Does American Express Waive Annual Fees for Veterans?

American Express extends financial benefits to military members, often waiving annual fees on many of its credit cards. These benefits ease the financial burden on service members and their families during active duty. This article explains who qualifies for American Express fee waivers and how to request them.

Understanding Eligibility for Fee Waivers

American Express provides fee waivers under two federal laws: the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). Applicability depends on when the account was established relative to active duty. The SCRA covers accounts opened before active military duty, including interest rate caps and fee reductions. The MLA applies to accounts opened during active duty, limiting the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR).

Eligibility extends to active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and commissioned officers of the Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Guard and Reservists called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days also qualify. Spouses and certain dependents of eligible service members may also receive these protections.

For individuals no longer on active duty, American Express does not waive annual fees for new credit card applications. Fee waivers on accounts established during active service may continue for a period after separation. Official policy for new applications or continued waivers for veterans is tied to active duty status.

The Fee Waiver Request Process

Initiating a fee waiver request with American Express requires specific personal and service-related information. Before contacting American Express, gather your full name, date of birth, and American Express account numbers for all cards. You will also need documentation verifying your active duty status. This documentation can include active duty orders, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, DD-214 forms, or letters from your commanding officer.

Several methods are available for submission. The fastest approach is the American Express online portal’s Document Center, where you can upload supporting documents. You can also contact American Express by phone at 1-800-253-1720, or the number on your card. Faxing documents to 623-444-3000 or mailing them to American Express, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, P.O. Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535 are options.

For accounts opened while on active duty, MLA benefits may apply automatically if status is verified through Department of Defense databases. After submission, American Express takes several weeks, up to two billing cycles, to verify eligibility and process benefits.

What Fee Waivers Cover

American Express’s military financial protections reduce annual membership fees to $0 for eligible personal credit cards. This applies to a wide range of personal cards, including premium offerings with substantial annual fees. This waiver allows service members to access full card benefits without the yearly cost.

Beyond annual fees, American Express may waive other associated charges for eligible accounts under SCRA provisions. These include overlimit, late payment, and returned payment fees. The SCRA also caps the interest rate on pre-service debts at 6%, encompassing certain fees. For accounts covered by the MLA, the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) is limited to 36%, a rate including interest and various fees. Some cards may waive foreign transaction fees, beneficial for service members stationed or deployed overseas.