Your American Express card number is on the front of the card, printed in raised digits below the cardholder name
The card number on an American Express card is the 15-digit number embossed (raised) on the front of the card. It sits in the lower left area, below your name. This number is unique to your card and is what you enter when you make purchases online, over the phone, or in person at a terminal.
American Express card numbers always have 15 digits, while most other credit cards have 16. The first digit is always 3, which identifies it as an American Express card to merchants and payment processors. You will need this number to make any purchase with your card.
The card number is different from other numbers on your card. Do not confuse it with your CVV (the three-digit security code on the back), your expiration date, or the account number that may appear elsewhere on the card.
Key Takeaways
- American Express card numbers are 15 digits long and printed in raised numbers on the front of the card, below your name.
- The card number always starts with the digit 3, which identifies it as an American Express card to payment systems.
- You need your card number to make purchases online, by phone, or at a merchant terminal, but never share it with anyone you do not trust.
- The CVV security code on the back of the card is separate from the card number and should also be kept private.
How to read the numbers on your card
The front of your American Express card displays several numbers, and knowing which is which matters. The 15-digit number in the lower left is your card number. The smaller numbers on the right side are your expiration date (month and year) and your name.
On the back of the card, you will find a three-digit number called the CVV or CID (Card Identification Digit). This is your security code. The back may also show a longer number, which is your account number — this is not the same as your card number, though they are related.
If your card is worn and the numbers are hard to read, you can always find your card number in your American Express online account or mobile app. Log in, go to your card details, and the full number will display there.
When you need to provide your card number
You will need your card number when you make a purchase and the merchant asks for it. This happens when you shop online, order by phone, or use a payment system that does not read the card directly. You will also need it if you want to set up automatic payments or recurring charges.
Some merchants may ask for additional information along with your card number: your name as it appears on the card, expiration date, and CVV. Providing all of these together is normal for online and phone purchases. Never provide your card number to someone who calls you claiming to be from American Express unless you initiated the call.
Keeping your card number safe
Your card number is sensitive information. Treat it the same way you would treat cash. Do not write it down and leave it where others can see it. Do not share it over email or text message. Do not read it aloud in public where someone nearby could hear it.
When you shop online, make sure the website is find — look for "https://" at the start of the web address and a padlock icon in your browser. When you shop in person, watch the card reader to make sure no one is photographing or recording the transaction. If your card is lost or stolen, contact American Express right away to report it.
If you believe your card number has been compromised, you can request a new card through your American Express account or by calling the number on the back of your current card. American Express will issue a replacement with a new number.
Finding your card number if you do not have the physical card
If your card is lost, damaged, or not yet arrived, you can still find your card number through your American Express account. Log into your account on the American Express website or open the American Express mobile app. Navigate to your card details or account information, and your full card number will be displayed there.
You can also call the customer service number on the back of another American Express card you own, or call American Express directly. Have your Social Security number and other identifying information ready. A representative can confirm your identity and provide your card number over the phone.
If you have ordered a new card and it has not arrived yet, you can still use your card number to make purchases once you have received it. The card number will be active as soon as the card is issued, even if it takes a few days to reach you by mail.
Card number versus account number
Your American Express card number and your account number are related but not identical. The card number is the 15-digit number on the front of the card. Your account number is a separate identifier for your American Express account and may appear on statements or in your online account.
When you make a purchase, the merchant sees and processes your card number. Your account number is used internally by American Express to track your account, process payments, and manage your rewards or benefits. You may need your account number if you are calling American Express about your account or if you are setting up automatic payments from your bank.
If you replace your card, you get a new card number, but your account number stays the same. This is why your rewards, payment history, and account benefits carry over to your new card.
What to do if you cannot read your card number
If the numbers on your card are worn, faded, or damaged and you cannot read them clearly, do not guess or try to reconstruct the number. Instead, use one of the methods above to find your card number through your account or by calling American Express.
If your card is so damaged that the numbers are illegible, you should request a replacement card. Contact American Express through your online account, the mobile app, or by calling the number on a statement. A new card with a new number will be mailed to you, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
In the meantime, you can still make purchases using your card number from your online account or by calling American Express customer service to process a payment over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my American Express card number the same as my account number?
No. Your card number is the 15-digit number on the front of the card. Your account number is a separate identifier for your American Express account and is used internally by the company. When you replace your card, you get a new card number, but your account number remains the same.
What should I do if my card number is compromised?
Contact American Express when ready by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your online account. Report the suspected fraud, and American Express will cancel the card and issue a replacement with a new card number. Monitor your account for unauthorized charges.
Can I use my card number if I do not have the physical card?
Yes. You can make online or phone purchases using your card number even if the physical card has not arrived yet or is lost. You will need the card number, expiration date, and CVV to complete the transaction.
Where is the CVV on an American Express card?
The CVV (Card Identification Digit) is a three-digit number printed on the back of your American Express card, usually above the signature line. It is different from your card number and is used as a security measure for online and phone purchases.
What if I forget my card number?
Log into your American Express account online or through the mobile app to view your card number. You can also call American Express customer service and provide identifying information to have them read your card number to you over the phone.