American Express offers significant benefits to eligible military servicemembers and their spouses, primarily through compliance with two key federal laws: the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). The method American Express uses to verify military status depends largely on when you opened your account in relation to your active duty service.
Understanding these benefits and the verification process can lead to substantial savings, especially with cards that carry high annual fees like The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Step 1: Understand the Two Key Laws: SCRA vs. MLA
Before diving into the verification process, it's crucial to understand which of these two acts applies to your situation, as their application and verification methods differ.
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Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): This act applies to accounts that were opened before you entered active duty military service. SCRA offers a range of protections, including a 6% interest rate cap on pre-service obligations and, importantly for Amex cardholders, the waiver of annual fees and other associated fees (like overlimit fees, late payment fees, and returned payment fees).
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Military Lending Act (MLA): This act generally applies to accounts that were opened while you were already on active duty military service. MLA provides automatic protections, primarily limiting the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) to 36% (which includes certain fees). For American Express, this often translates to automatic annual fee waivers on cards opened during active duty, without the need for a separate request.
Why is this distinction important? Because MLA benefits are generally automatic if you opened your card while on active duty, while SCRA benefits typically require you to request them.
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| How Does American Express Verify Military Status |
Step 2: Determine Your Eligibility ️
American Express relies on Department of Defense (DoD) databases to verify military status. Before you even contact Amex, it's a good idea to check your own eligibility in these databases.
Sub-heading: Checking Your MLA Eligibility
If you are currently on active duty or are a military spouse identified in DEERS as a dependent of someone on active duty, you should be listed in the MLA database.
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Visit the MLA Database: Go to the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) MLA website.
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Enter Your Information: You'll typically need to enter your Social Security Number (SSN) and other identifying information.
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Verify Your Status: The database will confirm if you are identified as a "covered borrower" under the Military Lending Act. If you are, your MLA benefits (including automatic fee waivers if applicable to your card opened while on active duty) should be applied by Amex.
Sub-heading: Checking Your SCRA Eligibility
For SCRA benefits, which apply to accounts opened before active duty, your active duty status will be verified by American Express. There is also an SCRA database you can check, though the primary verification will occur through Amex's process.
Self-check: Ensure your information is up-to-date with the Department of Defense, as Amex uses this data.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Step 3: The Verification Process: MLA vs. SCRA Specifics
The actual steps American Express takes to verify your military status depend on which act applies to your situation.
Sub-heading: MLA Verification (Automatic for New Accounts)
For cards opened while you are on active duty, the process is largely automatic:
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Application Submission: When you apply for an American Express card, especially when you indicate military service as your source of income, Amex runs your Social Security Number against the Department of Defense's MLA database.
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Automatic Identification: If the database identifies you as an eligible "covered borrower" under the MLA at the time of application, American Express should automatically apply the relevant benefits, including annual fee waivers. You typically won't need to take any further action.
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Confirmation: You can often confirm your MLA eligibility by checking your cardmember agreement, which may state that you have been identified as a "Covered Borrower" under the Military Lending Act. You may also receive a secure message or notification from American Express confirming the application of benefits.
Important Note: While often automatic, it's always a good idea to monitor your statements to ensure the annual fee is waived. If it isn't, proceed to the next step for requesting benefits.
Sub-heading: SCRA Verification (Requires Request)
If you had an American Express card before you began active duty, you'll need to proactively request SCRA benefits. American Express offers several convenient ways to do this.
Step 3.1: Gather Your Documentation
While not always strictly required upfront for the initial request, having these documents ready can speed up the process if Amex requests them:
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Active Duty Orders: These are often the primary document requested. Ensure they clearly state your name, branch of service, and active duty start date.
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Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Orders: These can also serve as proof of active duty.
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DD-214: While primarily for discharge or separation, it can be used for past service. However, for current active duty benefits, active orders are generally preferred.
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Letter from Commanding Officer: A letter verifying your active duty status.
Step 3.2: Submit Your SCRA Request
American Express provides multiple channels for requesting SCRA benefits:
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Online (Fastest Method):
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Log In: Sign in to your American Express Online Services account.
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Navigate: Look for "Account Services" or "Card Management," and then typically "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits" or similar.
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Submit Request: Follow the prompts to submit your request. You may be able to upload documents directly through their Document Center. This is often the most efficient way to submit.
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By Phone:
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Call Amex: You can call the customer service number on the back of your card. Alternatively, you can call their dedicated SCRA line at 1-800-253-1720.
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State Your Purpose: Clearly state that you are an active duty military member (or spouse of one) and wish to request SCRA benefits for your account(s).
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Answer Questions: Be prepared to answer questions about your military service, such as your active duty start date and commitment length.
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Follow Up: The representative may guide you on any additional documents needed or confirm that your request has been initiated.
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By Fax:
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Prepare Documents: Compile copies of your active duty orders or other supporting documentation.
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Include Account Number(s): Crucially, write your American Express account number(s) clearly on all documents.
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Fax Number: Fax your documents to 623-444-3000.
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By Mail:
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Prepare Documents: Gather copies of your active duty orders or other supporting documentation.
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Include Account Number(s): As with fax, ensure your American Express account number(s) are clearly visible on all documents.
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Mailing Address: Send your documents to: American Express Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act PO Box 981535 El Paso, TX 79998-1535
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Tip: If you choose to fax or mail, it's often a good idea to contact Amex by phone first to let them know documentation is coming. This can help prevent delays.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
Step 4: The Review and Confirmation Process
After you submit your request (for SCRA) or after your application for a new card (for MLA), American Express will review your status.
Sub-heading: Amex's Internal Verification
American Express will verify your military status against the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) database. They cross-reference the information you provided (or that was captured during your application) with the official DoD records.
Sub-heading: Awaiting Confirmation
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Timeline: The processing time can vary. For online SCRA requests, you might receive a status update within a few business days to a few weeks. For MLA, it's often instantaneous at the time of application. Some users report the entire SCRA process, from request to approval, taking around 6 weeks.
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Fee Reimbursement: If you submit an SCRA request and have already been charged an annual fee, American Express will typically reimburse you for the fee once your status is verified and approved. This reimbursement often appears as a statement credit.
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Notification: You'll usually receive a secure message, email, or physical letter from American Express confirming that your account has been updated in accordance with SCRA or MLA.
Step 5: Ongoing Benefits and Re-verification
Once your military status is verified and benefits are applied, they typically remain active for the duration of your active duty service.
Sub-heading: Annual Re-verification
American Express generally checks your active duty status periodically (some sources suggest monthly or quarterly) in the MLA database. This means that if your active duty status changes (e.g., you transition out of active duty), Amex will eventually detect this.
Sub-heading: Changes in Status
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
If Amex detects that you are no longer on active duty, they will usually notify you before re-instating annual fees. You may have a grace period (e.g., 30 days) to close the account and receive a full refund of any charged annual fee, or a pro-rated refund if you close it later. It's essential to keep your contact information updated with American Express and the DoD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
How to apply for American Express military benefits online?
Log in to your American Express online account, navigate to "Account Services" or "Card Management," and then look for "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits" to submit your request and upload documents.
How to contact American Express to verify military status by phone?
You can call the number on the back of your card, or use the dedicated SCRA line at 1-800-253-1720.
How to provide military orders to American Express for verification?
You can upload them through the online Document Center, fax them to 623-444-3000, or mail them to American Express, Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, PO Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535. Remember to include your account number.
How to know if my American Express card is eligible for MLA benefits?
If you opened your consumer American Express card while on active duty, your eligibility should be automatically determined by Amex checking the Department of Defense MLA database at the time of application. Your cardmember agreement might also state if you're a "Covered Borrower."
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
How to check my own military status in the DoD database?
You can visit the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) MLA website (mla.dmdc.osd.mil) to check your eligibility as a "covered borrower" under the Military Lending Act.
How to get annual fees waived on Amex cards for military members?
For cards opened before active duty, request SCRA benefits. For cards opened while on active duty, the MLA typically provides automatic fee waivers.
How to handle an annual fee charged before military status is verified?
If an annual fee is charged before your SCRA benefits are applied, American Express typically issues a statement credit for the fee once your military status is successfully verified.
How to determine if my spouse is eligible for Amex military benefits?
Spouses of active duty servicemembers, if identified as dependents in DEERS, are generally considered "covered borrowers" under the MLA and may also be eligible for SCRA benefits on jointly held or authorized user accounts.
How to get an update on my SCRA benefits request with American Express?
You can usually check the status of your request by logging into your American Express online account or by calling their customer service line.
How to ensure ongoing military benefits with American Express after my active duty status changes?
American Express periodically checks your status. If you transition out of active duty, they will typically notify you before re-instating fees. Keep your contact information with Amex and the DoD updated.
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