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Members of the military know that serving the nation is a serious commitment. Between early physical training calls, unexpected deployment orders and frequent station changes, a career in the armed forces requires some sacrifices.
In return, U.S. service members are entitled to benefits that their civilian counterparts aren’t eligible for. These include protection under the Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA), which both limit the financial strain for a person on active duty.
One feature of these acts is reduced fees for certain types of credit — and The Platinum Card® from American Express military fee waiver is no exception.
Here’s a look at the benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express for military members, including waived fees and the perks for cardholders.
Is The Platinum Card® from American Express free for military personnel?
Two types of legislation govern credit for service members: The SCRA applies to cards opened before they joined the military, while the MLA dictates the fees they are charged for cards opened while serving.
Although these laws have many applications, two of the benefits remain the same: They limit the fees banks charge people in the armed forces for credit. Therefore, The Platinum Card® from American Express has no annual fee for military members.
This is true regardless of when the card was opened. Since American Express usually charges a hefty $695 annual fee, this can represent a huge savings.
American Express also waives overlimit fees, late payment fees and returned payment fees.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Cards eligible for SCRA benefits have a maximum interest rate cap of 6%.
It’s important to note that although you won’t be on the hook for most fees, you’ll still need to be eligible for the card to gain approval. There’s no special military credit score. Instead, you’ll need the excellent credit score usually required to get the The Platinum Card® from American Express.
The Platinum Card® from American Express military benefits
As a premium travel card, The Platinum Card® from American Express has a host of benefits available to cardholders. Here are some of the best.
Airport lounge access
Those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express have access to the Global Lounge Collection, which has over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta SkyClubs, Lufthansa Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges and Priority Pass Lounges.
Airport lounge benefits can vary but generally include complimentary food, drinks, charging stations and seating away from the main terminal. In some lounges, you’ll also find showers, nap pods and wine-tasting options.
Hotel elite status
The Platinum Card® from American Express provides complimentary hotel elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. You’ll receive Gold status with both programs as long as you hold the card.
The benefits of Gold status will differ depending on the program. For Marriott, you can expect late checkout, room upgrades, bonus points and a welcome gift of points.
Hilton’s Gold status has additional perks. As a Gold member, you’re entitled to room upgrades and extra bonus points. You’ll also receive complimentary breakfast (or a food and beverage credit) for you and a guest for each night of your stay.
Rental car elite status
Rental car elite status can grant you perks such as free additional drivers and complimentary upgrades. The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with rental car elite status from three companies:
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Hertz: Gold Plus Rewards President’s Circle status.
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Avis: Preferred Plus status.
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National Car Rental: Emerald Club Executive status.
Statement credits
Perhaps the most compelling feature of The Platinum Card® from American Express is the statement credits you’ll receive. These add up to more than $1,500 each year and span from shopping credits to hotel stays.
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$240 digital entertainment credit.
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$200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection stays.
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$100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit.
The Platinum Card® from American Express for military spouses
Can a military spouse use the benefits of an AmEx? Whether your spouse is entitled to waived fees will depend on the law that applies to your card. If you’re eligible for benefits based on the SCRA, your spouse cannot receive a waived annual fee on their own AmEx cards.
However, if you open a card after joining the military and are eligible for MLA benefits, these also apply to your spouse and certain dependents, meaning your spouse can have annual fees, late fees and returned payment fees waived.
Keep in mind your spouse will need to have an excellent credit score for approval.
If you’re looking for AmEx Platinum Card military benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent travel credit card, even if you’re only away from home once or twice a year.
However, if you’re a military member, its benefits are exponentially greater. With waived fees, you can take advantage of the credits and perks it offers without paying for the membership fee out of pocket.
The card’s benefits include more than $1,000 each year in statement credits, as well as complimentary hotel elite status, rental car elite status and airport lounge access. Terms apply.
How to maximize your rewards
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