Mla Relief From American Express
Compared to SCRA relief, getting MLA relief is much easier. No application is required for MLA relief. American Express should automatically apply MLA relief to any cards that you open while on active duty.
When you apply for a new card, American Express determines your eligibility based on the information it gets from the Department of Defense. So, if youre a service member, make sure that your information is up to date with the Department of Defense before applying.
American Express Platinum Card Military Benefits
So there I was On a deployment exercise, sitting at a bar on a military base near Gulfport, Louisiana. Behind the bar was a wooden, multi-tiered stand to keep cards of open tabs.
Of the 2 dozen or so cards on there, at least half were Amex Platinum cards. It was comical. You could see them all shining in their metallic glory in this low-rent bar in backwater Louisiana.
But it makes total sense Why would a military member NOT get the Platinum card when it has such a substantial welcome bonus and has annual benefits that have actual monetary value?
The benefits of this card easily justify the annual fee if you had to pay it.
American Express Platinum Military Application
Applying for the American Express Platinum card is simple and applicants can receive an approval decision in under a minute. Applicants can select their card design before entering all of the required personal information. Upon approval, applicants can opt to receive a one-time text message to their mobile phone with a link to download the American Express App.
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American Express Gold Card
While the Amex Platinum comes packed with benefits, the American Express® Gold Card provides a balance of solid perks and solid earning rates. The card charges a $250 annual fee, and it almost provides that much in annual statement credits.
Cardmembers are eligible for up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash which can be used for eligible U.S. purchases when an eligible card is added to their Uber account, plus, up to $10 per month in credits for purchases through participating restaurants likes Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations. Both credits require enrollment, however, thats potentially $220 per year in statement credits if you follow the rules.
The Gold Card offers perhaps the strongest earning rates of any Amex card: 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets , 3 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Amex National Guard Faq
Does AMEX waive fees for National Guard?
Yes! If you are a National Guard servicemember on Title 10 or Title 32 active duty orders for 30 days or more, you are eligible for annual fee waivers on your American Express cards.
Is AMEX Platinum waived for National Guard?
Yes, the American Express Platinum card annual fee is waived for National Guard and Reservists if you are on Title 10 or Title 32 active duty orders for 30 days or more. Learn more about the AMEX National Guard fee waiver in this article.
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Amex Business Platinum Military Offer
The spending hurdle is high on this card because it’s mainly focused on small business owners. Businesses can have thousands of dollars in expenses per month, between overhead, rent, inventory, payroll, and taxes.
Many military servicemembers run businesses on the side or have a second source of income. If your spouse owns his or her own business, that also opens up this card to you.
You don’t need an LLC to get business credit cards.
Business owners may also have to make estimated tax payments every quarter. Estimated tax payments can be made with a credit card through sites such as Pay1040.com. There are three official credit card processors listed on the IRS website.
Let’s say you make estimated tax payments of $25,000. Since the purchase is over $5000, you will earn 1.5x points on the transaction. That’s 37,500 points.
Plus, with this tax payment you’ll meet the minimum spend of $15k spend in 3 months.
That’s a fantastic return on spend! MR points are typically valued at 2 cents per point, so you’re getting 12%+ back on the $20,000 in purchases.
If you have a Charles Schwab account, you may be eligible for the American Express Platinum Card for Schwab. With the Schwab Platinum, you can transfer MR reward points to your Schwab checking account at a value of 1.25 cents per point.
That puts the 125,000 points at $1562 for $20,000 of spend, or 7.8% cash back. Again, that’s a great return and easily covers the 1.87% fee on credit card tax payments.
How Long Does Amex Mla Fee Waiver Take
Please note American Express is not waiving annual fees on new Amex business cards opened after January 2020.
Here’s the email I received from AMEX. I applied for AMEX SCRA benefits on my AMEX Business Platinum card on 12 August 2019 and received this email 7 weeks later on 3 October 2019.
This is the longest SCRA review I’ve had yet, usually it only takes a few days to weeks.
Dear Spencer, To support the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces, we are handling your account referenced above in accordance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides for a maximum annual interest rate of 6% per year on loans you received before starting active military duty. As of today, your account does not have a balance owed which generates interest charges so there is no eligible balance. However, we’ve credited your account for any applicable fees and previously billed interest if applicable, which you’ll see reflected on an upcoming billing statement. Additionally, we have suppressed the following fees from billing on your account statement for the duration of your active military duty:
*Annual Membership fees
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When To Avoid The Amex Platinum Card
While the American Express Platinum credit card can be a valuable tool for travelers and shoppers, it is not the ideal card for everyone. There are circumstances where it may make sense to opt for a credit card from another company that offers a better value in your circumstances.
Low credit quality
Regardless of whether you use your international credit history or your U.S. credit history, you will need an excellent credit rating in order to qualify to for the American Express card. If you’re unsure about your rating, it’s best to check it with your credit bureaus. For eligible countries, you can translate your international credit score into a U.S. equivalent credit score using Nova Credit. You’ll be able to see whether your translated score results in a recommendation to apply for the American Express Platinum card. To see whether your country is eligible, you can visit our homepage.
Individuals who use travel agencies or websites
Do you often book airline tickets through the airlines themselves? Whether it is by visiting their website or calling, direct airline ticket purchases receive the greatest perks from the Amex Platinum card. The 5X membership points offer applies in those circumstances, not when booking through a travel agency or third-party website.
People who buy discount airline tickets
Individuals who donât use Uber or Equinox
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How To Apply For Scra Benefits
Qualifying service members that acquired an American Express card before active service need to submit a request to receive SCRA relief. There are four ways to do so:
- Online via a web form
- Faxing documents establishing your active duty status to 623-444-3000
- Mailing a copy of documents establishing your active duty status to: American Express, Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, PO Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535
If you want to fill out the request online: First, select which Amex card you want to manage. Then, click the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Benefits link to get started:
On the next page, select that you want these benefits Applied to my account and click Continue. You will need to enter the service members name, social security number and date of birth.
On the following pages, Amex will ask other questions about the servicemember to determine eligibility before letting the cardmember submit the request.
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Approval Factors And Benefits For The American Express Platinum Card
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Use this guide to jump to specific approval factors and benefits:
With its generous welcome bonus, tiered purchase rewards, annual travel credits, and fringe benefits that will make any frequent flier drool , the Amex Platinum metal credit card is highly sought after.
But, the Amex Platinum has a high annual fee of $695 .
While many travelers have their eyes on it, how hard is it to get The Platinum Card® from American Express? Lets find out what the Amex Platinum requirements are.
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How To Request A Waived Fee And Scra Benefits From American Express
Once you apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express and are approved, you can contact American Express by phone or online to request a waiver of your cards annual fee, as well as the other SCRA protections for your card.
Submit Request Online
Submitting your request for SCRA relief online is the quickest way to apply for SCRA relief.
Once you enroll your card in American Express online services, you can submit relevant documents via the document center.
Documents may include:
- Letters from Commanding Officers
Submit Request by Phone
If you wish to request SCRA benefits and the annual fee waiver by phone, you can contact the number on the back of your card or call American Express at 1-800-253-1720. Service members stationed outside of the U.S. can contact American Express collect at 1-336-393-1111, however, collect calling fees may apply.
Submit Request by Mail
If you are unable to submit your request online or over the phone, then you can mail a copy of your documents to American Express. Be sure to include the American Express account numbers you wish to have benefits applied to, as well as a detailed note outlining your request.
You can send documents to:
American Express
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Using The Platinum Card Overseas
If you are looking to use the Platinum Card overseas, there is a 3% foreign exchange fee levied on all overseas transactions. This is a shortfall of the Australian version of the Card, especially given that the much cheaper US variant of the Platinum Card comes with no foreign exchange fees.
Card Member, however, will earn the full number of points for all overseas transactions, so long as the transaction is not an excluded transaction for points earn.
Amex Business Platinum Military Benefits
The Platinum Card® from American Express card is annual fee waived for military. Terms apply.
Military Money Manual has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Military Money Manual 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. Thank you for supporting my independent, veteran owned site.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does not waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers under the new Amex MLA policy implemented January 2020. Check out this article if you receive an Amex SCRA denial letter.
If you are a veteran small business owner and interested in earning extra Amex points, the Amex Business Platinum Card can be an excellent travel rewards credit card.
Personal Amex cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, waive all annual fees for military servicemembers and military spouses under the American Express interpretation of the Military Lending Act .
Read my post on how to get your Amex military fees waived. Or sign up for my 100% fee course that shows you how I get $12,000 per year in fees waived.
Active duty troops and their spouses are always eligible for the Amex SCRA and MLA fee waiver.
In this post:
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Amex Platinum Credit Card: An Overview
The Amex Platinum is a premium credit card that offers a welcome bonus, luxury perks, and other value-added services. Cardholders benefit from Uber credits, airfare discounts, bonus points, cashback and much more. Unlike typical credit cards, this card allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all.
There is a catch, though: the Amex Platinum carries a $695 annual fee which is high compared to other options.
Many people are happy to pay the annual fee because of the incredible perks attached to the Amex Platinum. If youâre calculating whether the cost is worth it, potential applicants must understand whether their lifestyle and financial circumstances are a good fit for the Amex Platinum Card.
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Scra Protection For Active Military Members
American Express goes above and beyond with its annual-fee waiver, but there is federal legislation that caps interest rates for active servicemembers and their spouses and that law applies to credit cards beyond those issued by American Express.
Congress passed the Servicemembers Civil Rights Act in 2003, which expanded the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940. The SCRA protects the finances of military members while they are on active duty. The provisions deal with rental agreements, security deposits, mortgage interest rates, health insurance, income tax payments, mortgage foreclosures, and yes, credit cards.
To be eligible, you must be a:
- A member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty or a reserve component called to active duty,
- National Guard personnel under a call or order to active duty for more than 30 days,
- A Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration commissioned officer,
- A U.S. citizen servicing with another nation, which is allied with the U.S. in the prosecution of a war or military action, or
- The spouse of an active duty service member.
The creditor must forgive interest greater than 6 percent. It cant defer it to later and must also forgive the interest retroactively. Military members have until 180 days after their end of service to send the required documents to the creditor.
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What’s So Special About The American Express Black Card
The invitation-only Black Card is aimed at high-net-worth individuals who travel frequently. Starting your membership will cost you a $10,000 initiation fee, and there’s a $5,000 annual fee.
The privileges of a black card include upgrades on flights, hotels, and rental cars, as well as access to exclusive airport lounges. Black cards also offer private concierge service, as well as early access to concert tickets, and there are even rumors it can provide charter jet service.
Scra Benefit Review Process
Amex will determine eligibility and confirm active duty by reviewing any military documents provided and by checking the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center website.
If Amex is unable to confirm active duty, they will send you a written request to obtain a copy of acceptable military documents. You will receive a response within 60 days regarding the status of your request.
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Why The Amex Platinum Card Is Best For Active
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
I have my nine years of active-duty service in the Navy to thank for getting me interested in points and miles. Traveling and moving all the time was hurting my family’s wallet and I knew there had to be a better way to cover some, if not all, of our travel expenses.
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Among the many travel strategies and benefits I took advantage of during my service, one of the best was getting and maximizing The Platinum Card® from American Express, which I continue to have and use to this day. While the Amex Platinum normally has a $695 annual fee , the true out-of-pocket annual fee for those on active duty is a nice, round $0. Let’s look at why such a great offer exists and what makes one of the best cards so beneficial for active-duty military members.
Considering This Card For Business
American Express offer a range of both business and consumer charge and credit cards. They do permit business transactions to be made on personal cards, unlike some other banks, but you might find some of the other business-focused benefits of the business cards to be appealing or more appropriate.
So if youre a sole trader or a business looking to earn points with your business spend this card would still work for that purpose.
Theres a full list of business and personal consumer American Express cards which might be suitable for earning points from business-related transactions here.
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Why The Amex Platinum Is The Best Card For Military Members
The Platinum Card now is viewed almost reverently in military circles because its high $695 annual fee is waived each year you’re on active duty. Plus, the card comes with perks that align nicely with the needs of those in the military. For example, the Amex Platinum gets you into American Express Centurion lounges and Priority Pass lounges, comes with multiple annual credits valid toward airlines and Uber, provides credits you can use toward free streaming services and more. You can also be reimbursed for your application fee to Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Clear. Enrollment is required in advance for some benefits.
Additionally, the card can immediately elevate your hotel elite status to Gold with programs such as Hilton and .
That’s all on top of the 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards points awarded after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. That 100,000-point bonus is valued at $2,000 by TPG. If you are remotely interested in the card, also check CardMatch to see if you may have an even better welcome offer of 120,000 or 150,000 Amex points .
American Express waives the annual fee not only for Amex cards such as the Amex Platinum but also for any accounts when an active-duty member is registered as an authorized user, including on your spouse’s account. With the Amex Platinum, that’s a savings of $175 a year for up to three authorized users .