Update: Seems like this is no longer being offered.
Credit card issuers offer a number of benefits for military members, part of this is due to SCRA & MLA but a lot of issuers also go above and beyond what is required of them. Citi’s standing policy has been to waive the annual fee on cards that were opened before a military member enters active duty. It looks like they are now waiving the annual fees on cards that have been opened after entering active duty, this is more likely due to a more liable interpretation of the Military Lending Act. The annual fee waiver is also being applied retroactively, reddit user PATHofCHURN just received a refund of $900 on their Citi Prestige card for example. Derp Report also reports the same annual fee waiver.
This is a pretty big change for active duty readers, Citi has two cards with high annual fees that might be worth considering:
Echoing what some other commenters have said, Citi does not waive the annual fee for cards receiving MLA benefits. Only the SCRA. My DP:
I opened the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card in Nov 2017. Shortly after opening it, I asked Citi to apply MLA benefits to the account, and eventually had written confirmation that MLA benefits were recognized for it.
The $95 annual fee posted a couple days ago (Dec 2018). I called the main customer service line on the back of the card and asked about MLA & the annual fee. The CSR said they recognized MLA on the account and tried to transfer me to the military CSRs (call was dropped). I called the number for the “Military Response Unit Representatives” included with my letter confirming MLA benefits.
Sadly, the military CSR was very clear that accounts with the MLA were not receiving refunds of the annual fee. Only cards with SCRA benefits (opened prior to entering military service) would waive the annual fee. I downgraded to the Citi Dividend card.
Anyone have any input on the proper process to secure these benefits? I have an active duty tour of 45 days coming up in March and am looking into the Prestige but only if I am able to get the annual fee waived. Should I apply before AD starts or shortly after and how long does the review process take since I am only active for 45 days? Thanks for the help.
I just called them again and asked about the SCRA and MLA. I’ve been active duty since 5/17. They told me they will not waive the fee unless you had opened the account before your active duty date. I don’t think they are waiving it :/
Just called and they told me they’re only offering MLA benefits to accounts opened after October 3rd 2017. Anyone else have the same issue?
I’ve had the Prestige since Jan ’16 and have been AD for 8 years. Asked via SM for MLA to be applied a month ago; result was that it was declined since it wasn’t opened after September ’17. Called two different reps… Typical shitibank service. They had NFC what I was talking about and kept saying SCRA only for cards. Sent another SM. Hopefully that or an automated AF refund kicks in as Jan is my anniversary.
AF was charged on anniversary. Think Citi follows Scra to a tee and MLA only applies if opened after September’17. This is after several SMs, calls and emails later.
Awesome news! Thanks for letting us know.