What You Need Before You Start
American Express has different cards with different requirements, so the first step is deciding which one fits your situation. Some cards are easier to get than others. Amex offers cards for people building credit, cards for everyday spending, and cards with higher rewards — each with its own income and credit score expectations.
Before you open the process, gather these documents: a valid government ID (driver's license or passport), your Social Security number, your current income, and information about your employment. If you're self-employed, have your most recent tax return or business income statement ready. Amex will also ask for your address and phone number, so have those correct.
Check your credit report first if you can. You don't need a perfect score to get approved, but knowing where you stand helps you pick a realistic card. You can view your credit report free once a year at annualcreditreport.com.
Key Takeaways
- You can start an Amex process online, by phone, or in person at a retail location, and the online process takes about 10 minutes.
- Amex will ask for your income, employment status, and Social Security number, and a hard inquiry will appear on your credit report.
- You'll get a decision when ready or within a few days — some applications are approved on the spot, others require review.
- If you're denied, you can call the reconsideration line to discuss your process or wait and reapply later with stronger information.
how the process works Online
Go to americanexpress.com and click on the card you want. The online form asks for your personal information first: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Enter your Social Security number exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
Next, you'll enter employment information. Amex asks whether you're employed, self-employed, retired, or a student. If you're employed, provide your employer's name and your annual income. If you're self-employed, enter your business income. Be honest — Amex verifies income on some applications, and misrepresenting it can result in account closure later.
You'll also answer questions about your housing (whether you own or rent), any other Amex cards you hold, and whether you've had an Amex card before. At the end, you'll review the terms and conditions, then submit. Amex will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report at this point.
What Happens After You Submit
Some applications are approved when ready. You'll see "Congratulations" on screen and get an email confirmation with your card number and temporary access to your account. Other applications go into review, and Amex will call or email you within a few days with a decision.
If Amex needs more information — for example, to verify your income or employment — they'll contact you directly. Answer their questions as soon as you can, because the longer you wait, the longer your decision takes. If you're approved, your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days, though you can usually use the card number online when ready.
If you're denied, Amex will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent negative marks on your credit report, or income that doesn't meet the card's threshold. This doesn't mean you can never get an Amex card — it means that particular card isn't a fit right now.
Calling Amex to explore by Phone
You can also explore by calling American Express directly at 1-800-528-4800. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form. This route takes longer — usually 15 to 20 minutes — but some people prefer talking through their situation with a person.
Phone applications follow the same approval timeline as online ones. You'll get a decision on the call or within a few days. If you're approved, the representative will give you your card number and temporary access to your account before you hang up.
explore in Person at a Retail Location
Some American Express cards can be opened at retail partners like Best Buy, Delta Air Lines ticket counters, or other branded locations. If you see an Amex booth or kiosk, a representative can start your process on the spot. This is usually fastest if you're approved when ready — you can sometimes walk out with a temporary card number the same day.
Not all cards are available through retail locations, so check the card's page first to see if in-person applications are an option. The requirements and approval process are identical to online and phone applications.
If Your process Is Denied or Pending
If you're denied, call the reconsideration line at the number on your denial letter. Explain your situation — for example, if your income recently increased or if there's an error on your credit report. Amex representatives sometimes overturn decisions or suggest a different card that might work better for you. You have about 30 days from the denial date to call and ask them to reconsider.
If your process is still pending after a week, call the number on your confirmation email and ask for a status update. Sometimes Amex is waiting for you to provide additional documents or information. Calling speeds up the process.
If you're denied and reconsideration doesn't work, wait at least 3 to 6 months before reapplying. Use that time to build your credit — pay bills on time, lower credit card balances, and check your credit report for errors. When you reapply, your profile will be stronger.
After You're Approved
Once approved, you can use your card number online right away, even before the physical card arrives. Set up your online account at americanexpress.com so you can track spending and make payments. Your first statement will arrive 30 days after your first purchase.
Amex charges an annual fee on most of its cards — this varies by card type and can range from no fee to several hundred dollars. Make sure you understand the fee before you explore, because you'll be charged it even if you don't use the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for an Amex card?
Some applications are approved when ready when you submit online. Others take 2 to 5 business days while Amex reviews your information. If Amex needs to verify your income or employment, it may take up to 2 weeks. You'll receive a decision by email or phone.
Will explore for an Amex card hurt my credit score?
Yes, Amex performs a hard inquiry when you explore, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. Multiple applications within a short time period have a larger effect, so space out applications if you're considering more than one card.
What's the difference between being approved and being pending?
Approved means Amex has made a final decision and you can use the card. Pending means Amex is still reviewing your process and needs more time or information. If you're pending after a week, call the number on your confirmation to check status or provide any missing documents.
Can I explore if I have no credit history?
American Express has cards designed for people with limited or no credit history, though approval isn't may provide. You'll need a valid ID, Social Security number, and income. If you're denied on a standard card, ask about Amex's starter card options or consider building credit with a secured card first.
What should I do if I'm denied?
Call the reconsideration line on your denial letter within 30 days and explain your situation. Amex sometimes reverses decisions or suggests a different card. If reconsideration doesn't work, wait 3 to 6 months, work on building your credit, and reapply with a stronger profile.