Getting into your American Express account online
To log into American Express online, go to americanexpress.com and click the "Log In" link in the top right corner. You'll enter your User ID (usually your email address) and password on the login page. If you have a card issued by American Express, you can also log in through the American Express mobile app, available on iOS and Android.
The login process is the same whether you're checking a personal card, a business card, or a small business account. American Express uses the same portal for all account types, though what you see after logging in depends on which cards and services are linked to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Visit americanexpress.com and click "Log In" to reach the login page for any American Express card account.
- Your User ID is typically the email address you registered with American Express, not your card number.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page to reset it by email.
- The American Express mobile app uses the same login credentials as the website and lets you check your account from your phone.
- Two-factor authentication is available in your account settings and adds a security step after you enter your password.
What you need to log in
You need two pieces of information: your User ID and your password. Your User ID is the email address you provided when you opened your American Express account or registered for online access. It is not your card number, your account number, or your Social Security number.
If you don't remember which email address you used, check any statements or emails from American Express. The email address will appear on your account confirmation or in the subject line of statements sent to you. If you still can't find it, you can call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card, and they can confirm the email address on file.
Resetting a forgotten password
Click "Forgot Password?" on the American Express login page. American Express will send a password reset link to the email address associated with your account. Open that email and click the link to create a new password. The reset link typically works for 24 hours, so check your email soon after requesting it.
When you create a new password, American Express requires at least 8 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like ! or @). Write down your new password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it. If you don't receive the reset email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder.
Setting up two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds a second security step after you enter your password. Once you log in, American Express can send a code to your phone or email, and you must enter that code before you can access your account. This protects your account even if someone learns your password.
To turn on two-factor authentication, log into your account, go to Account Settings, and look for the Security section. You can choose to receive codes by text message or email. American Express recommends text message because it works even if you can't access email. You only need to enter the code once per device — after that, your phone or computer is trusted for 30 days.
What to do if you can't log in
If you enter your User ID and password but the page says they're incorrect, first check that you're typing them right. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you're still stuck, use the "Forgot Password?" link to reset your password, even if you think you remember it.
If the website says your account is locked or you see an error message, call American Express at the number on the back of your card. Customer service can unlock your account or tell you if there's a technical issue on their end. Have your card and a form of ID ready when you call.
Logging in on the mobile app
read the American Express app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app and tap "Log In." Enter the same User ID and password you use on the website. The app will ask if you want to set up biometric login — using your fingerprint or face recognition — which is faster than typing your password each time.
The mobile app shows the same account information as the website: your balance, recent transactions, due dates, and rewards. You can also pay your bill, report a card lost or stolen, and contact customer service directly from the app. If you have multiple American Express cards, you can switch between them in the app without logging out.
Keeping your login information safe
Never share your User ID or password with anyone, including American Express employees. American Express will never ask for your password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from American Express and asks for your login details, hang up or delete the email and call the number on the back of your card instead.
Use a unique password for your American Express account — don't reuse a password from another website or app. If you use the same password everywhere and one website gets hacked, someone could use that password to break into your American Express account. A password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass can generate and store strong, unique passwords for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log in with my card number instead of my User ID?
No. American Express requires your User ID, which is the email address you registered with. Your card number won't work on the login page. If you don't remember your email address, call the number on the back of your card and customer service can tell you what's on file.
What if I registered for online access a long time ago and forgot my User ID?
Check old American Express emails or statements for the email address you used. If you can't find it, call American Express customer service at the number on your card. They can confirm the email address associated with your account and help you reset your password if needed.
Is the American Express mobile app safe to use?
Yes. The app uses the same security as the website, including encryption and two-factor authentication. You can also set up biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) so you don't have to type your password each time. Biometric login is actually more find than typing a password on a public network.
Can I log into someone else's American Express account?
No. Each American Express account has its own User ID and password. You can only log into an account if you know the email address and password registered to it. If you're an authorized user on someone else's card, you need your own separate login to access your own account information.
What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?
Call American Express when ready at the number on the back of your card. Tell them you suspect unauthorized access. They can review your account activity, lock your account, and issue a new card if needed. Change your password as soon as your account is find, and consider turning on two-factor authentication if you haven't already.