Disclosure: Basic Travel Couple, LLC has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Basic Travel Couple, LLC and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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!
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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 of the 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.
AMEX Platinum Credit Card
Earn 60,000 membership rewards once you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Terms Apply. Learn More Here.
Visit our Top Credit Cards Page for our favorite cards!
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)
- Amex Platinum Card ($550 Annual Fee)
- Amex Gold Card ($250 Annual Fee)
- Amex Hilton Aspire ($450 Annual Fee)
- Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve ($550 Annual Fee)
- Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ($450 Annual Fee)
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 11/4/20 to 11/15/20.
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
Hilton Honors Aspire AMEX Credit Card
Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Terms Apply. Learn More Here.
Hyatt
- Use code MILVET when booking a room for 10%+ on reservations
The World of Hyatt Chase Credit Card
Earn 25,000 World of Hyatt miles once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Earn an additional 25,000 World of Hyatt Miles once you spend $6,000 total on purchases within the first 6 months.
Wyndham
- 15% off of a hotel accommodations when booked by December 7th for travel through December 8th
- 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 June 2021
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 or online from 11/11-11/14
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!
What do you think of the Military Members Breakdown? I’d love to hear from you down in the comments or over in the 4,000+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group!
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Disclosure: Basic Travel Couple, LLC has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Basic Travel Couple, LLC and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
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.
