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If you’re currently serving on active duty in the military or have served, we salute you. Serving in the military brings with it major responsibilities, personal sacrifices, and even financial challenges.
Those serving aren’t the only ones dealing with hardships from deployments, though. The financial challenges of military families came to the forefront years ago and resulted in the government passing key legislation to help alleviate and restrict some of the more burdensome lending practices affecting military members.
The laws, applying to financial transactions such as vehicle leases, payday loans, mortgages, and housing rights, also had a significant impact on how credit card practices, including fees and interest rates, were administered.
While credit card issuers must follow the law as written, they are also free to go above and beyond to offer additional concessions.
American Express is one of the credit card issuers that has embraced the purpose of the laws and extended benefits beyond what is required by the legislation.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best examples of a value-added card that offers active military members an opportunity to enjoy hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in complimentary benefits. Be sure to note that terms to apply and for enrollment may be required, so explore your American Express account to ensure you’re getting the most out of your benefits.
Here’s an overview of the benefits offered to active-duty military members with the Amex Platinum card. If you decide to apply, we advise taking a look at the credit score requirements of the Amex Platinum card before pulling your credit.
Amex Platinum Card Overview
BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American Express
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits including best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
Pros
The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges,Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
Put simply, the Military Lending Act provides benefits to credit accounts opened by a service member (or another covered borrower) during that service member’s active-duty military service.
The Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act covers eligible products opened by a service member prior to their active-duty military service.
Additionally, the MLA provides coverage for items like automobile loans, consumer credit, and payday loans, while the SCRA provides coverage for items like home mortgages, debts, auto leases, life insurance, and more.
Why We Like the Amex Platinum for Active-Duty Military
A generous welcome offer, an annual fee waiver, and statement credits for airline incidentals all result in extraordinary value for the active-duty military member.
Usually, the Amex Platinum card charges an annual fee of $695 (rates and fees). In our view, the benefits of the Amex Platinum card easily outweigh the annual fee, but the fact remains that the fee is quite a bit higher than most other travel rewards cards.
Fortunately, military service members get the annual fee on the Amex Platinum card waived, allowing them to access all of the fantastic perks of the card, like airport lounge access and hotel elite status, without needing to pay the card’s fee.
Amex Platinum Card for Military Spouses
While the annual fee of the Amex Platinum card is rather high, the annual fee isn’t just waived for military service members. It is also waived for spouses and domestic partners. This both includes adding your spouse as an authorized user on your card and if your spouse has a full card of their own.
The Value of the Amex Platinum Card’s Benefits
Welcome Bonus Offer — Value Varies
Welcome offers vary, but you can count on a value of at least 1 cent per Membership Reward point when redeeming those bonus points for travel. This translates to at least $600 in travel if the welcome offer is 60,000 points, $1,000 for 100,000 points, and so forth.
You may receive additional value by transferring your Membership Rewards to Amex airline partners, but you should earn at least 1 center per point in redemptions. For our latest valuation, check out our credit card and miles valuations, which are updated monthly.
Waived Annual Fee — Value of $695 per Year
The annual fee of $695 is waived for active military members, spouses, domestic partners, and child dependents (as defined in 38 USC 101(4)). This is a huge savings that American Express offers to military members as a thank you for their service.
Additional Waived Fees for Active Military — Value Varies
In addition to the annual fee, American Express also waives late and returned payment fees, over-limit fees, and statement copy request fees for active-duty military.
Worldwide Airport Lounge Access — Value of $700 (Estimated)
There’s always a quiet place to relax, plus complimentary food and drink at the Centurion Lounge. Image Credit: James Larounis
One of the most valuable benefits of having the Amex Platinum card is worldwide lounge access to more than 1,400 lounges. For travelers, including active military, this translates to having a comfortable place to relax, grab a beverage, and have a bite to eat — all for simply being a cardmember.
The cardholder can enjoy complimentary access to the following lounge networks:
Amex Centurion Lounge (Complimentary guest access is unlocked after spending $75,000 on purchases in a calendar year)
If we value a single lounge visit at $50 (the approximate cost of bringing a guest), you’d simply need to visit an airport lounge 14 times a year to get that $700 in value. That’s 7 round-trip journeys, assuming you’re visiting the lounge on both legs.
*(Effective February 1, 2025, Amex Platinum cardholders will only receive 10 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of visits, you need to spend at least $75,000 on your Amex Platinum card between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.)
Authorized Users — Value of $195
Adding an authorized user to your Amex Platinum card normally costs $195 (rates and fees). This fee is waived for the active-duty military cardholder.
Authorized users receive full airport lounge access privileges, making it easy to gain access for your entire family.
Enjoy an upgraded room with complimentary hotel elite status. Image Credit: Chris Hassan
It’s difficult to put a value on hotel elite status because the value you receive depends on how frequently you stay at the associated hotel brand’s properties.
The Amex Platinum card comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status upon enrollment. Having elite status instantly qualifies you for perks such as upgraded rooms, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, and bonus earnings.
Car Rental Benefits and Elite Status — Value Varies
To ensure you’re getting the most of this benefit, dive into our guide on the Amex Platinum card’s car rental benefits.
Airline Incidental Credits — Value of Up to $200
Use your card to purchase seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other airline incidentals and receive a statement credit, up to a maximum of $200 per year. It can be a little intimidating to know how to utilize your airline credit, but here’s a guide to maximizing your airline credit to ensure you get the most out of this benefit.
Uber Cash — Value of Up to $200
You receive up to $15 in Uber Cash monthly, plus up to $20 bonus in December, for a total of up to $200 in Uber Cash per year. You can use this Uber Cash for U.S. Uber rides or U.S. Uber Eats orders for that month. You can even use this Uber Cash for multiple purchases — just remember that it doesn’t roll over from month to month.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit — Value of Up to $100
Travel becomes so much easier when you breeze through immigration and customs. Pay for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee with your Amex Platinum card and receive a statement credit reimbursement once every 4 years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck. We suggest applying for Global Entry, as it comes with TSA PreCheck.
Saks Fifth Avenue Statement Credit — Value of Up to $100
Even if you don’t normally shop at Saks, it’s fun to splurge once or twice a year and use your shopping credit. Enroll via your online Amex Platinum card account and enjoy up to a $50 credit to be used between January and June and up to another $50 in credit to be used between July and December.
Entertainment Streaming Credit — Value of Up to $240
Receive up to $20 per month in the form of statement credits upon enrollment after charging select streaming services to your card.
Equinox Credit — Value of Up to $300
Get up to $300 back each year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your card after enrollment.
Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which require a minimum 2-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your card.
SoulCycle Credit — Value of $300
Get $300 in statement credits each time you buy a SoulCycle bike.
The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts — Value Varies
Splurge a little at The Hotel Collection and receive hotel credit of up to $100 to use for qualifying purchases when staying 2 consecutive nights. You also receive an upgraded room at check-in.
Fine Hotels + Resorts steps it up a notch with even more benefits. A minimum stay is not required, so you can enjoy these benefits even during a 1-night stay.
The Amex Platinum card comes with several additional benefits that could save you money.
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Pay for your rental car with your Amex Platinum card, refuse the car rental agency’s collision damage waiver coverage, and have secondary car rental coverage for damage or theft. This coverage is secondary to other car insurance.
American Express Auto Purchasing Program: The program could save you thousands on your next vehicle purchase.
Extended Warranty: The U.S. manufacturer’s warranty is extended by 2 years for qualifying items with less than a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Purchase Protection: 120 days of protection (90 days for New York residents) is provided for damage, loss, or theft of qualifying items.
Cell Phone Protection: Receive up to $1,600 in cell phone protection (2 claims per year with up to $800 for each claim) against theft and damage. Each claim has a $50 deductible, and your monthly phone bill should be paid with your Amex Platinum card to receive coverage.
This is not a complete list of additional card benefits and descriptions have been abbreviated. Full terms and conditions can be found in the Amex Platinum card guide to benefits.
When Do Amex’s Military Relief Provisions Expire?
The benefits of the SCRA and MLA only apply to those serving on active duty. This means that if you’re no longer on active duty and are no longer eligible, American Express will send you a notification letter at least 45 days prior to the date relief ends on your account.
After that point, American Express will begin charging you any applicable fees that were previously waived on your account.
Qualification and Requesting Benefits
How To Apply for the Amex Platinum Card as a Military Member
Image Credit: American Express
Applying for the Amex Platinum card is simple — just click on the link in the card snapshot at the beginning of this article. You need to enter your name as it appears on your military ID, your date of birth, address, telephone number, Social Security number, and income.
Under Income Source, select Military. American Express will then attempt to match your Social Security number to the DoD database and then apply the benefits automatically. If, for any reason, this does not happen automatically, you can request benefits after card approval.
How To Request Benefits on an Existing Card
Image Credit: Amex
Applying to receive SCRA benefits, which includes the waiver of the annual fee on your Amex Platinum card, is simple. Just log in to your Amex Platinum card account online and select Account Services at the top of the page. Then select Credit Management and choose SCRA Benefits.
You can upload any requested information after answering a few questions.
Additionally, you can request benefits via the following methods:
Phone: Call 800-253-1720 from the U.S. or call 336-393-1111 collect from outside of the U.S.
Fax: Fax the required documents to 623-444-3000 and include your American Express account numbers.
Mail: Mail documents with your account numbers to American Express, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, P.O. Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535.
American Express will verify your information and then process the benefit, which can take several weeks.
What Credit Score Is Needed for the Amex Platinum Card?
Generally speaking, there is no set credit score that will guarantee that you will be approved for the Amex Platinum card. Additionally, your credit score is just 1 factor in the approval decision, and American Express also considers factors like your income, years of credit history, history with American Express and the amount of credit already extended to you, and so on.
That said, most applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher usually have high approval odds.
How Do I Apply for Amex MLA Benefits?
American Express makes it very easy for active-duty military members, as any MLA relief that you are eligible for is automatically applied to your account at the date of your account opening, meaning there is no enrollment required to receive those benefits.
How Do You Know if You Are an Amex-Covered Borrower?
American Express lists the following qualified individuals who are eligible to receive benefits:
A member of the U.S. Armed Forces (any military branch) serving on active duty
Reserves called to active duty
National Guard member on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days
Commissioned officer with the Public Health Service or NOAA
U.S. citizen serving with U.S. allied forces in war or military action
Spouse or child of an active-duty member of the armed forces as defined in 38 USC 101(4)
Everything Else You Need To Know
The welcome bonus offer on the Amex Platinum card is earned after meeting minimum spending requirements within the first 3 months after card approval. For how to meet the minimum spending requirements, you may want to read our list of ideas — you’ll be surprised by a few.
Many of the benefits that come with the Amex Platinum card, such as Priority Pass Select membership, car rental privileges, and hotel elite status, require registration. You can register online by signing into your Amex Platinum card account and accessing the Benefits section.
Hot Tip: American Express issues over 60 credit and charge cards and waives all annual fees for active-duty military members.
Additional Recommended American Express Cards for Active Military
While American Express has several cards that do not charge an annual fee, active military members receive the most value from those cards that do.
You’ll find greater earning potential, flexible redemption options, luxury travel benefits, shopping and travel protections, and much more on cards that charge higher annual fees.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points
$3,300
$695
19.49% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
5x earnings on prepaid hotels and flights booked via AmexTravel.com
1.5x earnings on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year)
Up to $200 airline incidental fee reimbursement each year
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
American Express® Gold Card
This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
60,000 points
$1,320
$250
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points atU.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.
There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.
Pros
4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
60,000 Bonus Miles
$720
$650
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its lounge access, status boost, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.
Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.
Pros
3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases
1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases
Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Reserve your piece of history with the new limited edition Boeing 747 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card design.
Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
$240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
$120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
20% statement credit for inflight food and beverage purchases
3x earnings on Delta purchases
Ability to earn Medallion elite qualifying miles through spending on the card
Waiver of annual fee
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
95,000 bonus points
$665
$650
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.
So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?
Pros
6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoyprogram
3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
$300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
$100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Bottom Line: The best credit cards for active military will be those that generally have high annual fees because they offer great card benefits and that high annual fee is waived.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anticipating entering active duty, currently on active duty, or know someone who is, consider sharing this information or taking advantage personally. The benefits offered by American Express for active military can potentially be worth thousands of dollars each year.
There are other credit card issuers who also offer active-duty military credit card benefits. To learn more about the best credit cards for active-duty military, start with our article that lists our favorites, including cards from other issuers.
For the cell phone protection benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, coverage for a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per eligible card account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per eligible card account per 12 month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
For the extended warranty benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the purchase protection benefit of The Platinum Card® from American Express, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, click here. For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American Express waive fees for military?
Yes, American Express waives credit card fees for active-duty military members.
Fees that are eligible to be waived include annual membership fees, over-limit fees, late payment fees, returned payment fees, and statement copy request fees.
Can I have more than 1 American Express card?
Yes, you can have more than 1 American Express card. You can have as many as 5 American Express cards, but keep in mind there are other card issuers you may want to consider, such as Chase.
Chase has a 5/24 rule that you cannot have acquired more than 5 credit cards in the past 24 months and get approved for one of its cards.
Also, if you do apply for more than 1 American Express card, there is a limit of 2 within a 90-day period, so space out your applications accordingly.
Does my spouse qualify for active military credit card fee waivers?
Yes. American Express will waive fees for the spouse of an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces.
How do I get the fee waived for military on the Amex Platinum card?
You can call the number on the back of your card. Go online to your credit card account, fax in your information, or mail it in.
The easiest way is to call 800-253-1720 to start the process. You can also log in to your Amex Platinum card account online. Select Account Services, then Credit Management, then SCRA Benefits.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.
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