American Express does offer a secured card, but only one model with limited availability
American Express offers the American Express Secured Card, which requires a cash deposit that becomes your credit limit. The card is not widely available — Amex does not advertise it on their main website, and you cannot walk into a branch and request one. Instead, you typically access it through a targeted invitation, a phone call to Amex customer service, or by meeting specific criteria Amex uses internally to identify customers who might benefit from it.
The secured card works like most secured cards: you deposit money into a savings account that Amex holds, and that deposit amount becomes your spending limit. After you demonstrate responsible payment behavior over time — usually 12 to 18 months — Amex may convert the card to an unsecured card and return your deposit. The card itself carries an annual fee, which is higher than Amex's unsecured cards.
Because Amex's secured card is not a standard product with open enrollment, your path to getting one depends on your situation. If you already have an Amex relationship or have received a targeted offer, the process is straightforward. If you have not, you may need to call Amex directly or explore other secured card options that have more transparent approval processes.
Key Takeaways
- American Express Secured Card requires a cash deposit that serves as your credit limit, with deposits typically ranging from $500 to $25,000.
- The card is not openly marketed and is usually available only through targeted invitations, existing customer status, or direct phone contact with Amex.
- The annual fee is higher than Amex's unsecured cards, so calculate whether the cost makes sense for your credit-building timeline.
- After 12 to 18 months of on-time payments, Amex may upgrade you to an unsecured card and release your deposit back to you.
- If you cannot access the Amex secured card, other issuers like Capital One, Discover, and US Bank offer secured cards with clearer process processes.
How the American Express Secured Card deposit and limit work
When you open the American Express Secured Card, you choose a deposit amount between $500 and $25,000. That money goes into a savings account held by Amex, and your credit limit equals your deposit. If you deposit $2,000, your limit is $2,000. The deposit earns no interest, so it sits in Amex's account while you use the card.
Your deposit is separate from your monthly bill. You still pay your statement balance each month like any other cardholder. The deposit does not pay your bill — it only secures the credit line. If you stop paying your bill, Amex can use the deposit to cover what you owe, but that is a last resort after they pursue standard collection methods.
You can increase your deposit and your limit over time. Some cardholders report that Amex has offered to raise their limit without requiring an additional deposit, which is a sign the company is considering you for conversion to an unsecured card.
Annual fee and other costs
The American Express Secured Card carries an annual fee of $95. This is significantly higher than Amex's entry-level unsecured card (The Green Card, which is $150 but offers more benefits) and much higher than secured cards from other issuers, which often range from $0 to $39 per year.
There are no foreign transaction fees, which is unusual for a secured card and reflects Amex's standard approach across its product line. There are also no late fees or over-limit fees if you stay within your credit limit and pay on time. However, if you miss a payment, Amex charges a late fee like any other card issuer.
Before you commit to the Amex secured card, compare the $95 annual fee against the timeline you expect to rebuild credit. If you plan to use the card for only 12 months before converting to unsecured, you are paying $95 for that year of credit building. Other secured cards with lower or no annual fees might be more cost-effective for a short-term rebuild.
How to access the American Express Secured Card
The most common path is a targeted invitation from Amex. If you have received an offer in the mail or email, you can follow the link or call the number on the offer to open the account. Amex sends these invitations to people who have had past relationships with the company or who fit a profile they believe would benefit from a secured card.
If you do not have an invitation, call American Express customer service at 1-800-528-4800 and ask about the secured card. Be direct: tell them you are interested in building credit and want to know if you are may be able to access. Amex does not always volunteer this product, so asking specifically increases your chances. They may tell you that you are not currently may be able to access, or they may offer you the card on the spot.
Some people report that opening an Amex checking or savings account first, or using Amex's prepaid card, has led to a secured card offer later. There is no may provide this will work, but it is one way to build a relationship with Amex before requesting the secured card directly.
Timeline to convert from secured to unsecured
Amex does not publish a specific timeline for conversion, but most cardholders report that the company reviews accounts after 12 to 18 months of on-time payments. Conversion is not automatic — Amex makes the decision based on your payment history, credit score improvement, and overall creditworthiness.
When Amex decides to convert your account, they will contact you with an offer to upgrade to an unsecured card. At that point, your deposit is returned to you, usually within a few business days. You keep the same account number and credit history, so the conversion does not hurt your credit score.
If Amex does not offer conversion after 18 months, you can request it yourself. Call customer service and ask if you are may be able to access to convert. Having a higher credit score and a clean payment record makes conversion more likely. Some cardholders have successfully converted after 12 months; others have waited longer.
Comparing Amex Secured Card to other secured card options
The Amex secured card is one choice, but it is not the easiest to access. If you cannot get approved for the Amex card or want a lower annual fee, consider these alternatives:
Capital One Secured Mastercard has no annual fee, accepts deposits from $200 to $2,500, and is available to people with limited or poor credit. Conversion to unsecured typically happens after six months of on-time payments.
Discover Secured Card has no annual fee, requires a $200 minimum deposit, and offers cash back on purchases — a benefit most secured cards do not include. Discover also reports to all three credit bureaus, which helps your credit score recovery.
US Bank Secured Visa Card has a $25 annual fee, accepts deposits from $500 to $10,000, and may upgrade you to unsecured after five months of responsible use.
The trade-off with Amex is that you pay a higher annual fee but get a card from a prestigious issuer with no foreign transaction fees. If you are rebuilding credit and want the lowest cost, Capital One or Discover are stronger choices. If you already have an Amex relationship or value the brand, the Amex secured card may be worth the extra cost.
What happens to your credit score with the Amex Secured Card
Opening the Amex Secured Card will cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score because Amex performs a hard inquiry. This dip typically recovers within a few months. After that, the card helps your score by adding a new account to your credit mix and giving you an opportunity to build a positive payment history.
The deposit itself does not appear on your credit report, so it does not directly affect your score. What matters is how you use the card: making on-time payments every month will steadily improve your score over time. Amex reports your account to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so your positive payment history is visible to all lenders.
If you carry a balance and pay interest, that will slow your score improvement. Secured cards work best when you use them for small purchases and pay the full balance each month. This demonstrates responsible credit behavior without the cost of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Amex Secured Card if I have no credit history?
Amex does not typically market the secured card to people with no credit history. You are more likely to be approved if you have had a past relationship with Amex or if you have some credit history, even if it is damaged. If you have no credit at all, Capital One or Discover secured cards are more accessible starting points.
What happens to my deposit if I close the card?
If you close the card before converting to unsecured, Amex returns your deposit to you, usually within 5 to 10 business days. Closing the card will lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your available credit and shortens your average account age, so avoid closing it when ready after conversion.
Can I increase my credit limit without adding more money?
Amex may increase your limit without requiring an additional deposit, but this is at their discretion. Some cardholders report that Amex has offered unsolicited limit increases after 6 to 12 months of on-time payments. You can also call and request a limit increase, though Amex will likely ask you to add more to your deposit.
Does the Amex Secured Card have rewards or cash back?
No, the American Express Secured Card does not earn rewards or cash back on purchases. This is standard for secured cards, which focus on credit building rather than earning benefits. If rewards are important to you, Discover Secured Card offers 1% cash back on all purchases.
How long should I keep the card after it converts to unsecured?
Keep the card open for as long as it makes sense for your finances. Closing old accounts lowers your credit score, so the longer you keep the card active, the more it helps your score. You do not need to use it every month, but occasional small purchases and payments keep the account in good standing.