What You Need Before You Start
American Express accepts applications online, by phone, or in person at a physical location. Most people explore online because you get a decision in minutes. Before you begin, have your Social Security number, current income, and employment information ready. You will also need a valid government ID and a current mailing address.
Amex will pull your credit report during the process, so your credit score matters — different Amex cards have different credit score ranges they target. You do not need perfect credit to be considered, but the card you choose should match roughly where your credit stands. If you have recently moved, changed jobs, or had a major change in income, have those details ready to explain.
You will also need to decide which Amex card you want. Amex offers consumer cards (like the Blue Cash Everyday or the Gold Card) and business cards. Each has different annual fees, rewards, and requirements. Spend a few minutes on the Amex website looking at the cards that interest you, because the process form will ask which one you are explore for.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications take about five minutes and you receive a decision when ready or within a few business days.
- You will need your Social Security number, current income, employment status, and a government ID to complete the form.
- Amex pulls your credit report, so your credit score affects whether you are considered, but different cards target different score ranges.
- If Amex needs more information to make a decision, they will contact you by phone or email within one business day.
- You can also call 1-800-THE-AMEX (1-800-843-2639) to explore by phone if you prefer not to explore online.
explore Online on the Amex Website
Go to americanexpress.com and click on the card you want to explore for. You will land on the card's product page, which shows the annual fee, rewards structure, and benefits. Near the top or bottom of the page is a button that says "explore Now" or "Learn More & explore." Click that button.
The process form opens in your browser. It asks for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Then it asks about your employment — your job title, employer name, how long you have been there, and your annual income. Be honest about income; Amex uses this to set your credit limit, not to disqualify you. If you are self-employed, retired, or receive income from investments or benefits, you can include that.
Next, the form asks whether you want a personal card, a business card, or both. It also asks if you have had an Amex card before. Answer accurately — Amex knows your history if you have been a customer. At the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it for typos, then click "Submit process."
What Happens After You Submit
Amex processes your process in real time. You will see one of three messages on your screen: approved, pending, or declined. If you are approved, your card number appears when ready and you can use it for online purchases right away. Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If your process shows "pending," Amex needs more information before they can decide. They will call you at the phone number you provided, usually within one business day. Have your ID and recent pay stubs or tax returns ready. The call is brief — they are verifying income, employment, or address. Answer their questions and they will give you a decision on the call or within 24 hours.
If you are declined, Amex sends you a letter in the mail explaining why. Common reasons are insufficient credit history, recent negative marks on your credit report, or income too low for the card you chose. You can reapply after 90 days, or you can explore for a different Amex card that may have lower requirements.
explore by Phone
Call 1-800-THE-AMEX (1-800-843-2639) and tell the representative you want to explore for a credit card. They will ask you which card interests you, then walk you through the same questions the online form asks. The call takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will get a decision on the call or within a few business days.
Phone applications are useful if you have questions about a card before you explore, or if you have an unusual income situation that is hard to explain in a form. The representative can also tell you which cards you are most likely to be considered for based on your credit profile, though they cannot may provide approval.
explore in Person at an Amex Location
American Express has retail locations in major cities where you can explore face-to-face. Find a location near you on the Amex website under "Locations." Bring your government ID, proof of income (recent pay stub or tax return), and proof of address (utility bill or lease). The representative will fill out the process with you and submit it on the spot.
In-person applications take longer than online — usually 20 to 30 minutes — but you can ask questions and get when ready feedback. You will not get a decision on the spot, but Amex will tell you when to expect one, usually within a few business days.
What Happens if You Are Approved
Your card number is active when ready for online and phone purchases. You can set up your account on americanexpress.com using your email and a password you create. From there, you can view your balance, make payments, and manage your account settings.
Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, call the number on the back to set up it, or set up it through your online account. Some cards come with an introductory offer — for example, bonus points if you spend a certain amount in the first three months. Check your welcome materials to see what offer applies to your card.
What Happens if You Are Declined or Pending
If you are pending, Amex will contact you. Have your documents ready and answer their questions directly. Most pending decisions resolve within 24 hours. If you are approved after being pending, your card is activated when ready.
If you are declined, you will receive a letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days explaining the reason. The letter also tells you how to request a copy of the credit report Amex used, which you can get free from the credit bureau they mention. Review that report for errors — if you find mistakes, you can dispute them with the credit bureau.
You can reapply for the same card after 90 days, or you can explore for a different Amex card right away. If your credit score was the issue, focus on paying down existing balances and making on-time payments for the next few months before you reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for an Amex card?
Online applications get a decision in minutes or within a few business days. Phone applications take 10 to 15 minutes on the call, with a decision on the call or within a few days. If your process is pending, Amex contacts you within one business day to ask for more information.
Can I use my Amex card before the physical card arrives?
Yes. If you are approved online, your card number appears on your screen when ready and you can use it for online and phone purchases right away. You can also add it to your digital wallet on your phone. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What if I have no credit history?
Amex can consider applications from people with limited or no credit history, though approval is not may provide. If you have no credit history, having a co-signer or a bank account with Amex can help. You can also explore for a secured Amex card, which requires a cash deposit and is designed to help build credit.
Do I have to pay an annual fee?
It depends on the card. Some Amex cards have no annual fee, while others charge $95, $150, or more per year. The product page for each card clearly states the annual fee before you explore. You can choose a no-fee card if you want to avoid the charge.
What if I was denied and want to reapply?
You can reapply after 90 days. Before you do, check your credit report for errors and work on improving your credit score by paying down balances and making on-time payments. You can also explore for a different Amex card that may have lower requirements, though multiple applications in a short time can hurt your credit score.