The basic ways to pay American Express
You can pay American Express through their website, mobile app, phone, or by mail. The fastest route is online or through the app — both let you pay when ready and see your payment post within one business day. If you prefer to call, American Express customer service can process a payment over the phone. Mailing a check takes seven to ten business days to reach them, so use mail only if you have that much time before your due date.
American Express requires you to log into your account or provide your card number to make a payment. They do not accept payments through third-party bill-pay services the way some banks do, so you cannot route a payment through your own bank's bill-pay system. You have to go directly to American Express.
Key Takeaways
- Pay online at americanexpress.com, through the American Express mobile app, or by calling 1-800-528-4800 to make a payment the same day.
- Your payment posts within one business day if you pay online or by phone, but mailed checks take seven to ten business days to arrive.
- You can set up automatic payments from your bank account so your bill pays on a date you choose each month.
- Late fees start if your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, regardless of when you sent it.
- Paying more than your minimum due reduces the interest you owe if you carry a balance.
Paying online or through the app
Go to americanexpress.com and sign in with your username and password. Click "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment" — the exact wording changes depending on your card type. You will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date you want it to come out of your bank account.
The American Express app works the same way. read it from the App Store or Google Play, sign in, and tap the payment option. You can pay when ready or schedule a payment for a future date. Both the website and app show you a confirmation number once the payment goes through, so take a screenshot or write it down in case you need to reference it later.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments mean your bill pays on the same day each month without you having to log in. On the American Express website, go to your account settings and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Autopay." You will choose a date between the 1st and the 28th of each month, and American Express will pull that payment from your bank account on that day.
You can set autopay to pay your full statement balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount you choose. If you set it to pay the full balance, you will never carry a balance and will not pay interest — but you still need to check your statement each month to make sure the charge is correct. If you set it to a fixed amount, make sure that amount is at least your minimum payment, or you will fall behind.
Paying by phone
Call American Express at 1-800-528-4800 and have your card number ready. A representative will ask how much you want to pay and which bank account to pull it from. The payment processes when ready and posts to your account within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number — write it down.
Paying by phone takes longer than online because you have to wait on hold, but it is useful if you have questions about your balance or if you are having trouble with the website. American Express customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to American Express and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement — this address changes depending on where your account is processed, so do not use an old envelope. Allow seven to ten business days for the mail to arrive and for American Express to post your payment.
Mail is the slowest option and carries the risk that your check gets lost. Only use this method if you do not have internet access or a bank account linked to online payment. If you are mailing a payment close to your due date, it may arrive late and trigger a late fee even though you sent it on time.
Understanding due dates and late fees
Your due date is printed on your statement and is usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. American Express considers a payment late if it does not arrive by that date, not if you send it by that date. This means a check mailed three days before the due date might still arrive late.
If your payment arrives after the due date, American Express charges a late fee. The amount depends on your balance and your card type, but it typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. If you miss a payment by 30 days, the late payment appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment by 60 days, American Express may close your account.
What to do if you cannot pay in full
If you cannot pay your full balance, pay at least your minimum payment by the due date to avoid a late fee. Your minimum payment is shown on your statement. Paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance, and it will take much longer to pay off the card, but it keeps you current.
If you are having trouble making even the minimum payment, contact American Express before your due date. They may be able to work out a payment plan or temporarily lower your minimum payment. Calling before you miss a payment is much better than calling after, because it shows you are trying to manage the debt rather than ignoring it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a payment to show up on my account?
Online and phone payments post within one business day. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to arrive and process. If you pay on a weekend or holiday, add one extra business day to the timeline.
Can I pay my American Express card through my bank's bill-pay system?
No. American Express does not participate in most bank bill-pay networks. You must pay directly through americanexpress.com, the app, or by phone. Some banks offer a workaround by mailing a check on your behalf, but this is slower than paying American Express directly.
What happens if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward your next statement balance, or you can request a refund. American Express will not charge you interest on a credit balance.
Can I change my automatic payment date if I get paid on a different day?
Yes. Log into your account, go to automatic payments, and select a new date between the 1st and 28th of the month. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment.
What if I pay my bill but it still shows as late on my credit report?
Late payments can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, even after you pay. The damage to your credit score decreases over time, especially if you make all future payments on time. Paying late does not erase the late mark, but it stops new damage from happening.