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

Disclosure: Basic Travel Couple, LLC has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Basic Travel Couple, LLC and CardRatings and MileValue may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Note: Some of the offers mentioned below may have changed or are no longer available. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. You can view our current offers here.

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-$700 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– $650 Annual Fee. (Rates & Fees)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card- $650 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 

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Wyndham

9/11 Memorial and Museum 

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

US National Parks 

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

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 in the comments below or over in our 8,700+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

Disclosure: Basic Travel Couple, LLC has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Basic Travel Couple, LLC and CardRatings and MileValue may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

The comments section below responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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An easy-going, fun-loving couple who have a passion for adventure and exploring the world! Our strategies have saved us over $100,000 in travel over the last four years, and our goal is to help you do the same.

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