The Amex Platinum Card: Military Benefits & How to Apply

Table of Contents

1. Why the Amex Platinum Card is Best for Active Duty Military & Spouses
2. Military Benefits Under SCRA and MLA
1. How These Protections Work:
2. How the Amex Platinum Card Delivers:
3. How Military Members Can Get Relief on Amex Platinum Fees
1. How MLA Benefits Are Applied to New Accounts
2. What to Do If MLA Benefits Aren’t Applied
3. How to Apply for SCRA Benefits
4. Maintaining Your MLA/SCRA Benefits
4. Top-Tier Travel Perks
1. Earn More Points for Military Travel
2. Luxury Airport Lounge Access Worldwide
3. Hotel Perks That Matter
4. Extra Travel Benefits for Military Members
5. Exceptional Shopping & Lifestyle Benefits
1. Stream More, Spend Less
2. Walmart+ Membership: Huge Perks for Military Families
6. Redeeming Your Points
7. Comprehensive Insurance & Protections
1. Travel Insurance & Protections
2. Everyday Purchase Protections
8. Exclusive Dining Experiences
9. Who Is Eligible for the Amex Platinum Card?
1. Creditworthiness: What Score Do You Need?
2. Steady Income & Financial Stability
3. U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency
4. What If You Don’t Meet These Requirements?
10. How to Apply for the Amex Platinum Card
1. Step-by-Step Application Process
11. The Approval Process
1. Pre-Approval
2. Full Approval
12. 4 Ways to Maximize Your American Express Platinum Card® Benefits
1. 1. Take Advantage of Lounge Access
2. 2. Use Your Annual Airline Fee Credit
3. 3. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on Travel
4. 4. Take Advantage of Uber Credits and VIP Status
13. How to Extend Amex Platinum Benefits to Military Spouses
1. Separate Cards for the Whole Family
14. Rewards Point Structure
1. Other American Express Cards Eligible for MLA Fee Waivers
15. Why The American Express Platinum Card is a Must-Have for Military Members
16. Is the Amex Platinum Worth It for Veterans?
1. When the Amex Platinum Card Is Worth It for Veterans
17. Best Alternatives for Veterans Who Want Lower Fees
1. For Servicemembers Who Still Want Great Travel Perks:
2. For Veterans Who Want No Annual Fee & Flexible Rewards:

Why the Amex Platinum Card is Best for Active Duty Military & Spouses

The American Express Platinum Card is packed with rewards for its members. And, thanks to the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active duty military members can benefit even more.

These protections mean you’re eligible for perks like interest rate caps and relief on credit card fees, including annual membership fees, late fees, and returned payment fees.

With constant PCS moves, deployments, and unique financial challenges, finding the right credit card can feel overwhelming. The Amex Platinum stands out with premium benefits—like access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide and perks worth more than $1,500 across travel, entertainment, and dining. 

Even if you’re no longer eligible for fee relief under the MLA & SCRA, these perks can still make this card a great choice.

That’s why I highly recommend card_name to servicemembers, Veterans, and military families alike.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the Platinum Card’s military-specific benefits, how to apply, and some tips on taking advantage of its perks.

Looking to get started right away? View the simple application process here to take advantage of the Amex Platinum benefits today, or continue reading our full review below. American Express will let you know if you’re approved with no impact to your credit score (your score may be impacted like normal if you are approved and choose to accept the card offer).

Military Benefits Under SCRA and MLA

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Military Lending Act (MLA) are federal laws designed to protect military members from excessive financial burdens while on active duty. In essence, these laws help cap interest rates and reduce or provide relief on certain fees for eligible credit products. This ensures that during deployments, PCS moves, or other service-related transitions, your financial costs remain manageable.

How These Protections Work:

• Interest Rate Caps: Under the SCRA, interest rates on pre-service credit accounts are typically limited to 6%. The MLA similarly sets limits on interest rates for many open-end consumer credit products, including credit cards.
• Fee Relief: Both laws offer protections that can reduce fees—covering costs such as annual membership fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, and fees for adding authorized users. These measures help lower your overall financial burden during active service.

How the Amex Platinum Card Delivers:

American Express is one of the few major issuers—along with Chase and U.S. Bank—that offers fee relief on personal credit cards for active duty military members under both the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). 

This fee relief extends beyond active duty servicemembers—military spouses and eligible dependents can also qualify under the MLA and SCRA, making premium cards like the Amex Platinum more accessible for military families. By providing relief on the annual fee, Amex allows servicemembers and their families to take full advantage of the card’s luxury travel perks and rewards without the usual cost barrier. However, relief isn’t automatic; eligible applicants must request it, and Amex reviews each case individually.

How Military Members Can Get Relief on Amex Platinum Fees

Amex automatically checks your MLA eligibility when you apply while on active duty. MLA relief only applies to accounts opened while on active duty. If you’re already a cardholder, you may still be eligible for relief under SCRA protections.

How MLA Benefits Are Applied to New Accounts

When you apply for the Platinum Card while on active duty, American Express will:

• Run your Social Security number against the MLA database to determine eligibility.
• Automatically apply MLA protections if you’re listed as a Covered Borrower.
• Periodically review your status to ensure continued eligibility.

To help trigger an MLA database search, select “military” as your source of income when filling out the application.

After approval, double-check your cardholder agreement for the statement, “You have been identified as a ‘Covered Borrower’ under the Military Lending Act.”

This confirms that MLA benefits are active on your account.

What to Do If MLA Benefits Aren’t Applied

If you believe you qualify but weren’t identified, contact American Express at 1-800-253-1720 within 12 months of opening your account to request a review.

How to Apply for SCRA Benefits

If you opened your Platinum Card before joining active duty, you’ll need to submit an SCRA relief request.

Ways to Apply for SCRA Relief:

• Online: Log in to your American Express account, upload your active-duty orders via the Document Center, and wait for a response (typically within two billing cycles).
• Phone: Call 1-800-253-1720 or use the number on the back of your card to apply.
• Fax: Send your active-duty orders and account number to 623-444-3000.

• Mail: Send a copy of your active-duty orders and account details to:

American Express

Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

PO Box 981535

El Paso, TX 79998-1535

Maintaining Your MLA/SCRA Benefits

• Keep your military status updated with the Department of Defense to prevent interruptions.
• If your active duty status changes, Amex will notify you 45 days in advance before reinstating the annual fee.

Top-Tier Travel Perks

The Amex Platinum Card is built for military travelers—whether you’re moving for a PCS, heading TDY/TAD for temporary duty assignments, traveling for training exercises, or just taking well-earned leave to visit family or go on vacation. Frequent moves and deployments can make travel unpredictable, but this card offers real value beyond just earning points.

Earn More Points for Military Travel

You’ll earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines and prepaid hotels and flights booked through Amex Travel, making it easier to rack up rewards for your next trip—whether it’s an international vacation, a PCS move, or a quick weekend getaway. The Amex Travel portal also makes booking flights and hotels a breeze, often offering lower-cost bookings compared to other travel sites.

Luxury Airport Lounge Access Worldwide

With access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, your travel experience instantly upgrades. Whether you’re enduring a long layover between duty stations, waiting out a delayed flight on a TDY, or simply grabbing a quiet space before heading back home on leave, you can relax in:

• Centurion Lounges – Enjoy complimentary gourmet meals, drinks, and comfortable seating. (Guest policy: Free entry for the cardholder; guests are $50 per adult, $30 per child under 18, unless the cardholder has spent $75,000+ on their Platinum Card in a calendar year.)
• Priority Pass Lounges – Access thousands of lounges worldwide, spanning major U.S. and international hubs. (Guest policy: Cardholders receive a complimentary Priority Pass membership; guest access varies by lounge, though many allow at least one free guest.)
• Delta Sky Clubs – Available when flying Delta on the same day. (Guest policy: Cardholders can enter for free, but guests are $50 each unless the cardholder holds a Delta Reserve card or meets Medallion status qualifications.)

Exclusive Centurion Lounges Near Major Military Bases

American Express Centurion Lounges offer complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, making long layovers and delays much more bearable. Some of the best Centurion Lounges for military travelers include:

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Ideal for servicemembers stationed in the D.C. area, the Pentagon, and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT): Great for those near Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), NC.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): Convenient for Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, TX.
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW): Near Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, TX.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): A solid option for those traveling to or from Travis Air Force Base, CA.
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): Close to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): Perfect for servicemembers stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, NV.

If you’re traveling through any of these hubs, Centurion Lounges can turn an ordinary layover into a much more comfortable experience—whether you need to grab a bite, charge your devices, or just unwind before your next flight.

Priority Pass & More

Beyond Centurion Lounges, your Amex Platinum Card also grants access to:

• Priority Pass Lounges – Available at major U.S. and international airports, offering food, drinks, and comfortable seating.
• Delta Sky Clubs – When flying Delta, you can access Delta’s exclusive lounges with your Amex Platinum.

Whenever I travel for leave, PCS orders, or TDY assignments, I plan my layovers at airports with lounge access. Having a quiet, comfortable space to unwind makes a huge difference—especially after long flights or before redeploying back home.

Hotel Perks That Matter

PCS moves, TDY stays, and family vacations can mean a lot of hotel nights. The Amex Platinum Card gives you complimentary Gold Elite Status with both Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, unlocking room upgrades, bonus points on stays, late checkout, and free breakfast at select properties.

Even better, booking through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts Program provides premium perks like:

• Room upgrades upon arrival (when available)
• Daily breakfast for two
• Guaranteed 4 PM late checkout
• $100+ experience credits for dining, spa, or activities

These perks make a huge difference when you’re traveling on orders, house-hunting before a PCS, or just taking a well-earned break.

Extra Travel Benefits for Military Members

In addition to earning points and enjoying lounge access, Amex Platinum helps reduce out-of-pocket travel costs with:

• Up to $200 in annual airline incidental credits (baggage fees, seat upgrades, in-flight purchases)
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash distributed in $15-20 monthly installments (great for airport rides and food delivery during PCS chaos)
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credits (to speed through security and customs)
• $199 CLEAR Plus credit (to speed through security at domestic airports using biometrics in lieu of ID)

From frequent PCS moves to weekend getaways, the Amex Platinum Card makes military travel smoother, more rewarding, and a lot more comfortable.

Exceptional Shopping & Lifestyle Benefits

The Amex Platinum Card enhances everyday spending by turning routine purchases into valuable rewards. Right away, you’ll receive an introductory bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership, giving your rewards balance a strong jumpstart.

Beyond earning points, this card provides valuable credits that support military families’ everyday needs, helping offset entertainment, shopping, and even fuel costs.

Stream More, Spend Less

With up to $240 in annual Digital Entertainment Credits, you can enjoy popular streaming services like Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and The New York Times at no cost. For military families constantly on the move, having access to entertainment on-demand is a great way to unwind—whether it’s keeping up with your favorite shows during deployment or keeping the kids entertained on long PCS road trips.

Walmart+ Membership: Huge Perks for Military Families

One of the most underrated benefits of the Amex Platinum Card is the complimentary Walmart+ membership (valued at $155 per year). This membership provides:

• Free shipping with no order minimum – Perfect for military families, especially those stationed in remote locations.
• Free grocery delivery (where available) – A lifesaver during PCS moves or busy duty schedules.
• Fuel discounts at over 14,000 gas stations – Save 10 cents per gallon at Exxon, Mobil, and Walmart/Sam’s Club fuel stations.
• Free Paramount+ Essential Plan membership – More streaming entertainment at no extra cost.
• APO/FPO/DPO Shipping – Unlike many retailers, Walmart ships to military addresses worldwide, making it an essential shopping option for those stationed overseas.

For servicemembers balancing tight schedules, frequent moves, and busy family life, these perks offer real, practical savings—not just luxury extras. The Amex Platinum Card helps military families maximize their budgets while enjoying top-tier benefits.

Redeeming Your Points

One of the biggest perks of the Amex Platinum Card is the flexibility in how you use your points. You can transfer them to airline and hotel partners or redeem them directly through American Express Travel—allowing you to maximize value based on your travel or financial goals.

For example, you could:

• Book a Luxury Hotel Stay – Transfer points to Hilton Honors, which offers a 1:2 transfer ratio, effectively doubling your Amex points. That means:
  • Stay at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas for 40,000 Amex points per night (80,000 Hilton points).
  • Book a night at Tropicana Las Vegas for just 10,500 Amex points (21,000 Hilton points).
  • Relax at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World for 45,000 Amex points (90,000 Hilton points).
    If Vegas isn’t your scene, you can also transfer 85,000 Amex points to Marriott Bonvoy for a 5-star resort stay in Hawaii or the Maldives.
• Cover Travel Costs Directly – Use points at 1 cent per point through Amex Travel, meaning 100,000 points = $1,000 toward flights, hotels, or rental cars—perfect for servicemembers who prefer straightforward redemptions.
• Shop with Points – Redeem points at checkout at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Dell, and Grubhub, typically at 0.7 cents per point.
• Cash Out or Get Gift Cards – If you have an Amex checking account, you can cash out points at 0.8 cents per point. Gift card redemptions vary but typically range from 0.5 to 1 cent per point.

While transferring points to airlines and hotels often provides the best value (typically 1.2–2.0 cents per point, depending on promotions and availability), Amex’s flexible redemption options ensure you can tailor your rewards to fit your needs—whether for travel, shopping, or statement credits.

Comprehensive Insurance & Protections

Life in the military comes with a lot of uncertainty, from sudden deployments to unpredictable schedule changes. The Amex Platinum Card helps provide peace of mind with a robust suite of travel and purchase protections, ensuring that whether you’re on the move or making big purchases, you’re covered.

Travel Insurance & Protections

When you use your Amex Platinum Card to book travel, you receive coverage that helps protect you financially in case of cancellations, delays, or lost items:

• Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance – If an unexpected event forces you to cancel or cut your trip short, you can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip for non-refundable expenses like flights, hotels, and tours.
• Trip Delay Insurance – If your flight is delayed more than 6 hours, Amex helps cover up to $500 towards meals, hotels, and other expenses.
• Lost or Damaged Baggage Protection – If your checked baggage is lost, stolen, or damaged, American Express provides coverage beyond what airlines offer. Cardholders can receive up to $3,000 per trip in reimbursement for lost or damaged luggage when booking the trip with their Platinum Card.
• Rental Car Insurance – When you use your Amex Platinum to book a rental car, you get secondary coverage (or primary coverage if you enroll in Amex’s Premium Car Rental Protection), helping you avoid paying for expensive rental insurance.

These protections are especially valuable for military members traveling for PCS moves, TDY/TAD assignments, or visiting family across the country.

Everyday Purchase Protections

The Amex Platinum Card doesn’t just protect your travel—it also helps safeguard big-ticket purchases, making it an excellent choice for military families investing in electronics, home appliances, and personal items.

• Purchase Protection (90 Days of Coverage)
  • Covers accidental damage and theft on eligible new purchases for up to 90 days.
  • Perfect for smartphones, laptops, TVs, and other valuable electronics, ensuring you’re covered if something goes wrong.
• Extended Warranty Protection
  • Adds up to one additional year of coverage on eligible purchases with original warranties of five years or less.
  • Great for appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, as well as tech gadgets like tablets, smartwatches, and gaming consoles.

These protections provide military families extra peace of mind, whether you’re setting up a new home after a PCS or investing in everyday essentials.

From unexpected trip cancellations to protecting expensive purchases, the Amex Platinum Card offers coverage that fits the needs of military members and their families—keeping you protected at home and on the move.

Exclusive Dining Experiences

Beyond travel and everyday spending, the Amex Platinum Card offers access to exclusive dining and entertainment options that enhance your lifestyle. Through Global Dining Access by Resy, you can secure reservations at select restaurants and enjoy curated dining events that aren’t available to the general public. 

Who Is Eligible for the Amex Platinum Card?

Before applying for the American Express Platinum Card, it’s important to understand the typical eligibility requirements. While there are no hard-set rules, here’s what Amex generally looks for in applicants:

Creditworthiness: What Score Do You Need?

• Good to excellent credit is typically required, usually a credit score of 700+.
• Amex prefers applicants with at least 1-2 years of clean credit history, meaning on-time payments, low credit utilization, and no major delinquencies.

Steady Income & Financial Stability

• While there’s no strict income requirement, an annual income of $50,000+ is generally recommended.
• Applicants with lower incomes have been approved if they maintain a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and a strong credit profile.
• American Express evaluates your overall financial picture, including your existing credit lines, spending habits, and repayment history, to determine if you qualify.

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

• The Amex Platinum Card is only available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Ensure your identification and residency documents are current before applying.

What If You Don’t Meet These Requirements?

If you’re building or rebuilding credit, or if your income is on the lower side, you might need to start with a more accessible card before working your way up to the Amex Platinum. Here are some great options:

For Building or Repairing Credit:

• Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) nRewards® Secured Card
  • Best for: Active duty servicemembers, Veterans, and military families who need to build or repair their credit.
  • Why? No annual fee, credit-building features, and the ability to upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use.

For a Beginner-Friendly Amex Card:

• American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card
  • Best for: Those new to Amex or credit cards in general.
  • Why? No annual fee, solid cash-back rewards, and easier approval compared to the Platinum Card.

Both of these options can help establish a strong credit foundation, making it easier to qualify for the Amex Platinum Card down the road.

If you meet the credit, income, and financial stability benchmarks, the Amex Platinum Card can be a powerful financial tool that enhances your military lifestyle with premium perks and travel benefits.

See our top picks for secured credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans.

How to Apply for the Amex Platinum Card

If you’re ready to take advantage of all the benefits the Platinum Card offers, here’s how you can apply. American Express will let you know if you’re approved first – without any impact to your credit score.

Make sure to apply after you’ve officially started active duty. Otherwise, you won’t be eligible for MLA benefits. 

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Start Your Application: Begin by following this link to learn more about the American Express Platinum Card. Click “Apply Now” to get started.
2. Choose Your Card Design: American Express offers a few unique designs for the Platinum Card, including the Classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Choose the design that fits your style.
3. Enter Your Personal Information: You’ll need to provide standard information such as your name, Social Security number, income, and address. Be sure to select “Military” as your income source if applicable.
4. Review the Terms and Conditions: Once you’ve filled out your personal information, you’ll be prompted to review the card’s terms and conditions. Ensure you understand the rewards program, interest rates, and applicable fees (though military protections will cover these for active-duty military members).
5. Submit Your Application: After reviewing everything, hit “Submit.” In many cases, you’ll receive an approval decision within minutes. However, if additional review is required, processing your application may take a few business days.
   • American Express will let you know if you’re approved without impacting your credit score. If you then choose to accept the Card, the information they provide to the credit bureau(s) may impact your credit score, just like with any other newly established line of credit.

The Approval Process

Navigating the approval process for the American Express Platinum Card can be straightforward when you understand the steps involved. This section explains what you need to know about pre-approval and the full approval process, helping you prepare your application with confidence.

Pre-Approval

Pre-approval is a useful first step that gives you an idea of your likelihood of qualifying for the card without impacting your credit score. Here’s how it works:

• Soft Credit Check: American Express performs a soft inquiry on your credit report, meaning it won’t affect your score.
• Review of Key Financials: They assess factors such as your credit history, income, and current financial standing.
• Keeping It Current: Make sure your credit information is accurate and up-to-date. For military members and families, a solid record of managing finances can work in your favor.

Taking advantage of pre-approval can help you gauge where you stand and prepare any additional documentation you might need before submitting a full application. American Express offers an online pre-approval tool that allows you to check for potential offers without impacting your credit score, making it easier to see where you stand before applying.

Full Approval

Once you’ve received a pre-approval offer, the next step is to complete your formal application. During this process, American Express conducts a more detailed review:

• Hard Credit Inquiry: The application will trigger a hard inquiry, which can temporarily affect your credit score.
• Documentation: Be prepared with proof of income, residency, and identification. Reviewing your credit report ahead of time can help you spot and resolve any discrepancies.
• Financial Preparedness: Keeping your debts manageable and your credit utilization low demonstrates financial stability, which is key to a successful application.

By ensuring that your financial records accurately reflect your situation, you can streamline the approval process and increase your chances of securing the card.

4 Ways to Maximize Your American Express Platinum Card® Benefits

The Platinum Card is packed with rewards and perks, but knowing how to fully maximize these benefits will ensure you get the most out of it.

Here are a few strategies I’ve used over the years to ensure I’m getting the best value.

1. Take Advantage of Lounge Access

As someone who travels frequently, I can’t stress enough how valuable Global Lounge Collection access has been. Whether you’re on leave, traveling internationally, or stuck in an airport during a PCS, TDY, or deployment, having access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide makes a huge difference. You can relax, grab a meal, freshen up, or catch up on work in peace—without the usual airport chaos.

Depending on which lounge you’re visiting, you might even be able to bring your travel companions free of charge.

2. Use Your Annual Airline Fee Credit

Each year, you’ll receive up to $200 in statement credits for incidental airline fees, such as checked baggage, seat upgrades, or in-flight refreshments. Make sure you’ve selected your preferred airline in your American Express account to activate this credit.

I’ve used this credit every year to offset the cost of traveling with my family, and it’s one of the most straightforward ways to save money on trips.

3. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on Travel

If you frequently book flights or hotels, make sure you’re doing so through American Express Travel. Amex Travel partners include:

• Hotels
  • Choice Hotels
  • Hilton Honors
  • Marriott Bonvoy
• North American Airlines:
  • Aeromexico
  • Air Canada
  • Delta
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • JetBlue
• European Airlines:
  • Aer Lingus
  • Alitalia
  • British Airways
  • Flying Blue (Air France / KLM)
  • Iberia
• Asian Airlines:
  • All Nippon Airways (ANA)
  • Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles)
  • Singapore Airlines
• Middle Eastern Airlines:
  • El Al
  • Emirates
  • Etihad
• Australian and Oceania Airlines:
  • Quantas

You’ll earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on these bookings, which can quickly add up, especially if you travel regularly.

Here’s a tip: I’ve found that transferring my points to airline and hotel partners like Delta, Hilton, and Marriott often provides the best redemption value.

Whether you’re booking a vacation flight or a hotel for PCS, these points are worth a lot.

4. Take Advantage of Uber Credits and VIP Status

Military members and their families can get up to $200 annually in Uber credits just for using their Platinum Card.

These credits are delivered as Uber Cash ($15 per month and $20 in December), and they can be used for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders.

Even if you’re not a frequent Uber rider, the credits can come in handy for ordering food during a busy PCS or deployment.

How to Extend Amex Platinum Benefits to Military Spouses

One of the most valuable aspects of the Platinum Card is that military spouses can be added as authorized users without paying the usual $175 fee for additional cards.

As an authorized user, your spouse will have access to many of the same benefits, including airport lounges, elite hotel status, foreign transaction fee relief, and travel protections.

Separate Cards for the Whole Family

By adding your spouse as an authorized user, you can share the perks of the Platinum Card while managing finances together. Each authorized user receives their own card, so whether you’re on deployment or stationed at a different base, your spouse can still make purchases and earn rewards independently.

It’s a great way to maximize the card’s value for your entire family, especially if you frequently travel or have different day-to-day expenses.

Rewards Point Structure

Every time you spend your Platinum Card, you earn points. You’ll earn 5X points on flights booked directly with the airline as well as prepaid hotels and flights booked through Amex Travel; plus one point per dollar on all other spending. You can redeem points for cash and travel bookings, or transfer them to over 20 airline and hotel partners for even more value.

You can also redeem your points for gift cards and online shopping, but you typically get less than a penny per point. You may receive a penny per point when you redeem for travel, or more if you redeem it with an American Express travel partner.

If you’re strategic about redeeming points, they can be worth more than the standard cash from cashback credit cards.

There are a few ways to rack up points faster:

• Add an authorized user to your credit card. When more than one user spends money on the card, the points add up faster
• Take advantage of Amex Offers. If you go to the “Amex Offers” tab in your American Express app or your online account, you’ll see “Amex Offers,” which are targeted and limited in duration and can add multiple points.
• Use Rakuten. You get points using Rakuten, a cashback website and shopping app. You’ll receive one membership rewards point for every 1% cash back you earn, and you’ll still earn your regular points through your American Express credit card.

Your points don’t expire unless you close your card account with points still left in it. You may also forefeit points if you return a purchase or you make a late payment.

Other American Express Cards Eligible for MLA Fee Waivers

In addition to The Platinum Card, the following Amex cards are also eligible for annual fee waivers in accordance to the SCRA and MLA:

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• American Express® Green Card
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Why The American Express Platinum Card is a Must-Have for Military Members

After years of using the Platinum Card, I can confidently say it’s one of the best financial tools available to military servicemembers. Between the annual fee relief, premium travel perks, and generous rewards program, this card is designed to help you get the most out of your military lifestyle.

From navigating PCS moves to traveling with your family, the benefits of the Platinum Card are hard to beat. And with the MLA and SCRA protections, you can enjoy all of these perks without worrying about the usual fee.

I highly recommend this card for military members who want to maximize their travel rewards and take advantage of luxury benefits.

Is the Amex Platinum Worth It for Veterans?

You might be wondering whether the Amex Platinum Card is still worth it if you’re a veteran or retired from active duty.

While active duty servicemembers qualify for MLA fee waivers that relieve the $695 annual fee, veterans and retirees will need to determine if the card’s premium perks justify the cost.

When the Amex Platinum Card Is Worth It for Veterans

If you travel frequently or enjoy premium benefits, the Amex Platinum can still be a great fit, even with the annual fee. Perks like the following can offset the $695 annual fee:

• $200 airline fee credit (for baggage fees, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases)
• $200 Uber Cash annually (great for airport rides and food delivery)
• $200 hotel credit (through Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection)
• Global Lounge Access (1,400+ lounges worldwide, valued at ~$500)
• Automatic Hilton Gold & Marriott Bonvoy Gold status (~$300+ in value per year)
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credit ($100 every 4 years)

Total potential value: Over $1,500 per year—more than double the annual fee.

These benefits alone can easily offset the annual fee, especially for Veterans who travel for leisure, business, or family visits.

Best Alternatives for Veterans Who Want Lower Fees

If you’re looking for a strong travel rewards card with lower or no annual fees, here are some great alternatives:

For Servicemembers Who Still Want Great Travel Perks:

• Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU) Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Card
  • Annual Fee: $49
  • Why it’s great: 2X points on all purchases, 3X on travel, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry reimbursement.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Why it’s great: Strong travel rewards, 25% more value when redeeming points through Chase Travel, and flexible transfer partners.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Why it’s great: 2X miles on every purchase and the ability to redeem miles for statement credits on travel purchases (hotels, flights, rental cars).
• Wells Fargo Autograph Visa® Card
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Why it’s great: Earn 3X points on a wide range of categories, including travel, dining, gas, transit, streaming, and phone plans. Plus, it offers transfer options to several of the same partners as Amex Membership Rewards, making it a strong alternative for flexible rewards.

For Veterans Who Want No Annual Fee & Flexible Rewards:

• Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Why it’s great: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases plus 3% on dining and drugstores—flexible for everyday spending.
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Why it’s great: 1.25X miles on all purchases with the ability to redeem for travel statement credits.

If the Amex Platinum’s annual fee doesn’t align with your lifestyle, these low-cost alternatives still offer solid travel rewards and benefits.

For a full breakdown of the best travel cards for miliary servicemembers, check out our full review here.

Whether you stick with the Amex Platinum or choose a more budget-friendly alternative, the key is finding the card that fits your post-military lifestyle while still maximizing rewards and perks.

Fact-checked by Ariana Arghandewal

Changelog

• January 2025
  • Updated total value of available perks, now worth over $1,500/year.
• November 2024
  • Authorized User Fee Increase: The annual fee for adding authorized users increased from $175 for up to three users to $195 per user.
• July 2023
  • Welcome Offer Adjustment: The spending requirement for the welcome bonus increased from $6,000 to $8,000 within the first six months to earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points.
• July 2021
  • Annual Fee Increase: The annual fee was raised from $550 to $695.
  • New Benefits Introduced:
    • $200 Hotel Credit: Annual statement credit for prepaid bookings with American Express Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection properties.
    • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $20 monthly statement credits for eligible subscriptions, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and The New York Times.
    • $300 Equinox Credit: Annual credit for eligible Equinox fitness club memberships or the Equinox+ app.
    • $179 CLEAR® Credit: Annual credit covering the cost of CLEAR® membership for expedited airport security screening.
• April 2021
  • Cell Phone Protection Added: Coverage for stolen or damaged cell phones, with up to two approved claims per 12-month period, a maximum of $800 per claim, and a $50 deductible per claim.

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_{The Military Wallet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Military Wallet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on The Military Wallet are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear, but does not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations. The Military Wallet does not include all card companies or all available card offers.}

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