Does American Express Have a Military Fee Waiver?

If you’re an active-duty service member or military spouse exploring premium credit card options, you may have heard that American Express offers generous military protections, especially when it comes to its fees. But does American Express actually reduce certain fees for eligible military members?

The short answer is yes, but the details matter.

Thanks to protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA), qualifying service members may be eligible for fee relief on some of Amex’s top-tier cards, including the American Express Platinum Card®.

In this article, we break down how these laws apply, who qualifies, and what steps you need to take to get the benefit.

SCRA Relief from American Express

American Express provides financial relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) for eligible military members with credit accounts opened before entering active duty. This includes personal and business credit cards, as well as closed-end loans.

Once approved, Amex caps your interest rate at 6%, which includes certain fees such as annual membership fees, late fees, and returned payment fees, for the duration of your active-duty service. This relief can result in substantial savings, especially on premium products with high annual fees.

To qualify, you must:

• Be an active-duty member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, or a commissioned officer of the Public Health Service or NOAA.
• Be a reservist or National Guard member called to active duty under qualifying federal orders.
• Submit your request no later than 180 days after leaving active duty.

SCRA relief is not automatic. You must request it by logging into your Amex account and uploading documentation (such as active-duty orders). Amex typically applies relief within two billing cycles.

MLA Relief from American Express

If you open a consumer American Express credit card while already on active duty, you may be eligible for automatic relief under the Military Lending Act (MLA). Amex verifies your status through Department of Defense records at the time of application.

The MLA caps the Military Annual Percentage Rate (MAPR) at 36%. This cap includes interest charges and certain fees, which can reduce the effective cost of carrying a credit card. While many issuers choose to go beyond the minimum requirements, American Express is one of the few that applies this relief in a way that often eliminates or reduces annual fees on consumer cards for active-duty servicemembers.

Eligibility extends to:

• Active-duty regular and reserve members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard.
• Servicemembers on Active Guard and Reserve duty.
• Spouses, children, or qualifying dependents.
• Individuals for whom the servicemember provides more than half of their support.

Unlike the SCRA, no application is required for MLA relief—it is automatically applied if Amex confirms your eligibility in DoD records.

Understanding Your Benefits

Together, the SCRA and MLA reduce the financial burden of credit card ownership for servicemembers. The relief depends on when the account was opened and your duty status, but both protections can dramatically reduce costs during service.

This is especially valuable for premium cards with high annual fees, such as the American Express Platinum Card® (annual_fees) or the American Express Gold (annual_fees). For many military families, these protections mean accessing luxury-level perks at little to no effective cost.

Why the American Express Platinum Card® Is a Great Card for Active Duty Military

The American Express Platinum Card® is the flagship example of how military benefits make premium cards accessible. The annual fee is annual_fees, but with SCRA or MLA relief, active-duty members often see this cost reduced significantly while still receiving the full suite of perks.

The Platinum offers access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (10 visits per year starting February 1, 2025, unless you spend $75,000 annually), and Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required). This makes PCS or deployment travel far more comfortable.

Other travel benefits include savings through Amex’s International Airline Program and luxury perks at over 1,000 hotels through Fine Hotels & Resorts®. The card also reimburses TSA PreCheck or Global Entry every four years, making travel faster for military members who frequently fly.

With the 2025 refresh, Platinum benefits have expanded:

• Up to $600 annual hotel credit, issued in two $300 installments.
• Up to $400 Resy dining credit (new).
• Up to $300 digital entertainment credit (increased from $240).
• Up to $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One membership.
• Up to $300 lululemon credit (new).
• Up to $200 Oura Ring credit (new).
• Up to $155 Walmart+ credit.
• Up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit.
• Expanded Global Lounge Collection access

Earning power remains strong, with 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1X points on other purchases. Welcome offers can reach as high as signup_reward points after signup_bonus_spend_amount in qualifying spend within the first signup_bonus_timeframe, making it one of the richest sign-up bonuses available.

For active-duty servicemembers receiving MLA relief, the Platinum is a slam dunk. You gain access to more than $3,500 in potential annual benefits while dramatically reducing or even eliminating the annual fee burden.

American Express® Gold Card

The Gold Card has a annual_fees annual fee, but like the Platinum, this cost may be reduced under SCRA or MLA protections. The Gold is a strong option for everyday spending, especially for servicemembers with families.

It earns 4X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per year), 4X points on eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), 3X on flights booked directly or through Amex Travel, and 2X on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. This makes it a versatile earner for groceries, dining, and travel.

Gold Cardholders also receive up to $10 in monthly dining credits and Uber Cash, which add up to meaningful annual savings. Combined with a welcome bonus that can reach signup_reward points after spending signup_bonus_spend_amount in the first signup_bonus_timeframe, the Gold is often the best complement to the Platinum for military families.

Note: bonus_miles_disclaimer

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

While the Platinum and Gold focus on Membership Rewards® points, the card_name is all about maximizing cash back on household necessities. It’s a strong option for military families who prefer straightforward rewards that can directly offset expenses.

The Blue Cash Preferred offers an impressive 6% cash back on eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), making it one of the best cards for grocery spending. It also offers 6% back on select U.S. streaming services, which pairs well with the entertainment credits available on other Amex cards. You’ll also get 3% back on eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and on transit, including rideshares, tolls, trains, buses, and parking—categories that fit neatly into both PCS and everyday commuting needs. All other eligible purchases earn 1% back.

For a military family, these categories provide value in nearly every stage of service life. During PCS moves, gas and transit expenses can add up quickly, making the 3% cash back useful. Once settled, the 6% grocery and streaming rewards cover household staples. Even overseas, families stationed stateside often maintain U.S. streaming subscriptions, ensuring this credit remains relevant.

The Blue Cash Preferred does carry an annual fee, but under SCRA or MLA relief, that cost may be reduced or eliminated for eligible servicemembers. That means military households can potentially enjoy the full rewards package without worrying about offsetting the fee.

Unlike the Platinum or Gold, which require you to think about point values and redemptions, the Blue Cash Preferred is simple: cash back posts directly to your account, lowering your statement balance or freeing up funds for other expenses. This straightforward structure makes it an excellent complement to the more complex rewards systems on Amex’s premium cards.

For families who want to maximize both value and flexibility, combining the Platinum (for travel perks), the Gold (for dining and groceries), and the Blue Cash Preferred (for pure cash back) creates a powerful lineup of benefits—all potentially available at a fraction of the advertised cost thanks to military protections.

Other American Express Cards Eligible for SCRA or MLA Benefits

Beyond the Platinum, Gold, and Blue Cash Preferred, several other Amex cards are eligible for military fee relief, including:

• Amex Platinum Card® for Schwab
• Amex® Green Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® Amex Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® Amex Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card
• Hilton Honors Amex Aspire Card
• Hilton Honors Amex Surpass® Card

Each of these cards comes with its own mix of perks and fees, which can be made far more manageable with SCRA or MLA relief.

Why Does American Express Offer These Military Credit Card Incentives?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA) are federal laws designed to provide various protections to military personnel. These laws aim to ease financial burdens and offer legal protections that allow servicemembers to devote their full attention to their duties while securing their peace of mind about certain financial and legal obligations.

Key Provisions of SCRA and MLA

SCRA Benefits:

• Reduced Interest Rates: SCRA caps interest rates at 6% per year on credit obligations incurred before military service, including credit cards, mortgages, and other loans.
• Foreclosure and Eviction Protections: Provides protection from eviction and foreclosure under certain conditions for active duty members.
• Contract Termination Rights: Allows servicemembers to terminate certain contract obligations such as automobile leases, cellphone contracts, and housing rentals without penalty in instances of deployment or reassignment.

MLA Benefits:

• Cap on Interest and Fees: The MLA limits the total charge on most types of consumer loans to a military annual percentage rate (MAPR) of 36%, which includes interest and other fees.
• No Mandatory Waivers: Prohibits creditors from requiring servicemembers to submit to mandatory arbitration or give up certain rights under federal or state law.
• Loan Disclosure Requirements: Lenders must provide clear disclosures about the loan costs and terms.

This military interest rate limit is set so that military credit users are charged “no more than six percent per year, including most fees.” But this is not an automatic benefit; it must be applied for including when you apply for an American Express Platinum card or any other type of AMEX credit. Claiming both your military discount on a credit card AND getting additional SCRA consideration is a smart move.

How to Request SCRA and MLA Relief from American Express

Requesting SCRA relief is straightforward but requires action on your part. If you opened your Amex account before active duty, log into your online account and submit documentation such as active-duty orders, PCS orders, or a letter from your commanding officer. You can also call, fax, or mail documents if you prefer. Amex will review your request and typically respond within two billing cycles.

For MLA relief, no application is required. If you open a new Amex account while on active duty, Amex checks DoD databases to confirm eligibility and applies protections automatically. To avoid issues, always ensure your information in the DoD database is accurate and up to date.

Requesting SCRA Relief

If you opened your American Express account before entering active duty, you may be eligible for SCRA relief. To receive this benefit, you’ll need to submit a request and provide documentation verifying your active duty status.

You can submit your SCRA request in the following ways:

• Online (fastest method):
  Log in to your American Express Online Services account and submit your request through the Document Center. You can upload documents such as:
  • Active duty orders
  • PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders
  • DD-214 (for past service)
  • Letters from your commanding officer
  Note: Your Card must be enrolled in Online Services to use this option.
• Phone:
  Call the number on the back of your Card, or reach Amex directly at 1-800-253-1720. From overseas, call collect at 1-336-393-1111.
• Fax:
  Send your documentation to 623-444-3000. Be sure to include your American Express account number.
• Mail:
  American Express
  Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
  PO Box 981535
  El Paso, TX 79998-1535
  Include a copy of your active duty documentation and your account number.

Once your request is submitted, American Express will notify you of the status within two billing cycles.

Understanding MLA Relief

If you apply for a consumer Amex card while already on active duty, you may be eligible for MLA relief. This benefit is applied automatically—you don’t need to submit a request. American Express verifies your active-duty status through Department of Defense records at the time you apply.

To ensure accurate eligibility, make sure your information is current with the DoD.

How to Check if You Will Receive SCRA or MLA Protections

The simplest way to check if you will receive MLA or SCRA protections on your account is to check the MLA Database or SCRA Database.

The MLA and SCRA database are the same databases that the credit card companies check to determine if you qualify for MLA or SCRA benefits.

If you are not listed as eligible in these databases, you will not receive MLA and SCRA benefits applied to your account. You must be listed as eligible in these databases for the credit card companies to apply your military benefits.

SCRA Benefits Do Expire

When you claim SCRA benefits under any credit card provider, including American Express, your benefits include forgiveness of interest incurred above six percent, which is applicable retroactively for debts you had before starting your military career. That means that if you already had an American Express card before you served, you could find a refund is due depending on the interest rate and other factors.

The catch is that you have a time limit to claim such SCRA benefits-you can claim them as many as 180 days after the end of military service. When you file your SCRA notice with any creditor, AMEX or otherwise, the creditor is required to fully forgive, rather than defer until later, the amount of interest greater than six percent per year that may be affected by your SCRA rights.

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To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards featured, please visit the following: Rates and Fees.