The main ways to pay American Express
You can pay American Express through their website, their mobile app, automatic bank transfers, phone, or mail. The fastest route is the website or app — both let you pay when ready and see the payment post within one business day. If you want the payment to happen on a set date each month without you having to remember, you can set up autopay from your bank account.
American Express does not accept payments from other credit cards, only from bank accounts, debit cards, or money orders. If you are paying from outside the United States, you will need to use a wire transfer or international money order, which takes longer and may carry fees.
The payment address and account number you need are on your statement or in your online account. American Express does not charge a fee for any of these payment methods — the cost, if there is one, comes from your bank (for wire transfers) or the postal service (for mail).
Key Takeaways
- Paying online or through the American Express app is the fastest method and shows the payment posted within one business day.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments from your bank account so the bill pays itself on the date you choose.
- American Express accepts payments only from bank accounts, debit cards, or money orders — not from other credit cards.
- Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually post the same day; payments after that time post the next business day.
- If you are outside the United States, wire transfer is the most reliable method, though it may take three to five business days and may carry a fee from your bank.
Paying online through the American Express website
Go to americanexpress.com and sign into your account. Click "Pay" or "Make a Payment" — the exact wording depends on your card type, but it is always in the main navigation. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose the date. American Express will show you the payment method options available for your account.
If you are paying from a bank account for the first time, you will need to enter your routing number and account number. You can find both on a check or by logging into your bank's website. American Express verifies the account with two small deposits (usually under $1 each) that appear in your bank account within two business days. Once verified, you can use that account for all future payments.
After you submit the payment, American Express shows you a confirmation number. Save or print this — it is your proof of payment. The money leaves your bank account within one to two business days, and the payment shows on your American Express account within one business day after that.
Paying through the American Express mobile app
read the American Express app to your phone and sign in. Tap "Pay Bill" or "Make a Payment" (the exact location varies by phone type). The app walks you through the same steps as the website: choose your amount, pick your payment date, and select your payment method.
The app is useful if you want to pay while you are away from a computer or if you want to set up a one-time payment quickly. You get the same confirmation number as the website, and the payment timeline is identical — money out of your bank within one to two business days, posted to your American Express account within one business day after that.
If you have multiple American Express cards, the app lets you switch between them and pay each one separately. Make sure you are looking at the correct card before you submit the payment.
Setting up automatic payments from your bank account
Autopay means American Express pulls money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. To set this up, go to americanexpress.com, sign in, and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the account settings. Choose the date (usually between the 1st and the 28th of the month), the amount (you can pay the full balance, the minimum, or a fixed dollar amount), and confirm.
American Express will pull the payment on that date every month unless you cancel it. If your payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment pulls on the next business day. If your bank account does not have enough money on that date, the payment fails and you may be charged a late fee by American Express.
Autopay is the safest way to avoid late payments because you do not have to remember to pay each month. You can still make extra payments anytime through the website or app without affecting your autopay schedule.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the number on the back of your card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then guide you through entering your bank account or debit card information. Payments made by phone post within one business day, the same as online payments.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to American Express. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address on your statement — this address is different from the mailing address for correspondence, so check your bill carefully. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and post, so send your payment at least a week before your due date if you want to avoid a late fee.
Do not send cash through the mail. If you do not have a bank account or debit card, a money order from the post office or a grocery store is safer than a check and costs a few dollars.
What happens after you pay
Once American Express receives your payment, it shows as "pending" in your account for one business day, then posts as "applied." The payment reduces your balance and your available credit increases by the same amount. If you paid more than you owe, the overpayment sits as a credit on your account and applies to your next bill automatically.
If you need to cancel a payment you just made, you have until 8 p.m. Eastern Time on the same business day. After that, the payment is locked and cannot be stopped. Contact American Express by phone or through the website to cancel.
Late payments are reported to credit bureaus if they are 30 days past due. A payment is considered late if it does not post by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. If your payment is running late, call American Express to ask about a courtesy extension — they sometimes waive the late fee if you have a good payment history.
Paying from outside the United States
If you live outside the United States, you cannot pay through the American Express website or app using a foreign bank account. Your options are wire transfer or international money order. Wire transfer is faster — it usually arrives within three to five business days — but your bank will charge a fee, typically $15 to $50.
To wire money, contact your bank and ask for American Express's wire instructions. You will need their bank routing number and account number, which you can find on your statement or by calling American Express customer service. Make sure to include your American Express account number in the wire transfer details so the payment is applied to the correct account.
An international money order takes longer (seven to fourteen business days) but may cost less. You can buy one at a post office or bank in your country. Write your American Express account number on the money order and mail it to the address on your statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does American Express process payments?
Payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the same day. Payments submitted after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays post the next business day. The money leaves your bank account within one to two business days after the payment posts to American Express.
Can I pay my American Express bill with another credit card?
No. American Express does not accept payments from other credit cards. You can only pay with a bank account, debit card, money order, or wire transfer. If you use a third-party payment service that accepts credit cards, you will be charged a fee and the payment may take longer.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The overpayment becomes a credit on your account. It applies automatically to your next bill. If you want the money back instead, you can request a refund by calling American Express, though it may take one to two weeks to arrive.
How do I know if my payment went through?
You will receive a confirmation number when ready after you submit the payment online or by phone. Check your American Express account the next business day — the payment should show as "applied" to your balance. You can also call customer service to confirm.
What if my autopay payment fails?
If your bank account does not have enough money on the autopay date, the payment fails and American Express charges a late fee. You will receive a notice that the payment failed. Make a manual payment right away to avoid additional fees. You can also change your autopay date or amount to prevent this from happening again.