Getting into your American Express account

Go to americanexpress.com and look for the Log In button in the top right corner of the homepage. Click it, then enter your User ID (usually your email address) and password. If you have a card, you already have an online account — you don't need to create one separately. If you've never logged in before, you'll set up your User ID and password the first time.

The login page is the same whether you have a personal card, a small business card, or a corporate card. The account you see after logging in will show only the cards and services tied to that specific login.

Key Takeaways

  • Your User ID is usually your email address, and your password is something you create or reset yourself.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a security step where American Express sends a code to your phone or email after you enter your password.
  • If you can't remember whether you have an American Express account, you can search for it using your email address on the login page.
  • The mobile app uses the same User ID and password as the website.

Resetting a forgotten password

Click "Forgot password?" on the login page. American Express will ask you to enter your User ID (email address) and then send a reset link to that email. Check your inbox and spam folder — the email usually arrives within a few minutes. Click the link in the email, create a new password, and you can log in right away.

Your new password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or #). If you don't receive the reset email after 10 minutes, try requesting it again or contact American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card.

Two-factor authentication and security

After you enter your password, American Express may ask you to verify your identity a second way. This is called two-factor authentication. You'll receive a code by text message or email, and you'll type that code into the login page. This step happens automatically if you're logging in from a new device or location.

You can also turn on two-factor authentication yourself in your account settings under Security, even if American Express doesn't require it. This makes your account harder to break into, because someone would need both your password and access to your phone or email.

Logging in on the American Express mobile app

read the American Express app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open it and tap "Log In." Enter the same User ID and password you use on the website. The app will ask you to set up biometric login (fingerprint or face recognition) on your first visit — this is optional but makes future logins faster.

If you've already logged in on the website, you don't need to do anything special on the app. Your account information syncs automatically, and you can see your balance, recent transactions, and pay your bill from either the website or the app.

What to do if you can't log in

If you enter your User ID and password but the page says they're incorrect, first make sure Caps Lock is off — passwords are case-sensitive. If you're still stuck, use "Forgot password?" to reset it. If the reset email never arrives, check that you're using the correct email address. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask them to confirm which email is on file.

If you see an error message like "Account locked" or "Too many login attempts," wait 15 to 30 minutes before trying again. American Express locks accounts temporarily after several wrong password entries to protect against unauthorized access. If the account stays locked, contact customer service.

Finding your User ID if you've forgotten it

Your User ID is almost always the email address you gave American Express when you opened your account. If you're not sure which email that is, go to the login page and click "Forgot User ID?" American Express will ask you to enter your card number and other identifying information, then tell you which email is associated with your account.

If you no longer have access to that email address, call customer service with your card number and they can help you change the email on file and set up a new User ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in with my card number instead of a User ID?

No. American Express requires a User ID (email address) and password. You'll need your card number only if you're resetting your User ID or password, or if you're calling customer service.

Is it safe to save my password in my browser?

It's safer not to. If someone gains access to your computer, they can log into your account without knowing your password. Use your browser's password manager only if you're the only person who uses that device.

Why does American Express ask security questions when I log in?

American Express uses security questions as part of two-factor authentication or when it detects unusual login activity. Answer the questions honestly — they're based on information from your account process.

Can I have multiple logins for one card?

No. One card is tied to one User ID and password. If multiple people need to manage the card, American Express offers authorized user accounts or employee cards for business accounts.

What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?

Change your password when ready using "Forgot password?" on the login page. Then call customer service at the number on your card to report the suspicious activity. They can review your recent transactions and help you dispute any charges you didn't make.