The basic steps to open an American Express account
American Express requires you to apply online, by phone, or in person at a retail location. The process itself takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, current income, employment status, and a mailing address. American Express will pull your credit report during the application — this is called a hard inquiry and will show up on your credit history.
After you submit, you will usually get a decision within minutes to a few hours. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, American Express will mail you a letter explaining why, and you can request the specific reason by calling their customer service line.
Key Takeaways
- American Express cards require an online, phone, or in-person application and a hard credit inquiry that affects your credit score temporarily.
- You need a Social Security number, proof of income, and current address; approval decisions usually come within hours.
- American Express has different card products for different credit profiles — from cards for people building credit to premium cards requiring higher credit scores.
- Your first statement arrives about 3 to 4 weeks after you receive the card, and your first payment is due roughly 25 days after that.
- American Express charges an annual fee on most of its cards, unlike many competitors, so compare the fee against the rewards or benefits you will actually use.
What credit score you need for different American Express cards
American Express offers cards across a range of credit profiles. The American Express One is designed for people with limited or fair credit and typically requires a credit score around 600 or higher, though American Express does not publish exact minimums. The Blue Cash Everyday card is positioned for people with good credit and usually requires a score in the 670 to 700 range.
Premium cards like the Gold Card and Platinum Card typically require a credit score of 750 or higher. These cards also charge annual fees — the Gold Card is $250 per year and the Platinum Card is $695 per year — so the decision to apply depends on whether you will use the travel credits, purchase protections, or other benefits that come with them.
If you do not know your credit score, you can check it free through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the only government-authorized site for free credit reports. You can also check your score through many banks and credit card issuers, which often show it free in their online portals even if you do not have an account with them yet.
Documents and information you will need before applying
Have these items ready before you start the application:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date of birth
- Your current mailing address
- Your current employment status and employer name (or "unemployed," "retired," "student," etc.)
- Your annual household income (American Express asks for this but does not require proof at the time of application)
- A phone number where American Express can reach you
American Express may ask follow-up questions if your application is flagged for review — for example, if you recently moved, changed jobs, or have a thin credit file. If this happens, they will call the phone number you provided. Having your employment details and recent address history ready will speed up the process.
How American Express decides whether to approve you
American Express looks at your credit score, payment history, and how much debt you currently carry. They also look at your income relative to your existing debt — this is called your debt-to-income ratio. If you have recent late payments, collections accounts, or a very high credit utilization (the amount of credit you are using compared to your limits), your application is more likely to be denied.
American Express is known for being stricter than some competitors about credit history. If you have no credit history at all, you may be denied even if you have a steady income. In that case, a secured credit card — where you deposit cash as collateral — can help you build a credit file. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can often move to an unsecured American Express card.
If you are denied, you have the right to know why. American Express will include the reason in their denial letter, and you can also call to ask for more detail. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or existing debt that is too high relative to your income.
What happens after your application is approved
Once approved, your card will ship to the mailing address you provided. While you wait, you can set up your online account at americanexpress.com using your Social Security number and date of birth. Some cardholders can add their card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay before the physical card arrives, which lets them start using it right away.
Your first statement will arrive 3 to 4 weeks after you receive the card. The statement will show your statement closing date (when the billing period ends) and your payment due date, which is typically 25 days after the closing date. You must make at least the minimum payment by the due date to avoid a late fee and credit damage.
American Express charges interest on any balance you carry past the due date. The interest rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates, but you can see your specific rate in your account or on your first statement. If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you will not pay any interest.
Annual fees and whether they are worth it
Most American Express cards charge an annual fee. The Blue Cash Everyday has no annual fee, but premium cards do. Before you apply, think about whether you will actually use the benefits that come with the fee.
The Gold Card ($250 per year) includes a $120 annual dining credit, a $120 annual Uber credit, and other perks. If you use those credits, the net cost is much lower. The Platinum Card ($695 per year) includes travel credits, lounge access, and concierge services — but only if you travel frequently enough to use them.
If you are not sure whether a card's benefits are worth the fee, apply for a card without an annual fee first. Once you have an American Express account and a payment history with them, you can ask about upgrading to a premium card later. American Express sometimes waives the first-year annual fee for new cardholders, so it is worth asking when you apply.
What to do if your application is denied
If American Express denies your application, you will receive a letter in the mail within 5 to 7 business days. The letter will include the reason — usually insufficient credit history, too many recent inquiries, or high existing debt.
You have a few options. First, you can wait 3 to 6 months, work on improving the issue (paying down debt, building credit history, or spacing out new credit applications), and reapply. Second, you can apply for a different American Express card that is designed for a lower credit profile — for example, the One card instead of the Gold Card. Third, you can call American Express and ask if they will reconsider, though this rarely changes the outcome.
If you have limited credit history, a secured card is often the fastest path forward. You deposit $500 to $2,500 as collateral, and American Express gives you a credit line equal to that amount. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can request to convert to an unsecured card, and your deposit is returned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for an American Express card?
Most decisions come within minutes to a few hours of applying online. If your application needs manual review, it can take up to 2 business days. Once approved, the physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I use my American Express card before it arrives?
Yes, if you add it to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some cardholders can set this up in their online account before the physical card arrives. You can also call American Express to request a temporary card number for online purchases.
What is the difference between American Express and Visa or Mastercard?
American Express is both a card issuer and a payment network, meaning they own the card and the system it runs on. Visa and Mastercard are only networks — banks issue the actual cards. American Express cards are accepted at fewer merchants than Visa or Mastercard, but they often offer stronger fraud protection and purchase protections.
Do I have to pay interest if I pay my full balance on time?
No. If you pay your entire statement balance by the due date, you will not pay any interest, regardless of how much you charged during the month. You will still owe the annual fee (if the card has one) even if you carry no balance.
Can I get an American Express card if I have no credit history?
It is difficult but not impossible. American Express is stricter than many competitors about credit history. If you are denied, a secured American Express card is a good option — you deposit cash as collateral, build a payment history, and convert to an unsecured card after 6 to 12 months.