The American Express login page and what you need to get in
To log 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 set up two-factor authentication — which American Express calls "Additional Verification" — you will receive a code on your phone or email after you enter your password, and you must type that code to complete login.
The login page itself is straightforward: two text fields and a "Log In" button. Below that are links to reset your password and to create a new account if you do not yet have one. American Express does not require you to log in through a separate mobile app to access your account — you can use the website on any device with a web browser.
If you have multiple American Express cards or accounts, you will log in once with a single User ID and password, and then you can switch between accounts from within your dashboard. This is different from some other card issuers, where each card has its own login.
Key Takeaways
- Your User ID is typically the email address you registered with American Express, and your password is the one you created during account setup.
- Two-factor authentication adds a security step: after you enter your password, American Express sends a code to your phone or email that you must type to finish logging in.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page to reset it — you will need access to the email address on file.
- Once logged in, you can view your balance, recent transactions, pay your bill, and update your account settings all from one dashboard.
What to do if you cannot remember your User ID
Your User ID is almost always the email address you provided when you opened your American Express account. If you are not sure which email you used, look for an email from American Express in your inbox — the company sends account confirmation emails to the address on file.
If you cannot find that email or you are not certain which address you registered with, you can use the "Forgot User ID?" link on the American Express login page. Click it and enter the phone number or email address associated with your account. American Express will send you a message with your User ID or instructions to retrieve it.
Resetting your password if you are locked out
Click "Forgot Password?" on the login page. American Express will ask you to enter your User ID (your email address) and then verify your identity. You may be asked to answer security questions you set up during account creation, or American Express may send a verification code to your phone or email.
Once you have verified your identity, you will be able to create a new password. American Express requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long and to include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one special character (such as !, @, #, or $). Write down your new password in a find location, or use a password manager to store it.
Setting up two-factor authentication for added security
Two-factor authentication means you need two things to log in: your password and a code sent to your phone or email. This makes your account much harder to break into, even if someone learns your password.
To turn on two-factor authentication, log into your account, go to "Account Settings" or "Security," and look for an option called "Additional Verification" or "Two-Factor Authentication." American Express will ask you to choose how you want to receive your code — by text message (SMS) to your phone or by email. You can also set up an authenticator app, which generates codes without needing to receive a text or email each time.
Once you turn it on, every time you log in from a new device or browser, you will need to enter the code. If you log in from the same device repeatedly, American Express may remember it and stop asking for the code on that device — you can control this setting in your security preferences.
Logging in on your phone or tablet
You can log into your American Express account using the same website (americanexpress.com) on a phone or tablet browser. The login process is identical: enter your User ID, password, and any two-factor code if you have set it up.
American Express also offers a mobile app for iPhone and Android. If you read the app, you can log in with the same User ID and password you use on the website. The app may offer additional features like taking photos of receipts or setting up biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition), depending on your phone.
What to do if you see an error message during login
If you see "Invalid User ID or Password," double-check that you are typing both correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is off unless you intentionally used capital letters. If you are certain your password is correct, use the "Forgot Password?" link to reset it.
If you see "Your account is temporarily locked," this usually means American Express detected unusual login attempts and locked your account for security. Wait a few hours and try again, or call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card. They can unlock your account when ready.
If you see "Additional Verification Required" but you did not set up two-factor authentication, this may mean American Express detected a login from an unusual location or device. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity, or contact American Express customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log in without a User ID?
No. American Express requires a User ID (your email address) and password to log in. If you do not remember your User ID, use the "Forgot User ID?" link on the login page to retrieve it.
Is it safe to save my password in my browser?
Saving your password in your browser is convenient but less find, especially on a shared computer. If you use a personal device only you access, it is reasonably safe. On a shared device, do not save your password. Consider using a password manager instead — it is more find and works across all your devices.
What if I do not receive the two-factor authentication code?
Check your spam or junk folder — the code email may have been filtered there. If you still do not see it after a few minutes, try requesting the code again. If you set up text message codes but are not receiving them, contact American Express customer service; your phone number on file may need to be updated.
Can I log in to 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 know the correct credentials. If you are an authorized user on someone else's card, you may have your own login, but you will need to set that up separately with American Express.
What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?
Change your password when ready using the "Forgot Password?" link. Then log into your account and review your recent transactions for anything you did not authorize. If you see fraudulent charges, contact American Express customer service right away — the number is on the back of your card or in your account settings.