What you need to open an American Express account

American Express requires you to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and provide a current mailing address. You will also need a form of government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. American Express will check your credit report as part of the review process, so your credit history and current credit score affect whether you are approved and what credit limit you receive.

The company offers different card products: consumer credit cards (like the Blue Cash or Gold card), business credit cards, and charge cards (like the Platinum card, which requires you to pay the full balance monthly). Each has different requirements. Consumer cards are the most straightforward to open; business cards require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security number for the business owner, plus documentation of the business itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open an American Express account online, by phone, or by mail, and the online process typically completes in minutes if you are approved immediately.
  • American Express checks your credit report, so approval depends on your credit history and score; some cards have minimum credit score expectations, though American Express does not publish these publicly.
  • You will receive your card by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can request expedited delivery for an additional fee.
  • If you are denied, you can ask American Express why and may be able to reapply after addressing the reason — such as building credit or correcting errors on your report.

Opening an account online

The fastest way to open an American Express account is through their website at americanexpress.com. Click on the card you want to open, then select "Open Now" or a similar button. You will enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and employment information. American Express will ask about your annual income and existing debts. Be honest — the company verifies this information and fraud on an application can result in denial or legal consequences.

After you submit your information, American Express runs a soft credit pull (which does not affect your credit score) and a hard inquiry (which does). If you are approved on the spot, you will see a confirmation screen with your new account number and credit limit. If the decision is pending, American Express will tell you to check back within 24 to 48 hours. If you are denied, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason within 30 days.

Once approved, you can use your account number to make purchases online or by phone immediately, even before your physical card arrives. Your card will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. American Express offers expedited shipping (usually 2 to 3 business days) for a fee, which you can request during the application or by calling customer service after approval.

Opening an account by phone or mail

You can also open an American Express account by calling 1-800-528-4800. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about specific cards or your situation. Phone applications take about 15 to 20 minutes. You will receive the same immediate, pending, or denial decision as an online application.

Opening by mail is slower but an option if you prefer not to provide information online. Request an application form from American Express, complete it by hand, and mail it back with a copy of your ID and proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or bank statement). Mail applications typically take 4 to 6 weeks to process because of the time required for the form to arrive, be reviewed, and for you to receive a decision letter.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, your account is active immediately, even if your physical card has not arrived. You can use your account number to make purchases online, by phone, or through the American Express mobile app. You will receive a welcome package in the mail that includes your physical card, a PIN (if applicable to your card type), and information about your account terms, rewards program, and how to set up online access.

Set up online account access at americanexpress.com by creating a username and password. This allows you to view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and manage your account settings. American Express also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices, which you can download and log into with the same credentials.

Your first billing cycle begins on the date your account opens. American Express will send you a statement each month showing your balance, minimum payment due, and due date. Charge cards (like Platinum) require full payment each month; credit cards allow you to carry a balance and pay interest on what you owe.

If you are denied or need to reapply

American Express will send you a letter within 30 days explaining why you were denied. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a low credit score, high existing debt, or negative marks on your credit report (such as late payments or collections). You can call American Express at the number on the denial letter to ask for more details.

If you were denied because of your credit score or history, you can work on improving your credit before reapplying. This means paying down existing balances, making all payments on time, and checking your credit report for errors through annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source). If you find errors, dispute them with the credit bureau that reported them.

You can reapply after 30 to 90 days, depending on the reason for denial. American Express does not have a strict waiting period, but applying too soon after a denial may result in another denial. If you were denied for a specific card, you might have better success applying for a different American Express product that has less stringent requirements.

Understanding credit checks and your credit score

When you open an American Express account, the company performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry appears on your credit report and typically lowers your credit score by a few points for about three months. Multiple hard inquiries within 14 to 45 days (depending on the credit scoring model) usually count as a single inquiry, so applying for several cards in a short window does not multiply the damage.

American Express uses credit information from all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — though which bureau they check varies by region and situation. Your credit score is one factor in approval, but American Express also considers your income, existing debts, payment history, and length of credit history. The company does not publish minimum credit score requirements, so approval is not may provide even with a good score.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Online applications can be approved instantly or within 24 to 48 hours. Phone applications usually receive a decision during the call or within 24 hours. Mail applications take 4 to 6 weeks. You can use your account number to make purchases immediately after approval, even if your physical card has not arrived.

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

Yes. Once approved, American Express provides your account number, and you can use it to make purchases online, by phone, or through the mobile app right away. Your physical card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days, or faster if you pay for expedited shipping.

What is the difference between a credit card and a charge card from American Express?

Credit cards (like Blue Cash or Gold) let you carry a balance and pay interest on what you owe. Charge cards (like Platinum) require you to pay the full balance each month. Charge cards typically have higher annual fees but offer premium benefits and rewards. Approval requirements may differ between the two types.

Will opening an American Express account hurt my credit score?

The hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points for about three months. Opening a new account also lowers the average age of your credit accounts, which can temporarily reduce your score. However, over time, a new account with on-time payments will help your credit score by adding to your payment history and available credit.

What should I do if I am denied?

Read the denial letter to understand the reason. If it is a credit issue, check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com for errors and dispute any you find. Pay down existing balances and make all payments on time for 30 to 90 days, then reapply. You can also try applying for a different American Express card with less stringent requirements.