefits: How Military Travel Credit Cards Save You Big in 2025

🛡️ SCRA & MLA Benefits: How Military Travel Credit Cards Save You Big in 2025

Military travel credit cards are an excellent way for military families to save money and earn rewards, thanks to the powerful protections offered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA).

Whether you’re on active duty, newly commissioned, or a military spouse, these protections can unlock premium credit cards with no annual fees, reduced interest rates, and travel perks that rival luxury cards — all at no cost to you.

📘 What Is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

The SCRA is a law that helps ease financial burdens for military members during active duty by offering key protections on pre-service financial obligations.

⚖️ SCRA Credit Card Benefits for Military:

• 6% interest rate cap on debts taken out before active duty (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages)
• No penalties for early lease termination due to PCS orders
• Protection from default judgments and foreclosures while on active orders

Note: SCRA protections apply to accounts opened before active duty service.

🛡️ What Is the Military Lending Act (MLA)?

The Military Lending Act goes even further by offering protections on credit cards and loans opened during active duty. This law helps shield military families from predatory lending and high fees.

💳 MLA Credit Card Perks:

• 36% Military APR cap (including interest + fees)
• No annual fees or hidden charges on qualifying credit cards
• No forced arbitration clauses in contracts

Pro tip: MLA applies to new accounts opened while on active duty, and benefits last as long as your service continues.

✈️ Why Military Members Should Use Travel Credit Cards in 2025

From PCS moves and deployments to vacations and leave, travel is part of military life. With SCRA and MLA, you can leverage premium travel credit cards with waived fees — and earn serious rewards along the way.

Whether you’re flying OCONUS, road-tripping to your next duty station, or booking a last-minute TDY hotel, these cards help you travel smarter, not harder.

🔥 Best Military Travel Credit Card Benefits in 2025

• Waived Annual Fees — even on cards with fees up to $695
• Airport Lounge Access — Priority Pass, Centurion, and more
• Travel Insurance — lost luggage, trip delay, rental car protection
• Bonus Points & Miles — often 60,000+ points after meeting spending thresholds
• No Foreign Transaction Fees — great for PCS moves or OCONUS assignments

🪖 Who Qualifies for SCRA and MLA Credit Card Benefits?

✅ SCRA Eligibility:

• Active-duty service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard
• Reservists called to federal active duty
• National Guard on Title 10 orders
• Commissioned officers entering active service

✅ MLA Eligibility:

• Active-duty military members
• Spouses and dependents listed in DEERS

💡 Cards opened during active duty automatically qualify if the issuer uses the DoD MLA database.

🔧 How to Apply and Activate Your Military Credit Card Benefits

• Apply with a .mil email or on-base address for faster verification
• American Express and Capital One automatically apply MLA benefits
• Chase may require manual documentation for SCRA/MLA eligibility

🏅 Top Travel Credit Cards for Military Members

Card	Annual Fee	Best For
🥇 Amex Platinum	$695 (Waived)	Lounge access, travel credits, luxury perks
🥈 Chase Sapphire Preferred	$95 (Waived)	Flexible rewards, low spend requirement
🥉 Capital One Venture X	$395 (Waived)	Flat-rate rewards, global lounge access

📆 What Happens After You Leave the Military?

Here’s what to know when you separate from active service:

• MLA/SCRA benefits continue on existing accounts
• New cards opened after service may not qualify for waivers
• Some issuers might reintroduce annual fees after separation — others won’t

📞 Pro tip: Always contact your issuer when your military status changes to understand your benefits.

❓ Military Credit Card FAQs (2025 Edition)

Q: Does SCRA/MLA apply to military spouses? A: Yes — if you’re listed in DEERS, you qualify for MLA protections.

Q: Do Reservists or Guard members qualify? A: Only when on federal Title 10 active duty orders.

Q: Will issuers automatically waive the fees? A: Amex and Capital One do. Chase may require you to submit documents.

🚀 Final Thoughts: Travel Better, Pay Less

In 2025, military families can take full advantage of travel credit cards with waived annual fees, top-tier perks, and world-class rewards — all thanks to the SCRA and MLA.

• Save hundreds annually on fees
• Earn points for everyday spending
• Fly farther and stay longer with travel rewards
• Protect your finances while serving

🎖️ Ready to unlock your travel perks? Apply for a military-friendly travel card today and start maximizing your benefits.