Are Amex Cards Free for Military Members?

American Express offers financial advantages for military members, including credit card benefits. These provisions aim to ease financial burdens for those serving in the armed forces, supported by specific legal frameworks.

Understanding the Fee Waiver for Military Personnel

American Express provides fee relief for eligible military personnel, primarily through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). The SCRA is a federal law designed to protect servicemembers from certain civil obligations, including financial ones, when they enter active duty. Under SCRA, if a credit account was opened before entering active duty, the annual membership fees, late fees, and returned payment fees are waived for the duration of active service. This protection ensures that servicemembers are not penalized for financial commitments made prior to their service.

The Military Lending Act (MLA) offers protections for credit accounts opened while a servicemember is on active duty. The MLA limits the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) to 36%, which includes annual membership fees. For accounts opened during active duty, American Express automatically applies MLA benefits, leading to a waiver of annual fees. This distinction means that the timing of when a credit card account is opened relative to active duty status determines which law’s provisions apply.

Eligibility for American Express Military Benefits

Eligibility for American Express military benefits extends to several categories of personnel. Active duty servicemembers across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, are covered. This also includes commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Reservists and National Guard members qualify for these benefits when they are called to active duty under federal orders, for a period exceeding 30 consecutive days. Spouses and dependents of active duty servicemembers are also covered under the Military Lending Act. This broad eligibility ensures financial protections are available to a wide array of military families.

Applying for American Express Military Benefits

The method for applying for American Express military benefits depends on when the account was established relative to active duty. For accounts opened before active duty, servicemembers must submit a request for Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) benefits directly to American Express. Requests can be submitted online through the Document Center, or by phone, fax, or mail.

American Express requires documentation to verify military status, such as active duty orders, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, a DD-214 form, or a letter from a commanding officer. The company reviews the submitted information to determine eligibility and apply the benefits. For accounts opened while on active duty, Military Lending Act (MLA) benefits are automatically applied, as American Express uses Department of Defense records to verify status. Servicemembers should verify that these benefits have been applied to their accounts.

Key American Express Cards for Military Personnel

Many American Express credit cards are eligible for military fee waivers, making premium options accessible without annual fees. The Platinum Card® from American Express is a popular choice, known for its extensive travel benefits and lounge access. Another frequently selected card is the American Express® Gold Card, which offers rewards on everyday spending categories like dining and groceries.

Other cards that qualify for these benefits include co-branded options such as the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, various Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards (e.g., Reserve, Platinum, Gold), and Hilton Honors American Express Cards (e.g., Aspire, Surpass). These cards offer specific rewards tailored to their respective brands, such as hotel points or airline miles. The fee waiver makes these cards particularly attractive to military members seeking to maximize rewards without incurring annual costs.