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The American Express Platinum Card offers a range of military perks and benefits that make it a great choice for active and retired military personnel.
One of the standout benefits is the $200 annual statement credit for Global Entry, which can save you time and hassle at airport security.
As a cardholder, you'll also receive a $100 credit towards a CLEAR membership, which can speed up your airport security experience even further.
The card offers a $100 credit towards a Global Lounge Collection membership, which grants you access to airport lounges worldwide.
This can be a game-changer for frequent travelers, allowing you to relax in comfort and style before your flight.
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Benefits and Features
The American Express Platinum Card offers a range of benefits and features that make it a valuable tool for military personnel and their families.
One of the key benefits is airport lounge access, which includes over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. You'll enjoy complimentary food, drinks, charging stations, and seating away from the main terminal.
Eligible military personnel can also take advantage of unique protections through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). These protections include interest rate limits and fee relief.
Here are some of the statement credits you can receive with the Platinum Card, which add up to more than $1,500 each year:
You can also use your annual airline fee credit to offset the cost of traveling with your family, making it a straightforward way to save money on trips.
Benefits
The Benefits of The Platinum Card from American Express are numerous and exciting. You can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through the Global Lounge Collection.
Having airport lounge access can be a game-changer for travelers. Complimentary food, drinks, charging stations, and seating away from the main terminal are just a few of the benefits you can expect.
In some lounges, you'll even find showers, nap pods, and wine-tasting options to make your travel experience even more enjoyable. I've seen firsthand how much of a difference these amenities can make on a long flight.
You'll also receive up to $200 in statement credits each year for incidental airline fees, such as checked baggage, seat upgrades, or in-flight refreshments. This is a straightforward way to save money on trips.
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Benefits
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The benefits of The Platinum Card from American Express are truly impressive. You'll receive over $1,500 in statement credits each year, including a $300 Equinox credit, a $240 digital entertainment credit, and a $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection stays.
One of the most practical benefits is the up to $200 a year in Uber Cash when you use your card to pay for rides or Uber Eats. This can be a huge help for military members and their families, who can get up to $200 annually in Uber credits just for using their Platinum Card.
The card also offers unique protections for military servicemembers through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA). These include interest rate limits, fee relief, and the limitation of annual membership fees in interest calculations.
You'll also 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.
Take a look at this: Platinum Card Airline Lounges
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To help you make the most of these benefits, here are some of the statement credits you can expect:
- $300 Equinox credit.
- $240 digital entertainment credit. Enrollment required.
- $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection stays.
- Up to $200 a year in Uber Cash when you use your card to pay for rides or Uber Eats. Enrollment required.
- $200 airline fee credit. Enrollment required.
- $199 Clear credit.
- $155 Walmart+ credit.
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit. Enrollment required.
Remember to select your preferred airline in your American Express account to activate the up to $200 airline fee credit each year. This can be a huge help for offsetting the cost of traveling with your family.
Related reading: International Airline Program Platinum Card Benefit
Application and Eligibility
To apply for the American Express Platinum Card, start by following the link to learn more about the card and click "Apply Now" to get started. This will begin the application process.
You'll need to provide standard information such as your name, Social Security number, income, and address. If you're active-duty military, be sure to select "Military" as your income source.
The application process can be completed online, by phone, fax, or mail. If you're approved, you'll receive an approval decision within minutes, although additional review may be required in some cases.
Here's a summary of the application process:
- Start by following the link to learn more about the American Express Platinum Card and click "Apply Now" to get started.
- Choose your card design and enter your personal information.
- Review the terms and conditions, including the rewards program, interest rates, and applicable fees.
- Submit your application and wait for an approval decision.
If you're eligible for MLA benefits, these will automatically apply to the $695 annual membership fee, late fees, and returned payment fees as long as you remain on active duty.
Related reading: Amex Credit Card Fees Merchants
Applying for SCRA or MLA as Active-Duty
To apply for SCRA or MLA benefits as active-duty military, you can start by filling out the application online, which is the easiest way to do it. You'll need to log in to the American Express system to access the application.
You can also call (800) 253-1720 to submit a request, but be aware that this process may take longer and may delay an answer. If you prefer to fax your request, you can send it to (623) 444-3000, which is the direct fax number for the active duty status compliance department at American Express.
To mail your request, send your documents, including active-duty orders and your American Express account numbers, to American Express at PO Box 981535 El Paso, TX 79998-1535.
Here's a summary of the steps to apply for SCRA or MLA benefits:
- Fill out the application online or by phone
- Submit your active-duty orders and account information
- Fax or mail your request to the correct department
If you're eligible for MLA benefits, your spouse and certain dependents may also be eligible for waived fees, late fees, and returned payment fees. However, if you're eligible for SCRA benefits, your spouse will not be eligible for a waived annual fee on their own American Express cards.
The
The "The" is a crucial part of any application or eligibility process. It's often used to introduce a specific program or opportunity.
In the context of the application process, "The" is used to refer to a particular scholarship, grant, or award. For example, "The Fulbright Scholarship" is a highly competitive program that provides funding for students to study abroad.
The eligibility criteria for "The" often include specific requirements such as GPA, test scores, and work experience. For instance, "The" may require a minimum GPA of 3.5 or a score of 1200 on the SAT.
Applicants must carefully review the eligibility criteria for "The" to ensure they meet the requirements.
Check this out: Black Centurion Card Requirements
Fee Relief for Members
The American Express Platinum Card offers military members a range of fee relief benefits. You can get relief on fees such as annual membership fees, late fees, and returned payment fees.
To be eligible for these protections, you need to qualify under the Military Lending Act (MLA) or the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The good news is that American Express automatically checks your MLA eligibility when you apply for The Platinum Card while on active duty.
If you're already a cardholder, you can still apply for relief through the SCRA. You can check if you're eligible by looking up your name in the MLA Database or SCRA Database. If you're not listed, you won't receive MLA or SCRA benefits on your account.
The Platinum Card has no annual fee for military members, which can be a huge savings since the usual annual fee is $695. American Express also waives overlimit fees, late payment fees, and returned payment fees.
For another approach, see: American Express Platinum Card Fee Increase
Additional Perks
As a cardholder of the American Express Platinum Card, you'll enjoy a range of statement credits that can add up to over $1,500 each year. These credits can be used for various expenses, including shopping and travel.
Some of the notable statement credits include a $300 Equinox credit, a $240 digital entertainment credit, and a $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection stays. You'll also receive up to $200 a year in Uber Cash, a $200 airline fee credit, and a $199 Clear credit.
Here are some of the statement credits you can expect to receive:
- $300 Equinox credit.
- $240 digital entertainment credit.
- $200 hotel credit for Fine Hotels and Resorts or The Hotel Collection stays.
- Up to $200 a year in Uber Cash.
- $200 airline fee credit.
- $199 Clear credit.
- $155 Walmart+ credit.
- $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit.
Hotel Elite Status
Hotel Elite Status can be a game-changer for frequent travelers, offering perks like late checkout and room upgrades.
The Platinum Card from American Express provides complimentary hotel elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, giving you Gold status with both programs as long as you hold the card.
With Marriott's Gold status, you can expect a welcome gift of points, bonus points, and room upgrades.
A different take: Amex Platinum Card Points
Elite Rental Status
Elite rental status can grant you some amazing perks when renting a car. You can enjoy free additional drivers and complimentary upgrades, making your rental experience even more convenient and enjoyable.
Having elite rental status can also give you access to exclusive services and benefits. For example, the Platinum Card from American Express comes with rental car elite status from three companies.
Here are the details of the elite status offered by the Platinum Card from American Express:
With these elite statuses, you can enjoy a more premium rental experience and make the most out of your trips.
Uber Credits and VIP Status
You can get up to $200 annually in Uber credits just for using your Platinum Card, which can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders.
These credits are delivered as Uber Cash ($15 per month and $35 in December), making them perfect for ordering food during a busy PCS or deployment.
Using your Uber credits can be a lifesaver during stressful times, and it's one of the many perks of having a Platinum Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amex Platinum still free for military?
Yes, The Platinum Card from American Express remains free of annual fees for military members, regardless of when the card was opened. This benefit is a result of laws that limit fees for credit charged to those in the armed forces.
How does Amex verify military status?
American Express verifies military status by checking the MLA and SCRA databases, and also accepts orders proving active duty. This helps ensure accurate identification of military personnel for benefits and protections.
How to get the Amex Platinum fee waived?
Call (800) 452-3945 to potentially have American Express waive the Amex Platinum annual fee, but results are not guaranteed. Consider alternative options, such as Amex's financial help program.
Sources
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/why-the-american-express-platinum-card-benefits-military-members
- https://militarytravelperks.com/faqs/
- https://www.asksebby.com/guides/waive-amex-platinum-annual-fee
- https://choosefi.com/amex-platinum-card-active-duty-military
- https://themilitarywallet.com/platinum-card-from-american-express-how-to-apply/
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