American Express: The 5 Best Credit Cards for Military Members [2025]

Active-duty military members can unlock premium travel and lifestyle perks worth thousands of dollars with American Express without paying an annual fee. Credit card fee waivers are common under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA), but the value of fee waivers stands out with American Express cards, which include some of the most premium cards available.

This guide explains which Amex cards offer the best value for service members, how to claim military benefits with American Express, and how to maximize card benefits.

Overview

How American Express Supports Military Members

The SCRA and MLA are federal laws that protect active-duty service members from financial burdens such as high interest rates and annual fees. Most credit card issuers waive or reduce annual fees for active-duty service members, and American Express is no exception.

For example, you can get all the top-tier travel and lifestyle benefits of the Platinum Card^® from American Express. It has an $895 annual fee, which is waived for qualifying service members.

American Express also offers co-branded credit cards from Delta, Hilton, and Marriott. These cards offer brand benefits, and some have significant annual fees that active-duty service members can have waived.

With Amex cards, you can take advantage of statement credits, elite status, companion flights, annual fee nights, and more, all without annual fees. American Express also waives late, over-limit, and returned payment fees, and statement copy request fees for active-duty service members.

You might be tempted to apply for every Amex card possible as an active-duty service member and reap the benefits of each card, but there are limits. Amex allows you to hold up to 4 credit cards and 10 charge cards, including personal and business cards.

Let’s examine the American Express cards that military members should consider, and why each offers value worthy of a spot in your wallet.

5 Best Personal American Express Cards for Military Members

Amex Platinum Card (Best Overall for Travel Perks and Lounge Access)

If you only get 1 card, the Amex Platinum card should be it. With extensive statement credits, elite status, and benefits across airlines, hotels, shopping, ride-sharing services, and more, you can get thousands of dollars of value from being a cardholder of the Amex Platinum card.

+ NEW BENEFITS

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

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 & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), 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

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Amex Platinum Card Annual Benefits

The easiest way to see the value of the Amex Platinum card is to consider its numerous statement credits, whether you’re traveling or at home watching shows and shopping online. Annual statement credits from the Amex Platinum card include:

• Up to a $600 hotel credit ($300 semiannually) is available on prepaid bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card (with a 2-night minimum for The Hotel Collection).
• Get up to $300 in digital entertainment credit (up to $25 back each month) on eligible purchases made with Disney+, The Disney+ Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, Paramount+, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV. Enrollment is required.
• Up to $300 in Equinox credit is available on the Equinox+ digital fitness app or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your card. Enrollment is required.
• Get up to $209 in CLEAR^® Plus Credit per year on your CLEAR Plus membership.
• Up to $200 in airline fee credit is available for incidentals such as seat upgrades, checked baggage, and paid lounge access.
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash is available, $15 each month and $35 in December.
• Up to $120 in Uber One credit is what you get when you pay for a yearly or monthly membership with your card.
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit is issued as a $50 statement credit every 6 months.
• Get up to $400 Resy credit — up to $100 quarterly — and access to Platinum Nights by Resy.
• Receive up to $120 in application fee credit every 4 years Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck.
• Get up to $155 in annual Walmart+ credit for a monthly Walmart+ membership, which includes discounts on gas and free shipping
• Up to $300 lululemon credit is issued as a $75 statement credit 4 times a year (quarterly).

Some benefits require enrollment.

Bottom Line: See our guide to American Express Platinum military benefits to learn about the thousands of dollars in complimentary benefits available to active-duty service members.

Additional Amex Platinum Card Benefits

Statement credits can save you money, but the Amex Platinum card offers numerous additional benefits. Though there’s no direct cash comparison, you could get significant value from these perks:

• Accelerated points earning: Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with an airline or via AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5x on prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com, and 1x on everything else. Points are most valuable when transferred to an Amex transfer partner and used for travel.
• Global lounge access: Gain entry to over 1,550 lounges worldwide, including over 1,400 Priority Pass lounges and Centurion Lounges that feature amenities like free massages and wine tastings.
• Hilton Honors Gold elite status: You get food and beverage credits, room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, and increased earnings on bonus points, and other benefits. Enrollment required.
• Leaders Club Sterling elite status: Get daily continental breakfast for two, early and late check-in, room upgrades, complimentary Wi-Fi, 5 pre-arrival upgrades annually, 5% stay bonus, and SIXT Platinum status.
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status: Get early check-in, late checkout, room upgrades, increased earnings on bonus points, and other benefits. Enrollment required.
• Rental car elite status: Get status with National, Hertz, and Avis, which offer discounts, car upgrades, and waived fees, though these vary by company. Enrollment required.
• Access to Fine Hotels + Resorts and the Hotel Collection: Book with AmexTravel.com and earn 5x points on a hotel stay with perks such as a $100 experience credit, free breakfast, and room upgrades.

Hot Tip:

The American Express Platinum Card^® for Schwab and The Platinum Card^® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley offer additional benefits. With the Amex Schwab Platinum card, you can cash out your Membership Rewards points at a rate of 1.1 cents per point (up to 1 million points per year, then 0.8 cents per point) to your Schwab account. If you have an Amex Platinum card for Morgan Stanley and a Morgan Stanley Cash Plus Account, you can add a free authorized user and get a $550 engagement bonus each year.

Hilton Aspire Card (Best for Hilton Loyalists)

The Hilton Aspire card features benefits worth thousands of dollars each year. Notably, the card offers top-tier Diamond elite status to cardholders, which is unusual among hotel cards. Marriott, IHG, and Hyatt offer midlevel status on co-branded credit cards.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.

175,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $875

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.74%-28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
• 7x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

• High annual fee of $550 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/14/2026.
• Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
• Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
• Enhance your hotel stay with complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status and enjoy a world of hotel privileges and benefits. Get exclusive perks at any of Hilton's 24 hotel brands, like a 100% Bonus on Base Points earned on every stay, Premium Wi-Fi and space-available room upgrades at select properties, and more.
• Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
• $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
• $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through amextravel.com using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
• $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: You can receive up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you sign up and pay for a CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your eligible Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• $100 Property Credit: How it Works: To receive up to $100 in credits for qualifying hotel charges, book a 2-night minimum stay at participating Waldorf Astoria^® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad^® Hotels & Resorts with your Card through hiltonhonorsaspirecard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page or call Hilton Honors at (855) 292-5757 with the proper booking reference. See Terms & Conditions for further details.
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
• $550 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Hilton Aspire Card Benefits

The Hilton Aspire card’s benefits include:

• Up to $200 airline credit: Use your credit for eligible flight purchases through AmexTravel.com (up to $50 per quarter).
• Up to $400 Hilton resort credit: This is good for incidentals or room rates at any of Hilton’s participating resorts (advance purchase and nonrefundable room rates don’t qualify) and is tied to your cardmember anniversary (up to $200 semiannually).
• Free night certificate: This perquisite is valid at nearly any Hilton property and is issued on your cardmember anniversary. Earn additional free night certificates by spending $30,000 in a calendar year and $60,000 in a calendar year.
• Hilton Honors Diamond status: Get room upgrades (including suites), early-check in, late checkout, free breakfast, increased earnings on bonus points, and executive lounge access
• Up to $100 on-property credit: Use this credit on incidentals when you book a 2-night paid stay at Waldorf Astoria or Conrad properties.

Active-duty service members can take advantage of Hilton Aspire card benefits without paying an annual fee. The $600 in direct credits and free night certificate cost you nothing out of pocket.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card (Best for Marriott Loyalists)

The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program‘s best card is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, which has a hefty annual fee but comes with major Marriott perks.

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 ins and outs 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.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $700

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.74%-28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Earn up to 21X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Earn 6X points with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. Earn up to 10X points from Marriott Bonvoy for being a Marriott Bonvoy member. Earn up to 5X points from Marriott Bonvoy with the 50% Bonus Points on Stays, a benefit available with your complimentary Platinum Elite status.
• $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.
• A Marriott Bonvoy^® Platinum Elite member will earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy for each U.S. dollar or the currency equivalent that is incurred and paid for by the member.
• 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^®, such as Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Paris. 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 Brilliant 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 ($120) 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.
• With your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you can enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, with an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport 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.
• Trip Cancelled or Interrupted? If you purchase a round-trip entirely with your Eligible Card and a covered reason cancels or interrupts your trip, we may be able to help. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card Benefits

• Free night certificate: Usable any night of the week at properties up to 85,000 points, this can be used for hundreds of dollars in value.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Get a statement credit of up to $120.
• Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status: Access late checkout, room upgrades, and increased earnings on bonus points, in addition to other benefits.
• Up to $100 in on-property credit: Book a paid stay of at least 2 nights at Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or St. Regis properties and receive an up to $100 credit for incidentals such as food, drinks, and spa services.
• Priority Pass Select membership: You and 2 guests can access airport lounges worldwide, with additional guests for $35 each. Enrollment is required.
• Elite night credits: Receive 25 elite night credits each year to help accelerate your ascent to a higher status.
• Up to $300 annual dining credit: Receive a credit of up to $25 each month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. Enrollment is required.

Hot Tip: Marriott Bonvoy points can be redeemed for more than hotel stays. Marriott Bonvoy has more than 40 airline transfer partners. See our guide to the best ways to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for flights.

Delta Reserve Card (Best for Delta Loyalists)

The Delta Reserve card isn’t as giving with its credits as some other Amex’s co-branded hotel cards, but it still has serious perks. The best benefit of the Delta Reserve card is its companion certificate, which you can use to fly with someone else for just the taxes and fees.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

70,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $840

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.74%-28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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.

Cons

• $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion^® Year to the Delta Sky Club^® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. 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 Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74%-28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Delta Reserve Card Benefits

• Annual Companion Certificate: Issued after your account anniversary each year, it’s valid for round-trip domestic, Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America travel.
• 4 Delta Sky Club guest passes: These are issued when you open the card and are reissued each year after account renewal
• Up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit: This is valid once every 4 years for Global Entry or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck
• Delta Sky Club access: Reserve card members receive 15 visits per year, or unlimited visits annually after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year
• Annual statement credits: An annual, up-to-$240 Resy credit (up to $20 per month), up-to-$120 U.S. ride-sharing credit (up to $10 per month), and $200 Delta Stays credit is issued to you. Enrollment is required.
• First checked bag free: This perk is for you and up to 8 companions on your reservation.
• Priority boarding: You and 8 companions get priority boarding.
• Upgrade list: Cardholders are added to the complimentary upgrade list on Delta flights for a chance at an upgraded seat.
• Discount on Delta purchases: Save 20% on prepurchased and inflight food, drinks, and headsets for your Delta flight.
• Earn Medallion Qualification Dollars: Cardholders earn 2,500 MQDs every qualification year and 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on their card.

The companion certificate alone can easily net you a thousand dollars in savings, though you still need to pay your own fare.

Amex Gold Card (Best for Dining and U.S. Supermarket Rewards)

It doesn’t have the Platinum name or mirror finish, but the Amex Gold card offers numerous benefits that make it worth having. Its best feature is its bonus category for grocery purchases at U.S. supermarkets (4x points on up to $25,000 annually, then 1x). You can also earn 4x bonus points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per year. then 1x). These bonus categories make the Amex Gold card a strong contender for everyday purchases.

NEW OFFER

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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!

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

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!

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, 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 & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. 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, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Amex Gold Card Benefits

• Up to $120 in dining credit: Get $10 each month for Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment is required.
• Up to $100 in Resy credit: Receive $50 semiannually for any U.S. Resy restaurant and other eligible Resy purchases. Enrollment is required.
• Up to $84 in Dunkin’ credit: Get a statement credit of $7 per month, redeemable at Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment is required.
• Grocery rewards: Get 4x points at U.S. supermarkets for the first $25,000 each year, then 1x points.
• Dining rewards: Get 4x points at restaurants worldwide for the first $50,000 each year, then 1x points.
• Flight rewards: Get 3x points on flights booked directly with the airline or via AmexTravel.com.
• Luxury hotel bookings: You get access to the Hotel Collection.

The Amex Gold card doesn’t have over-the-top benefits like some other Amex cards, but it’s a points-earning workhorse with usable perks such as statement credits for food purchases.

How To Request SCRA Benefits With Amex

After you’re approved for an Amex card, you can request benefits by logging in to your card account, selecting Account Services, Credit Management, and then SCRA Benefits. You must answer a few questions and upload the requested information. Alternatively, you can call 800-253-1720 from the U.S. or 336-393-1111 collect from outside the U.S. You can also fax documents to 623-444-3000, including your American Express account numbers, or mail documents with your account numbers to American Express, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, P.O. Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535.

Amex will verify your information and process your benefit, though it may take up to a few weeks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an active-duty service member, there’s no reason to miss out on the premium card lineup offered by American Express. With waived annual fees and thousands of dollars in statement credits and perks, you can get exceptional value from these cards as a member of the military.