Ultimate Guide for Military Members to Earn Rewards and Save Money + Veterans Day Freebies

It’s a little-known secret that there are tons of unique strategies military members can take advantage of in order to save money and earn rewards. From waived credit card annual fees to discounted or comped travel; the fringe benefits can be worth thousands of dollars. In addition to these everyday perks, each year during Veteran’s day, dozens of deals and freebies are released for our friends in uniforms. Learn about all of these military promotions and more in this ultimate guide! 

Learn more about our FAVORITE Travel credit card offer on the market.

Waived Credit Card Fees for Military Members 

Whether you’re all-in on using Basic Travel to travel the world for next to nothing or are looking to take advantage of the rewards from a top credit card – this benefit is HUGE! It’s important to note that not all credit card issuers offer this benefit but many do like American Express and Chase Bank.

Who is covered under the Military Lending Act and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act? 

Both Active Duty and Reserve soldiers called to active duty under all of the military branches qualify for both the MLA & SCRA. In addition, spouses and children under the age of 21 can also have their annual fees waived. 

How to get your Annual Fee Waived 

I have heard that American Express is the easiest company to work with from my friends who are in the military. All you have to do is call them at 1 (800) 253-1720 and request a military refund of the annual fee via the Military Lending Act. Sometimes you may be required to pay the annual fee upfront while the bank verifies military affiliation. Chase cardholders can follow the same steps above and call their dedicated Military Service number 1 (877) 469-0110 to request the annual fee refund. 

Why is this a good deal?

This is the classic example of having your cake and eating it too. All of those fancy premium credit cards which carry $400-$500 annual fees are covered for qualifying military members. This results in being able to utilize the benefits of those cards like statement credits, lounge access, and more for free! 

Some of the top options include:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve – $550 Annual Fee
• The Platinum Card® from American Express -$695 Annual Fee (Rates & Fees)
• American Express® Gold Card– $250 Annual Fee- (Rates & Fees)
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card– $450 Annual Fee. (Rates & Fees)- All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by basictravelcouple.com
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card– $550 Annual Fee. (Rates & Fees)
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card- $450 Annual Fee. (Rates & Fees)

Free and Discounted Travel 

Caesars Rewards 

Active Duty, Veterans, Reserves, and more can pick up a Caesars Rewards Salute Card for FREE at any of the 40+ Caesar’s Rewards properties in the USA. This card will provide you with Platinum status which includes: 

• A complimentary stay at Atlantis, Paradise Island in The Bahamas
• Complimentary self and valet parking at many destinations
• Special pricing at restaurants
• Pre-sale access for shows
• Discounts at casino gift shops
• Discounts on select Norwegian Cruise Line vacations

Special Veterans Day Promo – In addition to the perks listed above, Caesars Rewards is offering up to 40% off for veterans and active-duty military who book future travel on Caesars.com from 11/4/21 to 11/14/21. 

Marriott Bonvoy 

• Military and Government Rate for an extra discount when booking a hotel

Hilton 

• Military and Government Rate for an extra discount when booking a hotel

Hyatt 

• Use code MILVET when booking a room for 10%+ on reservations 

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Earn 30,000 World of Hyatt points once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, you can earn up to another 30,000 points with 2 points per $1 up to $15,000 spend within 6 months of opening the account

Learn more about hotel cards

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Wyndham

• 15% off of a hotel accommodations when booked by December 12th for travel through December 13th
• Automatic Wyndham Gold Status

9/11 Memorial and Museum 

• Free admission plus 50% off of tickets for up to three family members on November 11th

US National Parks 

• Veterans can access the US National Parks for Free on November 11th 

Free Admission to Zoos

• Akron Zoo
• Cincinnati Zoo
• Columbus Zoo
• San Antonio Zoo
• Atlanta Zoo

Food & Beverages

7/11

• Free Coffee or Big Gulp Drink on Veterans Day for all Military

Olive Garden

• Free Entree on Veterans Day

Texas Roadhouse

• Free dinner vouchers will be handed out on Veterans Day from 11am-2pm which can be redeemed through May 2022

Dunkin Donuts

• Free Donut on Veterans Day

Buffalo Wild Wings

• Free single order of wings plus fries on Veterans Day

Dennys

Free Build your own Grand Slam from 5am – 12pm on Veterans Day

Other Veterans day freebies

Delta Sonic

• Free Super Kiss Car Wash for Veterans and all Military Personnel at Delta Sonic
• Plus enjoy free coffee and fountain beverages within the stores on Veterans Day

Bed, Bath & Beyond

• All Military and Veterans will receive 25% off in-store purchases.

Tops Markets

• This Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, TOPS supermarkets will honor an 11% discount off of a total order to all veterans and active military personnel who shop at any of our locations.

Let us know!

Do you know of any other great veterans Day Deals?

I’d love to hear down in the comments below or over in our 7,100+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!

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