Hello there! Are you a U.S. service member looking to understand how American Express handles military benefits, specifically the highly sought-after fee waivers under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA)? If so, you've come to the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility to the step-by-step process of getting those incredible benefits.
Let's dive in and unlock the full potential of your American Express cards!
How American Express Verifies Military Service: A Comprehensive Guide
American Express is known for its strong support of U.S. military personnel, offering significant financial relief, primarily through waiving annual fees on many of its premium credit cards. This is a huge perk, considering some of these cards carry hefty annual fees! But how exactly does American Express verify your military service to grant these benefits? It primarily relies on federal databases and, in some cases, requires direct documentation. The process depends on when you opened your account in relation to your active duty status.
Understanding the Key Legislation: SCRA vs. MLA
Before we get into the "how," it's crucial to understand the two main federal acts that govern these benefits:
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): This act provides financial protections for service members (and sometimes their dependents) for financial obligations incurred before entering active duty. For credit cards, this primarily means a 6% interest rate cap and, importantly for Amex, the waiver of annual fees on cards opened prior to active service.
Military Lending Act (MLA): This act provides protections for service members and certain dependents for financial products acquired while on active duty. For credit cards, this often means automatic annual fee waivers and a cap on the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) at 36%.
The distinction is important: SCRA benefits require a request, while MLA benefits are often applied automatically.
Step 1: Are You Eligible? Let's Find Out Together!
The very first thing you need to do is confirm your eligibility. This is the cornerstone of receiving any military benefits from American Express.
Sub-heading: Who Qualifies for Amex Military Benefits?
American Express extends benefits to:
Active duty U.S. military members: This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
Reservists and National Guard members: If you are called to active duty under qualifying federal orders (Title 10) for more than 30 consecutive days, you are typically eligible. Some Title 32 orders may also qualify.
Commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and NOAA.
U.S. citizens serving with U.S. allied forces in war or military action.
Spouses and eligible dependents of the above individuals (as defined in 38 USC 101(4)).
Sub-heading: Verifying Your Status in Federal Databases
American Express primarily uses the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) databases for verification. These include the SCRA database and the MLA database.
Check your SCRA status: Visit
scra.dmdc.osd.mil Check your MLA status: Visit
mla.dmdc.osd.mil
It's highly recommended that you check your status in these databases yourself before proceeding. If your information isn't accurately reflected there, you may encounter delays or issues with verification.
Step 2: The Verification Process - Different Paths for Different Situations
The way American Express verifies your service largely depends on whether you obtained your card before or during active duty.
Sub-heading: For Cards Opened Before Active Duty (SCRA Benefits)
If you had an American Express card prior to entering active duty, you'll need to request SCRA benefits. This is not an automatic process.
Online Request (Recommended and Often Fastest):
Log in to your American Express online account.
Navigate to "Account Services" (usually found at the top of the page).
Look for a section related to "Credit Management" or "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits."
Follow the prompts to submit your request. You may be asked a few questions about your active duty dates.
Upload Documentation: American Express may request documentation to verify your active duty status. Common documents include:
Active duty orders
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders
DD-214 (for past service, if requesting benefits within 180 days of leaving active duty)
Letters from your commanding officer
Ensure the documents are clear, legible, and include your American Express account number. Accepted file types typically include BMP, GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, and TIF.
Phone Call:
You can call the number on the back of your American Express card.
Alternatively, you can call American Express directly at 1-800-253-1720 (from the U.S.) or 1-336-393-1111 (collect, from outside the U.S.).
Clearly state that you are an active duty military member and wish to request SCRA protections for your account. They will guide you through the necessary questions and inform you if any documents are required.
Fax or Mail:
If preferred, you can fax your required documents (including your account numbers) to 623-444-3000.
You can also mail documents with your account numbers to: American Express, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, P.O. Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535.
While these methods are available, online submission or a phone call followed by online upload is generally more efficient.
Sub-heading: For Cards Opened While on Active Duty (MLA Benefits)
This is often the simpler scenario. If you applied for and were approved for an American Express consumer credit card while already on active duty, MLA benefits are typically applied automatically.
Automatic Verification:
When you apply for a card, American Express will typically run your Social Security Number against the Department of Defense's MLA database.
If your active duty status is confirmed in the database, the MLA benefits (including the annual fee waiver) should be automatically applied to your account.
When filling out the application, it can be helpful to select "Military" as your income source, as this may prompt an additional check against the MLA database.
Checking for Automatic Application:
After approval, you can often verify if MLA benefits have been applied by logging into your online account and reviewing your Cardmember Agreement or account details. Look for text indicating you've been identified as a "Covered Borrower" under the Military Lending Act.
If for any reason the MLA benefits are not automatically applied and you believe you are eligible, contact American Express customer service immediately.
Step 3: Confirmation and What to Expect
Once you've submitted your request (for SCRA) or applied for a card (for MLA), here's what happens next:
Verification Period: American Express will review your information and verify your active duty status. This process can take several weeks, typically 2-3 weeks for SCRA requests.
Notification: You will usually receive a notification (either via secure message in your online account or by mail) confirming that your benefits have been applied.
Refunds: If you were charged an annual fee or other eligible fees before your SCRA benefits were approved, American Express will typically issue a refund for those fees.
Benefit Duration: SCRA and MLA benefits apply for the duration of your active duty. American Express will typically send you a notification letter at least 45 days before your relief is scheduled to end, giving you time to provide additional documentation if you are still on active duty. Once your eligibility ceases, standard fees will resume.
Key Considerations and Tips:
Keep Your Information Updated: Ensure your military records (especially with the DMDC) are always current and accurate. This is paramount for seamless verification.
Apply Strategically: If you are planning to open new American Express cards, it is often most beneficial to apply while you are already on active duty to potentially qualify for automatic MLA benefits.
Review Your Statements: Always review your American Express statements carefully to ensure the fee waivers and any other applicable benefits are being applied correctly.
Be Patient and Persistent: While American Express is generally excellent with military benefits, sometimes things can take time or require a follow-up. Don't hesitate to call their dedicated military line if you have questions or concerns.
This comprehensive guide should equip you with the knowledge and steps to successfully navigate the American Express military service verification process and enjoy the well-deserved benefits!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Check My SCRA Eligibility?
You can check your SCRA eligibility directly on the Department of Defense's SCRA website at
How to Apply for SCRA Benefits with American Express?
You can apply for SCRA benefits online through your American Express account by navigating to "Account Services" and then "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits." Alternatively, you can call the dedicated military line at 1-800-253-1720, or fax/mail documents.
How to Know If MLA Benefits Are Applied Automatically?
MLA benefits are typically applied automatically if you open a new American Express consumer card while on active duty. You can often verify this by checking your Cardmember Agreement in your online account for language indicating you're a "Covered Borrower" under the MLA.
How to Provide Documents to American Express for Verification?
The easiest way to provide documents is by uploading them through your American Express online account's secure document center. You may also be able to fax or mail them if preferred.
How to Get My Annual Fee Waived on an Existing Card?
If you opened your card before active duty, you'll need to request SCRA benefits as outlined in Step 2 of this guide. If you opened it while on active duty and the fee isn't waived, contact American Express customer service.
How to Contact American Express Military Support?
You can contact American Express military support by calling the number on the back of your card, or directly at 1-800-253-1720 (U.S.) or 1-336-393-1111 (collect, international).
How to Know When My Military Benefits Will Expire?
American Express typically sends a notification letter at least 45 days before your military relief provisions are set to expire. These benefits generally last for the duration of your active duty.
How to Get Benefits for My Spouse or Dependents?
Spouses and eligible dependents may also qualify for benefits, particularly under MLA for cards opened while on active duty. Eligibility for SCRA benefits for spouses can be more limited, usually applying if the card was opened jointly with the service member prior to active duty.
How to Maximize My American Express Military Benefits?
To maximize your benefits, consider applying for premium American Express cards (like the Platinum Card or Gold Card) while on active duty to potentially receive automatic annual fee waivers under MLA. Also, ensure all your eligible accounts receive the benefits.
How to Re-verify My Military Service if Benefits Stop?
If your military benefits cease but you are still on active duty, you'll need to re-verify your service with American Express. This usually involves contacting them and providing updated documentation (e.g., new active duty orders) to confirm your continued eligibility.
