How Active Military Duty Members Can Get Their Annual Credit Card Fees Waived

How Active Military Duty Members Can Get Their Annual Credit Card Fees Waived

Active-duty military members are eligible for numerous financial benefits, including the waiver of annual credit card fees on some of the most premium cards available. This benefit can save military personnel hundreds of dollars each year, allowing them to take advantage of top-tier rewards and perks without the typical costs. Here's how it works, the law that supports it, and the benefits of three of the best credit cards for military members.

The Law Behind the Waivers: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

The primary law that enables military members to have their credit card annual fees waived is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This law provides a wide range of protections for active-duty military members, including interest rate reductions, protections against foreclosure, and, relevant to this discussion, the waiver of certain fees, including credit card annual fees. Additionally, the Military Lending Act (MLA) provides further protections and benefits, particularly when it comes to interest rates on loans and credit products.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a favorite among travelers and those looking to maximize their points and rewards. For military members, Chase waives the $95 annual fee, allowing them to enjoy the card’s robust benefits for free. These benefits include:

• 2x Points on Travel and Dining: Earn double points on purchases related to travel and dining, making it easier to rack up rewards.

• Flexible Points Transfer: Points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Hyatt.

• Sign-Up Bonus: Typically, new cardholders can earn a substantial sign-up bonus after meeting the minimum spending requirement.

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card offers excellent rewards for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries. Active-duty military members can have the $325 annual fee waived, making this card even more valuable. Benefits include:

• 4x Membership Rewards Points on Dining and Supermarkets: Earn four times the points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, as well as U.S. supermarkets.

• $120 Dining Credit: Receive up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you use your Gold Card at participating dining partners.

• Travel Benefits: Enjoy $100 in annual airline fee credits for incidental fees charged by your selected airline.

American Express® Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is the pinnacle of luxury travel cards, offering unparalleled benefits. With an annual fee of $695, it’s a hefty cost—unless you’re an active-duty military member, in which case, the fee is waived. Key benefits include:

• 5x Points on Flights and Hotels: Earn five times the points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and on prepaid hotels booked through the Amex portal.

• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your selected airline.

• Global Lounge Access: Gain access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the luxurious Centurion Lounges.

• $200 Uber Credit: Enjoy up to $15 in Uber credits each month, plus a bonus $20 in December.

• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Up to $20 in monthly statement credits for select digital entertainment subscriptions.

How to Apply for the Waivers

To benefit from these waived fees, active-duty military members can apply for the credit card and then notify the card issuer of their active-duty status. This can be done online, by phone, or through customer service. Typically, the card issuer will automatically apply the SCRA or MLA benefits upon verifying your status, but it's always wise to confirm with them to ensure everything is in place.

In conclusion, for active-duty military members, the opportunity to have annual credit card fees waived presents a fantastic way to maximize the value of premium credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Gold, and American Express Platinum. With the powerful rewards and benefits these cards offer, military personnel can enjoy significant savings and enhanced travel experiences without the burden of annual fees.

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