How to pay your American Express card
You can pay your American Express bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. The fastest method is logging into your Amex account at americanexpress.com and making a one-time payment — this takes minutes and the payment posts the same day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. ET on business days). You can also call the number on the back of your card to pay by phone, set up automatic payments from your bank account, or mail a check to the address printed on your statement.
The key difference between these methods is timing and control. Online and phone payments give you the most control over the exact amount and date. Automatic payments remove the need to remember, but you have to set them up once and monitor them to make sure the amount is correct each month. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days, so you need to send it earlier if you want to avoid a late payment.
Key Takeaways
- Paying online through your Amex account is the fastest method and posts the same day if submitted before the evening cutoff on a business day.
- You can set up automatic payments to pay a fixed amount or your full statement balance each month, which removes the need to remember.
- Paying by phone takes a few minutes and works if you do not have online access, but you will need your account number and routing information ready.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
Paying online through your American Express account
Log into your account at americanexpress.com using your username and password. Click "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment" (the exact wording varies by card type). Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Choose the date you want the payment to post; same-day posting is available if you submit before 8 p.m. ET on a business day.
You can pay from a bank account (checking or savings) or from another American Express card. If you pay from a bank account, you will need your routing number and account number, which you can find at the bottom of a check. Amex stores this information so you do not have to enter it every time. Review the payment details before confirming, and you will see a confirmation number when ready after the transaction goes through.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the need to log in each month. In your Amex account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments" or "Autopay Settings" and choose how much you want to pay each month: the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount you set. Select the date you want the payment to come out of your bank account each month — most people choose a date shortly after they get paid.
Once automatic payments are set up, the payment will post on that date every month until you turn it off. You should still check your statement each month to make sure the amount is correct and that the payment went through. If your balance changes significantly or you want to pause payments for a month, you can adjust or cancel automatic payments anytime in your account settings.
Paying by phone
Call the number on the back of your American Express card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. Have your bank account information ready if you want to pay from a checking or savings account — you will need your routing number and account number. The representative will confirm the payment amount and the date it will post, then provide a confirmation number.
Phone payments work the same day if you call before the evening cutoff on a business day. This method is useful if you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone, but it takes longer than paying online. There is no fee for paying by phone through Amex's official customer service line.
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 statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from the mailing address for correspondence, so use the one listed for payments. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send your check at least two weeks before your due date to make sure it arrives on time and avoids a late fee.
Include only the check and your statement stub if possible; do not send cash. If you do not have your statement, write your full account number clearly on the check so Amex can match it to your account. Keep a record of the check number and amount for your own records.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Amex will charge a late fee. The fee amount depends on your card type and account history, but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. After 30 days past due, the late payment will appear on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you will miss the due date, contact Amex as soon as possible. Some cardholders can request a one-time waiver of the late fee if they have a good payment history. The sooner you pay after the due date, the less damage to your credit score, so do not delay if you miss the important date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Amex bill with a different credit card?
American Express does not allow you to pay your bill with another credit card through their official payment channels. You can only pay with a bank account, another Amex card, or by check. Paying with a different card through a third-party service may be possible but usually comes with fees and is not recommended.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up?
Online payments post the same day if you submit them before 8 p.m. ET on a business day. If you pay after that time or on a weekend, the payment will post the next business day. You can see the payment reflected in your account balance within a few hours of posting.
What if I pay more than I owe?
If you pay more than your statement balance, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request that Amex refund the overpayment to your bank account. Contact Amex customer service to request a refund if you prefer not to carry a credit balance.
Can I change my automatic payment date?
Yes, you can change the date anytime through your account settings. Log in, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and select a new date. The change will take effect on your next scheduled payment. If you need to skip a payment or pause automatic payments for a month, you can do that as well.
Is there a fee for paying my Amex bill?
There is no fee for paying your American Express bill through any of their official channels — online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. If you use a third-party payment service or pay through your bank's bill pay system, check whether that service charges a fee.