American Express Platinum Benefits for Military

Credit cards can be powerful tools for military families when used wisely and paid in full each month. They offer rewards and unique perks, eliminate currency transaction fees, and provide added consumer protections.

With a list of perks that perhaps no other card can match, card_name deserves a place in your wallet. You can enjoy a little VIP treatment and a host of travel benefits with this as your primary card.

We’re breaking down how military members can maximize the Amex Platinum Card’s value, the process for applying military protections, and why it’s a top choice for active-duty service members.

Looking to get started right away?  View the simple application process here to take advantage of the Amex Platinum card’s benefits today, or continue reading our review below.

Understanding Military Protections: SCRA and MLA Relief

Before diving into the card’s many benefits, it’s essential to understand the protections that military members can access under the SCRA and MLA. These federal laws were designed to ease financial pressures on military members during active-duty service.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Overview

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides protections to active-duty military members regarding pre-existing financial obligations, including credit cards.

If you opened your Amex Platinum account before joining active duty, you might be eligible for protections that include a cap on interest rates (no more than 6%) and relief from certain fees, including late fees and penalties.

However, the exact benefits vary based on individual circumstances, and military members must apply for SCRA protections to receive these benefits.

How to Apply for SCRA Relief

• Log into your American Express account online and submit a request for SCRA relief.
• You will need to provide supporting documentation, such as your active-duty orders or a letter from your commanding officer.
• Once processed, Amex typically applies SCRA protections within two billing cycles, and eligible fees will be credited back.

Military Lending Act (MLA) Overview

The Military Lending Act provides more comprehensive protections for accounts opened while on active duty, offering relief for various credit card fees, including annual fees.

Importantly, when military members open a new Amex Platinum account while serving, the MLA automatically applies these protections.

Unlike the SCRA, no application is required—Amex determines eligibility based on data from the Department of Defense.

MLA Relief in Action

• Military members who open a Platinum Card while on active duty will automatically benefit from protections that limit fees and other financial obligations.
• This relief is typically processed automatically, but it’s still a good idea to ensure your active-duty status is correctly listed in the Department of Defense’s database.

Key Takeaway: Both the SCRA and MLA ensure that military members enjoy significant financial protections while holding the Amex Platinum Card. The protections may reduce or eliminate fees and interest, providing financial peace of mind during active service.

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.

Why We Love The Amex Platinum for Military Service Members

The Amex Platinum is well-known for its premium travel and lifestyle benefits. When paired with military-specific protections, it becomes a highly valuable tool for military personnel.

Below is a detailed look at the card’s benefits and how military members can take full advantage of them.

Global Lounge Access is a Lifesaver for PCS and Frequent Travelers

One of the standout features of the Amex Platinum is its extensive airport lounge access. Military members who frequently PCS (Permanent Change of Station) or travel for deployments can benefit greatly from the card’s Global Lounge Collection.

• Centurion Lounges: Exclusive to American Express cardholders, these lounges provide complimentary gourmet food, premium drinks, and quiet spaces to work or relax.
• Delta Sky Clubs: Available when flying on Delta Airlines, these lounges are perfect for those frequently traveling domestically with Delta.
• Priority Pass Select Membership: Enrollment required. Access over 1,400 lounges worldwide. Whether stationed abroad or traveling for leisure, military members can find comfortable spaces in major airports across the globe.

For servicemembers stationed overseas or making long domestic trips during PCS moves, having access to lounges can transform travel days—especially when traveling with family.

Lounge access allows for comfortable layovers, with food, Wi-Fi, and rest areas that make even the most stressful trips more manageable.

The $200 Airline Fee Credit Helps Cover Baggage and Travel Expenses

The $200 annual airline fee credit is designed to offset incidental fees charged by your chosen airline. These include baggage fees, seat upgrades, in-flight refreshments, and even lounge access (for airlines outside of the Global Lounge Collection).

How it Works:

• Each calendar year, cardholders receive up to $200 in statement credits for eligible fees charged by their chosen airline.
• You must select one airline per year through your American Express account, and any incidental fees charged by that airline will automatically trigger the credit.

Uber Cash: $200 in Annual Credits

The Amex Platinum Card provides up to $200 in Uber Cash annually. Each month, cardholders receive $15 in Uber Cash, with an additional $20 bonus in December. This credit can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders. Those stationed in urban areas or frequently traveling to new locations will find this perk especially useful.

Hotel Elite Status: Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold Status

With the Amex Platinum Card, military members automatically receive Gold Status in both the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors loyalty programs.

• Marriott Bonvoy Gold Status: Benefits include room upgrades, late checkouts, and bonus points on stays. Marriott properties are commonly found near many military bases, making this status especially useful.
• Hilton Honors Gold Status: Enjoy complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and additional points on stays.

If you often stay in hotels during relocations or travel for leisure, having elite status at two major hotel chains can result in significant savings and enhanced travel experiences, such as free breakfast and better rooms.

$100 Saks Fifth Avenue Credit

Cardholders receive up to $100 in annual statement credits for purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue. This benefit is split into two $50 credits—one available from January through June, and the other from July through December.

While this benefit might not seem essential, it provides an opportunity for military families to enjoy luxury shopping without paying full price. Whether buying gifts or indulging in a personal treat, the credit can be used for quality purchases at Saks.

$240 Digital Entertainment Credit

The Platinum Card offers up to $20 per month in statement credits for eligible digital streaming services, such as Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and The Wall Street Journal.

These days, most people have at least one streaming entertainment service. This perk is a great way to stay connected during downtime and save on something you were likely already paying for anyway.

Rewards and Points Earning Potential

In addition to these perks, card_name offers excellent rewards-earning potential, particularly for those who travel frequently.

Earning Membership Rewards Points

• 5X Points on Flights: Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year.
• 5X Points on Hotels: Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel.
• 1X Points on All Other Purchases: For everyday spending, cardholders earn 1X Membership Rewards point for each dollar spent.

For servicemembers and their families who book travel for vacations, PCS moves, or even deployments, the 5X points on flights and hotels can quickly add up. These points can be redeemed for future travel, transferred to airline or hotel partners, or used for other purchases.

Redeeming Membership Rewards Points

Membership Rewards points can be redeemed in several ways, but the most valuable redemptions are typically for travel through American Express Travel or transfers to airline and hotel partners.

Transfer Partners:

• American Express has transfer partnerships with over 20 airlines and hotel chains, including Delta SkyMiles, Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and British Airways.
• Transferring points to these partners often results in higher value per point, especially when booking premium flights or luxury hotel stays.

Transferring points to airlines can help you upgrade to first-class tickets for long flights or book free hotel stays during family vacations, making travel more affordable.

Comparing The Amex Platinum to Other Military Credit Cards

How does card_name compare to other top military-friendly credit cards? Here’s a breakdown of key features:

Feature	Amex Platinum	USAA Eagle Navigator	Navy Federal Flagship Rewards	Chase Sapphire Reserve
Annual Fee (before relief)	annual_fees	$95	$49	$550
Welcome Bonus	80,000 points after $8,000 spend	50,000 points after $3,000 spend	40,000 points after $4,000 spend	50,000 points after $4,000 spend
Rewards Rate	5x on flights, 1x on other	2x on all purchases	3x on travel, 2x on other	3x on travel, 1x on other
Lounge Access	Global Lounge Collection	None	None	Priority Pass Select
Foreign Transaction Fees	None	None	None	None

Maximize Military Protections and Rewards with the Amex Platinum

card_name provides military members with an unparalleled combination of premium travel rewards and essential military protections under the SCRA and MLA. Whether you’re traveling for duty or leisure, the card’s benefits—including lounge access, hotel elite status, and annual travel credits—make it a powerful tool for servicemembers and their families.

By leveraging military protections and maximizing Membership Rewards points, The Platinum Card becomes an essential financial tool, offering comfort, convenience, and savings.

» Next Step: .

---

Veteran.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Veteran.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.