Applying for an American Express (AmEx) card is simple, and the approval process is quick. You can apply online, via mail, or over the phone.
Know the terms, fees, rewards systems, and conditions linked to American Express credit accounts.
This guide provides essential information about the AmEx credit card application process and outlines easy-to-follow steps.
Important Factors to Consider Before You Apply for a Credit Card
Starting the application process? Consider these:
Know Credit Card terms
Familiarize yourself with credit limits and Annual Percentage Rates. Rates depend on your credit score and personal circumstances.
Know your spending limit and repayment rate. Be aware of fees and interest charges.
Check your credit score
Lenders review your credit score to assess your reliability as a borrower. Your score influences the amount and interest rate offered.
A higher score gives you more credit card options.
Unsuccessful applications impact your credit score. Know your score first.
How to Apply for American Express Credit Card
You can apply for a Credit Card online in just 10 minutes if you have all the required information ready.
After selecting a Card:
- Step 1: Gather Information Have the necessary details ready.
- Step 2: Choose Your Card Select the card you want.
- Step 3: Start Application Click ‘Apply now‘ on the card page.
- Step 4: Enter Personal and Financial Details Provide your name, contact info, employment status, and income. Click ‘Save and continue’.
- Step 5: Complete Additional Details Fill in any remaining information.
- Step 6: Review and Submit Read everything carefully and submit your application.
If approved, your card will arrive by post within 10 business days. The PIN will arrive separately a few days earlier.
You’ll also get details about benefits and online account management. Supplementary cards will arrive within five days after the Welcome Pack.
You can check your chances of approval without affecting your credit rating.
What You Need to Apply for a Credit Card
When you submit your application you’ll be asked for the following:
- Personal Information: Your name, email address, date of birth, and nationality.
- Contact Details: Your phone number and current address. If you’ve been at your current address for less than three years, include your previous address.
- Financial Information: Your annual personal income, any other household income, employment status, employer contact details, and how long you’ve been with your bank or building society.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a personal card in the UK, follow these steps to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Age Requirement: You must be 18 or over.
- Banking Requirement: You need a current UK bank or building society account.
- Residence Requirement: You must have a permanent UK home address.
- Credit History: You should have no history of bad debt.
Some cards may have additional criteria for approval.
How to Choose the Best Card Features
Some AmEx cards require an annual fee just for being a cardholder. Cards with higher annual fees often provide the best benefits.
However, if you don’t use your card frequently, these perks might not justify the cost.
- Many AmEx cards don’t have annual fees. These are usually basic credit cards, like the Blue Cash Everyday card. They may offer lower credit limits or fewer benefits than cards with annual fees.
- Annual fees for personal cards range from $75 for a Hilton HHonors Surpass card to $450 for Platinum and Delta Reserve cards.
- Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year and start charging afterward. Examples include the AmEx Green and Premier Rewards Gold cards.
Look Into Card APRs
Carrying a balance on your AmEx credit card (or any credit card) month to month results in interest fees based on the annual percentage rate (APR) of your card.
High interest rates make it hard to pay down your balance, so review your options carefully.
- Credit account disclosure materials include APR information, but the language can be complex. Ask an AmEx representative to clarify the fine print of each card’s APR.
- APRs can be fixed, variable, or a mix of both. Fixed interest means a consistent percentage rate in interest. Variable interest changes with the market rate and could rise significantly. Combined APRs have a fixed rate plus a variable market rate.
- A card’s APR can change at any time without prior notice. If you have an AmEx card, stay alert for APR revision notices.
- Interest rates vary for different types of purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. Know all terms and conditions related to interest, especially for purchases if that’s your main use for the card.
Select a Rewards Program
AmEx collaborates with Hilton, Mercedes-Benz, and Delta Airlines to offer cards with tailored rewards programs. Each AmEx card has a unique rewards program.
After selecting your top card options, review the rewards offers for each and choose the most appealing one. Available programs include:
- Membership Rewards points. These points are earned by making eligible purchases with your AmEx card and redeemable in various ways (such as for gift cards to select stores or websites).
- Airline miles. Some cards accumulate mileage rewards for specific airline carriers such as Delta. With this program, eligible purchases earn you miles you can later redeem through Delta Airlines for free air travel.
- Hotel points. Cards such as the Hilton HHonors Surpass earn credits toward free Hilton hotel stays with eligible purchases, similar to cards that earn airline miles.
Understand How Your Creditworthiness Affect You
Your credit history impacts your ability to qualify for certain cards. High credit limits, low APRs, and specific rewards programs often require higher credit scores.
Applying for multiple lines of credit, like an AmEx card, can negatively affect your credit score, especially if done frequently within a short period.
To avoid potential rejections, consult an AmEx representative prior to applying. You can check your credit score without affecting it by signing up for a free account on FreeCreditReport.com. This helps you understand your current credit score and identify any weaknesses.
How to Activate Your Card?
To activate you card, follow the guide below.
1. Check Your Mail
- Expect your new card within a week to 10 days after approval.
- The card arrives in a plain white envelope with a small American Express logo and an Omaha, Nebraska return address.
- If 10 days pass and you haven’t received your card, contact AmEx customer service online or by phone.
- Card envelopes look plain and might resemble junk mail, so don’t throw it away.
- Account for federal holidays and add a couple of days to the estimated arrival date if needed.
2. Activate Your New Card
- You can activate it online or by phone by following the instructions included with your card.
- The instructions are usually found on a sticker attached to the front of the card.
- Provide the card number to activate it. The process is automated and takes a couple of minutes.
3. Sign the Back of Your Card
- Sign the signature line once activated for fraud prevention.
- Alternatively, write “See I.D.” on the card to prompt anyone accepting your card for payment to check your government-issued photo ID against the name on your AmEx card.
4. Activate Within the Specified Time
- Cards must be activated within a specified time period.
- If you delay activation too long, AmEx may automatically void the card in case it was lost or stolen on its way to you.
- You should be able to use your card immediately once activated.
How to Manage Your Account
Managing your AmEx account efficiently ensures you get the most out of your card benefits. Follow these steps to stay on top of everything.
Create an Online Card Profile
Set up a profile on the AmEx website. Use this to pay bills, track and redeem rewards, monitor activity, update contact information, and get assistance.
Stay Updated on Card Policies
Regularly review card policies to maximize benefits. Know when and how to redeem points or miles. Monitor reward expiration dates.
Utilize Purchase Insurance and Travel Protection
Take advantage of insurance on your purchases and travel protection services. Understand AmEx’s extended warranty offers. Contact a representative for details.
Report Lost or Stolen Cards Immediately
Inform AmEx online or by phone if your card is lost or stolen. Acting quickly helps avoid liability for fraudulent spending. AmEx will void your card and send a new one.
Conclusion
Applying for an American Express card is straightforward. This guide covers the essentials: terms, fees, and rewards. Follow the steps to ensure a smooth application process and enjoy the benefits of your AmEx card.
Stay informed, manage your account effectively, and utilize all available services to make the most out of your membership.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only. Terms and conditions may vary. Contact American Express directly for specific details and updates.
