Key Highlights
- American Express complies with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by capping interest rates, waiving or reducing annual fees, late fees, and returned payment penalties for qualifying military cardholders.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as a stellar pick for service members on active duty, boasting perks like airport lounge access, airline fee credits, and Uber Cash rewards.
- Beyond the Platinum, American Express offers a range of travel-focused credit cards that may also align well with the lifestyle and needs of military families.
Serving members of the armed forces and their loved ones often endure long stretches of separation and financial hurdles. To ease some of this burden, federal legislation such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA) provide protections including reduced interest ceilings and lowered fees.
Among the premium credit cards available, the Amex Platinum Card® ranks high due to its rich suite of benefits: airport lounge memberships, elite hotel statuses, and a treasure trove of credits—ranging from airline and hotel credits to Uber Cash and even complimentary Walmart+ membership perks.
Because American Express honors the SCRA and MLA provisions, the Platinum Card becomes an especially savvy financial companion for active military personnel and their families. Let’s explore why this card might be the perfect match for your circumstances.
Is There a Military Discount on the American Express Platinum Card’s Annual Fee?
Simply put, yes — eligible active-duty service members benefit from an annual fee waiver.
Typically, the Amex Platinum Card charges a steep $695 yearly fee for the main cardholder, plus an additional $195 for each authorized user. For those on active duty, however, American Express exempts them—as well as their spouses and dependent children—from these charges, allowing full access to the card’s perks without the usual cost.
This fee exemption applies equally whether you hold the primary account or are listed as an authorized user on someone else’s account, making it possible to enjoy the card’s advantages at zero cost in many cases.
How Do Active-Duty Military Members Qualify for Amex’s Military Credit Card Perks?
The backbone of these benefits lies in two key legislative acts: the 2003 Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the 2006 Military Lending Act. These laws provide crucial consumer safeguards such as interest rate caps and fee restrictions designed to protect military families.
The SCRA mainly covers credit accounts opened before a member enters active duty, granting the right to request lowered rates and fee waivers. Meanwhile, the MLA applies automatically to credit established during active service, requiring no additional steps for eligibility.
To tap into SCRA benefits, cardholders must submit requests via phone, mail, fax, or online channels. While American Express is not legally obligated to abolish annual fees, it demonstrates goodwill by offering substantial military-friendly concessions to ease financial pressures on service members.
Military Lending and Servicemembers Civil Relief Acts: A Brief Overview
The SCRA and MLA together provide a protective shield for military borrowers, capping interest rates typically at 6% during active duty, halting foreclosure and repossession actions, and limiting fees that lenders may charge. These protections apply to millions of service members annually, contributing to financial stability during deployments and service periods.
Do Veterans See the Same Annual Fee Reductions?
The zero annual fee privilege is exclusive to those currently serving. Once military status shifts from active to veteran, the SCRA and MLA benefits—like reduced interest rates and fee waivers—cease to apply, and standard card fees resume.
Still, for veterans and others, the Amex Platinum card continues to offer a wealth of advantages, albeit without the military membership fee discounts:
Perks That Stretch Beyond the Military Discount
Membership Rewards Program
This program lets you redeem points on flights, gift cards, shopping, or statement credits—though the highest value is often unlocked by booking travel directly through Amex’s portals or participating airlines.
Airport Lounge Access
Enjoy complimentary entry to Centurion Lounges and a global network of partner lounges, providing a haven of peace, snacks, and drinks amid travel chaos. While quality can vary by location, the access itself is a stellar bonus included at no cost.
$200 Airline Fee Credit
Receive up to $200 each calendar year in statement credits for incidental airline expenses like checked baggage fees or onboard refreshments, applicable to one airline per year. Note that this credit doesn’t cover actual airfare purchases.
$200 Hotel Credit
Book prepaid stays through American Express Travel at participating hotels to earn up to $200 in statement credits annually, usable at properties within the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection portfolios.
$200 Uber Cash
Monthly Uber credits totaling $200 annually (typically $15/month, $20 in December) can offset rides or Uber Eats orders. Credits are non-cumulative and must be used within each month.
Elite Hotel Status
Automatic Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors elevates your hotel experience, potentially unlocking perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast, along with accelerated points earning on paid stays.
Statement Credits for Trusted Traveler Programs
The card covers application fees for expedited security programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or Clear Plus, cutting down wait times at airports.
5X Points on Travel
Earn a robust 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually), as well as prepaid hotel reservations, accelerating your rewards accumulation for frequent flyers.
Other American Express Cards Tailored for Military Members
While the Amex Platinum is a top-tier favorite among active-duty personnel, Amex offers additional travel-centric cards that might better suit varying preferences or spending habits:
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $0 introductory first year; then $99 |
|
Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after $6,000 in purchases within 6 months (offer ends 10/29/2025) |
| American Express Green Card | $150 |
|
Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in first 6 months |
| American Express Gold Card | $250 |
|
Welcome offers vary; eligibility requirements apply |
For those serving actively, taking advantage of a waived annual fee on one of American Express’s most premium cards can be a no-brainer — delivering unparalleled travel and lifestyle perks at a fraction of the cost.
Bankrate has conducted a detailed analysis of these cards, offering further insight into how they stack up against each other for military cardholders.
*Note: Information regarding the American Express® Green Card and Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been independently compiled. Details have not been vetted or endorsed by American Express.
