What an American Express sign-up bonus is
An American Express sign-up bonus is a reward the company offers when you open a new card and meet spending requirements within a set timeframe. The bonus typically comes as statement credits, points, or miles that you can use toward purchases, travel, or other redemptions depending on the card. You do not pay extra to receive it — the bonus is built into the card's offer.
The bonus amount and what you must spend to earn it vary by card. A basic card might offer 10,000 points after you spend $500 in the first three months. A premium travel card might offer 75,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first six months. American Express changes these offers regularly, so the bonus available today may not be the same next month.
Key Takeaways
- Sign-up bonuses require you to spend a minimum amount within a specific window — usually three to six months — to earn the full reward.
- The bonus is credited to your account as points, miles, or a statement credit once you meet the spending requirement, not when you open the card.
- You can check current offers on the American Express website by card type, and offers change frequently.
- You must be a new cardholder or have not held that specific card for a set period (often 24 months) to be may be able to access for the bonus.
- The bonus has no separate cost, but the card itself may have an annual fee that you pay regardless of whether you earn the bonus.
How to find the current sign-up bonus for a specific card
Visit the American Express website and navigate to the card you are interested in. The offer details appear on the card's main page, usually near the top. You will see the bonus amount, the spending requirement, and the timeframe you have to meet it. For example: "Earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months."
If you are shopping for a card and want to compare bonuses across multiple American Express cards, you can browse their full card lineup on the site. Each card shows its current offer. You can also call American Express directly at the number on the back of any existing card to ask about current offers, though the website is usually the fastest way to see all options at once.
Offers sometimes differ based on how you access them. A bonus you see on the American Express website may differ from one advertised through a partner site or in the mail. Always check the official American Express site for the most current terms before you open a card.
What spending counts toward the sign-up bonus
Most American Express cards count regular purchases — groceries, gas, dining, online shopping — toward the spending requirement. Purchases made with the card at any merchant that accepts American Express count. The key is that the purchase must post to your account during the required timeframe.
Certain transactions typically do not count. Balance transfers, cash advances, wire transfers, and fees do not earn toward the minimum spend. Purchases made before the account is officially open also do not count, even if you applied the day before. If you are unsure whether a specific type of transaction counts, contact American Express customer service before making the purchase.
Some cardholders plan large purchases — appliances, travel, home repairs — to coincide with the sign-up bonus window so they can meet the requirement while buying things they already need. Others use the card for everyday spending and track their progress toward the threshold. Either way, you must reach the full amount stated in the offer to receive the bonus.
When the bonus posts to your account
The bonus does not appear when ready after you open the card. American Express credits the bonus to your account after you meet the spending requirement and the transaction posts. This usually takes one to two billing cycles after you hit the spending threshold. For example, if you spend $2,000 in the first three months and the last purchase posts on day 85, the bonus may not appear until day 100 or later.
Once the bonus posts, you see it reflected in your account as points, miles, or a statement credit depending on the card type. You can then use it right away or hold it for later. There is no expiration on the bonus itself once it has been credited, though the points or miles you earn may have their own expiration rules depending on your card and account activity.
If you do not see the bonus within a reasonable time after meeting the requirement, contact American Express. They can confirm whether the spending threshold was met and investigate any delays.
Annual fees and whether they affect the bonus
Many American Express cards charge an annual fee — sometimes $95, $150, $250, or higher depending on the card tier. This fee is separate from the sign-up bonus. You pay the annual fee whether or not you earn the bonus, and earning the bonus does not waive the fee.
Some premium cards have an annual fee but offer statement credits or other perks that offset part or all of it. For example, a card with a $150 annual fee might include a $100 airline credit each year. When you are deciding whether a card is worth opening for the bonus, factor in the annual fee. A $50,000-point bonus on a card with a $95 annual fee may be more valuable than a $40,000-point bonus on a card with no annual fee, depending on how you redeem points and how often you use the card.
Restrictions on who can earn the bonus
American Express has rules about who can earn a sign-up bonus. You typically must be a new cardholder — meaning you have never held that specific card before. If you closed the card in the past, you may not be may be able to access for the bonus again for a set period, often 24 months from when you closed it.
Some American Express cards have additional restrictions. Business cards may require you to have a business tax ID or sole proprietor status. Certain premium cards may limit how many times you can earn the bonus in a year. The card's terms page lists these restrictions, and American Express customer service can confirm your may be able to access before you open the card.
If you are unsure whether you have held a card before, call American Express or check your account history. Opening a card when you are not may be able to access for the bonus means you will not receive it, even if you meet the spending requirement.
How to redeem the bonus once you receive it
How you redeem the bonus depends on the card type. Points-based cards let you redeem points for statement credits, merchandise, gift cards, or transfers to travel partners. Miles-based cards typically let you book travel directly or transfer miles to airline partners. Some cards offer a flat redemption rate — for example, 1 point equals 1 cent in statement credit — while others have variable rates depending on how you redeem.
You redeem the bonus through your American Express online account or mobile app. Log in, navigate to the rewards or points section, and select your redemption option. You can redeem the full bonus at once or use it gradually over time. There is no requirement to redeem it by a certain date once it has posted to your account.
Different redemption options may have different values. Redeeming points for a statement credit might give you 1 cent per point, while redeeming for travel through the American Express portal might give you 1.5 cents per point. Compare the options before you redeem to make sure you are getting the value you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn the sign-up bonus if I already have an American Express card?
It depends on which card you want to open. If you want to open a different American Express card than the one you currently hold, you can earn the sign-up bonus on the new card. If you want to open the same card again, you typically cannot earn the bonus unless 24 months or more have passed since you closed it. American Express customer service can tell you whether you are may be able to access for a specific card's bonus.
What happens if I do not meet the spending requirement?
If you do not spend the required amount within the timeframe, you do not receive the bonus. There is no partial bonus or extension. You still own the card and can use it normally, but the sign-up reward will not post. Plan your spending carefully or choose a card with a lower spending requirement if you are unsure you can meet it.
Do I have to keep the card open to keep the bonus?
No. Once the bonus posts to your account, it is yours to keep. You can close the card when ready after receiving the bonus without losing it. However, if you close the card before meeting the spending requirement, you will not receive the bonus. Also, closing the card may affect your credit score, so consider the long-term impact before closing.
Can I combine the sign-up bonus with other rewards or promotions?
Yes. The sign-up bonus is separate from the ongoing rewards you earn on purchases. Once you receive the bonus, you continue to earn points or miles on every purchase you make with the card at the card's standard earning rate. You can also stack the bonus with promotional offers American Express runs, such as bonus points on specific categories for a limited time.
How do I know if a sign-up bonus offer is current?
Check the American Express website directly for the card you want. The offer shown there is the current one. Offers change frequently, sometimes weekly. If you see an offer in the mail or through another website, verify it on American Express's official site before opening the card, because older offers may no longer be available.