Getting into your American Express account
Go to americanexpress.com and look for the "Log In" button in the top right corner of the homepage. Click it, then enter your User ID (usually your email address) and password. If you have a card linked to your account, American Express will ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email before you can see your full account.
The login page is the same whether you use a personal card, a business card, or both. If you manage multiple accounts under one login, you can switch between them after you sign in by selecting the account name from a dropdown menu.
Key Takeaways
- Visit americanexpress.com and click "Log In" in the top right to reach the login page.
- Enter your User ID (usually your email) and password, then complete a security verification step.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot your password?" link on the login page to reset it by email.
- You can manage multiple American Express accounts from one login by switching between them after you sign in.
What you can do after you log in
Once you are signed in, you can view your current balance, recent transactions, and payment due date. You can also set up automatic payments, read statements, update your contact information, and manage your rewards points or miles if your card earns them.
If you have questions about a specific charge or think there is an error on your account, you can report it through the "Disputes" or "Transaction History" section of your account. American Express will walk you through the steps to file a claim.
Resetting a forgotten password
Click "Forgot your password?" on the login page. American Express will ask you to enter your User ID, then send a password reset link to the email address on file. Check your inbox and spam folder, then click the link and create a new password.
The reset link usually works for 24 hours. If it expires, you can request a new one by going back to the login page and clicking "Forgot your password?" again. Make sure your new password is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Two-factor authentication and security verification
American Express requires a second verification step after you enter your password. This is usually a code sent to your phone by text message or to your email address. Enter this code on the screen that appears, and you will be logged in.
If you do not receive a code, check that your phone number or email address is current in your account settings. You can also choose to receive the code by a different method if one is not working. If you still cannot receive a code, call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card.
Logging in on a mobile device
You can log into your American Express account using the official American Express mobile app, available on iPhone and Android, or by visiting americanexpress.com in your phone's web browser. The login process is the same either way — enter your User ID and password, then complete the security verification step.
The mobile app lets you check your balance and make payments from anywhere. If you use the app regularly, you can set it to remember your User ID so you only have to enter your password each time you open it. Do not use "Remember me" on a shared or public device.
What to do if you cannot log in
If you see an error message or your login keeps failing, first check that you are using the correct User ID. Most people use their email address, but if you set up your account with a different username, try that instead. Make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are typing your password correctly.
If you still cannot log in after trying your password a few times, your account may be temporarily locked for security reasons. Wait 15 to 30 minutes, then try again. If the problem continues, call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card or visit americanexpress.com/help to find contact options.
Keeping your login information safe
Never share your User ID or password with anyone, including American Express employees. American Express will never ask you for your full password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from American Express and asks for your login details, hang up or close the email and call the number on the back of your card instead.
Use a unique password for your American Express account — do not reuse the same password from other websites or apps. If you use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password, you can store your American Express login there so you do not have to remember it. Change your password every few months or right away if you think someone else knows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my User ID?
Your User ID is usually the email address you registered with American Express. If you cannot remember which email you used, click "Forgot your password?" on the login page and enter different email addresses until one works. American Express will send a password reset link to the correct one.
Can I log in with my card number instead of a User ID?
No. American Express requires a User ID (usually your email address) and password to log in. You will need to create a User ID if you do not have one yet. You can do this by clicking "Create a User ID" on the login page.
Why does American Express ask me to verify my identity every time I log in?
The verification code is a security step that protects your account from unauthorized access. If you log in from a new device or location, American Express may ask for verification more often. You can reduce how often you see this step by logging in from the same device and location regularly.
What should I do if I see suspicious activity on my account?
Log into your account and check your recent transactions. If you see charges you did not make, report them through the "Disputes" section of your account or call the number on the back of your card. American Express will investigate and may issue a temporary credit while they look into it.
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 in to an account if you are the cardholder or an authorized user with login access. If you need to manage someone else's account, ask them to add you as an authorized user or to give you power of attorney through their account settings.