Amex Pay is no longer available as a payment method
American Express discontinued Amex Pay, its digital payment service that let cardholders send money to other people through email or phone number. The service shut down in 2021. If you were using Amex Pay to transfer funds to friends or family, you will need to use a different method going forward.
Amex Pay worked similarly to other peer-to-peer payment apps — you could initiate a transfer from your Amex card and the recipient would receive the money in their bank account or Amex account. When Amex ended the service, existing transfers were completed, but no new transfers could be started.
The discontinuation means you cannot rely on Amex Pay for money transfers anymore. However, American Express cardholders still have several other ways to send money, many of which work just as quickly and some of which may already be on your phone.
Key Takeaways
- Amex Pay stopped accepting new transfers in 2021, though any pending transfers at that time were completed.
- You can send money from an Amex card using Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, or your bank's own transfer service instead.
- Most peer-to-peer payment apps let you link your Amex card as the funding source, though some charge a fee for credit card transfers.
- Bank-to-bank transfers through your own bank's app or website are usually free and often faster than card-based payment apps.
- If you need to send money internationally, Amex offers a separate wire transfer service through their customer service line.
Payment apps that accept Amex cards
Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash (now called Cash App), and Google Pay all let you link an American Express card as your funding source. This means you can use your Amex card to send money to other people through these apps, even though Amex Pay itself no longer exists.
Venmo and PayPal are the most widely used. Both apps let you send money to contacts by username or phone number. Venmo is popular for splitting bills and casual transfers between friends. PayPal works for both personal transfers and business payments. Square Cash and Google Pay are also reliable options, though they have smaller user bases.
One important detail: most of these apps charge a fee when you use a credit card (including Amex) as your funding source. The fee is typically 1% to 3% of the transfer amount. If you link a debit card or bank account instead, transfers are usually free. Check the app's fee schedule before you transfer, because the cost can add up on larger amounts.
Using your bank's transfer service instead
The fastest and cheapest way to send money is often through your own bank's app or website. Most banks let you transfer money to another person's bank account for free, and the transfer usually arrives within one to three business days. Some banks offer same-day transfers for a small fee or no fee at all.
To use your bank's transfer service, you will need the recipient's bank account number and routing number, or you can transfer to someone you have already sent money to before. Log into your bank's app or website, look for "Send Money" or "Transfer Funds," and follow the prompts. The process takes about five minutes.
This method does not involve your Amex card at all — it moves money directly from your bank account to someone else's. It is the most straightforward option if both you and the recipient have bank accounts, and it avoids any credit card fees.
Wire transfers through American Express
If you need to send a larger amount or transfer money internationally, American Express offers wire transfer services. You can initiate a wire transfer by calling Amex customer service at the number on the back of your card. A representative will walk you through the process and confirm the recipient's banking details.
Wire transfers are faster than standard bank transfers — they typically arrive the same day or within one business day. However, Amex charges a fee for wire transfers, usually between $15 and $25 depending on whether the transfer is domestic or international. You will pay this fee in addition to any fees your bank charges on the receiving end.
Wire transfers are best for situations where speed matters or when you are sending money to someone who does not have a Venmo or PayPal account. For routine transfers between friends, a peer-to-peer app or your bank's free transfer service is usually the better choice.
Comparing your options side by side
| Method | Speed | Cost with Amex Card | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venmo or PayPal | 1–3 business days | 1–3% fee | Casual transfers to friends who use the app |
| Your bank's transfer service | 1–3 business days | Free (from bank account) | Any transfer when you have the recipient's bank details |
| Amex wire transfer | Same day or next day | $15–$25 fee | Large amounts or international transfers |
| Google Pay or Square Cash | 1–3 business days | 1–3% fee | Quick setup if you already use the app |
What to do if you were using Amex Pay regularly
If Amex Pay was your main way to send money, pick one of the alternatives above and set it up now. Most peer-to-peer apps take less than five minutes to read and link to your Amex card. You will need to verify your identity and add your card details, but the process is straightforward.
For people you send money to regularly, consider using your bank's transfer service instead. It is free, does not charge a fee for credit cards, and works with any bank account. You will need the recipient's account and routing number one time, and then you can save them for future transfers.
If you have questions about your specific Amex account or need help setting up a wire transfer, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Amex representatives can walk you through your options and help you choose the method that works best for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use Amex Pay if I have an old account?
No. Amex Pay was fully discontinued in 2021, and the service no longer accepts new or existing transfers. Any pending transfers at the time of shutdown were completed, but you cannot start new transfers through Amex Pay.
Will Amex bring back Amex Pay?
American Express has not announced plans to restore Amex Pay. The company decided to focus on other payment options instead. For now, you will need to use one of the alternative methods listed above.
Do I have to pay a fee to send money with my Amex card?
It depends on the method. Peer-to-peer apps like Venmo and PayPal charge 1–3% when you use a credit card. Your bank's transfer service is free if you transfer from your bank account. Wire transfers through Amex cost $15–$25.
Can I transfer money from my Amex card to my own bank account?
Yes, but you would do this through your bank, not through Amex. Log into your bank's app, look for "Transfer Funds" or "Move Money," and select your Amex card as the source. Some banks charge a fee for this, so check your bank's policy first.
What if the person I want to send money to does not have a bank account?
Venmo, PayPal, Square Cash, and Google Pay all let recipients receive money without a bank account — they can hold the balance in the app or transfer it out later. This makes peer-to-peer apps a good choice when the recipient does not have traditional banking set up.