How to pay your American Express bill online
You can pay your American Express card through the American Express website or mobile app by logging into your account, selecting the payment option, entering the amount you want to pay, and confirming the transaction. The payment goes through when ready if you pay from a bank account linked to your card, or within one business day if you use a different payment method. American Express does not charge a fee for online payments made this way.
You do not need to set up anything in advance — you can make a one-time payment whenever you want, or you can set up automatic payments so the bill is paid on a date you choose each month. Both options are available in the same place in your account.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your American Express account online or through the mobile app, then go to the Payments section to pay your bill.
- You can pay from a bank account (fastest) or use a debit card, but American Express does not accept credit card payments.
- One-time payments clear when ready from a bank account or within one business day from other sources.
- Set up automatic monthly payments if you want your bill paid on the same date each month without logging in each time.
- American Express charges no fee for online payments made through their website or app.
Steps to make a payment through the American Express website
Go to americanexpress.com and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you will need to create one using your card number and other identifying information — this takes a few minutes and you can do it from the same login page.
Once you are signed in, look for the Payments tab or link, usually near the top of the page. Click it and you will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the date your payment is due. Select "Make a Payment" or a similar button.
Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or any amount in between. Then choose your payment method: a bank account (which clears fastest) or a debit card. If you are paying from a bank account for the first time, you will need to enter your routing number and account number. American Express will verify the account with two small deposits, which takes one to two business days.
Review the payment details and confirm. You will see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email receipt. The payment is complete.
Paying through the American Express mobile app
read the American Express app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then sign in with the same username and password you use on the website. The app shows your card balance and recent transactions on the home screen.
Tap the Payments icon or button (usually at the bottom of the screen or in a menu). Select "Make a Payment" and enter the amount. Choose your payment method — bank account or debit card — and confirm. The process is identical to the website, and the payment clears on the same timeline.
The app also lets you set up automatic payments from the same Payments section. You can choose the date each month that you want the payment to go through, and whether you want to pay your full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount.
Setting up automatic monthly payments
Automatic payments mean your bill is paid without you having to log in each month. Go to the Payments section on the website or app, then look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." Click to set up a new automatic payment.
Choose the date you want the payment to go through each month (for example, the 15th or the last day of the month). Select whether you want to pay your full statement balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed amount. Then choose your payment method — bank account or debit card.
You can have multiple automatic payments set up at once if you want. For example, you might set one automatic payment for your minimum amount on the 15th of each month, and a second one for any remaining balance on the 25th. You can change or cancel any automatic payment at any time from the same Payments section.
What payment methods American Express accepts online
American Express accepts payments from a bank account (checking or savings) or a debit card. Payments from a bank account clear when ready or within one business day. Debit card payments also clear within one business day.
American Express does not accept credit card payments, even if the credit card is from another bank. You cannot pay your American Express bill using another credit card. If you want to move your balance to a different card, that is a separate process called a balance transfer, which is different from a regular payment.
If you are paying from outside the United States, you may have additional options or restrictions depending on your bank and country. Contact American Express customer service to confirm what payment methods are available for your account.
How long payments take to process
Payments from a bank account linked to your American Express account clear when ready and are reflected in your account balance right away. You will see the payment posted within hours.
Payments from a debit card or a bank account you are using for the first time take one business day to clear. The payment is deducted from your bank account within one business day, and your American Express balance is updated within one business day after that.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. If you make a payment on a weekend or holiday, it is processed on the next business day. If your payment is due on a specific date and you are cutting it close, pay from a linked bank account to avoid a late payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay my full balance, or can I pay part of it?
You can pay any amount between your minimum payment and your full balance. You are not required to pay the full balance each month, though you will be charged interest on any balance you carry over. The minimum payment is shown in your account and is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance.
What if I want to pay my bill by phone or mail instead?
American Express accepts payments by phone at the number on the back of your card. You can also mail a check to the address shown on your statement. Phone payments are processed the same day, and mailed checks take five to seven business days to arrive and clear. Online payment is usually faster and does not require a stamp.
Can I pay my American Express bill from someone else's bank account?
Yes, you can provide someone else's bank account information to make a payment, but the account holder should authorize it first. The payment will still be deducted from that account. For security, American Express may ask you to verify your identity if you use a new bank account for the first time.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your statement, American Express will report it as late. Late payments can result in a fee, a higher interest rate, and damage to your credit score. If you realize you will miss a due date, contact American Express as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Is there a fee for paying online?
No. American Express does not charge a fee for payments made through their website or mobile app. Some third-party payment processors may charge a fee if you use them to pay your American Express bill, but paying directly through American Express is always free.