Where to go and what you need
To sign into your American Express account, go to americanexpress.com and look for the "Log In" button in the top right corner of the page. Click it, and you'll land on a page that asks for your User ID or the email address tied to your account, plus your password.
Have your User ID or email and password ready before you start. If you've never logged in before, you'll need to set up your online account first — American Express will walk you through that when you enter your card number and other identifying information on the sign-up page.
The login page works on any web browser and on the American Express mobile app, which you can read from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The steps are the same either way.
Key Takeaways
- Go to americanexpress.com and click "Log In" in the top right to reach the login page.
- You'll need either your User ID or the email address on file, plus your password.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password?" link on the login page to reset it with your email or User ID.
- You can also log in through the American Express mobile app using the same User ID or email and password.
- Once logged in, you can view your balance, recent charges, payment history, and statements.
Setting up your account if you're logging in for the first time
When you get a new American Express card, your account doesn't automatically exist online. You have to create it yourself. Go to americanexpress.com, click "Log In," then look for a link that says "Don't have a User ID?" or "Create one now." Click that, and American Express will ask you to enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back).
Next, you'll enter your date of birth and the zip code on your billing address. American Express uses these to confirm you're the cardholder. Then you'll create a User ID (usually your email address) and a password. Make your password at least 8 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol — American Express requires this for security.
After you finish, you can log in right away. Your account will show your card details, available credit, and any pending transactions.
What to do if you forget your password
On the login page, click "Forgot Password?" below the password field. American Express will ask whether you want to reset it using your email address or your User ID — pick whichever one you remember. You'll get an email with a link to create a new password.
Click the link in that email (it usually works for 24 hours), then enter a new password that meets American Express's requirements: at least 8 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a symbol. Once you've set it, you can log in with your User ID or email and your new password.
If you don't see the reset email in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder. If it's not there either, go back to the login page and try the reset again, or contact American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card.
Two-factor authentication and security
American Express may ask you to verify your identity a second way before you can access your account. This is called two-factor authentication. After you enter your password, you might get a text message or email with a code. Type that code into the login page to finish signing in.
This extra step protects your account if someone else learns your password. You'll usually only have to do it once per device — after that, American Express will remember the device and let you log in with just your password.
If you don't get the code, make sure the phone number or email on file with American Express is current. You can update it by logging in and going to your account settings, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Logging in on the mobile app
read the American Express app from the Apple App Store (for iPhone or iPad) or Google Play (for Android phones). Open the app and tap "Log In." Enter your User ID or email address and your password — the same ones you use on the website.
The app will ask you to set up biometric login if your phone has fingerprint or face recognition. This means you can open the app and tap your fingerprint or face instead of typing your password every time. You can turn this on or off anytime in the app's settings.
Once you're logged in on the app, you can check your balance, see recent transactions, make payments, and view your statements — all the same things you can do on the website.
What you can do once you're signed in
After you log in, your account dashboard shows your current balance, available credit, and recent charges. You can click on any transaction to see more details, like the merchant name and the exact date.
You can also make a payment to your card, set up automatic monthly payments, read or view past statements, update your contact information, and change your password. If you have multiple American Express cards, you can switch between them without logging out.
If you're looking for your statement or a specific charge from months ago, use the "Statements" or "Transaction History" section — you can usually go back several years.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If you see an error message saying your User ID or password is wrong, double-check that you're typing them correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, which means uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you're still stuck, use the "Forgot Password?" link to reset it.
If your account is locked after too many wrong password attempts, wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, call American Express at the number on the back of your card and they can unlock it for you.
If the website or app won't load at all, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app. If that doesn't work, try a different browser or device. If the problem persists, American Express customer service can help you figure out what's going on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to log into American Express on a public computer?
It's safer to use your own device, but if you must use a public computer, never check the "Remember me" or "Stay logged in" box. Always log out when you're done, and clear the browser history afterward. Better yet, use your phone or a private computer whenever you can.
Can I log in if I'm traveling outside the US?
Yes. American Express works from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. Your account may flag unusual login locations and ask you to verify your identity a second way, but this is normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
What if I have multiple American Express cards?
You can manage all of them in one online account. After you log in, you'll see a menu or dropdown where you can switch between your cards. Each card has its own balance and transaction history, but they're all accessible from the same login.
How do I log out of my account?
On the website, look for a "Log Out" or "Sign Out" link, usually in the top right corner or in a menu. On the app, tap the menu icon and select "Log Out." Always log out when you're done, especially on a shared or public device.
Can I change my User ID after I create it?
Most of the time, no — your User ID is permanent once you set it up. However, you can usually log in with the email address on file instead of your User ID. If you need to change your email address, you can update it in your account settings, and then use the new email to log in.