Step 1: Understand Your Eligibility – Are You a "Covered Borrower"?
Before you even think about applying or calling American Express, it's absolutely crucial to understand who qualifies for these military benefits. The fee waiver is primarily driven by two key pieces of legislation: the Military Lending Act (MLA) and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The one that applies to you depends on when you opened your American Express account relative to your active duty service.
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| How Do I Get My American Express Platinum Fee Waived Military |
The Military Lending Act (MLA)
The Military Lending Act (MLA) provides significant protections for active duty servicemembers and their dependents. If you open a new American Express personal credit card while you are on active duty (including Guard and Reserve members on Title 10 or Title 32 orders for 30 days or longer), or if you are a military spouse listed as a dependent in DEERS of an active duty servicemember, you are generally considered a "covered borrower" under MLA. The most exciting part about MLA for the Amex Platinum is that it often triggers an automatic annual fee waiver for personal cards. This means if Amex identifies you as an MLA-covered borrower when you apply, your annual fee should be $0 from the start!
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) offers broader financial and legal protections for servicemembers. If you opened your American Express personal credit card before you began your active duty service, then the SCRA is the legislation that typically applies to your account. Under SCRA, American Express is known to voluntarily waive annual fees for active duty servicemembers, even though the law primarily focuses on capping interest rates at 6% for pre-service debts. This is a very generous policy by Amex that goes beyond the basic legal requirement, making the Amex Platinum incredibly valuable for military members. SCRA benefits can also cover authorized users who are dependents.
Step 2: Verify Your Status – The Digital Gatekeepers ️
American Express (and other financial institutions) often rely on government databases to verify your military status. Knowing your status in these systems can smooth the waiver process.
Checking the MLA Database
For MLA benefits, financial institutions primarily check the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Military Lending Act (MLA) Database. When you apply for a new card, your Social Security Number (SSN) is typically run against this database. If you are listed as an eligible "covered borrower," the MLA benefits, including the annual fee waiver, are often automatically applied. It's a good idea to check your own status here to ensure you're correctly listed, especially before applying for a new card. While the public portal might not give detailed status, the internal checks by Amex are thorough.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Checking the SCRA Database
Similar to MLA, there's also a DMDC Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Website that lenders can use to verify active duty status for SCRA purposes. While some benefits, like the 6% interest rate cap, are legally mandated, the annual fee waiver for cards like the Amex Platinum is an American Express policy that aligns with the spirit of SCRA. Having your active duty status easily verifiable in this database will definitely help when you request SCRA benefits.
Step 3: Applying for the Fee Waiver – The Crucial Steps
The process for getting your fee waived can differ slightly depending on whether you're applying for a new card or trying to get the fee waived on an existing one.
For New American Express Platinum Card Applications (MLA)
If you are currently on active duty or are an eligible military spouse and plan to apply for a new American Express Platinum Card, the process is often surprisingly straightforward:
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Apply for the Card: Simply apply for the American Express Platinum Card as you normally would. You can apply online through the American Express website.
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Ensure Proper Identification: During the application, make sure your information (especially your SSN) accurately reflects your military affiliation or your status as a military dependent. American Express typically performs an automatic check against the DMDC MLA database during the application process.
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Check for Automatic Waiver: After approval, wait for your first statement or log into your online account. Many servicemembers find that the annual fee is automatically waived for them under MLA, showing a $0 annual fee. You might see a credit for the annual fee shortly after it posts.
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If Not Automatic, Contact Amex: If for some reason the fee is not waived automatically, do not panic! Proceed to the steps below for existing cards.
For Existing American Express Platinum Cards (SCRA or MLA if not automatically applied)
If you already have an American Express Platinum Card (or any other personal Amex card) and have since gone on active duty, or if the automatic MLA waiver didn't kick in for a new card, you'll need to contact American Express directly to request the fee waiver under SCRA or MLA.
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Gather Your Documentation: While American Express often verifies your status electronically, it's always wise to have documentation ready. This may include:
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Your military orders (e.g., Title 10, Title 32 orders).
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Your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) with your active duty status clearly indicated.
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A letter from your commanding officer confirming your active duty status.
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A copy of your military ID (though generally not required for submission, it confirms your status internally).
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Contact American Express Military Support: This is the most direct and effective method.
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Call Them: The easiest way is to call the dedicated American Express military support line. You can find the number on the back of your card, or use the general Amex customer service number (often 1-800-528-4800). When you get a representative, state clearly that you are an active duty servicemember (or military spouse) and are calling to request benefits under the SCRA/MLA.
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Online Request: American Express also provides an online portal for submitting SCRA requests. Log into your American Express online account, navigate to "Account Services" or "Card Management," and look for a link related to "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits" or "Military Benefits." You can often upload your supporting documents directly through this portal.
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Mail (if preferred): While slower, you can also mail your request and documentation to American Express. Be sure to include your account number and a clear request for the SCRA/MLA fee waiver.
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American Express
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Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
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PO Box 981535
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El Paso, TX 79998-1535
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Confirm the Waiver: After you've submitted your request, American Express will review your information. This typically takes a few weeks. You should receive a confirmation letter or email from them stating that your account has been updated for SCRA/MLA benefits and that your annual fee (and other applicable fees like late fees, overlimit fees, etc.) will be waived for the duration of your active duty service. Log into your online account regularly to confirm that the annual fee has been credited back to your account if it was already charged.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
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Step 4: What to Expect After Application – The Ongoing Benefits
Once your American Express Platinum annual fee waiver is in place, you can enjoy all the premium benefits of the card without paying the high annual fee. This includes:
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Airport Lounge Access: Access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Plaza Premium, and more.
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Statement Credits: Take advantage of the various statement credits the card offers (e.g., Uber Cash, airline fee credit, Saks Fifth Avenue, Equinox, digital entertainment, CLEAR/TSA PreCheck). These credits can easily add up to more than the civilian annual fee, making the card incredibly valuable.
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Elite Status: Complimentary Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors upon enrollment.
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No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for servicemembers who travel or deploy overseas.
American Express periodically verifies your active duty status through the DMDC databases. As long as you remain on active duty and are correctly listed, your fee waiver should continue seamlessly. If there's ever a discrepancy or if your active duty status changes, Amex will typically notify you.
Beyond the Fee Waiver: Maximizing Your Amex Platinum Benefits ✨
Don't just stop at the fee waiver! The American Express Platinum Card offers a wealth of benefits that, when used strategically, can provide immense value. Make sure you enroll in all eligible credits and perks as soon as you get the card. Set reminders to use your monthly/annual credits. This card truly shines when its extensive suite of benefits is actively utilized.
Getting your American Express Platinum annual fee waived as a military member or spouse is a fantastic perk that offers incredible value. By understanding your eligibility under MLA or SCRA and following these steps, you can enjoy one of the most prestigious travel cards on the market without the burden of its significant annual fee. Thank you for your service!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check my military status for Amex benefits?
You can check your official military status through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) Military Lending Act (MLA) database or the SCRA website. While these aren't public-facing tools for detailed status checks for individuals, financial institutions like Amex use them for verification.
Tip: Don’t skip the details — they matter.
How to apply for MLA benefits with Amex?
MLA benefits, including annual fee waivers, are often automatically applied if you are an eligible servicemember or military spouse and open a new personal American Express card while on active duty. Amex checks the DMDC MLA database during the application process.
How to apply for SCRA benefits with Amex?
For SCRA benefits on an existing card, you can contact American Express military support by phone (number on the back of your card or 1-800-528-4800), or submit an online request through your Amex account by looking for "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits." You may need to provide supporting documentation like military orders.
How to know if my Amex Platinum fee was waived?
After applying or requesting the waiver, check your American Express online account for a $0 annual fee or a statement credit that offsets the annual fee. American Express typically sends a confirmation letter or email once the benefits are applied.
How to contact American Express military support?
The best way is to call the customer service number on the back of your specific American Express card. You can also try the general American Express number: 1-800-528-4800, and ask to be connected to military benefits or SCRA/MLA support.
How to confirm if military spouses are eligible?
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
Yes, military spouses listed as dependents of active duty servicemembers in DEERS are generally eligible for MLA benefits, which often include the annual fee waiver on personal American Express cards opened while they are an eligible dependent.
How to understand the difference between MLA and SCRA for Amex?
MLA applies to credit accounts opened while you are on active duty, offering protections like a 36% Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) cap and often fee waivers. SCRA applies to debts and accounts incurred before active duty, capping interest rates at 6% and, for Amex, also leads to voluntary annual fee waivers.
How to ensure my fee waiver continues while on active duty?
American Express regularly checks your active duty status through government databases. As long as your active duty status is current and verifiable in these systems, your fee waiver should continue without interruption.
How to deal with a letter stating I owe the annual fee?
If you receive a statement or letter indicating you owe the annual fee despite being eligible for a waiver, contact American Express military support immediately. Provide your documentation if requested, and explain your active duty status. They will typically rectify the charge.
How to leverage other Amex Platinum benefits as a military member?
Once your fee is waived, actively enroll in and utilize the various statement credits (e.g., Uber Cash, airline fee, digital entertainment), take advantage of complimentary airport lounge access, and enroll in hotel elite status programs to maximize the card's value. Set reminders for recurring credits.
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