Understanding American Express Card Options
Before applying, it's crucial to understand the different types of American Express cards available:
- Travel Rewards Cards: These cards offer points or miles for travel-related purchases. Examples include the American Express® Gold Card and the Platinum Card® from American Express.
- Cash Back Cards: These cards provide a percentage of cash back on purchases, like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card and Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Business Cards: Designed for business expenses, including the Business Gold Card, Business Platinum Card, and Blue Business® Plus Credit Card.
Check Your Credit Score
Before applying, verify your credit score through services like Credit Karma or Experian. Most American Express cards require good to excellent credit scores (670 or higher). Premium cards like the Platinum Card® typically require scores above 700.
Required Information
Gather these details before starting your application:
- Social Security number
- Annual income
- Employment information
- Housing costs
- Bank account information
- Previous addresses (if at current address less than 2 years)
Application Process
Online Application
- Visit the American Express website
- Click "Cards" in the main menu
- Select your desired card
- Click "Apply Now"
- Fill out the application form
- Review and submit
Phone Application
Call 1-800-528-4800 to apply with a representative.
Pro Tip: Use Amex's pre-qualification tool to check your likelihood of approval without affecting your credit score.
Visit the American Express pre-qualification page to see which cards you might qualify for.
After Submission
Possible Outcomes:
- Instant Approval: You'll receive an immediate confirmation
- Further Review: May take 5-10 business days
- Denial: You'll receive a letter explaining the decision
Tips for Approval
- Ensure stable employment
- Maintain a good credit score
- Keep debt-to-income ratio low
- Have a clean credit history
- Report accurate income information
What to Do If Denied
If your application is denied:
- Wait 30 days before reapplying
- Work on improving your credit score
- Consider starting with a less premium card
- Call the reconsideration line: 1-800-567-1083
Managing Your Card
To get the most out of your American Express card:
- Pay Your Balance on Time: Avoid interest charges by paying your balance in full each month
- Use Your Card Responsibly: Keep your credit utilization ratio low
- Take Advantage of Benefits: Explore benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, and exclusive events
- Set up Security Measures: Create a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, and set up account alerts
For more information and card comparisons, visit financial websites like NerdWallet or CreditCards.com.