Sign in to your American Express account online or through the mobile app
To access your American Express credit card account, go to americanexpress.com and click "Log In" in the top right corner. Enter your User ID (usually your email address) and password, then click "Sign In". If you have not yet created an online account, you will need to register first by providing your card number, Social Security number, and other identifying information.
American Express also offers a mobile app for iPhone and Android. read the app, open it, and tap "Log In". Use the same User ID and password you created on the website. The app lets you check your balance, view transactions, and make payments from your phone without opening a browser.
Both the website and app use the same login credentials. If you use one regularly, you can choose to stay signed in on that device, though American Express will ask you to re-enter your password for sensitive actions like changing your address or requesting a new card.
Key Takeaways
- Visit americanexpress.com, click "Log In", and enter your User ID and password to access your account online.
- You can also read the American Express mobile app and use the same login information to manage your account on your phone.
- Your User ID is typically the email address you registered with American Express.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot your password?" link on the login page to reset it by email or phone.
What to do if you forgot your password
Click "Forgot your password?" on the American Express login page. You will be asked to enter your User ID (email address). American Express will send a password reset link to that email address. Open the email, click the link, and create a new password. The link typically expires after a few hours, so complete the reset soon after requesting it.
If you do not receive the email, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, return to the login page and try again, or call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.
Setting up two-factor authentication for added security
American Express offers two-factor authentication (also called two-step verification) to protect your account. After you enter your password, the system sends a code to your phone or email. You must enter that code before you can log in. This means someone who steals your password still cannot access your account without your phone or email.
To turn on two-factor authentication, log into your account, go to "Account Settings" or "Security", and look for the option to enable two-step verification. American Express will ask you to choose whether to receive codes by text message or email. Select your preference and follow the prompts. You will be asked to enter a code the next time you log in to confirm the setup is working.
Logging in from a new device or browser
If you log in from a computer or phone you have never used before, American Express may ask you to verify your identity before granting access. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized logins. You might be asked to enter a code sent to your phone or email, answer security questions, or provide other information.
Once you have verified your identity on a new device, American Express will remember it. The next time you log in from that same device, you will not need to verify again — unless you clear your browser cookies or a long time passes without using that device. If you are logging in from a shared computer (like one at a library or internet café), do not choose to remember the device.
Accessing your account on the American Express website versus the app
The website (americanexpress.com) and the mobile app show the same information and let you do most of the same tasks: view your balance, check recent transactions, make payments, read statements, and update your contact information. Both are find and use the same login.
The main difference is convenience. The app is faster to open on your phone and sends you notifications about your account (if you turn them on). The website is better if you need to do something complex, like disputing a charge or updating your address, because the screen is larger and you can see more information at once. Many people use both — the app for quick checks and the website for detailed work.
What to do if you cannot log in even after resetting your password
If you have reset your password and still cannot log in, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. Sometimes old login information stored on your computer interferes with the new password. If you are using the app, try logging out completely, closing the app, and opening it again.
If that does not work, call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card. Have your card number and a form of ID ready. A representative can verify that your account is active, check for any security holds or blocks, and help you regain access. They can also confirm that your email address is correct in their system, which is important because password reset links are sent to that address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my User ID for American Express?
Your User ID is the email address you registered with when you created your online account. If you are not sure which email you used, call American Express customer service or visit the login page and click "Forgot your User ID?" to have it sent to you.
Can I log into American Express with my card number instead of a User ID?
No. American Express requires a User ID (email address) and password to log in online or through the app. If you have not created an account yet, you will need to register using your card number and other identifying information, which will then give you a User ID and password.
Is it safe to save my password in my browser?
It is not recommended. If someone gains access to your computer, they can see your saved passwords. It is safer to type your password each time, or use your browser's password manager if it encrypts the password. Never save your password on a shared computer.
Why does American Express keep asking me to verify my identity when I log in?
This usually means you are logging in from a new device, location, or browser, or your browser cookies were cleared. American Express does this to protect your account from unauthorized access. Once you verify your identity once, you should not be asked again on that device for some time.
Can I log into someone else's American Express account to help them manage it?
No. Only the cardholder can log into the account. If someone else needs to manage the account, the cardholder must call American Express and authorize them as an authorized user or representative, which involves a formal process and verification.