Thinking about applying for the American Express Platinum card as a military member? That's a fantastic idea! The American Express Platinum Card offers an incredible suite of benefits, and for eligible active-duty military members and their spouses, the annual fee is waived. This makes it one of the most sought-after credit cards in the military community.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, explain the benefits, and help you understand the nuances of the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) that make this possible.
Understanding the "Why": Amex Platinum for Military
The core reason the American Express Platinum card is so appealing to military personnel is the annual fee waiver. While the card carries a substantial annual fee for civilians, the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provide financial protections that often result in this fee being reduced to $0 for eligible service members and their spouses. This means you can enjoy all the premium perks without the associated cost!
Key Benefits You'll Unlock (with no annual fee!):
Airport Lounge Access: Gain entry to the exclusive Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass lounges, and more, offering a comfortable retreat during your travels.
Travel Credits: Enjoy various statement credits for travel-related expenses, such as:
Airline Fee Credit: Up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental airline fees (e.g., baggage fees, in-flight purchases) at one selected airline.
Uber Cash: Up to $200 in Uber Cash annually ($15 per month, plus a bonus $20 in December) for Uber rides or Uber Eats in the U.S.
Hotel Credits: Access to Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection benefits, which can include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and property credits.
Digital Entertainment Credit: Receive up to $240 in statement credits annually ($20 per month) for eligible digital entertainment services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Peacock.
Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: A statement credit of up to $100 every 4 years for Global Entry application fee or up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck application fee.
Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Up to $100 in statement credits annually ($50 semi-annually) for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com.
Elite Status: Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status, providing perks like late checkout and room upgrades.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for overseas deployments and travel.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility (The All-Important First Check! )
Before you even think about hitting "apply," the absolute first step is to verify your eligibility. American Express relies heavily on the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) databases to confirm military status.
Sub-heading: Understanding MLA vs. SCRA
It's crucial to understand the two main laws that provide these benefits:
Military Lending Act (MLA): This applies to accounts opened while you are on active duty (or your spouse is on active duty and you are a dependent). MLA benefits are generally applied automatically if your information is accurate in the DMDC database at the time of application. This is the most common way active duty military members get their fee waivers on new cards.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): This primarily applies to accounts opened before you went on active duty. If you had an Amex Platinum card before joining the military, you would apply for SCRA benefits once you began active duty to potentially have the annual fee waived and interest rates capped.
Sub-heading: How to Check Your DMDC Status:
Visit the MLA Database: Go to the official DMDC MLA database website. You'll need your Last Name, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth to check your status.
Verify Your Information: Ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date. If there are discrepancies, they can cause delays or issues with receiving benefits.
Confirm Eligibility: If you are listed as a "covered borrower" in the MLA database, you're in a great position to receive the automatic fee waiver for new cards.
Why is this so important? If you're not in the database or your information is incorrect, American Express might not automatically waive the fee, and you'll have to go through a manual verification process, which can take time.
Step 2: Applying for the American Express Platinum Card
Once you've confirmed your DMDC status, you're ready to apply!
Sub-heading: Online Application is Key
Go Directly to the American Express Website: It's always best to apply directly through the official American Express website.
Navigate to The Platinum Card Application: Find the application page for The Platinum Card.
Fill Out the Application: Complete all required fields accurately. This will include your personal details, income information, and your Social Security Number.
Important Note on Income: When asked about your income, you should include all sources of income available to you, including your military pay, BAH, BAS, and any other legitimate sources.
Selecting "Military" as Source of Income: Some applicants find that specifically selecting "Military" as their source of income can help trigger the MLA database check.
Submit Your Application: Review all the information carefully before submitting.
Sub-heading: What Happens After Submission?
Instant Approval: Many military members receive instant approval. If you do, that's great! The MLA benefits are generally applied automatically in the background.
Pending or Denied: If your application goes to "pending" or is initially denied, don't panic. This doesn't necessarily mean you won't get the card or the benefits. American Express might need to manually verify your military status.
Initial Annual Fee Charge (Rare, but possible): In some rare cases, the annual fee might initially appear on your statement. If this happens, don't worry! It will almost certainly be credited back to you once your MLA status is confirmed.
Step 3: Confirming Your MLA/SCRA Benefits (Post-Application)
While MLA benefits are often automatic, it's always a good idea to confirm they've been applied.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Account for MLA Benefits
Log into Your American Express Online Account: After your card is approved and you've set up your online account, log in.
Look for MLA Confirmation: American Express often adds a note to your account indicating that it's enrolled in Military Lending Act benefits. This might appear on your account summary or under a "Card Benefits" or "Account Services" section.
Check for Fee Reversal: The most tangible confirmation will be the absence of the annual fee or a statement credit that reverses the fee if it was initially charged. This can take a billing cycle or two to reflect.
Sub-heading: What if the Benefits Aren't Applied Automatically? (For MLA and SCRA)
If you don't see the MLA benefits applied after a reasonable amount of time (e.g., a couple of billing cycles), or if you are applying for SCRA benefits for a pre-existing card, you'll need to contact American Express.
Gather Your Documentation: Have your active duty orders or other official military documentation readily available.
Contact American Express Customer Service:
Online Chat: The online chat feature on the American Express website is often the quickest and easiest way to inquire about SCRA/MLA benefits. Be polite and clearly state that you are an active-duty servicemember (or spouse) and would like to confirm your account is receiving MLA/SCRA benefits.
Phone: You can also call the number on the back of your card or the general Amex customer service line. Explain your situation and ask to speak with someone regarding military benefits (SCRA/MLA).
Submit Documentation (if requested): American Express may ask you to submit your active duty orders or other proof of service through their secure online document center, by fax, or by mail. Be prepared to provide:
Your full name and Social Security Number.
Active duty start date.
Branch of service.
Patience is a virtue here. While American Express is generally good about processing these requests, it can sometimes take a few weeks for the benefits to be fully applied and reflected on your statement.
Step 4: Maximizing Your Platinum Benefits
Once your annual fee is waived, it's time to take full advantage of the Platinum Card's extensive benefits!
Sub-heading: Activating Key Benefits
Many of the Platinum Card's perks require enrollment or activation. Don't miss out on these valuable credits and services!
Select Your Airline: Log into your Amex account and select your preferred airline for the $200 airline fee credit.
Link Your Uber Account: Add your Platinum Card to your Uber account to automatically receive the monthly Uber Cash.
Enroll in Digital Entertainment: Enroll in the digital entertainment credit to start receiving statement credits for eligible streaming services.
Register for Lounge Access: While Centurion Lounge access is typically automatic, you may need to enroll in Priority Pass Select.
Activate Hotel Elite Status: Link your Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors accounts to receive complimentary Gold Elite status.
Sub-heading: Strategizing Your Spending
Utilize Credits: Make it a habit to use your monthly and annual credits. Set reminders if necessary so you don't leave money on the table.
Earn Membership Rewards: The Platinum Card earns Membership Rewards points. While it's not the highest earner for everyday spending, use it for purchases that trigger its bonus categories (e.g., flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com).
Add Authorized Users: You can often add authorized users (including family members) to your account. For military members, the annual fee waiver may extend to authorized users as well, providing even more value and access to benefits like lounge access for your family. Always confirm the authorized user fee waiver with Amex.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Apply for Amex Platinum as a Military Member?
Apply directly on the American Express website. Ensure your military status is accurately reflected in the DMDC database, as this helps with automatic fee waivers under the Military Lending Act (MLA).
How to Check if I'm Eligible for MLA Benefits?
Visit the official DMDC MLA database website (mla.dmdc.osd.mil) and enter your last name, SSN, and date of birth to confirm your "covered borrower" status.
How to Get the Amex Platinum Annual Fee Waived?
For active-duty military and their spouses, the annual fee is typically waived automatically under the Military Lending Act (MLA) for cards opened while on active duty. For cards opened before active duty, apply for Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) benefits through Amex.
How to Apply for SCRA Benefits with American Express?
If you opened your Amex account before active duty, you can request SCRA benefits online through your Amex account services, or by calling American Express customer service. You may need to provide your active duty orders.
How to Confirm My MLA Benefits are Applied on My Account?
Log into your American Express online account and look for a note indicating "Account enrolled in Military Lending Act" or a statement credit reversing the annual fee. This may take one to two billing cycles to appear.
How to Add an Authorized User for Free Under Military Benefits?
Typically, if the primary cardholder's annual fee is waived under MLA/SCRA, authorized user fees for personal cards are also waived. Confirm this with American Express when adding authorized users.
How to Utilize the Amex Platinum Travel Credits?
Many credits require enrollment or activation. For example, select your preferred airline for the $200 airline fee credit, link your Uber account for Uber Cash, and enroll in the digital entertainment credit.
How to Access Airport Lounges with Amex Platinum?
Your Platinum Card grants you access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and you can enroll for a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, among others.
How to Maintain Amex Platinum Benefits if I Leave Active Duty?
MLA/SCRA benefits cease when you are no longer on active duty. You will then be responsible for the annual fee, or you can consider downgrading or closing the card if the benefits no longer outweigh the cost.
How to Contact American Express About Military Benefits?
You can contact American Express customer service via their online chat feature or by calling the number on the back of your card. Clearly state you are inquiring about military benefits (MLA/SCRA).
