Amex Platinum Benefits for Active-Duty Military —No $895 Annual Fee!

We honor both those serving on active duty and those who have previously served in the armed forces. Their commitment involves significant responsibility, real personal sacrifice, and, in many cases, unique financial pressures.

Over time, the financial strain experienced by military households became increasingly apparent, prompting lawmakers to step in with meaningful reforms. In response, the government enacted legislation aimed at reducing hardship and curbing predatory lending practices that disproportionately impacted service members.

These protections extend across a wide range of financial activities, including automobile leases, payday lending, home loans, and housing-related rights. Credit card issuers were also affected, with new limits placed on fees, interest rates, and other lending terms.

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), enacted in 2003, covers financial accounts that were opened before a servicemember entered active duty. In contrast, the Military Lending Act (MLA) applies to debt taken on during active service and places caps on interest rates and fees for eligible military members, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children.

Although credit card companies are required to comply with these federal protections, some exceed the minimum standards set by law.

American Express is a notable example of an issuer that takes a broader approach, aligning closely with the intent of both acts by offering enhanced perks to qualifying service members. Chief among these is waiving annual fees entirely for eligible active-duty military members.

A standout example is the Platinum Card^® from American Express, which can unlock hundreds — and potentially even thousands — of dollars in value each year through included benefits, all at no cost to qualifying military cardholders.

Below, we’ll break down how this annual fee waiver works and what kind of value you can realistically expect to receive.

Overview

If you decide to apply, we advise reviewing the credit score requirements of the Amex Platinum card before you apply and let them pull your credit.

How the MLA and SCRA Work

MLA and SCRA in Brief

Put simply, the Military Lending Act provides benefits that apply 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.

The MLA provides coverage for debt like automobile loans, consumer credit, and payday loans, while the SCRA includes transactions such as home mortgages, debts, auto leases, and life insurance.

Who Qualifies for the American Express Military Annual Fee Benefit?

According to its printed guidelines, American Express provides a benefit of an annual fee of $0 under the MLA (cards obtained during active duty) for the following individuals (rates & fees):

• Regular or reserve service members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard serving on active duty or under a call or order not specified as 30 days or less
• Active-duty or Reserve Guard members under that same term as defined in 10 U.S.C. 101(d)(6)
• American Express also grants military benefits for spouses and eligible dependents of the above individuals (as defined in 38 USC 101(4)).
• An individual for whom the member of the armed forces provides more than half of the individual’s support for 180 days immediately preceding an extension of consumer credit covered by 32 C.F.R. Part 232.

American Express lists the following qualified individuals as eligible for benefits under the SCRA (cards obtained before active duty):

• A member of the U.S. armed forces (any military branch) serving on active duty, including the Coast Guard
• Reserves called to active duty
• National Guard member on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days (to respond to a national emergency declared by the president and supported by federal funds)
• Commissioned officers with the Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. citizens serving with U.S. allied forces in war or military action
• Spouses and children of an active-duty members of the armed forces as defined in 38 USC 101(4)

You can contact American Express directly to ask any questions regarding qualifications at 800-253-1720. You also can call the number on the back of your card if you’re an existing cardholder.

Why We Like the Amex Platinum for Active-Duty Military

The Amex Platinum card comes with several benefits a military traveler can utilize. It has perks that make travel more comfortable, including complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, hotel elite status, and car rental privileges. The card also offers extraordinary value for active-duty service members through a generous welcome offer, an annual fee reduction benefit, and statement credits for airline incidentals.

Without a doubt, the Amex Platinum card is one of the best credit cards for military members. Here’s a review of the benefits offered by the Amex Platinum card and an estimate of the value, where possible, that you receive by having the card.

Amex Platinum Card Military Fee Benefit

Usually, the Amex Platinum card charges an annual fee of $895 (rates & 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, qualifying military service members can have the annual fee on the Amex Platinum card reduced to $0. This benefit means you can use all of the card’s fantastic perks, including airport lounge access and hotel elite status, without needing to pay the card’s hefty fee.

Amex Platinum Card for Military Spouses

Though the annual fee of the Amex Platinum card is rather high for most people, the annual fee is also $0 for spouses and domestic partners of service members (rates & fees). This includes both adding your spouse as an authorized user on your card and also covers your spouse getting their own Amex Platinum card.

Amex Platinum Card for Reservists, National Guard, and Additional Active-Duty Service Members

Reserve service members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard under a call or order not specified as 30 days or less, and their spouses and dependents, also qualify for the fee reduction.

Under the SCRA (cards acquired prior to active duty) American Express extends fee-reduction benefits to active-duty commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and U.S. citizens serving with U.S. allied forces in war or military action.

Commissioned officers with the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may also qualify to have an existing Amex Platinum card fee reduced under the SCRA.

Hot Tip:

Before applying for any card, visit the MLA website to ensure your and your spouse’s information is updated and your active-duty status is showing correctly.

Earning Potential: 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. For example, this translates to at least $600 in travel if the welcome offer is 60,000 points or $1,000 if the offer is 100,000 points.

You may receive additional value by transferring your Membership Rewards to Amex airline partners, but you should earn at least 1 cent per point in redemptions.

Fee Benefits and Reductions

Annual Fee Is $0 for Active Military ($895 Value per Year)

Active military members, spouses, domestic partners, and child dependents (as defined in 38 USC 101(4)) do not have to pay the annual fee of $895 for the Amex Platinum card. This is a huge savings that American Express offers to military members as thanks for their service.

Other Fee Reductions for Active Military (Value Varies)

In addition to the annual fee, American Express doesn’t charge late and returned payment fees, over-limit fees, and statement copy request fees for active-duty military.

Additional Platinum Card Holder ( Value)

Adding an Additional Platinum Card normally costs $195. For active-duty military members, this fee is $0 (rates & fees).

Though Additional Platinum Card holders, including spouses, do not receive any statement credit benefits or Uber Cash perks, they do receive full airport lounge access, hotel elite benefits, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee reimbursement.

Hot Tip:

In addition to lounge access, Additional Platinum Card members receive complimentary elite status in 3 hotel programs upon enrollment: Marriott Bonvoy, Leaders Club, and Hilton Honors. They also can get rental car program benefits. However, they do not receive separate statement credits benefits for airline incidentals, Uber Cash, Saks Fifth Avenue, entertainment streaming, Equinox+, or Walmart+.

Air Travel Advantages

Worldwide Airport Lounge Access (Value Varies)

One of the most valuable benefits of the Amex Platinum card is worldwide lounge access to more than 1,550 lounges. For travelers, including active military, this translates comfortable places to relax, grab a beverage, have a bite to eat, and escape the noise of the airport terminal — all for simply being a cardmember.

The cardholder can enjoy complimentary access to the following lounge networks:

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 $700 in value in our estimation. That’s 7 round-trip journeys, assuming you’re visiting an eligible lounge on both legs.

Airline Incidental Credits (Value up to $200)

Use your card to pay for seat upgrades, baggage fees, and other airline incidentals and receive a statement credit, up to a maximum of $200 per year, with your preferred airline selected in advance.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit (Value up to $120)

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 of up to $120 once every 4 years for Global Entry or every 4 1/2 years for TSA PreCheck. We suggest applying for Global Entry, as it automatically comes with TSA PreCheck.

CLEAR^® Plus Credit (Value up to $209)

CLEAR is an airport security program that helps you shortcut the line, similar to TSA PreCheck but beefier. Charge the membership fee for CLEAR Plus to your card and receive a statement credit of up to $209 each year.

Hotel Benefits

Hotel Elite Status (Value Varies)

It can be challenging to set a value on hotel elite status, as it depends on how frequently you stay at the associated hotel brand’s properties.

Receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite, Leaders Club Sterling, and Hilton Honors Gold status. Elite status instantly qualifies you for perks such as upgraded rooms, late checkout, free Wi-Fi, and bonus earnings. Make sure to enroll in this benefit through your American Express account to get the most out of your card.

The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts (Value Varies)

Splurge a little at The Hotel Collection and receive a hotel credit of up to $100 for qualifying purchases when staying at least 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 stay of a single night or more qualifies. Benefits include:

• Complimentary daily breakfast for 2
• 4 p.m. checkout
• Noon check-in
• Room upgrade at check-in, when available
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Unique amenity worth $100

Hot Tip:

Learn more about these hotel programs and the benefits provided in our comparison of The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Car Rental Benefits and Elite Status (Value Varies)

Receive complimentary National Emerald Club Executive status, Avis Preferred Plus status, and Hertz President’s Circle status just for having the Amex Platinum card and enrolling in the benefit through your American Express account. Benefits include vehicle upgrades, discounted rental rates, return-time grace periods, waived second-driver fees, and more.

To ensure you receive the most from this benefit, dive into our guide on the Amex Platinum card’s car rental benefits.

Shopping Perks

Uber Cash (Value up to $200)

You receive $15 in Uber Cash monthly, plus a $20 bonus in December, for 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, although remaining balances don’t roll over from month to month.

An Amex card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.

Saks Fifth Avenue Statement Credit (Value 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 Saks shopping credit. Enroll via your online Amex Platinum card account and receive up to $100 in statement credits each year. You can receive up to $50 in statement credits between January and June and up to $50 between July and December.

Digital Entertainment Credit (Value up to $300)

Receive up to $25 monthly in statement credits after charging certain streaming services to your card. Enrollment is required.

Equinox Credit (Value 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.

Walmart+ Credit ($155 Value)

Get $12.95 per month toward a Walmart+ membership, with benefits including free shipping and discounted gas prices.

Prepaid Hotel Credit (Value up to $600)

Get up to $600 back in statement credits each year (up to $300 semiannually) on prepaid bookings through AmexTravel.com with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings when you pay with your card.

Note that The Hotel Collection requires a reservation of at least 2 nights to obtain the benefit.

Resy Credit (Value up to $400)

Amex Platinum cardholders now get up to $100 in credit at U.S. Resy restaurants per quarter, or up to $400 a year upon enrollment.

Protections and Insurance

The Amex Platinum card offers 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, and have secondary car rental coverage for damage or theft. Secondary means you must first file a claim with any other applicable insurance, like your own vehicle policy.
• Extended warranty: Eligible items with manufacturer’s warranties of 5 years or less have coverage extended for 1 additional year.
• Purchase protection: The card provides 120 days of protection (90 days for New York residents) for damage, loss, or theft of qualifying items.
• Cell phone protection: Pay your monthly bill with your card and receive up to $1,600 in cell phone protection (2 claims per year with up to $800 for each claim) for theft and damage. There is a $50 deductible per claim.

This is not a complete list of additional card benefits, and descriptions have been abbreviated. Full terms and conditions may be found in the Amex Platinum card guide to benefits.

How To Complete the Card Application

Here’s how to complete the Amex Platinum card application as a military member.

Start with your application as normal, providing your personal details like name, Social Security number, and date of birth. Or log in to complete this section automatically if you already have an American Express account.

Then, when you reach the section for details about your income, choose the line that says “Military” from the drop-down box.

American Express will then attempt to match your Social Security number to the DOD database and apply the benefits automatically. If, for any reason, this does not happen automatically, you can request benefits after card approval.

How Do I Apply for Amex MLA Benefits?

American Express makes it very easy for active-duty military members. Any MLA relief for which you are eligible is automatically applied to your account at account opening.

If MLA benefits are not applied, contact American Express for assistance at 800-253-1720.

How To Apply for Benefits on an Existing Card

Applying to receive SCRA or MLA benefits, which include waiving the annual fee on your current Amex Platinum card, is simple. Just log in to your Amex Platinum card account online and select the tab that says “Account Services” at the top of the page. On the following page, choose the line that says “Payment and Credit Options.”

At the bottom of the next page, you’ll see a header that says “Servicemember Information,” with options to apply for both SCRA and MLA benefits. Choose the benefit you’re applying for: SCRA or MLA.

If you’re managing for SCRA benefits, the next page will ask whether you’re applying to add them to your account or remove them from your account.

On the following screens, you’ll provide your personal details and then answer whether you’re a Reservist or National Guard member.

American Express will then ask if you know the date you entered active duty, and then the system will ask if there are other accounts, including those for a spouse, that should be reviewed for eligibility.

On the following pages, you can add notes and upload any requested documentation to support your application.

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.

You can also check your eligibility before you apply for the card.

When Do Amex’s Military Relief Provisions Expire?

The benefits of the SCRA and MLA only apply to those serving on active duty. American Express will send you a notification letter at least 45 days before the date relief ends on your account. This gives you time to provide additional documentation, thus extending the benefits, should you still be on active duty.

Once you become ineligible, American Express begins charging you any applicable fees you were previously not charged on your account.

Everything Else You Need To Know

No set credit score guarantees approval for the Amex Platinum card. Additionally, your credit score is just 1 factor in the approval decision. 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.

That said, most applicants with a good to excellent credit score usually have high approval odds.

You earn the welcome bonus offer on the Amex Platinum card after meeting minimum spending requirements within the specified period after card approval. You can find a list of ideas for meeting these minimum spending requirements in our article on the topic.

Many Amex Platinum card benefits, such as Priority Pass Select membership, car rental privileges, and hotel elite status, require registration. Register online by signing in to your Amex Platinum card account and accessing the benefits section.

Hot Tip:

American Express issues over 60 cards for which active-duty military members do not have to pay the annual fee.

Additional Recommended Amex Cards for Active Military

While American Express has several cards that do not charge an annual fee in general, 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 more on cards with higher annual fees.

Here are a few of the additional American Express cards we recommend for active-duty military:

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

Why We Like This Card for Active Military

• 5x points on flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals booked at AmexTravel.com
• 2x points on eligible purchases in key U.S. business categories and purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year)
• Up to $600 in prepaid hotel credits annually
• Up to $200 in airline incidental fee reimbursement each year
• Up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Hotel and car rental program elite status and benefits upon enrollment
• Lounge access benefits upon enrollment
• Annual fee of $0 for active military members (rates & fees)

If you have a small business, even a side hustle that brings in a modest amount of extra income, the Amex Business Platinum card could add tremendous value.

American Express^® Gold Card

Why We Like This Card for Active Military

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines and AmexTravel.com
• Up to $120 in Uber Cash annually, which is good for rides and Uber Eats orders in the U.S. (up to $10 per month; add your Amex Gold card to your account to receive the benefit, but any Amex card can be used as payment)
• Up to $120 in dining credits annually, which is good at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys (up to $10 per month)
• Up to $100 in Resy credits annually, redeemable at any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases (distributed as $50 semiannually)
• Up to in $84 Dunkin’ credits annually, redeemable at U.S. Dunkin’ locations (distributed as $7 per month)
• Annual fee of $0 for active military members (rates & fees)

Note that enrollment is required for some benefits, so make sure you’re enrolled to get the most out of your card.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Why We Like This Card for Active Military

• 14x points at Hilton properties
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond elite status
• Annual free hotel night certificate
• Up to $400 in Hilton resort credit, dispersed as up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually
• Up to $200 in airline flight credit each year, dispersed as up to $50 in statement credits each quarter
• Up to $209 in CLEAR Plus membership statement credit
• Up to $100 in on-property credit when you book at least 2 nights at qualifying Hilton luxury properties
• Annual fee of $0 for active military members (rates & fees)

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Why We Like This Card for Active Military

• Cardmembers receive 15 visits annually to the Delta Sky Club when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of visits after spending $75,000 in purchases each calendar year. They also receive 4 one-time guest passes each year.
• Annual companion ticket certificate
• Up to $240 annual Resy credit, available as $20 per month upon enrollment
• Up to $200 annual Delta Stays credit
• Free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
• 20% statement credit for inflight food and beverages
• 3x earnings on Delta purchases
• Ability to earn Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) toward Delta elite status through spending on the card
• Annual MQD Headstart of $2,500 MQDs annually
• Annual fee of $0 for active military members (rates & fees)

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

Why We Like This Card for Active Military

• Free Night Award at card anniversary (worth up to 85,000 points)
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Platinum Elite status
• 6x points at participating Marriott properties
• 3x points on flights booked directly and at restaurants worldwide
• Up to $300 annual dining credit, available as $25 monthly
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement
• 25 elite night credits deposited into your Marriott Bonvoy account annually
• Priority Pass Select membership available upon enrollment
• Annual fee of $0 for active military members (rates and fees)

Bottom Line:

The best cards for active military are those charging a high annual fee, as these cards offer the most valuable benefits. With the annual fee reduced to $0 for qualifying military members, these cards provide the best value.

Final Thoughts

American Express benefits for active military members can be worth thousands of dollars annually. If you’re anticipating entering active duty, currently on active duty, or know someone who is, consider sharing this information or taking advantage yourself.

Other credit card issuers also offer active-duty military credit card benefits. It’s worth comparing your options to know what’s available and how the benefits differ across banks.