What happens when you submit an American Express card request
When you submit a request for an American Express card, American Express reviews your credit history, income, and other financial information to decide whether to issue you a card. The process is mostly online — you fill out a form with personal and financial details, and American Express gives you a decision within minutes in many cases, though some applications take a few business days.
American Express offers different card products with different approval standards. Some cards are easier to get than others depending on your credit score and financial situation. If you received a pre-approval offer, American Express has already done an initial review and determined you may be a good fit for that specific card.
The entire process from submission to receiving your card in the mail typically takes one to two weeks after approval. You do not need to visit a branch or call anyone — everything happens through their website or mobile app.
Key Takeaways
- You can request an American Express card online through their website or mobile app by providing your Social Security number, income, and employment details.
- American Express will pull your credit report and give you a decision within minutes to a few business days depending on the card and your situation.
- Different American Express cards have different approval standards — some require higher credit scores or income than others.
- Your approved card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks, and you can set up it through the app or website before it arrives.
- If you are denied, you can request a reconsideration or try a different American Express card product that may match your credit profile better.
Gather the information American Express will ask for
Before you start, have these documents and details ready. American Express will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You will also need to provide your annual household income and employment information — the company name, your job title, and how long you have worked there.
If you are self-employed or own a business, have your business income information available. American Express may ask whether you own your home or rent, and if you own, they may ask about your mortgage balance. Have a phone number where they can reach you if they need to verify anything.
You do not need to upload documents at the time of request — American Express will tell you if they need anything else after you submit your initial form.
Complete the online request form
Go to the American Express website or open their mobile app. Look for the section that says "explore for a Card" or "Get a Card." Select the specific card you want — if you have a pre-approval offer, start with that card because your odds are strongest there.
Click through to the request form. Fill in your personal information first: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. American Express will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident — you must be one or the other to hold an American Express card.
Next, enter your employment and income information. Be accurate — American Express verifies this information, and providing false details can result in denial or account closure later. If your income varies, use your average annual income from the past year or your expected income for the coming year.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit the form. American Express will tell you when ready whether they need more information or whether a decision will come within a few business days.
Understand the possible outcomes
Approved when ready: American Express tells you right away that your request is approved. You can set up your card through the app or website as soon as it arrives, or sometimes even before it arrives. Your credit limit will be shown in your account.
Decision pending: American Express says they need a few business days to review your request. This usually means they are verifying your income or employment, or reviewing your credit more carefully. Check your email for any requests for additional information. You will receive a decision email within the timeframe they give you.
Denied: American Express tells you they cannot issue you that card at this time. The denial letter will include a reason — commonly "credit score too low," "insufficient credit history," or "income does not meet requirements." You have the right to request a reconsideration, especially if your situation has changed since you submitted the form.
What to do if you are denied
If American Express denies your request, you have two main options. First, you can call American Express reconsideration line and ask them to review your request again, especially if you have recent information that strengthens your case — a new job, a raise, or a recent improvement in your credit score. Have that information ready when you call.
Second, you can try a different American Express card product. American Express offers cards at different approval levels. If you were denied for their premium rewards card, you may be approved for their basic card or their secured card option. A secured card requires a cash deposit but is designed for people building or rebuilding credit.
Wait at least 30 days before submitting another request for the same card, because multiple requests in a short time can hurt your credit score slightly and may signal financial stress to American Express.
set up your card and set it up
Once your card arrives in the mail, you can set up it when ready through the American Express app or website — you do not have to wait to use it. Go to your account, find the card in your wallet, and follow the set up steps. American Express will ask you to verify the card by entering the last four digits or other security information.
After set up, set up your payment method. You can pay your bill online through the American Express website or app, set up automatic payments, or pay by phone. Most people set up automatic payments so they never miss a due date.
Review your card benefits and rewards structure in the app so you understand what you earn on different types of purchases. American Express cards often have category bonuses — for example, extra points on restaurants or travel — so knowing where you earn more helps you use the card strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hear back after I submit my request?
Many American Express requests are approved or denied within minutes. Some take a few business days if American Express needs to verify your income or employment. You will receive an email with your decision, and you can also check your status by logging into your American Express account.
Will requesting an American Express card hurt my credit score?
Yes, a small amount. American Express will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which typically lowers your score by a few points temporarily. The impact is usually gone within a few months. Multiple requests in a short time have a larger impact, so space out your requests if you are trying several cards.
Can I request a card if I have no credit history?
It is difficult but possible. American Express typically prefers applicants with at least some credit history. If you have no history, a secured American Express card is your best option — you deposit cash as collateral, and American Express issues you a card against that deposit. After using it responsibly for several months, you can often move to an unsecured card.
What if I made a mistake on my request form?
Contact American Express when ready if you submitted incorrect information. Call the number on their website or in your account. If your request is still pending, they may be able to correct it before making a decision. If you have already been approved or denied, you may need to submit a new request with correct information.
Do I need a minimum credit score to get an American Express card?
American Express does not publish a minimum credit score, but most of their cards require a score of 670 or higher. Some cards require higher scores. If your score is lower, their secured card option may work for you, or you can work on improving your score before requesting again.