Military Spouse Credit Cards: Annual Fee Waivers & 4 Myths Debunked with The Military Travelers #215
Episode Description
Spencer Reese welcomes Amy and Taryn, two of the three military spouses behind the booming Military Travelers Facebook Group, 25,000 members strong!
Together, they debunk four major myths about military credit cards and share how military families can unlock thousands of dollars in travel perks—without falling into debt.
Whether you're brand new to award travel or a seasoned cardholder looking to optimize your benefits, this episode is packed with practical, real-life strategies that can help you fly business class for almost free, book luxury hotel stays, and even score $18K+ in annual perks—all while building excellent credit.
Main Topics Covered:
The Origin of the Military Travelers Facebook Group
- How a chance basement conversation turned into a movement for military spouses
- The viral growth of the group from a few neighbors to 25K+ members
Debunking the 4 Biggest Military Credit Card Myths
Myth: Only active duty service members get annual fee waivers
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Truth: Military spouses can get their own fee-waived cards
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Difference between being an authorized user and having your own account
Myth: One card is enough to earn free trips
- Why relying on just one card (like Amex Platinum) limits your rewards
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How strategic "welcome bonus" stacking earns 10x more points
Myth: Opening many credit cards means you're in debt
- Using credit cards like a debit card: no debt, no interest, all rewards
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Real stories of people earning big while maintaining $0 balances
Myth: Opening multiple cards hurts your credit
- How smart credit use improves your score (700–800+)
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Breaking down the credit score formula for military families
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Getting Started: Best First Cards for Military Spouses
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Amex Gold and Chase Sapphire Preferred explained
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Building credit as a non-U.S. citizen military spouse
Maximizing Military Perks (Even Beyond Travel)
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Earning and tracking $18K+ in annual card benefits
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Tips for using credits for everyday needs like holidays, gifts, and subscriptions
Managing Multiple Cards Without Overwhelm
- Tools: Travel Freely app (with military mode)
- Systematizing applications for P1/P2 (you and your spouse)
- How to know which card to open next
Key Questions Answered:
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How can military spouses get credit cards without income?
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What counts as household income on credit applications?
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How do military benefits apply to foreign spouses?
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Is it really worth it to open more than one card?
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Can credit card usage hurt my credit score or lead to debt?
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How do I track and manage multiple cards without going crazy?
Resources & Mentions:
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Travel Freely App – Card tracking tool with military mode
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Military Travelers' Beginner's Guide and Next Steps Guide
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Episode 112 with Travel Freely Founder Zach Hood
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Budget Apps Mentioned: YNAB (You Need a Budget)
Connect with the Guests:
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Instagram: @themilitarytravelers
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Website & Blog: TheMilitaryTravelers.com
Enjoying the Show?
Please consider rating and reviewing the podcast to help other military families discover these valuable insights and perks.
Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor
Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3
In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card.
Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3
If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.
Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!
If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.