American Express® Gold Card

1. Dining Reward Rate: Earn 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X.

2. Groceries Reward Rate: Earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X.

3. Air Travel Reward Rate: Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

4. Uber credits: Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash ($10/month) for Gold cardholders.

5. Airline Fee Credit: Up to $100 annual airline fee credit for incidentals4.

The Platinum Card® from American Express:

• Travel Rewards: Earn 5X Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or via AmexTravel, and on pre-paid hotels booked with AmexTravel.

• Uber Credits: Up to $200 in annual Uber Cash ($15/month plus an extra $20 in December) to ease your travel expenses.

• Airline Fee Credit: Up to $200 annual airline incidental fee credit.

• Hotel Credit: Up to $200 annual credit for prepaid hotel bookings through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (two-night minimum stay).

• Saks Fifth Avenue Credit: Up to $100 annual credit at Saks Fifth Avenue (split into $50 for January-June and $50 for July-December).

• Entertainment Credit: Up to $240 annual entertainment credit for Disney+ Premium bundle (including Hulu and ESPN+).

• Annual Fee: Normally $695, but waived for active duty military members and their spouses.

How to Access:

Military members can access these benefits by applying for the American Express Gold or Platinum cards and providing proof of active duty status to activate the fee waiver.

Popular Annual Savings:

• Hotels: $200 hotel credit with The Platinum Card.

• Transportation: $200 Uber credits with The Platinum Card; $120 Uber credits with Gold Card.

• Airline Fees: $100 airline fee credit with Gold Card; $200 airline fee credit with The Platinum Card.

• Shopping: $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit with The Platinum Card.

• Entertainment: $240 entertainment credit for Disney+ bundle with The Platinum Card.

How to Access:

Military members can access these benefits by clicking our link and going to there site to apply for a card. During the application you will use your SSN which will automatically tell them you are a service member and exempt you from fees.

Sources:

[Accessed January 19th, 2025]

American Express Gold Card Benefits: Find comprehensive details on the American Express website.

American Express Platinum Card Benefits: Explore the full list of benefits on the American Express website.

Military Benefits and Fee Waivers: Learn about the special military benefits under SCRA and MLA directly from American Express.

Key Benefits:

●       Free Platinum Status:

○        Military members are eligible for complimentary Platinum Status in the Caesars Rewards program.

●       Exclusive Offers:

○        Enjoy exclusive discounts, promotions, and experiences at Caesars Entertainment properties.

●       Complimentary Nights:

○        Receive complimentary nights at participating Caesars properties.

●       Tier Match:

○        If you hold Platinum Status with another loyalty program, Caesars may match your tier.

How to Obtain the Caesars Rewards Salute Card / Platinum Status:

To obtain the Caesars Rewards Salute Card / Platinum Status, you'll need to provide proof of military service and enroll in the program.

Conclusion:

The Caesars Rewards Salute Card / Platinum Status offers military members and their families a rewarding loyalty program with exclusive benefits and perks. By taking advantage of this program, you can enjoy luxurious accommodations and unforgettable experiences at Caesars Entertainment properties.

How to Access: **Webpage/Site**

Sources: [Accessed September 1, 2024.] Caesars Rewards Salute Card / Platinum Status. Caesars Entertainment. https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/promotions/caesars-rewards-salute-card.

Key Benefits:

• Credit Monitoring:

  • Equifax provides active duty military members with free credit monitoring services. This includes notifications of key changes to your Equifax credit report, such as new accounts opened in your name, changes to your address, and other significant updates1.

• Fraud Detection:

  • The service helps detect potential fraud early by alerting you to suspicious activities on your credit report. This allows you to take immediate action to prevent further damage1.

• Access to Credit Reports:

  • You get access to your Equifax credit report, which you can review regularly to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date1.

• Peace of Mind:

  • Knowing that your credit is being monitored can provide peace of mind, especially when you are deployed or stationed away from home. This helps you focus on your duties without worrying about your financial security2.

• Free Service:

  • The credit monitoring service is provided at no cost to active duty military members, making it an affordable way to protect your credit1.

How It Works:

• Eligibility: The program is available to active duty military members, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve members on active duty orders1.

• Access: To sign up for the free credit monitoring service, visit the Equifax website and verify your military status. Once verified, you can enroll in the service and start receiving alerts and monitoring your credit1.

• Renewal: The service needs to be renewed every two years, but this requirement may be revisited and evaluated before the renewal deadline2.

By participating in Equifax’s free credit monitoring service, active duty military members can better protect their credit and identity, ensuring financial stability and security.

How to Access: **Webpage/Site**

Sources: [Accessed September 1, 2024.] https://www.equifax.com/ 

Key Benefits:

• Independent Analysis: 

  • Morningstar offers unbiased, independent research to help investors make informed decisions. Their analysis covers various securities, funds, markets, and portfolios1.

• Valuation and Performance Metrics:

  • They provide trusted valuation and performance metrics, allowing you to compare securities and understand their potential.

• Investment Tools: 

  • Morningstar’s tools include pre-filtered investment lists created by their analysts, as well as customizable screens using over 200 unique data points.

• Educational Resources: 

  • They offer a wealth of educational content to help investors understand market trends, investment strategies, and financial planning.

How to Access: **DOD Libraries**

Sources:

Morningstar Investment Research. Morningstar. [Accessed August 27, 2024]. Available at: https://www.morningstar.com/

Key Benefits:

Here’s an overview of Capital One, Chase, and Citi offer:

Capital One

Benefits:

• Annual Fee Waiver: Capital One waives annual fees for active duty military members2.

• Other Fee Waivers: Late fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees are also waived2.

How It Works:

• Eligibility: Active duty military members.

• Access: Benefits are applied automatically under the MLA. For existing accounts, you may need to contact Capital One to apply for SCRA benefits2.

Chase

Benefits:

• Annual Fee Waiver: Chase waives annual fees for active duty military members on personal cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® cards3.

• Other Fee Waivers: No fees for non-Chase ATM transactions, incoming or outgoing wire transfers, and foreign exchange rate adjustments on debit card purchases4.

How It Works:

• Eligibility: Active duty military members, National Guard, and Reserve members.

• Access: Benefits are applied automatically under the MLA for new accounts. For existing accounts, you may need to apply for SCRA benefits5.

Citi

Benefits:

• Annual Fee Waiver: Citi waives annual fees for active duty military members on personal cards, such as the Citi® Double Cash Card and Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®6.

• Other Fee Waivers: Late fees, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees are also waived6.

How It Works:

• Eligibility: Active duty military members.

• Access: Benefits are applied automatically under the MLA for new accounts. For existing accounts, you may need to contact Citi to apply for SCRA benefits6.

By taking advantage of these fee waivers, military members can save significantly on credit card costs, making it easier to manage their finances while serving.

Discover card – no late fees

Discover offers special benefits to active duty military members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). These benefits are designed to ease financial burdens and provide additional support during active duty service. Here’s what the program offers and how it can benefit you:

Key Benefits:

1. No Late Fees:

   • Discover waives late fees for active duty military members. This means you won’t be charged a fee if you miss a payment due date1.

2. Reduced Interest Rates:

   • Under the SCRA, Discover reduces the interest rate on pre-service credit card debt to a maximum of 6% per year. This lower rate applies for the duration of your active duty service2.

3. Other Fee Waivers:

   • In addition to waiving late fees, Discover also waives overlimit fees, returned payment fees, and statement copy request fees for eligible military members1.

4. Financial Relief:

   • These benefits can provide significant financial relief, helping you manage your finances more effectively while on active duty1.

How It Works:

• Eligibility: The program is available to active duty service members, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve members on active duty orders. It also extends to commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)2.

• Access: To access these benefits, you need to request them through Discover. You can do this by logging into your Discover account and submitting a request for SCRA benefits. Discover will verify your active duty status through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC)2.

• Documentation: If Discover cannot verify your active duty status through the DMDC, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a copy of your active duty orders2.

By participating in Discover’s SCRA benefits, active duty military members can enjoy reduced financial stress and better manage their credit card accounts without worrying about late fees or high interest rates.

How to Access: **Webpage/Site**

Sources: [Accessed September 11, 2024.] 

• Capital One:

  • https://www.capitalone.com/military/

• Chase:

  • https://www.chase.com/digital/military

• Citi:

  • https://www.citibank.com/tts/sa/federal-government-benefits/dod.html

• Discover:

https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/member-benefits/scra-benefits/ 

Key Benefits:

• Critical Financial Assistance:

  • Operation Homefront offers emergency financial assistance to help military families cover essential expenses such as mortgage payments, rent, utilities, car repairs, home repairs, overdue bills, critical baby items, and groceries1. This support helps prevent short-term financial crises from becoming long-term problems.

• Transitional Housing:

  • The program provides transitional housing for wounded, ill, and injured warriors and their families. This includes rent-free apartments and homes in various locations, offering a safe and stable environment while families transition to civilian life2.

• Permanent Housing:

  • Operation Homefront also offers permanent housing solutions through programs like Transitional Homes for Veterans. This initiative helps veterans and their families achieve homeownership by providing rent-free homes and financial counseling2.

• Recurring Family Support:

  • The program includes various family support initiatives, such as back-to-school supplies, holiday meals, and other community events. These efforts help alleviate financial stress and foster a sense of community among military families1.

• Community Engagement:

  • By participating in Operation Homefront’s programs, military families can stay engaged with their communities, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being3.

How It Works:

• Eligibility: The program is available to active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, and their families.

• Access: To access Operation Homefront’s services, visit their website and apply for the specific assistance you need. The application process typically involves providing documentation to verify your military status and financial need1.

• Support Services: In addition to financial and housing assistance, Operation Homefront offers various support services, including financial planning, case management, and community resources2.

By participating in Operation Homefront, military families can receive critical support to address immediate needs and achieve long-term stability, enhancing their overall quality of life.

How to Access: **Webpage/Site**

Sources: [Accessed September 1, 2024.] https://www.operationhomefront.org/ 

Key Benefits:

• Annual Fee Waiver:

  • U.S. Bank waives annual fees for active-duty military members on personal credit cards, including the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card1. This benefit helps reduce the cost of maintaining a credit card.

• Interest Rate Cap:

  • Under the SCRA, U.S. Bank caps the interest rate on pre-service credit card debt at 6% per year. This lower rate applies for the duration of your active duty service2.

• Other Fee Waivers:

  • In addition to waiving annual fees, U.S. Bank also waives late fees, overlimit fees, returned payment fees, and statement copy request fees for eligible military members2.

• Auto Lease Termination:

  • If you are called to active duty, deployed, or receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, the SCRA may enable you to terminate an auto lease without penalties2.

• Foreclosure Protection:

  • The SCRA provides protections against foreclosure for active-duty military members who are having difficulty paying their mortgage. This includes assistance with mortgage default counseling and exploring alternatives to foreclosure2.

How It Works:

• Eligibility: The program is available to active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active-duty orders, and their spouses.

• Access: To access these benefits, you need to request them through U.S. Bank. You can do this by contacting the U.S. Bank Military Service Center at 800-934-9555 or by visiting their website2.

• Documentation: You may need to provide documentation, such as a copy of your active-duty orders, to verify your eligibility for SCRA benefits2.

By participating in U.S. Bank’s fee waiver program, active-0duty military members can enjoy reduced financial stress and better manage their credit card accounts without worrying about high fees or interest rates.

How to Access: **Webpage/Site**

Sources: [Accessed September 1, 2024.] 

U.S. Bank Military Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/community/military-banking.html

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive Ratings: 

  • Provides unbiased financial ratings for various institutions, including banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and stocks.

• Expert Analysis: 

  • Features expert analysis and insights from financial professionals, ensuring credible and accurate information.

• User-Friendly Interface: 

  • Designed for easy navigation, allowing users to quickly find and understand financial ratings.

• Educational Resources: 

  • Offers resources to help users understand financial ratings and make informed decisions.

• Regular Updates: 

  • Continuously updated to ensure users have access to the latest financial ratings and information.

• Wide Range of Coverage: 

  • Covers a broad spectrum of financial institutions and products, making it a valuable resource for investors and consumers.

Visit the Weiss Financial Ratings website to explore and utilize this resource: Weiss Financial Ratings.

How to Access: **DOD Libraries**

DoD MWR Libraries. (13OCT24). Retrieved from https://dodmwrlibraries.org/