Send payments to the address on your statement or the back of your card
American Express prints a payment address on every monthly statement and on the back of most cards. That address is the correct place to mail a check or money order. The address changes depending on which type of card you hold and which processing center handles your account, so using the address from your current statement or card is more reliable than using an address you found online or saved from years ago.
If you cannot find the address on your statement or card, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask where to send a payment by mail. American Express also lets you set up automatic payments or pay online through your account, which removes the need to mail anything at all.
Key Takeaways
- The payment address printed on your current statement or the back of your card is the correct mailing address for checks and money orders.
- American Express has multiple processing centers, so the address varies by cardholder and changes over time — do not rely on an old address.
- Online payment through your American Express account or automatic bank transfers are faster and do not require you to know a mailing address.
- Calling the number on the back of your card will connect you to someone who can confirm the current payment address for your account.
How to find your payment address
Your monthly statement lists the payment address in the section that shows where to send your payment. This address appears near the due date and minimum payment amount. If you receive your statement by mail, look at the top or bottom of the first page. If you receive statements online, log into your account and read or view your most recent statement.
The back of your American Express card also prints a payment address, usually near the customer service phone number. This address is valid for mailing payments, though it may differ slightly from the address on your statement if your account was transferred to a different processing center after the card was issued.
If your statement is older than a few months, request a new one or check your online account for the current statement. American Express updates payment addresses periodically, and using an outdated address can delay your payment from reaching the right department.
Mailing a payment versus paying online
Mailing a check takes longer than paying online. A payment by mail typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days after you drop it in the mailbox, and American Express may take another 1 to 2 business days to process it once it arrives. If your due date is soon, mailing a payment risks a late fee if the payment does not post in time.
Paying through your American Express account online is when ready. Log into your account, select "Make a Payment," enter the amount, and confirm. The payment posts the same day or the next business day, depending on the time you submit it. You can also set up automatic payments so the same amount withdraws from your bank account on the same date each month, which removes the risk of forgetting to pay.
If you prefer to mail a payment, send it at least 10 business days before your due date to give the postal service and American Express time to process it. Include your account number on the check or money order so the payment reaches the correct account.
What to include when mailing a payment
Write your American Express account number on the check or money order. This number appears on your statement and on the front of your card. Without it, American Express may not know which account the payment belongs to, which can delay posting or send the payment to the wrong account.
Include your name and address on the check as you normally would. You do not need to include a copy of your statement or a payment coupon, though doing so does not hurt. If your statement came with a payment coupon or tear-off section, you can include that as well — it has your account number printed on it and helps American Express route the payment faster.
Mail the payment to the address on your statement or card, not to American Express headquarters or a general corporate address. Payments sent to the wrong address will be delayed or returned to you.
Setting up automatic payments
American Express lets you set up automatic payments through your online account. Log in, go to the "Payments" or "Account Services" section, and look for an option to set up automatic or recurring payments. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number so American Express can withdraw the payment automatically.
You can choose to pay a fixed amount each month, the minimum payment, or the full statement balance. If you choose a fixed amount, make sure it is at least the minimum payment shown on your statement, or you will still be charged a late fee. Many cardholders set automatic payments to the full balance so they never carry a balance and never pay interest.
Automatic payments post on the date you choose, usually within one business day. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account, and you can still make additional payments by mail or online if you need to pay more than the automatic amount in a given month.
If your payment address is unclear or has changed
Call the customer service number on the back of your card to confirm the current payment address. A representative can tell you the exact address for your account and can also help if you are unsure whether a payment you mailed has been received.
If you recently moved, update your address with American Express through your online account or by calling customer service. Updating your address ensures that your statements and payment confirmations reach you, and it also helps American Express route your mailed payments correctly.
If you have multiple American Express cards, each card may have a different payment address depending on which processing center handles it. Check the statement or card for each account to confirm the correct address before mailing a payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a mailed payment to show up on my account?
A check typically takes 5 to 7 business days to arrive by mail, and American Express usually processes it within 1 to 2 business days after receiving it. Plan for 7 to 10 business days total. If you need the payment to post faster, pay online instead, which posts the same day or next business day.
Can I send a payment to an American Express store or office location?
No. Payments must go to the mailing address on your statement or card. Sending a payment to a retail location or office will delay it or cause it to be returned to you. Use only the address printed on your current statement or card.
What if I send a payment to the wrong address?
The payment may be returned to you or delayed significantly. If you realize you mailed a payment to the wrong address, call customer service right away. They can sometimes intercept the payment or help you track it down. In the meantime, make an online payment to may support your account is paid on time.
Do I need to include anything else with my payment besides the check and account number?
No. Your account number on the check is all American Express needs to post the payment correctly. A payment coupon from your statement can help, but it is not required. Do not send original documents or copies of your statement.
Is there a fee for paying by mail?
No. American Express does not charge a fee for mailed payments. Online payments and automatic payments are also free. Some payment methods like wire transfers or third-party payment services may charge a fee, but standard mailed checks do not.