For active-duty military members and their families, finding discounts and special offers is one way to somewhat ease the financial burden of military life. One company that extends its hand of generosity to the military community is American Express. The famous financial services corporation offers a military discount that can help military personnel manage their finances and enjoy some exclusive perks.
Founded in 1850, American Express, or Amex, is renowned for its wide range of financial products and services, including credit cards, charge cards, and traveler’s cheque businesses. The company is frequently lauded for its dedication to customer service, and its credit cards are known for offering enticing rewards and benefits. With attention to diverse customer categories, Amex provides cards that cater to travel, dining, shopping, and more. But one lesser-known advantage of being an American Express cardholder is the military discount they provide to service members.
The American Express military discount is available to all active duty military members, National Guard & Reserve members, as well as veterans. To obtain this discount, all you need to do is apply for any Amex card, and once you receive it, you’ll need to call the number on the back of your card or go through the company’s website to request your discount. After verifying your military status, they will then waive all annual membership fees. This includes premium cards like the Amex Platinum Card, with a typical annual fee of $550, offering a substantial saving for military personnel. Additionally, Amex’s military discount also includes 0% APR for military service members during deployment and for up to a year after completing active duty. The discount, therefore, offers not just significant savings but also a peace of mind for those who serve in the military.
Q&A
Q: What is the American Express military discount?
A: The American Express military discount is a special program that waives all annual membership fees for active duty military service members. This includes some of Amex’s top-tier cards that typically come with high annual fees.
Q: How can I avail of the American Express military discount?
A: To get the military discount, you just need to call the American Express customer service hotline and inform them of your active military duty status. They’ll then guide you through the rest of the process.
Q: Do all American Express cards qualify for the military discount?
A: Yes! All American Express credit cards qualify for the annual fee waiver provided under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This includes high-end cards like the Amex Platinum, Gold, and Delta Reserve cards.
Q: What proof is required to confirm my active duty military status?
A: American Express will verify your active duty status through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). This will usually require your social security number or DoD ID number.
Q: Can military spouses avail the American Express military discount?
A: Yes, their policy also extends to legally married spouses of active duty military service members. They need to follow the same process of contacting customer service for the fee waiver.
Q: Does the military fee waiver discount apply only for American military service members?
A: The military fee waiver program applies to active duty servicemembers from all branches of the United States armed forces. This includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, the commission corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Service.
Q: What other benefits can military members enjoy from American Express cards?
A: In addition to waiving annual fees, some cards offer a variety of other advantages such as travel benefits, various types of purchase and travel insurance, concierge service, dining and entertainment perks, and more. Each card has different benefits, so it’s worth taking the time to look into which one might best fit your lifestyle and spending habits.
Q: Is there a limit to how long the American Express military discount lasts?
A: As long as you remain on active duty, your American Express military discount should continue. However, your status will be checked annually, so make sure your information with the DoD remains up-to-date.