What you need to open an American Express account

American Express offers several types of accounts—personal credit cards, business cards, and deposit accounts through American Express Bank—and each has its own requirements. For a personal credit card, you need to be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You'll also need a current mailing address and a phone number where American Express can reach you.

American Express will check your credit history using the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so having an established credit history helps, though American Express does offer cards for people building credit from scratch. If you're opening a business card, you'll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or your Social Security number, proof of business ownership, and business tax documents.

For deposit accounts through American Express Bank—savings accounts, money market accounts, or certificates of deposit—the requirements are simpler: you need to be 18 or older, provide a valid government-issued ID, and have a Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need an existing credit history for deposit accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Personal credit card applications require a Social Security number or ITIN, proof of identity, a current address, and a phone number; American Express will pull your credit report.
  • You can apply online, by phone, or in person at an American Express office, and most decisions come back within minutes to a few business days.
  • If you are denied, American Express will send you a written notice explaining the reason, and you can dispute inaccurate information on your credit report through the credit bureaus.
  • Deposit accounts (savings, money market, CDs) do not require a credit check and can be opened with just an ID and Social Security number.
  • Once approved, you can activate your card online, by phone, or through the American Express mobile app before making your first purchase.

How to apply online

The fastest way to open an American Express account is through their website at americanexpress.com. Navigate to the card or account type you want, click "Apply Now," and fill in your personal information: name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. American Express will ask about your annual income, employment status, and whether you have other American Express accounts.

You'll also choose a username and password for your online account and set up security questions. Review the terms and conditions, then submit your application. American Express will tell you immediately whether you've been approved, denied, or placed under review. If approved, your card will ship within 7 to 10 business days, though some cards offer expedited shipping for an additional fee.

If your application is under review, American Express may call you at the phone number you provided to verify information or ask follow-up questions. This usually happens within 24 hours. Keep your phone nearby after submitting your application so you don't miss their call.

Applying by phone or in person

You can also apply for an American Express card by calling 1-800-THE-AMEX (1-800-843-2639). A representative will walk you through the application, ask the same questions as the online form, and give you a decision on the call. This route takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is useful if you have questions about which card fits your spending or if you prefer speaking to a person.

If there's an American Express office or a retail location with an American Express desk near you, you can apply in person. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. An associate will complete your application on the spot and can often issue a temporary card number you can use immediately for online purchases while your physical card ships.

What happens after approval

Once American Express approves your account, you'll receive a confirmation email with your account number and temporary card details if you applied online or by phone. You can use these temporary details to make purchases online or over the phone right away. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Before you use your card, you must activate it. You can do this online through your American Express account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or through the American Express mobile app. Activation takes less than a minute and confirms that you received the card and that it's in your possession.

After activation, set up automatic payments or link your card to your bank account if you plan to pay your balance in full each month. American Express allows you to set up payment reminders or autopay through your online account dashboard. Your first billing statement will arrive 30 days after your account opens, and your first payment will be due about 25 days after that.

If your application is denied

American Express will send you a written notice within 30 days if your application is denied. The notice will include the reason—usually insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or negative information on your credit report. It will also tell you that you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the bureau American Express used.

If the denial was based on credit history, you can work on building credit by becoming an authorized user on someone else's account, securing a credit-builder loan, or opening a secured credit card with a deposit. If the denial was based on inaccurate information on your credit report, you can dispute it directly with Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion at their websites (equifax.com, experian.com, transunion.com). Correcting errors can improve your score and make you a stronger candidate for approval on a future application.

You can reapply after 30 days, and American Express will pull a fresh credit report. If you've made changes—paid down debt, corrected errors, or built new positive credit history—your chances improve.

Opening a deposit account instead

If you want to open a savings account, money market account, or certificate of deposit (CD) through American Express Bank rather than apply for a credit card, the process is simpler and faster. Go to americanexpressbank.com, select the account type, and provide your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need to provide income information or authorize a credit check.

American Express will verify your identity using information from public records and may ask you to confirm recent transactions on a bank account you own. Once verified, your account opens immediately, and you can fund it by transferring money from another bank account or by mailing a check. Deposit accounts come with a debit card (for money market accounts) or online access to manage your funds and set up transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for an American Express card?

Most decisions come back within minutes if you apply online or by phone. If your application goes under review, American Express will call you within 24 hours to ask follow-up questions. Once approved, your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use temporary card details for purchases immediately.

Can I use my American Express card before it arrives in the mail?

Yes. If you apply online or by phone and are approved, American Express will give you a temporary card number you can use for online and phone purchases right away. Your physical card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You must activate the physical card before using it in stores.

What credit score do I need to open an American Express account?

American Express does not publish a minimum credit score, but approval is easier with a score of 670 or higher. American Express also offers cards designed for people building credit or with limited credit history, so a lower score does not automatically disqualify you. The best way to know is to apply.

Do I need a U.S. bank account to open an American Express deposit account?

No. You can fund an American Express Bank deposit account by transferring money from any U.S. bank account or by mailing a check. You do not need an existing American Express credit card or any other American Express product.

What if I'm denied and want to know why?

American Express will mail you a written notice explaining the reason within 30 days. The notice will also tell you how to request a free copy of your credit report from the bureau they used. If the reason was inaccurate information, you can dispute it with the credit bureau directly at their website.