Military American Express Platinum Benefits: No $895 Annual Fee
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
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.
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.
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.
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.
Category | Benefit | Value (Civilian Cost) | Military Cost |
Annual Fee | Card membership fee | $895/year | $0 (if MLA/SCRA eligible) |
Airport Lounges | Centurion, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club | $500–$1,000+ value | $0 |
Airline Credit | Incidental airline fees credit | Up to $200/year | $200/year value |
Uber Cash | Monthly Uber/Uber Eats credit | Up to $200/year | $200/year value |
Hotel Program | Fine Hotels & Resorts perks | $300–$800+ value | $0 |
CLEAR® Plus | TSA PreCheck-style expedited security | ~$189/year | $0 |
Digital Credits | Streaming/entertainment credits | ~$240/year | $0 |
Travel Insurance | Trip delay, baggage, rental car coverage | Varies ($200+ value) | $0 |
Elite Hotel Status | Hilton & Marriott Gold status | $200–$500 value | $0 |
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.
The Amex military fee waiver generally refers to the waiver of annual fees for eligible active-duty military members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and, where applicable, the Military Lending Act (MLA). Eligibility is determined by American Express based on military status and applicable laws.
Eligible active-duty military members may have the annual fee on The Platinum Card® from American Expresswaived if they qualify under SCRA or MLA provisions. Terms, eligibility, and verification requirements apply.
There is no separate Amex military card. Eligible military members apply for the same American Express cards available to the public, but may receive military-related benefits such as annual fee waivers if they qualify.
Many eligible military members choose premium cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express because, if they qualify for applicable fee waivers, they may receive premium travel and lifestyle benefits without paying the standard annual fee. The best card depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and financial goals.
Benefit | Estimated Annual Value |
Annual Fee Waived (Eligible Military) | $895 |
Fine Hotels + Resorts Credit | $600 |
Resy Dining Credit | $400 |
Digital Entertainment Credit | $300 |
Lululemon Credit | $300 |
Airline Fee Credit | $200 |
Uber Cash | $200 |
CLEAR® Plus Credit | $209 |
Walmart+ Membership | $155 |
Saks Fifth Avenue Credit | $100 |
Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Credit | Up to $120 |
Airport Lounge Access | Included |
Hilton Gold Status | Included |
Marriott Gold Elite Status | Included |
Premium Travel Protections | Included |
5X Membership Rewards on Eligible Flights & Hotels | Included |
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