How to pay your American Express bill
You can pay your American Express bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. The fastest method is online through the American Express website or mobile app — the payment posts the same day if you pay before the cutoff time, which is typically 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Phone payments and automatic payments also post the same day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach American Express and post to your account.
You need your account number and the amount you want to pay. If you are paying from a bank account, you will also need your routing number and account number. American Express does not charge a fee for any standard payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through the American Express website or app post the same day if submitted before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Automatic payments let you set up recurring monthly payments on a date you choose, and you can change or cancel them anytime.
- Phone payments (1-800-528-4800) take the same day to post but require you to speak with a representative.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment.
- You can pay from a checking or savings account, or use another American Express card, but not a credit card from another issuer.
Paying online through your American Express account
Log in to your American Express account at americanexpress.com or open the American Express mobile app. Click "Pay" or "Make a Payment" — the exact wording depends on which device or browser you are using. Enter the amount you want to pay and select your payment method.
If you are paying from a bank account for the first time, you will need to add that account. Enter your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). American Express will verify the account by depositing two small amounts — usually under $1 each — into your bank account within one to two business days. You then return to American Express and confirm those amounts to complete the verification. After that, the account is saved and you can use it for future payments without re-entering the details.
Once you have selected your payment method and amount, review the payment summary and click "Confirm" or "Submit Payment". You will receive a confirmation number when ready. The payment posts to your account the same day if submitted before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. If you submit after that time, it posts the next business day.
Setting up automatic monthly payments
Automatic payments remove the need to log in and pay manually each month. From your American Express account, go to "Manage Payments" or "Payment Settings" and select "Set Up Automatic Payments". Choose the date you want the payment to come out each month — this can be any day between the 1st and the 28th. Select whether you want to pay your full statement balance, a fixed amount, or your minimum payment.
You can change the payment amount, the payment date, or the payment method at any time by returning to the same settings page. You can also pause or cancel automatic payments without penalty. If you cancel, you will need to make manual payments again to avoid a late fee.
Automatic payments post on the date you select, as long as that date is a business day. If you choose the 29th, 30th, or 31st and that day does not exist in a given month, the payment comes out on the last day of that month.
Paying by phone
Call American Express at 1-800-528-4800 to pay by phone. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. You can pay from a checking or savings account, or you can authorize a charge to another American Express card. The representative will confirm your payment method details and the amount before processing the payment.
Phone payments post the same day. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Keep this number for your records. Phone payments are useful if you have questions about your account or if you prefer to speak with someone, but they take longer than online payments because you must wait for a representative to become available.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to American Express. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from your billing address and is used only for mailed payments.
Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. To avoid a late payment fee, mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date. If you are close to your due date, use online or phone payment instead. Do not mail cash.
What payment methods are accepted
American Express accepts payments from a U.S. checking or savings account, another American Express card, or a check or money order sent by mail. You cannot pay with a credit card from another issuer (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc.). You also cannot pay with a debit card online, though some debit cards may work if you call and speak with a representative.
If you have multiple American Express cards, you can pay one card from another American Express card you own. Each card has its own account and due date, so payments do not automatically split across multiple cards.
What to do if your payment is late
If your payment does not arrive by the due date, American Express will charge a late fee. The fee amount depends on your account terms and how much you owe. A late payment also appears on your credit report and may increase your interest rate.
If you miss a due date, make a payment as soon as possible. Log in to your account to see the current balance owed, including any late fees. You can also call 1-800-528-4800 to discuss your account. Some cardholders may be able to have a late fee waived if it is their first late payment and they have a good payment history, but this is not may provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does American Express charge a fee to pay my bill?
No. American Express does not charge a fee for online payments, phone payments, automatic payments, or mailed payments. Any payment method you choose is free.
What time does my online payment post?
Online payments post the same day if you submit them before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Payments submitted after that time post the next business day. The exact posting time within the day varies, but the payment counts as received on the day you submit it.
Can I pay my American Express bill from another bank's website?
Yes. Many banks and financial institutions let you set up bill payments to American Express through their own bill pay system. Log in to your bank's website, add American Express as a payee, and enter your American Express account number. Your bank will mail the payment on your behalf, so allow 7 to 10 business days for it to post.
What happens if I pay more than I owe?
The overpayment becomes a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by calling 1-800-528-4800. Refunds are mailed to your address on file and take 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
Can I schedule a payment for a future date?
Yes, through the American Express website or app. When you make a payment, you can select a future date (up to 60 days out) for the payment to post. This is useful if you want to time the payment with your paycheck or cash flow, but remember that the payment must post by your due date to avoid a late fee.