How to pay your American Express bill

You can pay your American Express card through the American Express website, the American Express mobile app, by phone, or by mail. The fastest way is online or through the app—both let you pay when ready and see your payment post within one business day. If you pay by phone, a representative will walk you through the payment over the call. Mailed checks take seven to ten business days to arrive and post.

Your payment must reach American Express by the due date shown on your statement to avoid a late fee. The due date is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. You can pay any amount from the minimum due up to your full balance, though paying the full balance avoids interest charges on purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mobile app payments post within one business day and are the fastest way to pay American Express.
  • Your due date appears on your statement and is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes.
  • You can set up automatic payments through your American Express account to pay on a date you choose each month.
  • Mailed payments take seven to ten business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
  • Paying your full balance each month prevents interest charges on purchases.

Paying online or through the American Express app

Log into your American Express account on the website or open the American Express app on your phone. Select "Make a Payment" or the payment option in the menu. Enter the amount you want to pay—you can pay the full balance, the minimum due, or any amount in between. Choose your payment method: bank account, debit card, or credit card. Review the payment details and confirm.

American Express will show you the payment date before you confirm. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually post the next business day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the risk of missing your due date. In your American Express account, go to "Manage Automatic Payments" or "Autopay Settings." Choose the payment amount: full statement balance, minimum due, or a fixed dollar amount you set. Pick the date each month when you want the payment to come out of your bank account.

American Express will deduct the payment automatically on that date each month. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. If your bank account changes, update it in your American Express account so payments do not fail.

Paying by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your American Express card. A representative will verify your identity and ask for the payment amount and the bank account or card you want to charge. The payment posts within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number for your records.

Phone payments are useful if you have questions about your account or if you prefer speaking to a person. The call is free, and representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Paying by mail

Write a check for the amount you want to pay. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Checks Payable To." Do not mail cash.

Mailed checks typically take seven to ten business days to arrive and post to your account. Send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to make sure it arrives on time. If your payment is late, American Express will charge a late fee and may report the late payment to credit bureaus.

What happens if you miss your due date

A late fee applies if your payment does not post by your due date. The fee amount depends on your card type and account history. In addition to the late fee, American Express may increase your interest rate on new purchases and existing balances. A payment that is 30 or more days late may be reported to credit bureaus and affect your credit score.

If you miss a payment, pay as soon as you can. Contact American Express if you are having trouble making a payment—they may be able to work with you on timing or payment options. The sooner you bring your account current, the less damage to your credit.

Understanding your statement and due date

Your American Express statement shows your opening balance, all charges and credits during the billing period, your new balance, and your due date. The statement closes on the same date each month. Your due date is typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closes.

You can view your statement online or request a paper copy by mail. Your statement also shows your minimum payment due, which is a small portion of your balance—usually 1 to 3 percent. Paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance and take much longer to pay off your card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my American Express card with another credit card?

American Express does not accept credit card payments directly. You can pay with a debit card, bank account, or check. Some third-party payment services allow you to pay a credit card with another credit card, but they charge a fee and are not recommended.

What if I pay more than my balance?

If you pay more than you owe, American Express will hold the extra amount as a credit on your account. You can use the credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.

Do I have to pay the full balance every month?

No. You can pay any amount from the minimum due up to your full balance. However, if you carry a balance, American Express will charge interest on the remaining amount. Paying the full balance avoids interest and is the most cost-effective way to use your card.

What time does my payment need to be made to post today?

Payments made online or through the app before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the next business day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends post the following business day. Phone and mail payments follow different timelines and take longer to post.

Can I change my due date?

Yes. Log into your American Express account and look for "Change Due Date" or "Manage Your Account." You can move your due date to a different day of the month. The change usually takes effect on your next statement. This is useful if you want your payment due date to align with when you get paid.