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The American Express Gold Card is a popular choice for military members and veterans with its generous rewards program and valuable travel benefits. This guide provides an in-depth look at the application process and highlights the unique advantages that military personnel can access with the American Express Gold Card.
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American Express® Gold Card Benefits and Rewards
Summary
- Introductory Offer:
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account, and each month, you will automatically receive $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations—enrollment required.
- Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- The annual fee is .
- See Rates and Fees; terms apply.
Understanding the American Express Gold Card
Before you apply for an American Express Gold Card, it’s important to understand what the card offers and why it might be particularly advantageous for military members. The card is celebrated for its exceptional rewards for dining and travel, along with a suite of premium benefits tailored to enhance your lifestyle whether at home or abroad.
Key Features and Benefits
- Rewards on Dining and Groceries: Earn ample points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and on groceries at U.S. supermarkets.
- Travel Benefits: Points are highly rewarding when booked for flights or prepaid hotels through American Express Travel.
- Annual Dining and Travel Credits: Utilize up to $120 in dining credits and $100 in hotel credits annually, which can offset part of the annual fee.
Compare the rates, fees, and rewards of top credit cards for military servicemembers and veterans, including cards with waived annual fees under the SCRA.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an American Express Gold Card, you need to have a good to excellent credit score. The application process is the same for military personnel, but the benefits you receive once approved are customized for military life. These benefits may include discounts on travel expenses, access to exclusive airport lounges, and other perks that are particularly beneficial to military personnel.
Required Documents
- Proof of income and employment.
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN).
- Military identification for accessing exclusive military benefits.
How to Apply
Applying for the American Express Gold Card involves a straightforward online process, designed to be completed in just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the American Express Website: To apply for an American Express® Gold Card, visit our partners site here or follow the link below and hit “Apply Now.”
- Provide Personal Information: Fill out your personal details such as name, address, income, and SSN. Ensure you also indicate your military status to access specialized terms.
- Review Military Benefits: Before submitting, review the benefits available specifically for military servicemembers and ensure you are taking advantage of the fee waivers and additional protections.
- Submit Application: Once all information is verified and you’ve reviewed all terms, submit your application. Approval can be almost instantaneous, depending on your credit status.
After Approval
Upon approval, your card will be mailed to you, and you can start utilizing the benefits immediately. Register your card online to manage your account and track your rewards and spending efficiently.
Maximizing Your Card as a Servicemember
Once you have your American Express Gold Card, maximizing its potential is key, especially considering the unique opportunities it offers to servicemembers.
Utilize Rewards for Travel
Military personnel often travel, whether for duty or leisure. Using your card for travel bookings can significantly increase your points, which can be redeemed for more travel opportunities or other rewards.
Take Advantage of Dining Credits
With frequent relocations, knowing local dining options that qualify for rewards can help maximize your credits annually, stretching your budget further.
Frequently Asked Questions
What proof is needed to apply for the Amex Gold Card as a military member?
- To apply for the Amex Gold Card as a military member, you typically need to provide proof of active duty status. This can include a copy of your military orders, a statement of service signed by your personnel officer, or other official documents that verify your current active status. American Express may also use the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) to confirm your status electronically.
How long does it take to process the SCRA benefits once I apply for the Amex Gold Card?
- Once you have successfully applied for the Amex Gold Card and submitted any necessary documentation to confirm your eligibility under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), it typically takes American Express about one to two billing cycles to process these benefits. During this time, they will verify your military status and apply the appropriate fee waivers and reduced interest rates to your account.
Are veterans also eligible for the military benefits of the Amex Gold Card?
- The SCRA benefits, including fee waivers and reduced interest rates, are specifically designed for active duty military members. Veterans are not eligible for these benefits unless they are currently serving on active duty or are reservists called to active service. However, veterans can still apply for the Amex Gold Card and may qualify for other public promotional offers.
Can I apply for the Amex Gold Card while stationed overseas?
- Yes, you can apply for the Amex Gold Card while stationed overseas. American Express supports applications from service members stationed internationally. You can complete the application process online and use either an APO or FPO mailing address if necessary, ensuring that you still have access to the card’s benefits while serving abroad.
What should I do if my application is denied?
- If your Amex Gold Card application is denied, American Express will provide a written explanation. Reasons may include poor credit history, low income, or high debt levels. Improve these factors if possible and reapply later. Contact Amex to discuss any discrepancies or alternative options.
Ready for the Next Step?
Learn More About Applying for an American Express® Gold Card
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