Banking & Financial

SCRA 6% Interest Rate Cap on Pre-Service Debt

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act caps the interest rate on debts you took on BEFORE entering active duty at 6% APR. Cap stays in place during active-duty service plus 1 year on mortgages, plus 6 months on most other debts.

TSP Loan — Borrow From Your Own Retirement Account

The Thrift Savings Plan lets you borrow up to $50,000 (or 50% of your vested balance, whichever is less) from your own TSP. You pay yourself back via payroll deduction, including the interest — the interest goes back into your own account, not to a bank.

SDP — Savings Deposit Program (10% Guaranteed in Combat Zone)

During a deployment to a designated combat zone, you can deposit up to $10,000 into the Savings Deposit Program and earn a guaranteed 10% annual interest, compounded quarterly. No equivalent rate exists anywhere in the civilian market.

BRS — Blended Retirement System (Match Up to 5% of TSP)

Service members under BRS get DoD-matching TSP contributions: automatic 1% government contribution plus up to 4% match on your own contributions, vesting at 2 years of service. Contribute at least 5% of base pay to get the full match — anything less is leaving free money on the t

Charles Schwab Investor Checking — Unlimited Worldwide ATM Fee Reimbursements

Charles Schwab's Investor Checking account reimburses ALL ATM fees charged by third-party ATMs worldwide — unlimited — with zero foreign transaction fees on debit card purchases. Makes it effectively a "free cash anywhere in the world" account, strong for OCONUS posts, PCS travel

SCRA cell phone contract early termination

Service members can cancel cell phone contracts without penalty when receiving PCS or deployment orders ≥90 days.

SCRA lease termination (vehicle + residential)

SCRA right to terminate residential leases AND vehicle leases without penalty on PCS or qualifying deployment orders.

Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)

Free checking + reduced/no fees at 200+ participating banks/credit unions for VA benefit recipients. Not marketed by the banks themselves.

DITY / PPM (Personally Procured Move bonus)

Self-move PCS reimbursement at 95–100% of what the government would have paid a contractor — keep the difference. High-bonus play for in-CONUS moves.

Bank of America Military Lending Act protections

BofA caps APR at 6% and waives fees on pre-service debt + active-duty accounts.

TurboTax (ID.me Shop)

View 14 offers — up to 5% cash back.

Service Credit Union Auto Loan Discount

Editorial military discount listing at military.com.