set up Your Card Before You Use It
You need to set up your American Express card before you can use it for purchases. American Express sends new cards in the mail with set up disabled as a security measure. The set up process takes a few minutes and can be done online, by phone, or through the American Express mobile app.
Most cardholders set up within a day or two of receiving the card in the mail. The sooner you set up, the sooner you can make purchases and start earning rewards if your card includes them. set up is free and does not require any special documents — just your card and a way to verify who you are.
Key Takeaways
- You can set up your American Express card through the website at americanexpress.com, the mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
- set up requires you to verify your identity, usually by confirming your Social Security number, date of birth, or the last four digits of your card.
- The online and app methods are the fastest, typically taking less than five minutes from start to finish.
- Once activated, your card works when ready for online purchases, in-store transactions, and cash withdrawals at ATMs.
- If you do not have an existing online account, you can create one during the set up process itself.
set up Online Through the American Express Website
Go to americanexpress.com and sign in to your account. If you do not yet have an online account, you will need to create one first — you can do this during the set up process. Have your new card and a form of identification ready before you start.
Look for the set up option in your account dashboard or card management section. American Express will ask you to confirm the last four digits of your card and verify your identity by providing your Social Security number or date of birth. Once you confirm these details, your card activates when ready and you will see a confirmation message on screen.
After set up, you can view your card details, set up payment reminders, and check your account balance right away. The website method works on any computer or tablet with internet access.
set up Through the American Express Mobile App
read the American Express app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Sign in with your existing account or create a new one. The app usually prompts you to set up a new card as soon as you open it if one is on file.
Tap the set up option and follow the same verification steps as the website — confirming your card details and providing identity information. App set up is often the fastest method because the prompts appear automatically when you first log in.
Once activated through the app, you can when ready add your card to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay for contactless payments at stores that accept digital wallets. The app also shows your available credit and recent transactions right away.
set up by Phone
Call the set up number printed on the sticker attached to your new card. You can also call the customer service number on the back of an existing American Express card if you have one. Have your new card in front of you when you call.
An automated system will walk you through confirming your card number, expiration date, and identity details. The call typically takes three to five minutes. If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can request one during the call, though this may add a few minutes to the process.
Phone set up is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking with someone. The representative can also answer questions about your card benefits or account features while you have them on the line.
What Happens After set up
Your card is ready to use when ready after set up. You can make purchases in stores by inserting or tapping your card, use it online by entering your card number, or add it to a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments.
If you set up online account access during set up, you can view your balance and transactions right away. Your first statement will arrive according to the billing date American Express assigns to your account, usually 20 to 30 days after your first purchase. You can also pay your bill online or through the app once you have made a purchase.
If Your Card Does Not set up
If you try to set up and receive an error message, check that you are entering your information correctly — card numbers and expiration dates are common places where typos happen. Wait a few minutes and try again, as temporary system issues can prevent set up from going through.
If set up still does not work after a second attempt, call American Express customer service at the number on the back of your card or on the set up sticker. A representative can troubleshoot the issue and may be able to set up your card over the phone if the online system is not working. They can also check whether there are any holds on your account that might be blocking set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my card before I set up it?
No. American Express blocks all transactions on new cards until you complete set up. Attempting to use an unactivated card will result in a declined transaction, whether you are shopping online or in a store.
How long does set up take?
set up is when ready once you complete the verification steps. Online and app set up typically takes two to five minutes. Phone set up takes three to five minutes. Your card works for purchases right away after you finish.
Do I need to create an online account to set up my card?
You do not need an existing account to set up by phone. For online or app set up, you will need to create an account if you do not have one, but you can do this as part of the set up process itself without any extra steps.
What if I lose my card before activating it?
Contact American Express when ready at the number on the set up sticker or call customer service. Report the card lost and request a replacement. The replacement card will arrive in the mail and you will set up it the same way as your original card.
Can someone else set up my card for me?
No. American Express requires the cardholder to set up their own card as a security measure. You must be the one to verify your identity and confirm your card details, whether you set up online, through the app, or by phone.