New benefits are available immediately as of 9/18/25!!

Learn how to apply for the The Platinum Card® from American Express: https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/

Learn more about American Express military annual fee waivers: https://militarymoneymanual.com/american-express-military/

Learn how to maximize your military credit card benefits in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course: https://militarymoneymanual.com/umc3/

Episode Description

Hosts Spencer Reese and Jamie discuss the major refresh of the American Express Platinum card, including a significant annual fee increase to $895 that military service members and spouses don't have to pay thanks to the Military Lending Act (MLA). They break down the extensive new benefits and explain how to maximize value from this popular military credit card.

Topics Covered:

New Benefits & Credits (2025 Refresh) (AVAILABLE NOW!!!!)

• $600 Fine Hotels & Resorts credit ($300 semi-annually)
• $400 Resy restaurant credit ($100 quarterly)
• $300 Lululemon credit ($75 quarterly)
• $300 Digital Entertainment credit ($25 monthly)
• $200 Oura Ring credit (annual)
• $120 Uber One membership credit (annual)
• Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) Sterling Status

Existing Benefits

• $200 Uber Cash ($15/month, $35 in December)
• $209 Clear Plus credit
• $200 airline fee credit
• $155 Walmart Plus credit
• $100 Saks credit ($50 semi-annually)
• $300 Equinox credit
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels
• Hilton Gold and Marriott Gold status
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

Military Lending Act (MLA) Coverage

• Automatic fee waiver for active duty service members
• Coverage for military spouses
• Guard/Reserve on 30+ day orders eligible
• How to check MLA database before applying: https://militarymoneymanual.com/mla-database/

Welcome Bonus & Value

• 175,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
• Cash value: $1,750-$1,925
• Travel partner transfer potential: $3,500+
• 25%+ effective cash back rate

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course: militarymoneymanual.com/UMC3 (100% free, 5-day email course)
• Fine Hotels & Resorts Search: maxfhr.com
• Points Valuation: points.yeah (travel redemption research)
• MLA Database: Google "Military Lending Act database" to verify coverage
• American Express Website: americanexpress.com (for enrollment in benefits)
• Resy App: Restaurant reservations that trigger the quarterly credit

Key Takeaways:

• Total annual benefits exceed $2,500 in cash value
• Multiple Amex Platinum cards multiply benefits (spouse can get their own)
• Must enroll in many benefits through Amex app/website
• Check quarterly vs. semi-annual vs. annual benefit periods
• Verify MLA database status BEFORE applying
• Consider pairing with Chase Sapphire Reserve for maximum value

Important Reminders:

• Only for those who pay off credit cards monthly (no debt)
• $8,000 minimum spend may be challenging for junior enlisted
• Benefits require enrollment - don't assume automatic activation
• Military spouses must be properly listed in DEERS
• Some benefits (Uber Cash) only work in the U.S.

About the Hosts:

Spencer - Creator of MilitaryMoneyManual.com and the Ultimate Military Credit Cards course

Jamie - Co-host and military finance expert

Contact & Social:

• Website: MilitaryMoneyManual.com
• Instagram: @militarymoneymanual
• For questions: Send DM on Instagram

Episode Notes:

Recording discusses the 2025 refresh of the American Express Platinum card. The hosts emphasize this is only for service members who can responsibly manage credit cards and pay balances in full monthly. They recommend both the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve as the two essential cards for military families who qualify for MLA fee waivers.

For detailed analysis and current offers, visit MilitaryMoneyManual.com or search "Amex Platinum Military" for Spencer's comprehensive guides.

Military Money Mentor

Spencer and Jamie offer one-on-one Military Money Mentor sessions. Get your personal military money and personal finance questions answered in a confidential coaching call. militarymoneymanual.com/mentor

Over 20,000 military servicemembers and military spouses have graduated from the 100% free course available at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3

In the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course, you can learn how to apply for the most premium credit cards and get special military protections, such as waived annual fees, on elite cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card.

• https://militarymoneymanual.com/amex-platinum-military/

• https://militarymoneymanual.com/chase-sapphire-reserve-military/

Learn how active duty military, military spouses, and Guard and Reserves on 30+ day active orders can get your annual fees waived on premium credit cards in the Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3

If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5 star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com.

Want to be confident with your TSP investing? Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE!

If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual.