Pay your American Express bill online, by phone, or by mail
You can pay your American Express card through their website, mobile app, by phone, or by mailing a check. The fastest way is online through your Amex account — the payment posts the same day if you submit it before the cutoff time, which is usually 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. By phone, you can speak to a representative or use their automated system. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear.
American Express sends your bill statement 21 days before your payment due date. You can pay the full balance, the minimum amount, or any amount in between. Paying in full by the due date avoids interest charges. If you pay less than the full balance, interest accrues on the remaining amount at your card's annual percentage rate (APR).
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through your Amex account or app is the fastest method and posts the same day if submitted before the evening cutoff.
- You can pay by phone at 1-800-528-4800 using either an automated system or by speaking with a representative.
- Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to clear, so send them well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Paying your full statement balance by the due date prevents interest charges on your purchases.
- You can set up automatic payments from your bank account to pay a fixed amount or your full balance each month.
Pay online through your American Express account
Log in to your American Express account at americanexpress.com or open the Amex mobile app. Click "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" — the exact wording depends on which version you're using. Enter the amount you want to pay and select the bank account you want the payment to come from.
Review the payment details to confirm the amount and due date. Submit the payment. American Express will show you a confirmation number when ready. The payment posts to your account the same day if submitted before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. Payments submitted after that time or on weekends post the next business day.
If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one at americanexpress.com by entering your card number and other identifying information. You'll set up a username and password, and American Express will send a verification code to your email or phone.
Pay by phone with American Express
Call American Express at 1-800-528-4800. You can use their automated phone system to make a payment without speaking to anyone, or press an option to speak with a representative. Have your card number and the bank account you want to pay from ready.
If you use the automated system, follow the prompts to enter the amount you want to pay and confirm your bank account information. The system will read back the details before you authorize the payment. Payments made by phone post the same day if submitted before the cutoff time.
A representative can answer questions about your account, your statement, or payment options while processing your payment. This route takes longer than online or automated phone payment, but it's useful if you need to discuss your bill or have questions about charges.
Pay by mail
Write a check for the amount you want to pay. On the memo line, write your American Express account number so the payment is matched to your account correctly. Include your payment stub from your statement if you have it — it has a barcode that speeds up processing.
Mail your check to the address shown on your statement. Different card types and accounts may have different mailing addresses, so always use the address printed on your bill, not a general Amex address. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and clear, so send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment.
Do not mail cash. If your check is lost or delayed, you won't have proof of payment. Keep a record of the check number and the date you mailed it.
Set up automatic payments
Log into your American Express account online or in the app and look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." Select the bank account you want the payment to come from. Choose whether you want to pay your full statement balance, a fixed dollar amount, or your minimum payment each month.
Set the payment date — this should be on or before your due date. American Express will process the payment automatically on that date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings.
Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid missing a due date or if you prefer a set payment routine. You can still make additional payments outside your automatic schedule if you want to pay down your balance faster.
What to do if you miss your due date
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date shown on your statement, American Express charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on your card type and your account history. A late payment also appears on your credit report and may increase your APR.
If you realize you've missed the due date, pay as soon as possible. Log into your account online, call 1-800-528-4800, or mail a payment when ready. The sooner you pay, the less interest accrues on your balance. Contact American Express if you want to discuss the late fee — in some cases, they may waive it if this is your first late payment or if you have a good payment history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my American Express bill with a different payment method?
American Express accepts payments only from a bank account, check, or wire transfer. You cannot pay with another credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like PayPal or Apple Pay. The payment must come directly from a bank account or be mailed as a check.
What time does my online payment post?
Payments submitted online before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after that time or on weekends post the next business day. American Express does not process payments on federal holidays.
Is there a fee to pay my bill online or by phone?
No. American Express does not charge a fee for online or phone payments made directly from your bank account. Mailed checks are also free. Some third-party payment services may charge a fee if you use them to pay, but paying directly through Amex is always free.
Can I pay more than my statement balance?
Yes. You can pay any amount up to your full balance plus any fees owed. Paying more than your statement balance creates a credit on your account that you can use toward future purchases or request as a refund.
What happens if I only pay the minimum?
Interest accrues on the remaining balance at your card's APR. The minimum payment covers only a portion of your balance and interest, so your debt grows if you continue to carry a balance. Paying your full statement balance each month avoids interest charges.