Military-affiliated banks offer 0.99% auto loans, no-fee wire, foreign ATM refunds, and top rewards cards.
USAA, Navy Federal, and PenFed offer members-only rates unavailable elsewhere: (1) Navy Fed auto loans as low as 4.09% for military, (2) PenFed Power Cash Rewards 2% cash back with no annual fee, (3) USAA no-fee foreign ATM + 1% ATM surcharge refund, (4) 5% jumbo mortgages for 100% VA borrowers, (5) Navy Fed 3% cash-back Amex on supermarkets/gas. Stack with SCRA rate caps and combat-zone tax exclusion for maximum benefit.
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Servicemembers Civil Relief Act caps ALL pre-service debt (mortgage, credit card, student loan, auto) at 6% during active duty.
Vets keep second-tier entitlement to buy another home with 0% down before selling the first — house-hack indefinitely.
Combat pay is federal tax-free — contribute up to $70K to TSP as tax-free traditional, withdraws tax-free as Roth conversion.
The TSP G Fund pays intermediate-Treasury rates with the price stability of a money market — no civilian equivalent.
100% P&T disability triggers state property tax exemptions, federal income tax exclusions, and dependent education benefits.
Servicemembers with 6+ years service can transfer up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to spouse/kids.
Deployed servicemembers can deposit up to $10,000 in SDP and earn a guaranteed 10% APR — the best fixed rate in America.
Servicemembers and spouses keep home-of-record state tax residency regardless of duty station — pick a no-income-tax state.