The American Express Platinum card is renowned for its premium travel benefits, lounge access, and various statement credits. However, its hefty annual fee can be a deterrent for many. Thankfully, for eligible U.S. military members and their families, this annual fee can be waived. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can enjoy the card's luxurious perks without the financial burden.
Unlocking the Power of the American Express Platinum Military Fee Waiver
Hello there, future Platinum Card holder! Are you ready to discover how you can experience the incredible benefits of the American Express Platinum Card without paying the annual fee? If you're an active-duty military member, a spouse, or a dependent, you're in for a treat! Let's dive in and get you set up for some serious savings and travel perks.
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| How To Waive Annual Fee For American Express Platinum Military |
Understanding the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the application process, it's crucial to understand the two main laws that make these fee waivers possible: 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.
The Military Lending Act (MLA): This act applies to accounts opened while you are on active duty. If you apply for the Platinum Card (or any eligible personal American Express card) after you've begun your active duty service, you generally fall under MLA protections. The good news? American Express is usually very proactive in applying MLA benefits, often waiving the annual fee automatically.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): This act applies to accounts opened before you began active duty. If you had an American Express Platinum Card (or other eligible personal card) before you entered active duty, you would seek benefits under the SCRA. This typically requires a specific request to American Express.
Important Note: Both MLA and SCRA can offer a $0 annual fee for eligible military members and their spouses/dependents on personal American Express cards.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
First things first, let's confirm if you're eligible. This is the most crucial step!
Sub-heading: Who Qualifies for Amex Military Benefits?
American Express extends annual fee waivers and other benefits to a broad range of military personnel and their families. Generally, you are eligible if you are:
An active-duty member of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard. This includes regular and reserve service members under a call or order not specified as 30 days or less.
A National Guard member on active duty for more than 30 consecutive days.
A commissioned officer of the Public Health Service or NOAA.
A spouse or child dependent (as defined in 38 USC 101(4)) of an eligible active-duty service member. This is a massive benefit, allowing families to also enjoy the perks.
U.S. citizens serving with U.S. allied forces in war or military action (under SCRA).
Sub-heading: Checking Your Military Status in the DoD Database
American Express primarily verifies eligibility by checking your Social Security Number against the Department of Defense (DoD) database. While you can't directly "check" your status in this database as an individual, you can ensure your military information is accurate with your branch of service.
If you're unsure about your status or how it's reported, it's always a good idea to verify with your commanding unit or administrative office.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
Step 2: Applying for the American Express Platinum Card (If You Don't Already Have One)
If you're a new applicant and currently on active duty, this step is for you!
Sub-heading: The Application Process for Active Duty Members (MLA)
American Express often automates the MLA benefit for new cardholders who apply while on active duty.
Go to the American Express Website: Visit the official American Express website and navigate to The Platinum Card® application page.
Fill Out the Application: Complete the application with your personal and financial information.
Crucial Tip: Select "Military" as Your Income Source: When filling out the "Income Source" section, make sure you select "Military." This is a key flag for American Express to check your eligibility against the DoD database for MLA benefits.
Review and Submit: Double-check all your information for accuracy before submitting.
Check for MLA Confirmation: After approval, carefully review your cardmember agreement. You should see a statement that reads something like, "You have been identified as a 'Covered Borrower' under the Military Lending Act." This indicates that your annual fee will be waived.
Sometimes, it can take a billing cycle or two for the annual fee to post and then be credited back. Don't panic if you see it initially – just keep an eye on your statements.
Sub-heading: What if MLA Benefits Aren't Applied Automatically?
While automation is common, it's not always 100%. If you don't see confirmation of the MLA waiver after a reasonable time (e.g., after your first statement), don't worry! Proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Requesting SCRA/MLA Benefits for Existing Accounts or If Automation Fails
If you already have the Platinum Card from before active duty, or if the automatic MLA waiver didn't happen, follow these steps.
Sub-heading: Option A: Online Request (Recommended for SCRA and some MLA cases)
This is often the quickest and most convenient method.
Log In to Your American Express Account: Go to the American Express website and log in to your online account.
Navigate to Account Services: Look for "Account Services" or a similar section in your online dashboard.
Find "Credit Management" or "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits": Within Account Services, you should find a section related to "Credit Management" or directly a link for "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits."
Initiate the Request: Follow the prompts to request benefits. You may be asked a series of questions about your military service.
Upload Documents (If Requested): American Express might ask you to upload supporting documents. These typically include:
A copy of your official military orders (active duty orders).
A letter from your commanding officer on military letterhead.
Any other official notification of active duty military service.
Ensure your documents clearly show your name, Social Security Number, and active duty dates.
Submit and Monitor: Submit your request and keep an eye on your account and email for updates from American Express. Processing can take several weeks (typically 1-2 billing cycles).
Sub-heading: Option B: Phone Call (Good for quick questions or if online is difficult)
Speaking directly with a representative can be helpful for clarification.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
Gather Your Information: Have your American Express Platinum Card number, Social Security Number, and details of your active duty service readily available.
Call American Express Customer Service:
From the U.S.: 1-800-253-1720 (This number is often cited for military benefits inquiries).
From outside the U.S. (collect): 1-336-393-1111
You can also try the general customer service number on the back of your card (e.g., 1-800-528-4800 for personal cards).
State Your Purpose Clearly: When you connect with a representative, clearly state that you are an active-duty military member (or spouse/dependent) and wish to inquire about or request SCRA/MLA benefits for your account, specifically the annual fee waiver.
Follow Instructions: The representative will guide you through the process, confirm your eligibility, and may request you to send documents via email, fax, or mail.
Sub-heading: Option C: Fax or Mail (If other options are not feasible)
While less common, these are still valid methods.
Prepare Your Documents: Make clear copies of your active-duty orders or other supporting military documents.
Include Account Information: On a separate sheet, clearly write your American Express account number(s) for the Platinum Card (and any other personal Amex cards you want considered).
Fax: Send your documents to:
623-444-3000
Mail: Send your documents to:
American Express
Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
P.O. Box 981535
El Paso, TX 79998-1535
Keep Records: Always keep copies of everything you send and note the date you sent it.
Step 4: Monitoring Your Account for the Waiver
After submitting your request, patience is key.
Sub-heading: What to Expect After Requesting Benefits
Confirmation: American Express will typically send you a confirmation (via mail or online message) that they have received your request.
Processing Time: It can take several weeks, often 1-2 billing cycles, for the benefits to be fully processed and for any annual fees to be credited back to your account.
Statement Credits: If an annual fee was already charged, you should see a statement credit for the amount of the fee once your eligibility is confirmed. This will effectively zero out the charge.
Continued Monitoring: Periodically check your statements to ensure the fee waiver remains in effect for the duration of your active duty.
Step 5: Maintaining Your Benefits
The fee waiver isn't necessarily a one-time thing for your entire military career.
Sub-heading: Keeping Your Status Updated
DoD Database: Ensure your military status is always current with the Department of Defense. This is how American Express primarily verifies eligibility.
Changes in Status: If your active duty status changes (e.g., you transition from active duty to reserve, or separate from service), American Express may notify you (often 45 days in advance) before reinstating the annual fee. Be proactive and contact them if you anticipate a change that might affect your eligibility.
Annual Review: While not always required, some users have reported that American Express occasionally re-verifies military status. Having your orders or other documents readily available can streamline any future inquiries.
Enjoying Your Fee-Waived American Express Platinum Card!
Once your annual fee is waived, you can fully enjoy the extensive benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express, including:
Global Lounge Collection Access: Enjoy Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Priority Pass Select lounges, and more.
Annual Travel Credits: Up to $200 airline incidental fee credit, up to $200 Uber Cash, and up to $200 in statement credits for eligible prepaid hotel bookings.
Digital Entertainment Credits: Up to $20 per month in statement credits for eligible digital streaming services.
CLEAR® Plus Credit: Up to $199 statement credit per calendar year for CLEAR Plus membership.
Hotel Elite Status: Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors (enrollment required).
And much more!
This waiver represents an incredible value for military members and their families, making the Platinum Card an almost essential tool for those who travel or simply want to maximize their benefits.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are 10 related FAQ questions to help you further:
How to determine if I qualify for SCRA or MLA benefits?
You qualify for MLA benefits if you opened your American Express account while on active duty. You qualify for SCRA benefits if you opened your account before commencing active duty.
How to apply for American Express Platinum military benefits online?
Log in to your American Express account, navigate to "Account Services," then "Credit Management," and look for "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Benefits." Follow the prompts and upload any requested documents.
How to contact American Express directly for military benefits?
You can call American Express at 1-800-253-1720 (from the U.S.) or 1-336-393-1111 (collect from outside the U.S.). Be prepared with your account details and military service information.
How to know if my annual fee has been waived by American Express?
Check your monthly credit card statements. If the fee is waived, you will either not see the annual fee charged, or you will see a statement credit for the full amount of the annual fee. For MLA, check your initial cardmember agreement for a "Covered Borrower" statement.
How to provide military orders to American Express?
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
You can upload them through your online account (as described in Step 3A), fax them to 623-444-3000, or mail them to American Express, Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, P.O. Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535.
How to ensure my spouse also receives the annual fee waiver?
If your spouse is an authorized user on your Platinum card, their additional card fee will also be waived under your eligibility. If they have their own separate American Express personal card, they will need to apply for MLA/SCRA benefits independently, as eligible spouses are also considered "covered borrowers."
How to re-verify my military status with American Express if requested?
American Express typically re-verifies your status periodically through the DoD database. If they require additional verification, they will contact you, and you can provide updated active duty orders or a letter from your commanding officer.
How to find the official American Express military benefits page?
While American Express doesn't have a single, prominent "military benefits" landing page, information is usually found within the "Customer Service" or "Support" sections of their website, often linked to SCRA or MLA FAQs. Searching their site for "Servicemembers Civil Relief Act" is a good starting point.
How to check my eligibility in the MLA or SCRA database?
Individual service members cannot directly access these databases. American Express (and other lenders) checks your Social Security Number against the DoD database to determine your eligibility as a "covered borrower" under MLA or SCRA.
How to receive other benefits besides the annual fee waiver under SCRA/MLA for my Amex card?
Beyond the annual fee waiver, SCRA can cap interest rates at 6% on debts incurred before active duty. MLA offers broader protections, including limits on certain fees and interest rates on credit accounts opened during active duty. These benefits are typically applied automatically or upon request when you provide your active duty status.
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