What happens when you submit an American Express process

When you explore for an American Express card, you fill out a form — either online, by phone, or in person at a financial institution — that asks for your name, address, income, employment, and Social Security number. American Express then pulls your credit report and runs it through their approval system, which takes minutes to hours. You'll get a decision right away or within a few business days, and if approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The process itself is free. American Express does a hard inquiry on your credit, which means it shows up on your credit report and can lower your score by a few points temporarily. This happens whether you're approved or not, so it's worth understanding what you're walking into before you start.

If you arrived here from a pre-approval offer, you already have a head start — American Express has already looked at your credit file and decided you meet their basic standards. That doesn't may provide approval, but it means you're more likely to be approved than someone explore cold.

Key Takeaways

  • American Express applications are submitted online, by phone, or in person, and you get a decision within minutes to a few business days.
  • The company will pull your credit report (a hard inquiry), which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, current income, and employment information to complete the form.
  • If you have a pre-approval offer, your odds of approval are higher, but pre-approval is not a may provide.
  • Approved cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and you can usually set up and use them online before the physical card shows up.

Where to submit your American Express process

You can explore online at americanexpress.com, by calling 1-800-THE-AMEX (1-800-843-2639), or in person at a bank or credit union that partners with American Express. The online route is fastest — you get a decision when ready or within a few hours. Phone applications take longer because a representative walks through your information, but they can answer questions as you go.

If you have a pre-approval offer in the mail, it will direct you to a specific landing page or give you a code to use online. Using that code or link can streamline the process slightly, though the information you need to provide is the same either way.

What information you need to have ready

Before you start, gather your Social Security number, your current annual income (from your most recent tax return or pay stub), your employment status and employer name, and your current address. If you've moved recently, have your previous address ready too — American Express asks for address history.

You'll also need to know your monthly rent or mortgage payment and whether you have other debts (car loans, student loans, credit cards). American Express uses this to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, which influences their decision. Have recent statements or account numbers handy if you want to be precise, but estimates are usually fine.

How American Express decides whether to approve you

American Express looks at your credit score, your payment history, how much debt you already carry, and your income. They also consider how long you've had credit accounts open and whether you've had late payments or collections. The company is generally stricter than some competitors — they tend to prefer applicants with scores above 670, though they do approve people with lower scores depending on other factors.

Your income matters, but it's not the only thing. Someone with a lower income and spotless credit history may be approved while someone with higher income but missed payments gets declined. American Express also looks at whether you already have one of their cards — if you do, approval odds go up.

What to do if you're declined

If American Express declines your process, they'll tell you why in a letter that arrives within a few days. Common reasons are insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or a credit score below their threshold. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the bureau they used.

You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down existing debt, waiting a few months for negative marks to age, or building credit history with a secured card. There's no rule against reapplying when ready, but American Express will see your recent hard inquiry and may decline again for the same reason. Waiting 3 to 6 months between applications gives you time to improve your profile.

How to use your card once it arrives

When your card is approved, American Express usually lets you start using it online when ready — you can add it to your digital wallet or use the card number they provide before the physical card arrives. This is useful if you want to start earning rewards right away or need to make a purchase before the mail arrives.

When the physical card shows up, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the American Express app. Then set up your account online so you can pay your bill, check your balance, and track your rewards. Most people set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date.

Understanding the hard inquiry and your credit score

A hard inquiry stays on your credit report for about two years, but it only affects your credit score for the first few months. The impact is usually small — typically 5 to 10 points — and your score bounces back as you make on-time payments. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon, space out credit card applications by a few months so multiple hard inquiries don't pile up.

Multiple applications within a short window (usually 14 to 45 days, depending on the scoring model) sometimes count as a single inquiry, so if you're comparing cards, explore within a short timeframe rather than spreading applications over months. That said, if you already have a pre-approval offer, you don't need to shop around — explore for that one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a pre-approval offer, or can I explore without one?

You can explore without a pre-approval offer anytime. Pre-approval just means American Express has already reviewed your credit and thinks you're a good fit, so your odds are better. explore without one doesn't hurt — you'll just go through the same process, and American Express will make a decision based on your full process.

What's the difference between being pre-approved and being approved?

Pre-approval means American Express looked at your credit file and decided you meet their standards. Approval means you submitted a full process and they said yes. Pre-approval is not a may provide — if your credit situation changes or you provide different information on the process, they can still decline.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Online applications usually get a decision within minutes. Phone applications take longer — sometimes a few hours. If American Express needs more information, they'll contact you and the decision may take a few business days. Once approved, your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Will explore for an American Express card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but only temporarily. The hard inquiry lowers your score by a few points for a few months. Your score recovers as you make on-time payments. If you're planning a major purchase like a home or car loan within the next few months, wait to explore for a credit card.

Can I explore if I don't have a Social Security number?

American Express requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to run a credit check. If you don't have one, you won't be able to explore for a standard American Express card. Some banks offer secured cards that require less documentation — ask your bank what options are available.