Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review for Military Service Members
Military-friendly perks, generous rewards, and waived fees make the Chase Sapphire Preferred® a top choice for service members who love to travel and dine out.
💳 Quick Facts
- Annual fee: $95 (often waived for active-duty military under SCRA)
- Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Rewards rate:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases
- 2x points on other travel
- 1x point on all other purchases
- Foreign transaction fees: None
- Points transfer: Transfer to 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio
🎖 Why It’s Great for Military
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an ideal travel rewards card for military members thanks to its valuable welcome bonus, flexible redemption options, and travel protections. But what really makes it shine is that many service members don’t have to pay the annual fee.
💥 SCRA & MLA Benefits
Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA), Chase may waive the $95 annual fee for active-duty military members. This benefit makes an already powerful travel card even more valuable—essentially turning it into a premium card at no cost.
✈️ Travel and Deployment Friendly
Chase Sapphire Preferred® has no foreign transaction fees, making it perfect for overseas duty stations or vacation travel. Plus, the 5x and 2x travel categories help rack up points fast when you’re booking flights, hotels, or even using rideshare apps.
🍔 Dining Out or On Base
Earn 3x points on dining—whether it’s at your local favorite, on base, or during TDY. This is a huge perk for military families who like to explore local eats wherever they’re stationed.
🔥 Welcome Bonus
New cardmembers earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. That’s worth $750 toward travel when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. You can also transfer points to top travel programs like United, Hyatt, and Southwest at a 1:1 ratio.
💼 Redemption Options
- Travel: Redeem through Chase for 25% more value (e.g., 60,000 points = $750 in travel)
- Transfer Partners: Transfer to airlines and hotels like United, JetBlue, Hyatt, and Marriott
- Cashback: Redeem for statement credit or direct deposit (lower value)
- Gift Cards & Amazon: Use points at checkout, though not the best redemption rate
Pro Tip: Pairing this card with the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex® or Chase Freedom Unlimited® can help maximize point-earning power across categories like gas and everyday purchases.
🛡 Travel Protections
Military members on the go will appreciate these strong protections:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person
- Primary rental car insurance (a rarity for cards with a low annual fee)
- Lost luggage reimbursement up to $3,000 per passenger
- Trip delay reimbursement if delayed more than 12 hours
- Purchase protection and extended warranty
⚖️ Pros and Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Waived annual fee for active-duty military | $95 fee if not eligible for SCRA/MLA benefits |
| Great rewards on travel and dining | No airport lounge access |
| Flexible point transfers to airline/hotel partners | Minimum spend requirement for bonus |
| Strong travel insurance benefits | No intro APR offer |
🪖 Final Thoughts for Military Families
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out as a top-tier travel card, especially for military service members who qualify for waived fees. If you’re looking to turn your TDYs, PCS moves, or block leave into travel reward opportunities, this card offers flexibility, value, and robust protection.
Bottom line: With a waived annual fee, generous rewards, and flexible redemption options, the Sapphire Preferred® is a near-perfect fit for military families who love to travel smart.
Want to maximize your benefits even further? Consider combining it with other Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards or a travel-focused debit account like USAA or Navy Federal for seamless military-friendly financial management.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chase waive the annual fee for military members?
Yes. Active-duty military are often eligible for a waiver of the $95 annual fee under the SCRA or MLA. Contact Chase to verify your eligibility.
Can military spouses also qualify for the waived fee?
Possibly. If the spouse is an authorized user or if the account qualifies under MLA and the spouse is the primary cardholder, Chase may waive the fee. Check with customer service for your situation.
Is this card better than the Amex Platinum for military?
It depends. While the Amex Platinum offers luxury perks and also waives the fee for military, the Sapphire Preferred is more accessible, has broader acceptance overseas, and is a great starter travel card for those new to points and miles.
Do I need good credit to apply?
Yes. You’ll typically need a good to excellent credit score (around 700+), but approval also depends on income and other factors.