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Veterans and Gold Star Families now receive free lifetime access to national parks

Nov. 10, 2020
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3 min read
Arches National Park
Veterans and Gold Star Families now receive free lifetime access to national parks
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On the eve of Veterans Day, those who served in the U.S. armed forces or families that lost someone during military service have a new lifetime perk.

The Department of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of the Interior, David Bernhardt, announced free access to national parks, wildlife refuges and other federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior "starting on Veterans Day this year and every day onward."

As the coronavirus pandemic remains a threat, this is especially good news for any servicemembers or surviving loved ones hoping to hit the road and get outdoors with socially distant activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends visiting parks in order to stay physically active — one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.

TPG has covered the best national parks in the U.S. and writer Katie Genter has visited several this summer, recounting what it's like to be in the parks during the pandemic.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

(Photo by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy)

Personally, I can't wait to explore national parks in my region with my new RV. If you don't have an RV, you can still use points to stay at hotels near national parks.

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“With the utmost respect and gratitude, we are granting Veterans and Gold Star Families free access to the iconic and treasured lands they fought to protect starting this Veterans Day and every single day thereafter,” said Secretary of the Interior Bernhardt.

For this program, a Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, and is able to present one of the following forms of identification:

  • Department of Defense Identification Card
  • Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
  • Veteran ID Card
  • Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card

Free access is equivalent to a national parks annual pass, called the America the Beautiful Pass, which currently costs $80 per year.

I found the easiest ways to get a Veterans ID card are right on the Veterans Affairs (VA) website, by contacting your local VA office where your state typically can issue you an ID card — or you can head to your nearest VA Health Clinic and register for VA Health services where you'll receive the aforementioned Veteran Health Identification Card. I've used the health identification card nationwide without trouble to prove my veteran status for a myriad of purposes.

Make sure to check out our other veterans and active military travel coverage including the best travel perks and discounts for servicemembers and the best credit cards for active-duty military. This is one of the very few lifetime benefits afforded to veterans without any disability and I encourage all my fellow men and women who served to take advantage.

Featured by Clint Henderson/The Points Guy.

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Why We Chose It

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Pros

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.