The three ways to pay American Express
You can pay your American Express bill online through your account, by phone with a representative, or by mailing a check. Most people use the online method because it is fastest and you can schedule payments in advance. The phone number for payments is on the back of your card. If you mail a payment, send it to the address printed on your statement — never to the customer service address.
American Express processes online payments the same day you submit them if you pay before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Phone payments also post the same day. Mailed checks typically take five to seven business days to reach American Express and clear your account, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through your American Express account are the fastest method and let you schedule future payments or set up automatic recurring payments.
- You can pay by phone by calling the number on your card, and the payment posts the same day if you call before the cutoff time.
- Mailed checks take five to seven business days to process, so send them at least a week before your due date to avoid a late payment.
- Your minimum payment is listed on your statement, but paying the full balance avoids interest charges on future purchases.
- Late payments trigger a fee and can damage your credit score, so set a calendar reminder for your due date if you do not use automatic payments.
Paying online through your American Express account
Log into your American Express account on the website or mobile app. Click the "Pay" or "Make a Payment" button — the exact label depends on which version you are using. You will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date you want it to post.
American Express lets you pay from a bank account (checking or savings) or from another American Express card. If you use a bank account, provide your routing number and account number. The payment posts the same day if you submit it before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. If you submit after that time, it posts the next business day.
You can also set up automatic payments so the same amount comes out of your bank account on the same day each month. This prevents missed due dates. You choose whether to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you set yourself.
Paying by phone
Call the number on the back of your American Express card. A representative will ask for your card number and the amount you want to pay. They will confirm the payment date and the bank account or card you are paying from. The payment posts the same day if you call before the cutoff time, which is usually 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Phone payments are useful if you do not have online access or prefer to speak with someone. They also work if you need to pay when ready and do not have time to set up an online account. Keep a record of the confirmation number the representative gives you.
Paying by mail
Write a check for the amount you owe and mail it to the address shown on your statement. Do not send it to the customer service address or any other address — American Express has a specific lockbox for payments. Include your account number on the check so the payment is matched to your account correctly.
Mail takes five to seven business days to arrive and clear, so send your check at least a week before your due date. If your due date is in five days or fewer, use online or phone payment instead. Late payments result in a late fee and can lower your credit score, even if you are only one day past the due date.
Understanding your statement and what you owe
Your American Express statement shows three key numbers: the new balance (what you spent this month), the minimum payment (the smallest amount you must pay to avoid a late fee), and the due date (when payment must post to your account). The statement also shows your credit limit and how much available credit you have left.
If you pay only the minimum payment, you will be charged interest on the remaining balance at your card's annual percentage rate (APR). If you pay the full new balance, you will not owe interest on those purchases. Paying more than the minimum is always better for your credit score and your wallet.
What happens if you miss a payment
A payment is late if it does not post by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date. American Express charges a late fee — the amount depends on your balance and your account history, but it is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment. A second late payment in six months costs more.
A late payment also shows up on your credit report and can lower your credit score by 100 points or more, depending on how late the payment is. The damage lasts for seven years from the date of the late payment. If you miss a payment, pay as soon as you realize it. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your score.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees
Automatic payments are the easiest way to never miss a due date. Log into your American Express account, go to the payment settings, and choose "Set Up Automatic Payments." Select the amount (full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed amount), the day of the month you want it to come out, and the bank account it should come from.
Most people set automatic payments for the full balance on the due date. This way, you never carry a balance and never pay interest. If your income varies month to month, you can set automatic payments for the minimum amount instead and pay extra when you have the money. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my American Express bill with another credit card?
You can pay with another American Express card through the online portal or by phone. You cannot pay with a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover card — American Express does not accept those. Paying a credit card with another credit card usually costs a cash advance fee and is not recommended unless you have no other option.
What time does American Express stop taking online payments on the due date?
Online payments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date to post the same day. If you submit after that time, the payment posts the next business day and may be considered late. Phone payments have the same cutoff time.
Do I have to pay the full balance or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and your full balance. The minimum payment keeps you from being late and avoids a late fee, but you will owe interest on the remaining balance. Paying the full balance avoids interest and is better for your credit score.
How long does it take for a mailed check to show up on my account?
Mailed checks typically take five to seven business days to arrive and clear. If your due date is sooner than that, use online or phone payment instead. Always send checks to the payment address on your statement, not to customer service.
What should I do if I cannot pay my full balance?
Pay at least the minimum payment by the due date to avoid a late fee and credit score damage. Then pay as much as you can toward the remaining balance. If you are struggling with debt, contact American Express to ask about hardship programs or payment plans — they may be able to work with you.