How to pay your American Express bill online, by phone, or by mail
You can pay your American Express bill through their website, mobile app, by phone, or by mailing a check. The fastest way is online at americanexpress.com or through the Amex mobile app — both let you pay when ready and see your payment post within one business day. If you prefer to call, Amex customer service can process a payment over the phone. Mailing a check takes 7 to 10 business days to reach Amex, so plan ahead if you use that method.
Your bill is due on a specific date each month, shown on your statement. Paying on time keeps your account in good standing and protects your credit score. If you miss the due date, Amex charges a late fee and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus after 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post within one business day and are the fastest way to pay your Amex bill.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month without you having to remember.
- Paying at least the minimum amount due by the due date keeps you from being charged a late fee.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them well before your due date to avoid a late payment.
Paying online or through the Amex mobile app
Log into your account at americanexpress.com or open the Amex mobile app on your phone. Select "Pay" or "Make a Payment" from the menu. You will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method — you can pay from a bank account (checking or savings) or another Amex card.
Once you confirm the payment, Amex processes it when ready. The payment shows as pending right away and posts to your account within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. This is the fastest and most reliable way to pay, and there is no fee for paying online.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. In your Amex account, go to "Manage Payments" or "Autopay Settings" and select "Set Up Automatic Payment." Choose the amount you want to pay each month — you can pay the full balance, the minimum due, or a fixed dollar amount. Pick the date you want the payment to come out each month.
Amex will pull the payment from your bank account on that date every month. If your balance changes, the automatic payment amount stays the same unless you change it. You can pause or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings. This method works well if you want to may support you never miss a due date.
Paying by phone
Call Amex customer service at the number on the back of your card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. You will need to provide your bank account information (routing number and account number) or another payment method. The payment is processed when ready over the phone.
Phone payments are useful if you have questions about your bill or need help, but they take longer than online payment because you have to wait for a representative. There is no fee for paying by phone.
Paying by mail
Write a check payable to American Express and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your bill statement — this address is different from Amex's main office, so use the one on your statement. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send your check at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment.
Include only the check and a copy of your statement stub if possible. Do not send cash. Once Amex receives and processes your check, the payment posts to your account. You will not receive a confirmation, so keep a copy of your check for your records.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Amex charges a late fee. The amount of the fee depends on your balance and your account history. More importantly, a missed payment is reported to credit bureaus 30 days after the due date, which damages your credit score and can stay on your credit report for seven years.
If you realize you will miss a due date, contact Amex when ready. Explain your situation — they may be willing to waive a single late fee or give you a few extra days. The sooner you call, the better your chances. Paying as soon as possible after you miss the due date limits the damage to your credit.
Understanding your statement and balance
Your Amex statement shows your current balance, the minimum payment due, and the due date. The current balance is everything you owe. The minimum payment is the smallest amount Amex requires you to pay to stay current — usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance. Paying only the minimum means you carry the rest of the balance forward and pay interest on it.
If you pay the full balance by the due date, you owe no interest. If you pay less than the full balance, interest starts accruing on the unpaid amount at your card's interest rate. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you pay and gets you out of debt faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Amex bill with another credit card?
No, Amex does not accept credit card payments. You can pay with a bank account, another Amex card, or by check or phone. Paying a credit card with another credit card usually triggers a cash advance fee and higher interest rate anyway, so it is not a good strategy.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you overpay, Amex holds the extra amount as a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. To request a refund, contact Amex customer service and they will mail you a check or credit it back to your bank account.
Does Amex charge a fee for paying online?
No, there is no fee for paying online, through the app, or by phone. Mailed checks and automatic payments are also free. Amex does not charge you to pay your bill through any method.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online and app payments show a confirmation number when ready and send a confirmation email. You can also log into your account and check your payment history. For mailed checks, allow 7 to 10 business days and then check your account to confirm the payment posted.
What if my payment is due on a weekend or holiday?
If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Amex extends the due date to the next business day. You will not be charged a late fee if you pay by that next business day. Check your statement for the actual due date if you are unsure.