Amex Platinum Benefits for Active-Duty Military: No $895 Annual Fee
- Delta Force Transport News
- Dec 20, 2025
- 3 min read
We proudly honor those who are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. military, as well as those who have served before. Military service comes with significant responsibilities and personal sacrifices—and often, unique financial challenges.
The protections apply to a wide range of financial transactions, including vehicle leases, payday loans, mortgages, housing rights, and credit card practices such as fees and interest rates.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) of 2003 applies to financial accounts opened prior to entering active duty. Later, the Military Lending Act (MLA) expanded protections by limiting fees and interest rates on debt incurred by active-duty service members, as well as their spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children, as defined under 38 USC §101(4).
While credit card issuers are required to comply with these laws, they may also choose to exceed the minimum legal requirements by offering additional benefits.
American Express is one such issuer, embracing the spirit of these protections by extending benefits beyond what the law mandates. For qualifying active-duty military members, American Express waives annual fees on certain cards, reducing the cost to $0.
One standout example is the Platinum Card® from American Express, which allows eligible service members to access hundreds—often thousands—of dollars in premium benefits at no annual cost. Below is a closer look at how to take advantage of this annual fee waiver and the potential value it provides.
Who Qualifies for the American Express Military Annual Fee Benefit?
MLA-Eligible Individuals (Cards Opened During Active Duty)
According to American Express guidelines, the following individuals may qualify for a $0 annual fee benefit under the MLA:
Regular or Reserve members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard serving under a call or order longer than 30 days
Active-duty or Reserve Guard members as defined under 10 U.S.C. §101(d)(6)
Spouses and eligible dependents of the above service members, as defined in 38 USC §101(4)
SCRA-Eligible Individuals (Cards Opened Before Active Duty)
American Express also extends benefits under the SCRA to the following individuals:
Active-duty members of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
Reserve members called to active duty
National Guard members serving on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days
Commissioned officers of the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. citizens serving with allied forces in a war or military action
Spouses and dependent children of active-duty service members, as defined in 38 USC §101(4)
For confirmation or questions regarding eligibility, you can contact American Express directly at 800-253-1720.
Why We Like the Amex Platinum for Active-Duty Military
The Amex Platinum Card offers a wide range of benefits that are especially valuable for military travelers. Complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, hotel elite status, and car rental privileges can make both official and personal travel significantly more comfortable.
When combined with a generous welcome offer, annual fee waiver, and statement credits for airline incidental fees, the overall value becomes exceptional for active-duty service members.
Without question, the Amex Platinum Card ranks among the best credit cards available to military members. Below is a closer look at the card’s key benefits and their potential value.
Amex Platinum Card Military Annual Fee Benefit
The Amex Platinum Card typically carries an $895 annual fee (rates and fees apply). While the card’s benefits can easily justify the cost for many cardholders, the fee is notably higher than that of most travel rewards cards.
Fortunately, eligible military members can have this annual fee reduced to $0, allowing full access to premium benefits—such as airport lounge access and hotel elite status—without paying the annual fee.
The annual fee waiver also applies to spouses and domestic partners. This includes situations where a spouse is added as an authorized user or holds their own Amex Platinum Card, allowing military families to maximize the card’s benefits at no cost.
Reserve members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard serving under a call or order longer than 30 days—and their spouses and dependents—also qualify for the annual fee waiver.
Under the SCRA, American Express may extend fee-reduction benefits to:
Commissioned officers of the Public Health Service
Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. citizens serving with allied forces in wartime or military operations
In these cases, existing Amex Platinum Cards opened prior to active duty may also qualify for an annual fee reduction.
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