How to pay your American Express bill online
You can pay your American Express card through the American Express website or mobile app. Log in with your username and password, go to the "Pay" or "Payments" section, and enter the amount you want to pay. You'll see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. Choose your payment method — bank account, debit card, or credit card — and confirm the transaction. The payment posts to your account the same day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time).
If you don't have an online account yet, you can create one at americanexpress.com. You'll need your card number, Social Security number, and date of birth. Once your account is set up, you can pay anytime without calling or visiting a branch.
Key Takeaways
- Same-day payments post when you pay through the American Express website or app before the daily cutoff time, usually 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- You can pay from a bank account, debit card, or another credit card, and the amount you pay is up to you — minimum payment, full balance, or anything in between.
- Phone payments to 1-800-528-4800 take one business day to post, while checks mailed to the address on your statement take five to seven business days.
- Setting up automatic payments through your online account prevents missed due dates and late fees.
- American Express charges no fee for paying online, by phone, or by mail, but your bank may charge a fee if you pay with a debit card from another institution.
Paying by phone or mail
You can call American Express at 1-800-528-4800 to make a payment over the phone. Have your card number and the amount you want to pay ready. Payments made by phone post within one business day. You'll receive a confirmation number when the call ends.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order and send it to the address printed on your statement. Include your account number on the check. Mail payments typically take five to seven business days to reach American Express and post to your account. Do not send cash through the mail.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments let you choose a payment amount and a due date, and American Express withdraws that amount from your bank account each month. Log into your online account, go to "Payments," and select "Set up automatic payments." You'll enter your bank account information and choose whether to pay the minimum, a fixed amount, or the full statement balance each month.
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date and triggering a late fee. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account. If you change your mind after setting up automatic payments, log back in and update your preferences before the scheduled payment date.
Understanding your payment options and timing
American Express offers several ways to pay, and the timing depends on which method you choose. Online and app payments post the same day if submitted before the cutoff. Phone payments post the next business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, American Express extends the important date to the next business day.
Your minimum payment is shown in your online account and on your paper statement. You are not required to pay the full balance — you can pay any amount between the minimum and your total balance. However, if you carry a balance, you will be charged interest on the unpaid amount at your card's annual percentage rate (APR).
What happens if you miss a payment
If you don't pay by your due date, American Express charges a late fee. The amount varies depending on your balance and your account history, but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. If you miss a payment by more than 30 days, the missed payment appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you've missed a payment, log into your account and pay as soon as possible. Call 1-800-528-4800 if you need to discuss a late payment or ask about waiving the fee. American Express sometimes waives a single late fee if you have a good payment history and contact them promptly.
Paying from outside the United States
If you're traveling or living abroad, you can still pay your American Express bill online or through the app using the same login. Online payments post the same day regardless of your location, as long as you submit before the cutoff time.
International wire transfers are also an option. Contact American Express at 1-800-528-4800 to request wire transfer instructions for your account. Wire transfers typically cost $15 to $25 and take one to three business days, depending on your bank and the destination country. Check with your bank about their international wire fees before you send.
Paying a charge you don't recognize
If you see a charge on your statement that you don't recognize, you don't have to pay it while you dispute it. Log into your account and select the charge to report it as unauthorized or incorrect. American Express will investigate and remove the charge from your account while they look into it. You can still pay your other charges normally.
Keep documentation of any dispute — emails, receipts, or correspondence with the merchant. American Express typically completes investigations within 30 to 60 days. If the charge is found to be fraudulent, it is removed permanently. If the merchant can prove you authorized it, you may be responsible for the charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American Express charge a fee to pay online?
No. American Express does not charge a fee for paying through their website, app, or phone line. However, your bank may charge a fee if you pay with a debit card from another bank. Check with your bank about their policies before you pay.
Can I pay my American Express bill with another credit card?
Yes, you can pay with another credit card through the American Express website or app. However, your other card issuer may treat this as a cash advance and charge a fee and higher interest rate. Check your other card's terms before you do this.
What if I pay more than my balance?
If you pay more than you owe, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use the credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. Log into your account or call 1-800-528-4800 to request a refund check, which typically arrives within two weeks.
How do I know if my payment went through?
You'll receive a confirmation number when ready after paying online or by phone. Check your account the next day to confirm the payment posted. Your available credit should increase once the payment is processed. If you don't see the payment within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-528-4800.
Can I change my due date?
Yes. Log into your online account, go to "Account Settings" or "Billing," and select "Change Due Date." You can choose any date between the 1st and the 28th of the month. The change takes effect on your next statement. American Express does not charge a fee to change your due date.